Model 3 Sensitive Drill Press

Update 21/03/2025
Coming back to this to give it the documentation it deserves. Uploaded
“connector block", “connector plate", “split base back”, “split base front”
to allow base to be printed on smaller printers. 


A project ive wanted to try for a while. Inspired by watchmakers machine tools, this small (but not tiny) drill press provides a comfortable and powerful platform to use. The weight of the concrete not only provides excellent strength and vibration dampening, but makes the press feel like a real tool which is an issue I have with a lot of light weight printed tools. 

Video: 

While not a hard project, it is a complex one. I legitimately believe that putting this together is easier than even the simplest lathe project.

Tools wise, you need only a hacksaw, basic assembly tools (drivers wrench ect), and a space to pour the concrete.

Materials wise, aside from the printed parts, you will need:

for the table 
-a 122mm diameter piece of 5mm aluminium (OPTIONAL)

If using the printed table instead, 4 m4 threaded inserts 5mm in length are needed.

 4x 20mm long m4 coupling nuts 
4xm415mm bolts 
1x m480mm bolt
1x m4 nut 
4x 105mm lengths of m8 rod
 4x m8 bushings, up to 20mm long, 12mm OD

For the arm:
4x m465mm bolts
2x 80mm lengths of m8 rod
2x LM8UU linear bushings 
2x 608 bearings (22 OD, 8 ID)
2x m840mm bolts
a 24cm length of m8 threaded rod
18cm of 12mm aluminium tube with 8mm ID, or printed alternative. Cut to space arms, lengths will change based on the length of bushings used.

For the base:
3x m8 coupling nuts
1x m8*10mm bolt
2x m8 coupling nuts (optional)
7x m4 threaded inserts, any length
8x LM8UU linear bushings
4x m4*35mm bolts, for the collum supports
2x30cm lengths m8 threaded rod
4x m8 nuts
2x m8 washers

For the main collum:
10xm4 nuts
4x m8 coupling nuts
5x m4 coupling nuts (optional) 
10x m410mm bolts (temporary)
4x m8100mm bolts
3x m4 threaded inserts 
1x 80mm length 2020 extrusion 
4x m5 t nuts for 2020 extrusion 
3x m525 bolts 
1x m58mm bolt (or larger with spacer)

For the headstock: 
4x m8*75mm bolt
4x m4*80mm bolt
48m4 nut 
4x m8 nut 
3x 608 bearing 
8mm rod for spindle 
Chuck of choice (I use an er11 collet chuck) 
Spacers, if needed, will depend on chuck choice (8mm shaft collar) 

Drive belt pulley of choice

In general: -concrete, around 10kg, have more than you need dry on hand to be safe 
-motor and electronics Depends on what you want to drill with the press. I tested with a 24v 755 motor to reach around 24,000 RPM for small bits but will be upgrading to a larger but slower motor. A speed controller is also reccomended but I have no reccomendations on specific models to use. 

A standalone spindle could be easily modded to replace the whole headstock assembely and do away with dealing with belts. If you need high RPM this is likely a good choice. the headstock bolt pattern is wide enough to accept a 755 motor mounted like a spindle. 

-belt and pulley for motor of choice.

I think the video should cover 95% of the build, ill update here with any pain points people ask about. 


How do I align the headstock bearings?
While filling with concrete, install a length of the m8 rod into the bearings to ensure an axis between the bearings.

Why not sand ect?
the concrete is not just for weight its for strength as well. Its actually cheaper than even 10% infill, while providing strength and vibration dampening. The files, as designed, have 1.5mm thick walls that are not strong enough for sand alone.