Electromagnetic Drill Press Setup

[Bren]

So, I recently got a new garage that I'm setting up, and I picked up a new drill press. But, it's an unorthodox drill press and not ideal for automotive purposes. I got a screaming good deal on an electromagnetic drill press: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/corded/4270-21

It's got an electromagnetic base that is designed to suck the drill to an I-beam, 1/2" plate steel, etc. upside down, sideways etc. Well, I won't be doing any upside-down drilling, but is there a set-up in a garage setting that I can take advantage of this feature?

I was thinking of bolting some 1/4" plate steel to a workbench and, whenever I need to use the drill press, I get things lined up and turn on the electromagnet. If I need additional height, I get some 1" box tubing and put that under the drill press. I can use a cheap vice to hold the work piece.

Any other ideas come to anyone else? I'm up for some brainstorming. One thing I was thinking of was whether I could use the electromagnetic base to hold the workpiece into place ... somehow.

Edit: Here's a video example of how it works: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ermuoWen0D0 Notice that the amount of vertical movement of the drill bit is limited in this style of drill press.

[chmhasy]

I love the safety glasses that the guy in the video wears:rolleyes:

[2bking]

It's a neat tool for a special purpose and perhaps the plate on the work bench would make it useful for a bench drill press. There are other ways to make it into a floor type drill press such as cutting of the top of an old press and welding a flat plate for the magnetic base to set on. If you enjoy the creativity and have a lot of time to mess with it, some good fun can be had. With all the cheap options on traditional drill presses, I would ditch this one and get something better. If you do quite a bit of metal working, I would suggest a mill/drill type for a few dollars more. They are rock solid as a drill press and have a lot of other uses as well.

[michael everson]

I used to use these in my line of work. Unless something has changed, they only have one speed and its pretty slow. Not a great drill press in my opinion. Sell it and buy a proper drill press. Also you risk knocking it over every time its turned off.
Mike

[NAZ]

Used these mag-base drills for years -- great in the field when nothing else will work. As useful as these specialized tools are they will never replace a garden variety drill press. Once you decide you need a drill press, take 2bking's advice and consider a drilling / milling machine as they do most of what a drill press will do and much more. If you do get one purchase a set of collets and a book on how to use milling machines. You'll be able to make a variety of parts even with the most basic of drilling / milling machines.

[Bren]

Hmm. In the heat of the moment I got excited and bought it. It was only $200, so I thought I could figure out a way to make it work for me. But, you're right that it only has one speed and it's not nearly as versatile as a drilling/milling machine.

On the other hand, if I ever need to drill a 1" hole in a steel girder upside down, this'll be perfect!

[Ray]

Head over here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/index.php

You'll sell it quick over there!

Ray

[TimC]

We have one at work. I don't think it would drill upside down, I can't even get it to stick sideways. Now on top of a steel plate where you can't get a drill press it can't be beat.

[mikeinatlanta]

Pretty cool tool, but wouldn't work for about 90% of what I use my drill press for.

[1932]

We have one and use it very little, but when needed it works! Have drill press.