[NCWR and D Ranch]

What are the t-shaped slots in the base of my drill press used for? I can't see how they can be used for holding material for drilling since they are way to far below the chuck. The surface they are in is milled flat like something is supposed to be mounted there however.

 

[Sawdustguy]

They are for bolting the drill press to the floor or a base. My DP had instructions to either bolt it to the floor or they specified a base size. A DP is top heavy so it needs to be stable.

George

 

[MT Stringer]

I have a bench vise bolted to the base. :icon_smile:

After bolting the drill press base to the cabinet, I figured out how to use carriage bolts to bolt a plywood platform to the drill press base using those slots mentioned above.

So far, it has worked out nicely when I cut bolts, pvc or need to beat on something I have clamped in the vise. The base is removable, so if need be, I can remove it and bolt or clamp it to my work bench. Actually it is pretty handy where it is mounted and it's out of the way. I also grab it when I need to move the drill press around the shop.

 

[NCWR and D Ranch]

They are for bolting the drill press to the floor or a base. My DP had instructions to either bolt it to the floor or they specified a base size. A DP is top heavy so it needs to be stable.

George

That was my first thought too but then why the T shape, a simple slot would do. Also in the case of MT Stringer's drill, there are mounting holes in the 4 corners ( I don't) and yet he still has the T slots.

 

[Toller]

I have a bench vise bolted to the base. :icon_smile:

I am going to steal that idea! Now I have stuck in a corner, but bolted to the base gives mass to the vise and also to the drill press. Great idea.

 

[rbk123]

They're for mounting accessories.

 

[MT Stringer]

I am going to steal that idea! Now I have stuck in a corner, but bolted to the base gives mass to the vise and also to the drill press. Great idea.

By all means, steal away.

 

[NCWR and D Ranch]

They're for mounting accessories.

Makes sense, I can see how the T in the slot would let you trick a carriage bolt through.

 

[FrankC]

They are for storing small drill bits and swarf. :laughing: