Stabilize the Main Table (Drill Press Mode)

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 10:10 am

If you are doing any heavy drilling, you may discover that the Main Table sags
when you begin drilling. Now this may be because you are applying too much pressure
and not letting the drill bit do the work. But, it may also be because the table tilt lock is slipping.

To address this, I have being doing this:

[ATTACH]11334[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]11335[/ATTACH]

The adjustable posts were originally for the slide out room on my RV. I never use them there. Now they are shop equipment.

holsgo · Post by **holsgo** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 10:55 am

Excellent fix. I was going to be looking for some ideas since I use a cast Iron table. Of course that's heavy, and sags.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:47 am

Recycling again proves fruitful! Bueno!!

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:53 am

Dusty
You didn't mention the other piece of the support the 5 gallon bucket you set the adjustable post on. Nice lid are they MDF?
PS the adjustable post I first mistook for a typewritter platten.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 11:59 am

Ed in Tampa wrote:Dusty
You didn't mention the other piece of the support the 5 gallon bucket you set the adjustable post on. Nice lid are they MDF?
PS the adjustable post I first mistook for a typewritter platten.

Hey! I'm the one who worked in a typewriter plant!:D

Typewriter platens are not length adjustable!(at least not the black part:rolleyes:)

At least the pin feed type were threaded on both ends;).

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 1:07 pm

I've always used my telescoping legs with a short tube to brace the table with when drilling with no problem. Dusty, could you please define what you mean by "heavy drilling"?
BPR

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 1:19 pm

ryanbp01 wrote:I've always used my telescoping legs with a short tube to brace the table with when drilling with no problem. Dusty, could you please define what you mean by "heavy drilling"?
BPR

I bet he will tell you 'any drilling that he can see the table deflect while doing so'.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 1:24 pm

Now if you want something shiney NEW to do this task,

http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/itemfind.htm?item=555627&Submit=Find+Item

Methinks Dusty's is 'sturdier'!

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 1:50 pm

Ed in Tampa wrote:Dusty
You didn't mention the other piece of the support the 5 gallon bucket you set the adjustable post on. Nice lid are they MDF?
PS the adjustable post I first mistook for a typewritter platten.

The plastic bucket is taller than a 5 gallon bucket. It is one of the buckets that my chlorine tablets come in. Yes, the lid is MDF. It was cut round on the bandsaw and then routed to smooth the edges with a straight cutting pattern routing bit and then the round over was applied. The bottom side (can not be seen) was rabbeted to fit down inside the bucket. I have done enough of these to warrant a hardwood pattern. I have a standing request with the folks who service my pool for the chlorine buckets. I used to get one or two a month. Now I'm lucky to get three in a season.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sat Jan 01, 2011 1:58 pm

Heavy drilling is anything I might drill on the drill press in volume. I believe the table can be reflected with a lot less pressure than you might think. Rather than crank down on the tilt lock, I brace the table.

I developed this habit a while back when I was doing a lot of drilling and did not discover until late into the assembly process that my holes were NOT PERPENDICULAR to the surface. My table had tilted a couple degrees during the project. It was one of those @#%^& moments.

The bucket seats are always there (they double as places to hide stuff like small cutoffs) and I have three of the adjustable poles. One is set for the height needed and is hardly ever used for anything else.

AFTER THOUGHT: Thanks, you just reminded me where all my old computer power cords are located; in one of those bucket seats.