[How-To] PowerMatic 18" Drill Press

[M0nkeywithaH@mm3r]

I'm just getting this monster set up and learning as I go. The manual says the T slots in the table are 3/8", but a 3/8" T slot nut is extremely tight. The ways look clean, and I haven't done anything to them. (clean or oil) how difficult should sliding the nut in be? Am I supposed to use one size smaller nut?

 

[Aukai]

Is it tight in the channel width wise, or does the nut drag on the floor making it tight?

 

[AGCB97]

I'll show you mine if I can see yours
Aaron

 

[M0nkeywithaH@mm3r]

Is it tight in the channel width wise, or does the nut drag on the floor making it tight?

It seems to be tight side to side. I got one in, but it was a fight. No. I did not resort to the GABH method.

 

[Janderso]

Pics please.

 

[M0nkeywithaH@mm3r]

I'll show you mine if I can see yours
Aaron

Sure. No heat in the garage. but I've got some assembly pics. I'll be laying the base & post on it's side to attach the head, and then use a chain hoist & lift strap to bring it back upright. I'm working alone, so safely lifting the more than 250# assembly is at the forefront of my mind

 

[M0nkeywithaH@mm3r]

Pics please.

Soon as it warms a bit. Spring storms have us below freezing here in Colorado till this weekend.

 

[Janderso]

That's looking real good.

 

[francist]

I’ve found that not all T-nuts are created equal. I expect something like a Teco would be pretty foolproof but I picked up some generic ones from our local tool supply a while back and half of the ones I came home with wouldn’t fit the slots. Not much oversize, but enough to be a real annoyance. I dusted the edges on the belt grinder and got them to work but it was a pain. The ones I get from a more industrial supplier work fine right out of the gate.

-frank

 

[AGCB97]

I converted a table model to floor.
Aaron