Drill-Press - Improved

[Jerry]

This modification that I made to my drill press table, has proven to be very beneficial. I think that my drill-press is probably typical of most of the drill presses out there with a crank-up table. I always disliked the way the table had to be raised and lowered, all the while keeping a eye on the work on the table or in the vise, as well as the tool mounted in the chuck. I was in a surplus center one day when I spotted this gear-head motor assembly. Looking at the specs, I noticed the 25 RPM rating, and doing some calculations in my head, I decided to purchase it and take it home. It was a simple modification to add the spacers and mounting-plate you see in the photo. The motor is 110 volt and reverseable. I wired the toggle-switch shown, into the electrics of the drill-press. A adapter was made up, that couples the output-shaft of the gear-head assembly, to the input-shaft (where the crank attached on the drill-press) of the table assembly. After some layout work on the side of the table-casting, 2 holes were drilled and tapped that matched the mounting plate, to mount this assembly on to the side of the table casting. The holes were simple to drill with a hand-drill. Upon using my new attachment for the first time, I never looked back, and I am not sure if the crank even exist in my shop any-longer. Now I can run the table up and down, from the front of the drill-press without any effort, and the gearing has proven to be right on the mark, as the table raises and lowers at a good rate of speed, yet very controllable when the work is approaching the tool mounted in the chuck.

Jerry

[Carld]

Hmm, nice idea and I will have to watch for a gear reduction like that I could use on mine.

[928gene928]

Jerry,
Great idea, and you sure did a nice job on the modification. I currently use a long stroke hydraulic jack to raise and lower my table. You have a much better method, and is easier than messing around with a jack. I will see if I can do something similar. Thanks for sharing!

[Jerry]

My photo gives you the idea that the assembly is larger than it actually is. In reality it is quite compact and tucks in close to the drill-press. When swinging the table from side to side, this assembly follows nicely.

[airsmith282]

nice job man very well done saves on the arm mussles to

[motorworks]

Jerry
Nice idea
Now that is what I need on me BP mill

[Duffy]

That is a VERY elegant solution to the problem.
I took a more "Heath Robinson" approach. I picked a cheap 3/8" drive socket that just slid over the crank shaft, and drilled and tapped it for a set screw. I use a stubby rachet handle for most of my adjustments, since they usually only require drill length changes. For serious winding, a cordless drill is usually handy nearby. I think I made the modification about fifteen years ago, but it really hardly rated a mention. It was just THERE! Duffy

[Jerry]

Originally Posted by motorworks

Jerry
Nice idea
Now that is what I need on me BP mill

I'll post photos in the near future of a power-feed that I added to my Emco FB-2 Mill soon.

[dockrat]

Originally Posted by motorworks

Jerry
Nice idea
Now that is what I need on me BP mill

GMTA!!! the first thing I thought of when I saw that was it would be perfect for raising and lowering the head of my RF45 mill. Great idea Jerry and neatly put together. Where did you find that unit??

[nheng]

Very nice job and inspiration to do something with my BPT knee. Den