Customer Reviews

HTC HSK-593 Mobile Base for Jet JDP-17M (354169G) Drill Press

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

This stand is unstable and a real letdown. I feel it should be recalled. By comparison, the HTC stand for my jet bandsaw is of the highest quality and design.

1) It is different than depicted in the picture. The one in the picture would work better.

2) It is oversize for a variety of models. The drill press rests on the inside of the brackets which are not heavy enough gauge to provide firm support which can amplify any vibration.

3) There are no holes drilled in the base to bolt the top heavy drill press to the stand.

4) The center wheel design would allow a child to easily tip it, creating a real hazard.

I am now bolting the drill press to a 1" oversize MDO base mounted to a Rockler mobile base supported by a 1 1/2" steel channel.

The picture displayed for the HSO-593 does not match up with what the actual drill press mobile base looks like. I was hoping that the previous reviewer, Norman Cumings from College Station, TX USA, was overly critical of this base. However, after putting it together, I couldn't agree more about it being totally unstable. I am waiting for the UPS truck to pick it up and take it back.

I have three of HTC's model 2000 universal bases and one made for the Jet 14" CB band saw. I am satisfied with all of them. I just assembled the model HSO-593 base for my Jet 17" drill press and will not keep the thing. It is completely unstable. So much so that I would hesitate to just move it about on it, much less, use the drill press while mounted on it! This base is what HTC calls a "K" design and as a structural engineer can say it is an improper design for any base much less for the top heavy drill press. I am returning the unit and will find a location in my shop where I can permanently mount the drill press.

The drill press is one of the most difficult shop machines to move around. Because the majority of its weight is concentrated at the top, it can easily tip when you try to move it. The HTC base lifts the machine 3/4" off the floor and allows safe movement. By putting the drill press on a mobile base - swivel wheel in the back - you actually increase the width of the footprint by at least 5", thereby increasing the stability. HTC recommends bolting the machine to the base. The correct image is now shown.

I followed M. Prigge's review advice about bolting the drill to the base. It's not too hard to do and I only had to invest a couple of dollars in bolts, nuts and washers. However for the cost of the base it should certainly be included. It makes a noticeable difference. Like M. Prigge suggests, this machine has its inherent problems given its top heavy. There is only so much HTC can do. It would be interesting to see what it would be like with 4 wheels instead of 3, 2 fixed and 2 swivels. That might make it a little more solid.

I considered the HTC 2000 universal base given the considerable cost difference but with its design and the hole locations on the drill it wouldn't allow you to bolt the drill to the base.

I'm giving it 3 out of 5 stars.