New Project: Drill Press Rolling Base

[Chuck N]

I just completed the Woodsmith SN12818 mobile drill press base for my new Jet JDP17DX 17" drill press. I made the drill press from birch plywood scraps and hardware I ordered from McMaster Carr. I like the way the 4 leveling feet can be lowered to keep the base from rolling, level it, and make it extremely steady.

For a newbie this was a good project. I made cuts with a track saw, bandsaw, and a hole saw on the drill press. Other holes were drilled with the drill press which helped me begin developing some skill with the new machine. The edges of the plywood required some filling with wood putty and sanding before painting. In addition there were several different types of hardware to work with: nuts, bolts, lock washers, wheels, screws, leveling feet, threaded studs, and knobs.

Here are pictures before and after painting to match the drill press base.

First the side view unpainted:

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Next the top view unpainted:

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Now the side view painted with base attached:

Finally the top view with base attached:

 

[Bill Clemmons]

Nice job, Chuck. Looks very well made and efficient.

 

[Jeremy Scuteri]

Looks great.

 

[tryingtokeepmyfingers]

I have been wanting to do this also..... do you find it tippy when you roll it around.....

 

[Chuck N]

I have been wanting to do this also..... do you find it tippy when you roll it around.....

It hasn't been tippy. The wheels are 3 inches and the bottom of the mobile base is between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch off the floor which keeps the weight low and helps prevent tipping. . If I were to do it again I would purchase wider wheels. I bought the wheels recommended in the plan. I do think a wider wheel would provide more stability. So far it is stable enough. Once I get it situated I don't plan to move it very much.

 

[Roy G]

I would definitely clean the floor before I moved the drill press. A small piece of wood can stop one wheel and you might push the drill right over. just be careful.

Roy G

 

[nn4jw]

Do any of the wheels swivel for turning? I couldn't tell in the pictures.

 

[eyekode]

Do any of the wheels swivel for turning? I couldn't tell in the pictures.

I had the same question. But it looks like a pretty good design. I bet it isn't easy to tip!
Salem

 

[Chuck N]

Do any of the wheels swivel for turning? I couldn't tell in the pictures.

None of the wheels swivel.

Here is a link to the plan: http://www.woodsmithshop.com/download/707/3-in-1-drill-press-upgrade.pdf

 

[cpowell]

Thanks for sharing.

I have thought about designing something for mine. May need to borrow this one!

 

[eyekode]

Thanks for the link!