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Install the lift assist and the problem will go away forever.

So mine is fine? I thought it looks way off. I took the machine off when I took this picture so maybe the weight also helps set it. Am I wrong?

zachnoll wrote: Thu Mar 06, 2025 3:49 pm So mine is fine? I thought it looks way off. I took the machine off when I took this picture so maybe the weight also helps set it. Am I wrong?

Yours looks fine. The pin isn't supposed to line up centered with conical hole.

I recently discovered that if I rock the vertical drill press slightly as I tighten the knob it will lock in very securely, sometimes so securely that I have to use channel locks to undo it after I've finished drilling.

That "misalignment" is a common concern. However it is supposed to be that way. The tapered screw and the slope of the huge dimple create an over the center locking. The screw must be backed out substantially before the locking is released.

It is not necessary to use gorilla tactics when tightening the screw, but it can/will shift the casting away from the screw. That 'slop' must be taken up.

No gorilla force used when tightening - just a slight forrward rock of the vertical drill press combined with a gentle finger tightening of the locking pin allows the pin to seat more deeply. When the press rocks back its weight locks the pin firmly in place. Releasing the pin requires the same slight forward rock. After doing this and using the drill press for awhile I’ve noticed that it sometimes seems to tighten even further on its own requiring considerable force to unlock even when combined with the forward rock. Not recommending, just an interesting obersvation.