Drill Press Stand

[MTbassbone]

Hi,
    I am interested in building a drill press stand.  I have a 1960s Sprunger bench top drill press and it is pretty heavy so I would like to build something with casters on it.  Would it be advisable to put weight in the bottom of the stand so that it does not become too top heavy?  If so what sort material would work best for this? I would like to build using 3/4" birch plywood.  I am thinking of making the outside walls using a double layer just for stability?  Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[jeffinsgf]

Do you really need casters? If you do, then it can be done, but personally, I don't like workbenches or machinery on casters. "Locking" never seems to be as locked as I want it to be.

I'm not an engineer, but I would lean toward heavily cross-bracing rather than dual-ply.

I Googled Sprunger drill press...nice looking machines.

 

[MTbassbone]

Do you really need casters? If you do, then it can be done, but personally, I don't like workbenches or machinery on casters. "Locking" never seems to be as locked as I want it to be.

I'm not an engineer, but I would lean toward heavily cross-bracing rather than dual-ply.

I Googled Sprunger drill press...nice looking machines.

Our garage does not have a lot of space when the cars are both parked in there. I need to have the ability to move everything around.  I like the cross braced idea.  I got the Sprunger drill press for free on Craigslist.  It works, but not sure of current bering status and haven't tested the run out.

 

[RJNeal]

To answer your question, I probably depends on the size of your base cabinet and the weight of your drill press.
Small footprint you might need to add weight. Or a bigger footprint. If you make your base cabinet bigger that will give you a place for another tool or storeage.

 

[RKA]

If you want to build a really strong cabinet, you can use double thick sides, but make the inside layer shorter creating a rabbet that the top and bottom would fall into.  Make the back at least 1/2”, dado’d into the sides.  RJNeal is right, size the cabinet so it extends at least 8” beyond the front and sides.  I like to push the cabinet and machine back close to the wall, so I wouldn’t add 8” behind, but that’s just my preference.  You can also add drawers inside and load it up with drills, dp vise, taps and any other drill related tooling.  Put the heavier stuff in the lower drawers.  Make sure you use good quality casters capable of holding at least 200 lb each.  That will give you enough capacity to hold the cabinet, contents and dp.

 

[Michael Kellough]

If your household buys packaged water or soda you can store it in the bot of the dp cabinet.

I’d make sure you actually want to keep and use the old dp before putting time into a mobile base. Also, for something so top heavy on casters your garage floor should be nice and flat/smooth.

 

[Cheese]

I got the Sprunger drill press for free on Craigslist.  It works, but not sure of current bering status and haven't tested the run out.

Dale Fahlbeck still supplies parts for Sprunger machines. He can be reached at 1-800-582-0319.

Why not consider using some retractable casters. That way the casters are used for movement only and for any machining operations the drill press stand remains safely on the floor.
https://www.amazon.com/SPACEKEEPER-Workbench-Caster-kit-Retractable/dp/B07QRH8VS2

[attachimg=1]

 

[Wooden Skye]

Peter Parfitt did a stand for his drill, maybe he will see and chime in.  If your moving around a lot, real sturdy would be best, it will most likely be top heavy so move with caution.

[member=44099]Cheese[/member] thanks for the link to the casters.

 

[MTbassbone]

Dale Fahlbeck still supplies parts for Sprunger machines. He can be reached at 1-800-582-0319.

Why not consider using some retractable casters. That way the casters are used for movement only and for any machining operations the drill press stand remains safely on the floor.
https://www.amazon.com/SPACEKEEPER-Workbench-Caster-kit-Retractable/dp/B07QRH8VS2

[attachimg=1]
[/quote]

I spoke with Dale a little more than a year ago.  He was very helpful.  I would like to take this apart and rebuild.  Not sure I am up for the task, but a little challenge is a good thing as well.  I just got a new belt for it.  I am hoping this might help a bit.  I like the idea of those casters.  Thanks for letting me know.

 

[MTbassbone]

If your household buys packaged water or soda you can store it in the bot of the dp cabinet.

I’d make sure you actually want to keep and use the old dp before putting time into a mobile base. Also, for something so top heavy on casters your garage floor should be nice and flat/smooth.

The garage floor is pretty flat with minimal cracks.  As far as keeping the drill press its hard to argue with free, and turn it into a learning opportunity for myself.

 

[MTbassbone]

Wondering if the Footmaster ratcheting casters would be a good choice?

 

[Cheese]

The Footmaster’s will work, but you need to bend over and ratchet each caster up and down instead of just using your foot.

 

[RKA]

Yeah, x4 (each of the corners).  They are good for heavy loads where you need the option to move but mostly leave the machine stationary.  Juggling things around in a garage used to park cars, these types of casters would drive you nuts quickly.

 

[MTbassbone]

Yeah, x4 (each of the corners).  They are good for heavy loads where you need the option to move but mostly leave the machine stationary.  Juggling things around in a garage used to park cars, these types of casters would drive you nuts quickly.

Raj,
    Which casters are you referring to? Footmasters?