How to Install a Drill Press Onto a Bench

A drill press is an essential tool when you need to drill precise holes to a specific depth. Installing a workbench-mounted drill press will keep it nearby when you need it and will hold the tool stable throughout the drilling process. Before mounting the drill press, make sure your workbench is sturdy enough to support its weight and hold the drill press stable while you work.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Drill
• Drill bit set that goes to 9/16th of an inch
• Adjustable wrench
• Ratchet
• Socket set
• Bolts, washers and nuts per the manufacturer's installation instructions

Instructions

1. Set the drill press on your workbench and slide it to a corner that is accessible. Look under the workbench to locate the supports near the mounting holes of the drill press. Line up the mounting holes as close to the supports as possible.

2. Measure from the edge of the workbench to the front corner of the drill press base. Set the rear corner of the drill press at the same dimension as the front of the drill press base. Mark the mounting hole locations on top of the workbench with a pencil.

3. Slide the drill press over to gain access to the marked hole locations on top of the workbench. Insert a drill bit slightly larger than your mounting bolts into the drill. Drill each hole at the marked locations. Slide the drill press back into position, aligning the mounting holes with the holes in the top of the workbench.

4. Place a washer on a mounting bolt. Slide the mounting bolt through the drill press base. Place another washer on the bottom of the bolt, under the workbench. Thread a nut onto the end of the bolt. Do not tighten the bolt. Repeat the procedure for the other mounting holes in the base of the drill press.

5. Tighten each bolt by holding an adjustable wrench on the bolt head on top of the drill press base, and a ratchet wrench with the correct size socket on the nut located under the workbench.

6. Test the stability of the mounted drill press by applying pressure to either side of the press. If the workbench top flexes, fasten additional bracing to the underside of the workbench.