Drill Press stand – base and platform

I managed to get a second-hand electric drill and drill press-type stand. To make it more stable and easier to clamp to a workbench, I added a base and a platform to better support workpieces when drilling.

I started by working out the approximate size of base I would need. I had some left over white melamine coated chipboard from an old wardrobe that I am keen to use up for something, so figured this would be a good use, as it’s easy to sweep off any sawdust.

I also cut a piece for a platform to go on top of the stand, so I had something underneath a workpiece to avoid hitting the metal base with wider drill bits, such as larger Forstner drill bits.

I cut the corners off the platform so I could still access the screw holes in the corners of the stand, and then screwed the platform to the base using some additional small blocks underneath to clamp the platform in place.

As this is an older style drill, it requires a chuck key to tighten and loosen the chuck to add drill bits. To avoid losing this and make it quick and easy to find and adjust, I drilled some holes into the base at the back of the stand and glued in some small magnets with superglue.

The chuck key is now held in place when not in use and I can quickly grab it when needed. A much better option rather than know it’s going to be lost in a drawer somewhere!

This was a quick build to make the new drill and drill press more effective – I look forward to upcoming projects where I can try it out! 🔨