Transforming Your Drill Press into a Versatile Milling Machine- A Comprehensive Guide_1

How to Turn Drill Press into Mill

Transforming a drill press into a mill can be a cost-effective and practical solution for hobbyists and small-scale manufacturers who require basic metalworking capabilities. By converting your drill press, you can expand its functionality to include milling operations, such as cutting, drilling, and facing. This article will guide you through the process of converting your drill press into a mill, ensuring a seamless transition and improved efficiency in your workshop.

Step 1: Assess Your Drill Press

Before beginning the conversion process, it’s essential to evaluate your drill press’s capabilities and ensure it is suitable for the transformation. Check the following aspects:

1. Motor Power: A drill press with a motor capable of handling the additional load of a milling operation is crucial. Look for a motor with at least 1/2 horsepower.
2. Spindle Speed: A variable-speed drill press is ideal for a conversion, as it allows you to adjust the spindle speed for different milling tasks.
3. Table Size: A larger table will provide more workspace for your milling operations.

Step 2: Acquire Necessary Tools and Materials

To convert your drill press into a mill, you will need the following tools and materials:

1. Milling Attachment: A milling attachment is the core component of the conversion. It typically includes a milling head, a collet, and a set of arbors.
2. Arbor: An arbor is a shaft that holds the cutting tool and is mounted on the drill press’s spindle.
3. Collet: A collet is a chuck that holds the cutting tool securely on the arbor.
4. Cutting Tools: A variety of cutting tools, such as end mills, slot drills, and ball end mills, will be needed for different milling tasks.
5. Mounting Hardware: Various bolts, nuts, and washers will be required to secure the components in place.

Step 3: Install the Milling Attachment

Follow these steps to install the milling attachment on your drill press:

1. Remove the drill press’s chuck and any existing collets.
2. Mount the milling head to the drill press’s spindle using the provided mounting hardware.
3. Secure the collet to the milling head, ensuring it is tight and properly aligned.
4. Install the arbor into the collet, making sure it is centered and properly seated.

Step 4: Mount the Cutting Tool

To mount a cutting tool on the arbor, follow these steps:

1. Place the cutting tool into the collet, ensuring it is properly seated.
2. Tighten the collet chuck to secure the cutting tool in place.

Step 5: Test and Adjust

Before using your converted drill press for milling operations, perform the following checks:

1. Verify that the cutting tool is properly aligned with the workpiece.
2. Ensure the spindle speed is appropriate for the material and cutting tool being used.
3. Check the cutting force and adjust the feed rate as necessary.

By following these steps, you can successfully convert your drill press into a mill, providing you with a versatile tool for various metalworking tasks. Remember to practice safety precautions and consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for specific instructions related to your drill press model.