Looking for a way to upgrade your drill press setup? Cody from Craftswright has crafted an impressive mobile drill press stand that addresses common issues like wasted storage space and cumbersome locking casters. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can create your own efficient and stylish stand.
Materials and Tools Needed
- 3/4 inch plywood (1 sheet, 4×8)
- Pocket hole screws
- Wood glue
- Wood putty
- Casters (4)
- Strap hinges
- Miscellaneous scrap wood
- Hand tools (clamps, saws, etc.)
- Drill and drill bits
- Jigsaw
- Router
- Band saw
Step 1: Preparing the Plywood
The build starts by breaking down the 3/4 inch plywood at the table saw. Cody had the friendly folks at the home improvement store cut the sheet in half for easier transport. After marking the location of each piece with chalk, he began slicing off the strips.
Step 2: Cutting Dados and Rabbets
Next, Cody cut dados into the sides of the carcass using a flat curved blade. He also created a rabbet for the lifting mechanism’s front plate. Using the plate as a reference, he accurately marked the material to be removed.
Step 3: Assembling the Carcass
Cody joined most carcass parts using pocket holes for a fast and hidden assembly. He encountered some movement during assembly but creatively propped the carcass sides up and added a back plate for stability.
Step 4: Creating the Lifting Mechanism
Inspired by the designs of others, Cody set up strap hinges over the caster plates. He ensured they operated smoothly and adjusted the fit as necessary. After installing all four casters, he focused on the hardwood pivot cleats.
Step 5: Building the Pedal and Locking Mechanism
For the pedal, Cody cut diamond grooves for traction. He installed a locking plate to ensure the pedal could slide underneath easily. Two nails were used to create the pins for the pedal to slide along.
Step 6: Constructing the Drawers
With the carcass mostly complete, Cody cut and dimensioned the drawer parts, ensuring to include dados for the drawer bottoms. He constructed the drawers using pocket holes and attached the slides according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
After installing the drawer faces and trimming around the top of the stand, Cody was ready to apply a finish. However, he couldn’t resist transferring his drill press to the new stand immediately!
Cody’s mobile drill press stand is not only functional but also a great addition to any workshop. If you’re looking to enhance your workspace, this project is an excellent way to do so while utilizing your woodworking skills.