Cheap Drill Press Improvements

[kess]

From the very first day I bought this drill press (Parkside PTBM 500 C3)
I had in mind to replace the column that was too poor (a tube ø46x450x1.5mm) and relatively short with a solid one
as well as its base with something more robust and stiffer like a cast iron plate or a steel plate.

The major problem was at the base; wrong geometry.
When I push to drill then the main base distorts around the column and starting to move up and backwards losing its verticality.



I have an older model (PTBM 500 A1) that its base whereas it was sheet metal made;
I never encountered any distortion issues like in this model.



Searching at the junkyard I found this stand that probably once it was a drill press base that later was modified to be used for some other application.
Its column diameter was ø45mm (one millimeter less than the needed) but it wasn't a so big deal.
The base of the stand was cast iron.
So I decided to buy it and give a try.

[blkadder]

Wow, my little Craftsman drill press needs this mod. I was thinking of filling the column with either sand or concrete, but your method is much better. I just wish we had junkyards like this around where I live. Thanks for posting this.

[kess]

Hi blkadder,

Glad that you like it.
I think that the Craftsman’s base is cast iron made.
If so you need to replace only the column.
You can order from your local dealer to cut a piece according to the length of your need.
The cost isn’t too expensive (perhaps about 1.5$/kg).
You can use the table to calculate the kilograms according to your column’s dia.

Regards

[DIYer]

Thanks kess! We've added your Drill Press Modification to our Drilling and Drill Presses category,
as well as to your builder page: kess's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Drill Press Modification by kess

tags: drill press, modification

[kess]

Thanks a lot DIYer

Regards

[engineer steve]

Nice work! That certainly looks a lot better.

[kess]

Thanks a lot

[watahyahknow]

Hi blkadder,

Glad that you like it.
I think that the Craftsman’s base is cast iron made.
If so you need to replace only the column.
You can order from your local dealer to cut a piece according to the length of your need.
The cost isn’t too expensive (perhaps about 1.5$/kg).
You can use the table to calculate the kilograms according to your column’s dia.

Regards

i heared of people using old drillrig pipe or a chromed piston piece from a hydraulic cilinder , the last is pretty smooth tough and hard to bend even when hanging a metric ton off it