Posts: 6,442
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2006
I notice that on pretty much every drill press out there, the base is machined flat and shiny and includes a couple of large T-tracks, yet I don't think I've ever seen anything mounted to the base of a drill-press.
What are some things this is used for?
Posts: 886
Threads: 0
Joined: Sep 2009
Location: Carlisle, PA
I thought they were there to lag the base to the concrete (or other) floor to prevent tipping.
Posts: 6,442
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2006
hah, that would make sense! hadn't even occurred to me
Posts: 10,715
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Orlando, Florida
(05-01-2017, 09:33 AM)cams2705 Wrote: I thought they were there to lag the base to the concrete (or other) floor to prevent tipping.
+1, Except that mine is lagged to a mobile base that is much wider than the stock base.
Still Learning,
Allan Hill
Posts: 208
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
The documentation for my press specifies mounting the base to a support surface through the holes "A" in the photo near the post. It doesn't say anything about the T-slots.
I've always assumed they were mounting something I don't have on the base, like an auxiliary support for a large workpiece. I don't see why they couldn't also used to lag the base down instead of the holes "A", but I also wonder if they don't have some special purpose other than that.
Posts: 10,715
Threads: 1
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Orlando, Florida
I did some more research and found this from the American Machine Tool Company:
"The base of the drilling machine supports the entire machine and when bolted to the floor, provides for vibration-free operation and best machining accuracy.
The top of the base is similar to a worktable and may be equipped with T-slots for mounting work too large for the table."
Linky:
http://www.americanmachinetools.com/how_..._press.htm
Still Learning,
Allan Hill
Posts: 208
Threads: 0
Joined: Jul 2014
Thank you, Allan. Mystery solved.
Posts: 6,442
Threads: 0
Joined: Feb 2006
learn something new every day!
Posts: 2,073
Threads: 1
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Mechanicsville, Md
wow, I never knew. Thanks to the OP for posting the question and to Allan for solving the mystery (at least it was a mystery to some of us).
I no longer build museums but don't want to change my name. My new job is a lot less stressful. Life is much better.
Garry
Posts: 1,622
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2008
05-02-2017, 01:11 AM
(This post was last modified: 05-02-2017, 09:44 AM by Lynden.)