I'm looking to put my large benchtop drill press on a mobile cabinet, but I'm concerned about stability since it's pretty top heavy. I know the weight and dimensions of the drill press, as well as my desired height for the cabinet. How can I figure out the right length and width for the base to ensure it doesn't tip over when it's mobile?
3 Answers
You might want to check out an online tipping force calculator to help determine the minimum width required to keep it stable. It sounds technical, but it's pretty straightforward and will give you an idea of how much force is needed to tip it at various base widths. It could be a useful tool for your project!
Great question! When designing your mobile cabinet, make sure the base is wider than the drill press itself. This will help to enhance stability and prevent tipping. I built my mobile cart with the casters positioned outside the drill press's base width, and it works perfectly for my heavy Craftsman 150 drill press. Just remember, if you plan to move it, a smooth surface like a garage floor is ideal, and securing it down when it's not in use will also help.
I've got my drill press on a 24"x24"x25" mobile cabinet, and it's rock solid even with the weight. The choice of casters really matters too; I went for 4" heavy-duty nylon ones from Rockler, and they've been great. You might also consider using a heavier base or something like a Bora mobile base for extra stability.