Get a live center from Grizzley and make a mount for it you can clamp to the table. if you can get a matching Morse taper all the better to hold it in.
other than that i am not a fan of using a standard drill press as a lathe or mill for safety reasons. The quill is built for vertical/push loads not horizontal. Cutting Plastics, woods, polishing aluminum sure but i wouldn't rely on it for long term use as the bearing will fail or worse the work piece will fly loose.
Every now and then a craftsman/atlas 109.xxxxx lathe can be had for cheap. its a very low duty 6in but it will do most things we need safely.
C10CoryM wrote:
Hey guys,
Maybe this is common knowledge, but it's one of those things you don't know until you do. I've used it a few times with good success.
This isn't a proper write-up because machines and needs are different, but basically you just chuck up the piece you want to "machine" in the drill press somehow. If it has a center hole, a long bolt or ready rod tightened through it works well. Loctite works well too if no hole or a blind hole is needed (so long as you can heat up the part after to release it). Then have at it with a hand held grinder,cut-off wheels, files, sandpaper, calipers until results are achieved. I've done delrin and aluminum bushings etc like this and have only had success.
It would be best to support the bottom with a tail-stock. Especially since some drill-presses have friction fit chucks that will fall out if you use them like this (I was surprised to learn that suddenly when my chuck fell out). I haven't done this yet, but intend to make some sort of tail stock for the next time I do something. I am thinking I will machine up a turn signal lever next.
Here is a woodworker doing similar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGu0SLWoayYIf someone has an easy way to do a tailstock support that has a bearing, I'd like to hear it. Not sure I could stomach the solid tailstock on the spinning part like in the video.
Cheers.
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