Assuming one has the proper bit – is there a good reason not to mill material (aluminum say) on a drill press by moving the material around? Seemingly they do more or less the same (rotary motion)
Is it possible to use a drill press as a milling machine with the proper bit
drill
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That is how it should work. The drill is designed so that less pressure on the trigger means less power to the drill. It could damage the driver if you were to keep it in that state of trying to turn and failing for an extremely extended period, but not if its momentary like you describe.
In short - good question but you're worrying too much. :)
Oh - yes - by the way - actually this is what it was designed for - exactly so. It's designed to apply torque to bolts and screws and drill bits.
Think back to your high school physics class and use the Right Hand Rule.
Lay the drill bit across your palm, with the point towards your thumb. If the fingers curl around the bit (or screw) in the direction of the threads, then it's a right handed bit. That means you turn clockwise to drill (from the perspective of looking down on the work).
This rule is also extremely helpful when you are working upside down and backwards trying to tighten something. Point your right thumb in the direction you want the screw or nut to travel, and turn the object in the direction your fingers curl to tighten.
When in action, Clockwise/Forward looks like this.
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Best Answer
The thing that a traditional milling machine does well is handle sideways loads. Your drill press is designed for up/down loads.
Assuming you get the bit speed right, the downside to your plan is premature wear of the bearings on the drill press.
Now, if you can use it to only cut down into the stock, then you should do okay (though slow). (Assuming adequate safety/clamping of stock/etc.)