Cutting down a floor drill press to benchtop height?

[Michael Perata]

Chris

I have the exact same issue. The column can be cut down, but the base is cast iron and the column only extends into the base about 4". Simply cutting the column down may not give you enough column rise to be usable with any project requiring depth. The alternative would be to have a replacement base machined for you/by you. My son, the expert machinist, told me a one off base would probably exceed the cost of a new bench top ($250-$300) drill press.

I gave up on the idea and just today received a Jet JDP-12 Drill Press. Anyone want to buy a really nice Jet JDP-17MF with HTC base?

[Jim Galvin]

How about using a piece of steel tubing........
granted Mcmaster is pricey you should be able to find it cheaper locally
http://www.mcmaster.com/#7767t593/=5or6m9