odd question about drill presses

[mound]

I notice that on pretty much every drill press out there, the base is machined flat and shiny and includes a couple of large T-tracks, yet I don't think I've ever seen anything mounted to the base of a drill-press.

What are some things this is used for?

[cams2705]

I thought they were there to lag the base to the concrete (or other) floor to prevent tipping.

[mound]

hah, that would make sense! hadn't even occurred to me

[AHill]

I thought they were there to lag the base to the concrete (or other) floor to prevent tipping.

+1, Except that mine is lagged to a mobile base that is much wider than the stock base.

[Paul-in-Plymouth]

The documentation for my press specifies mounting the base to a support surface through the holes "A" in the photo near the post.  It doesn't say anything about the T-slots. 

I've always assumed they were mounting something I don't have on the base, like an auxiliary support for a large workpiece.  I don't see why they couldn't also used to lag the base down instead of the holes "A", but I also wonder if they don't have some special purpose other than that.

[AHill]

I did some more research and found this from the American Machine Tool Company:

"The base of the drilling machine supports the entire machine and when bolted to the floor, provides for vibration-free operation and best machining accuracy. The top of the base is similar to a worktable and may be equipped with T-slots for mounting work too large for the table."

Linky:
http://www.americanmachinetools.com/how_..._press.htm

[Paul-in-Plymouth]

Thank you, Allan.  Mystery solved.

[mound]

learn something new every day!

[museumguy]

wow, I never knew. Thanks to the OP for posting the question and to Allan for solving the mystery (at least it was a mystery to some of us).

[Lynden]

Some pictures....

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/77TzZjFcVCM/maxresdefault.jpg -- drill press wood lathe

https://www.tutelman.com/golf/measure/ho...ToBase.jpg -- vise for holding golf club head

http://www.asos1.com/metalwork/IMG_4190b.jpg -- x-y vise too big for table

http://smg.photobucket.com/user/EPAIII/m...d.jpg.html -- table for large parts

http://www.mossmansite.com/sequencephoto...andles.jpg -- end drilling