My "revised" mag drill base

admin

My first attempt at a base for the mag drill seemed like a good idea at first but went downhill from there. The drill can use so many different tools it became a problem to build something that would work with them all.It has been a while since I stopped working on the previous version which gave me plenty of time to come up with a revised model. I had many different ideas but the one that seemed the best was to build it like an actual drill press. Now that there was a basic concept it was time to beef it up a little.Version two is built from 3" & 4" sch40 316 stainless pipe, 4-1/2" d.o.m. tubing, 4" solid round bar, 3/8" & 1/2" plate, 3-1/2" x 1/2" angle, 3-1/2" x 1/2" flat bar and a 3" flange.I started out machining collars to go inside the 4" pipe to allow the 3" to be tight but still able to slide, this will adjust the height of the table. The pipe was bored out and chamfered to true up the ends. Next the d.o.m. tubing was bored to 3-1/2" and half of the length was turned to fit inside the 4" pipe. The end was chamfered so it can be welded to the pipe to make one piece. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Next was the cap that will sit on top of the main column. This is where the head of a normal drill press would attach. It started out as 4" solid bar and I drilled a 1" pilot about 3" deep to allow me to use an indexible spade drill. The first bit was 2" diameter then a pilot head was attached which was used to make a 2-1/2" hole. The rest was bored to 3-1/2" with a boring bar. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Here is the spade drill set, first time I've used something like this. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:I cut two 3/8" x 12" x 12" plates with slots to make the table. They will be bolted together with 1/2" socket cap screws so the top can be replaced if it gets damaged. The bottom plate will have four 1/2" tapped holes and the pipe has a square plate welded on top to bolt to the table. I wanted to make it so the table could be completely removed for special projects or jigs. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Next step was to cut out the plates that connect the main column with the sliding column for the table. The connecting plates are 3/8" thick but I'm thinking of welding 1/2" x 1-1/2" flat bar to the sides, I left the edges 5/8" wide to allow for that. The flat bar would run from center to center on both pipes and be welded to them. There are only two plates shown because I ran out of 3/8", the second set would sandwich the 1/2" x 1-1/2" to make one big solid bar.There will be two more bushings on the piece of 4" pipe to make a tight fit on the 3" main column, just haven't machined them yet. The attachment will be semi-permanent just in case I want to change the height. There will be 8- 1/2" socket cap screws drilled through the top and bottom collars that will lock onto the 3". Attached ImagesLast edited by Chris T.; 12-05-2014 at 09:55 PM.TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:The table height adjustment will be made using 1-1/4" threaded rod. There is a lower connecting plate from the main column that has a pillow block attached to it. The rod goes from the bearing into the 3" pipe which has a plate and nut welded in the bottom.I saw a gate valve handle that I'm going to pick up tomorrow to spin the rod to raise/lower the table. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Here is the almost finished base, nothing is welded yet. Still need to pick up some 3/4" flat bar that will be welded to the top cap. This is where the drill is going to stick.The flange will attach to a base that has leveling bolts and anchor holes for drop-ins made from 3-1/2" angle and flat bar. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Looking sweet Chris. Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Chris looks like you got it going your way.    Going to be a great build.
Reply:I think I didn't get your explanation right.The 1/2 x 1 1/2 is going where?  I think you're saying you're going to reinforce the collars holding the pipe?  The ones with the centers cut out.  At least I hope so.The connection between the two pipes won't hold the down pressure on the table.  The collar at the bottom will bend.I apologize if I didn't get your explanation right.  I keep thinking I'm missing something"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Looking sweet Chris.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammI think I didn't get your explanation right.The 1/2 x 1 1/2 is going where?  I think you're saying you're going to reinforce the collars holding the pipe?  The ones with the centers cut out.  At least I hope so.The connection between the two pipes won't hold the down pressure on the table.  The collar at the bottom will bend.I apologize if I didn't get your explanation right.  I keep thinking I'm missing something
Reply:Forgot to take the pic in landscape. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Looks awesome so far man.  Lots of work!!  Great job.
Reply:Chris :I love the work and detail you put into your projects , but my head explodes when I wonder "why". It's because "you want to" I know ,been there done thatgxbxc
Reply:Originally Posted by Murphy's lawLooks awesome so far man.  Lots of work!!  Great job.
Reply:@ Chris T - look'n good bro!  Your projects continually remind me that I need a lathe/mill in the shop.  Ha!  Look forward to seeing the completed tubular MagDrill Base."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:I'm impressed!  Very meticulous workmanship.Question . . . how did you cut the 3/8 plates, the ones that connect the two tubes?  Looks like CNC plasma.  If you say torch cut I'm even more impressed!PaulPaulMiller Thunderbolt XLPraxair O/AOther stuff
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ Chris T - look'n good bro!  Your projects continually remind me that I need a lathe/mill in the shop.  Ha!  Look forward to seeing the completed tubular MagDrill Base.
Reply:While letting the plasma cool off to avoid hitting the duty cycle, I marked out the flange holes on a piece of 1/2" plate that will be welded to the base framework. Was going to use the mag drill to make the holes and tap it but they were too far in from the edge for the bit to reach, went over and did it on the mill/drill instead.Then drilled and tapped the holes for the pillow block bearing.Went to the surplus store to pick up the handle and they sold the one I was looking for. Found this one but the bore is 1/8" too small, will have to bore it out. I set it on top of the bearing sleeve just to see how it would look. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Drilled & tapped the tables. The plate must have shifted from the vibration of the engraver marking the centers because the edges do not line up perfectly. I will bolt them together and grind it flush. The clamps from my welding table work great in the slots.The smaller plate will be welded to the 3" pipe and then bolted to the table. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Bored out the handle this morning to fit the threaded rod. Welded a plate to the top of the 3" pipe that will attach it to the table. Cut a hole in a round disc for the threaded rod to pass through and welded a nut to the it. The disc was then welded inside the pipe. Now when you turn the handle it raises and lowers the table. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Picked up some large cast iron feet at the surplus store. Drilled and tapped them for 1/2"-20 to attach it to the base.Cut out a plate that the drill will slide into and be in the same place each time. The rusted piece of 3/4" will be cut down and this is the plate the drill will stick to. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:You got the love affair with metal going on.  The nit picking thing.I used to have it, but I'm running out of time, and just have to get it done these days.  The years sort of pile on, and they get short.  And the metal seems to be getting heavier"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:farmersam I was thinking the same things.  I am not mad at the metal like I used to be.  However, with that being said , I really enjoy and learn a lot from all these young guys that have the vim , vigor and vitality to come up with the new ideas and get it done.  I been very curious to see ChrisT's  Mag Drill Base.Chris : you have to find a 6" or 8" gate vale ,some have the stem wheel mounted a a pillow block  then you take the , stem ,wheel and pillow all together , and they are acme threads.
Reply:ChrisT, one of these days at a flea market you're going to stub your toe on an ancient round-column Black&Decker portable drill-press/mag-base, and then just like Gxbxc, Richey, Samm, and I, your head will explode too.  It's lookin' good though. However, I tend to agree with Samm's observation that there may end up being too much "spring" between the columns. Particularly if compared to the machine  rigidity that a machinist is used to. Yes, even with the proposed reinforcement bars. I suggest skipping some details for now and  jumping ahead with the build to a point where the design can be tested for flex; before getting too much deeper.Good LuckLast edited by denrep; 12-08-2014 at 01:22 AM.
Reply:I'm working on getting the column assembled to test it out before anything else.TOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Made some progress on the base today and its starting to look really cool.Getting the pipes to slide was a real challenge because of the close fit on the end bushings and welding them caused it to pull.I tacked the connecting arms together and put some weight on them without being attached to the pipes and one was really ridgid so two should be completely solid. I'm going to tack everything in place and then weld it out. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Ia'm just watching the pounds adding up on that build ,will It make coffee too.
Reply:My base was very simple to build still needs shot blasting and painting but it works a treat and very versatile Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkOxford S mig 360A with custom wound transformer R Tech 250A AC/DC tig with ck flexloc torch and homemade water coolerPlasmapart 40A plasma cutterCustom built adjustable tig tableI raise beef to fund my welding addictions
Reply:Originally Posted by M4TTDUFFYMy base was very simple to build still needs shot blasting and painting but it works a treat and very versatile Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I will take some tomorow bud it's snowing/sleety rain at the moment with about 60mph winds so I'm in research mode haha Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkOxford S mig 360A with custom wound transformer R Tech 250A AC/DC tig with ck flexloc torch and homemade water coolerPlasmapart 40A plasma cutterCustom built adjustable tig tableI raise beef to fund my welding addictions
Reply:Originally Posted by M4TTDUFFYI will take some tomorow bud it's snowing/sleety rain at the moment with about 60mph winds so I'm in research mode haha Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by gxbxcIa'm just watching the pounds adding up on that build ,will It make coffee too.
Reply:The main column has met the base today!!!!!I cut out parts to make leveling feet brackets and welded them together. The piece must have moved because the lines were off from where they should have been. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Here is the base and the main column bolted to it.I still need to square some things up and attach the top plate to the cap.I'm also going to cut out some sheet metal to cover the top of the base. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:@ Chris T - looks solid bro!  Very adaptive and creative.  Nice job "Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Originally Posted by ManoKai@ Chris T - looks solid bro!  Very adaptive and creative.  Nice job
Reply:ChrisT   Wow, wow and bravo.   Looking good young man.   That piece of equipment will be very useful for years to come.   Good thing you made it heavy.  A very nice piece of equipment.
Reply:Originally Posted by richeyChrisT   Wow, wow and bravo.   Looking good young man.   That piece of equipment will be very useful for years to come.   Good thing you made it heavy.  A very nice piece of equipment.
Reply:Back when I was young and had a fabrication business .  I always tended to over build everything.  All my friends and neighbors used to freak out at the old trailer hitch I built for my 70s model truck.  I used 1 inch flat bar and plate to attach the bumper hitch to the frame. Rear bumper was built out of the same stuff.  Fact was it was all I had and I think I must have had it left over from a job.  Couldn't afford to buy new for myself.  We were having to pay from 11 cents to 15 cents a pound for new materials back then.  When some of the materials went to 19 cents a pound I thought we were ruined.
Reply:I welded out the base and it stayed straight (Amazingly). I welded 2" long sections, alternating directions and skipping around from side to side and top to bottom.Some of the welds on the connecting arms did not turn out nice because there was still some plasma cut edge which left me with a big pile of porosity. This thing is so heavy and I did not feel like flipping it over with the forklift so I was forced to learn overhead real quick and it worked out ok. I'm going to get another fillet flap wheel and smooth them down a little to blend everything together.Next step was to weld the top plate to the column cap and add gussets.I heavily tacked and welded out the cap and gussets to the plate. After welding I realized the plate bowed about 1/16"-3/32" down on the ends. I had a clamp inside the center of the cap to hold that down while welding. So now it was time to figure out how to fix my screw up..........add more heat.I started with the rosebud and heated the entire piece but the little rosebud would not put out enough heat to pull the thing back straight. Put two pieces of metal under the ends and pushed the center down with the 12 ton press which was barely enough. Loaded up a #3 cutting tip and heated across the plate on both sides of the press ram to hopefully pull it back in. After it cooled I placed a straight edge on it to see how close it was. The front side is from .006"-.014" below the outter edges and the back side is .003" higher than the outter edges in the center (which can be taken down with the flap disc). That's about as close as I'm going to get it so hopefully that little difference will not cause the magnet on the drill to rock.After this little adventure, I need to call Flame Technologies and get one of those monster rosebuds. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:I did some more work on the base Friday. Drew out and cut some tabs that keep the table from rotating as it is raised and lowered. They can be removed if I need to rotate the table for clamping an odd shaped part. The table did not move as nice as I wanted so grease fittings were added and a groove was cut into the top and bottom bushings to allow the grease to flow around the pipe. I placed an angle finder block on the drill plate and the table to see how far off they were from each other after welding. Front to back- 0.1deg differenceLeft to right- 0.3deg difference so I still need to tweak that a little bit. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:It's finished! Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Couple more picsNow I can move on to the next project. Attached ImagesTOO MANY TOOLS & NO MORE SPACE
Reply:Chris  that is a great looking build.  Young man that is something you can be proud of.  A project that allowed you to use a lot of your skills and make something useful for your shop.  In the day I was always impressed when I visited someone else's shop or plant and was amazed at some of the equipment that had beed designed to do a job. Thanks for the post.  I have a few more pieces of the hardware if you need some more.  Keep on keeping on.   Richey
Reply:Originally Posted by richeyChris  that is a great looking build.  Young man that is something you can be proud of.  A project that allowed you to use a lot of your skills and make something useful for your shop.  In the day I was always impressed when I visited someone else's shop or plant and was amazed at some of the equipment that had beed designed to do a job. Thanks for the post.  I have a few more pieces of the hardware if you need some more.  Keep on keeping on.   Richey
Reply:Chris you took over building to an art form that stand is F*^KING awesome , and the mag drill is pretty sharp too!!!
Reply:Originally Posted by gxbxcChris you took over building to an art form that stand is F*^KING awesome , and the mag drill is pretty sharp too!!!