So I was using my Grandfathers drill press recently (drilling 1/2" hole in 1/4" steel plate) and the chuck fell off. It looks like it is just pressed on. Is this correct? I just shoved the chuck back on before he saw it had fallen off.

I guess what I am getting at is how do you put it back on right, and is it normal to loose a chuck like that?

JYS

yup on most light duty drill preses thats normel

if ya want to use a big ass bit that to big for the chuck it comes with the taper shatft with the notched top at the end so ya take out the chuck and slide in the bit

Yup, just tap on it with a rubber mallet to seat the chuck on the shaft.

if it is a half inch drill press look up in the center and there will be a threaded hole for a screw with a low profile head which accepts a allen wrench. good chance it fell out while chaging drill bits. don't believe me go to a tool store and look at theirs. had the same problem at the shop. If it was just a press fit that would fall off evertime heat was transferred from the drill bi too the chuck. 3/8 drive are screw types.