Having decided to search for lower-priced, full-height drill presses that might be a good choice for a home shop, I came up with nine 15-in. to 17-in. models to review.

To evaluate and compare them, I noted the condition of each after shipping and the ease of assembly. I looked at chuck-to-post distance, table size, overall height, motor rating, speeds, length of quill stroke, finish, and stability. I tested the accuracy of each machine out of the box: runout on the chuck and spindle-to-table perpendicularity. Finally, I looked at noise level, vibration, table-height adjustment, speed changes, depth adjustment, quill-return tension, and the presence or absence of a quill lock.

The Jet had one of the smoothest operating chucks but an annoying chuck key with a handle so long that it hit the nut holding the depth gauge in place on the left side of the machine. This made it difficult to use the chuck key with my left hand. The Jet had a longer quill stroke than most but still not the 6-in. capacity I prefer.

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