Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Oct 25, 2005 08:23pm | #1

   A few things to look for:  ratcheting table adjustment, long enough distance between table and chuck that you can fit in various spade and Forstner bits, as many speeds as you can get in your price range.

   You didn't mention what type of work you anticipate doing, but since you specified a benchtop that narrows down the choices.  I have the Delta 12" and it has worked great.  The 10" is way too small.  The little DP300 has handled spade bits, Forstner drilling, sanding sleeves and precise drilling with very small brandpoint bits. 

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   robert1 | Oct 26, 2005 02:22am | #2

   I also have the 12 inch Delta. I needed to replace the switch, but besides that I have used it a lot without a problem. Jet makes a nice 15 inch model, but the cost is higher. Good Luck!

   
   

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   Edited 10/25/2005 7:41 pm ET by robert1

3. 
   PlaneWood | Oct 26, 2005 02:32am | #3

   BTW - A 10" drill press means that there is 5" distance between the center of the drill bit and the stand pipe.  Is that a deceptive advertising practice or what!  So, it you want to drill in the center of a 12" wide board with a 10" drill press, you're out of luck.

   I made a new stand pipe for my bench drill press, making it 3" longer (taller).  It's just a 8" Skil, but I have used it every day for years with no problems other than for the height.  At low speed I can drill 1/2" steel with no problems.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

4. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 26, 2005 02:48am | #4

   Just me so..

   If you plan to use it ALOT.. Get a floor model and you will be better off.. Yes.. I have a small one I use quite often but I ALWAYS find a need for my floor model.. Strange as it seems the small one just misses by a few inches? Nuf said...