Replies

1. 
   JeffKurtz | Jan 28, 2003 08:28pm | #1

   Grizzly has several models available.  The G7945 and G7943 both won editor's choice from Popular Woodworking.  They also sell a bench top model of the Shop Fox oscillating drill press which is designed for drum sanding.

   Jeff

2. 
   ToolDoc | Jan 28, 2003 08:31pm | #2

   check out the new Ryobi at Home Depot or the Delta at Lowes....Harbor Freight has bench top ones also..

                                                 ToolDoc

3. 
   forestgirl | Jan 28, 2003 09:05pm | #3

   I know what you mean about seeming to be "cheaply made."  I had to buy a new BT drill press last year with very limited funds.  I got the Delta, I think it's a 10".  It's actually a pretty nice machine, cost under $100, but the enclosure for the pulleys and belt is made out of plastic!

   I'd encourage you to seek info on the Grizzly's (or the Shop Fox, if the oscillating mechanism is of interest).   Personally, I'd stay away from the G7942, because there is no ratcheting system to raise and lower the table.  The lack of that feature drove me nuts with my old drill press -- it was such a pain every time it needed adjustment.  Same with the smallest of the Shop Fox DPs, HO625.

   Actually, now that I look at those DPs, my Delta's looking like a pretty good bargain, notwithstanding the plastic, LOL!

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   ekarnes | Jan 29, 2003 02:30am | #6

   thanks for the input. the 12" deltas look like decent machines and there is one with variable speed controls on the front as someone else mentioned. (180 for the regular, 220 for variable speed thru amazon). my concern however, is if i ever have the need to drill metal (say i want to try my hand at making an infill plane..ooh, scares me just to think about it). have you ever had any problems with any materials other than wood due to the smaller motor?

   -eric

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 29, 2003 02:46am | #7

   I've only drilled metal a couple of times, so I don't know.  However, if you look at the specs for the machine, there's info on max. diameter holes in cast iron, etc.

   http://www.deltawoodworking.com/catalog/default.asp?cat_id=3&model_no=11-990

   The link above is for the 12" model, which as it turns out, is the one I have and built my (in)famous lumber rack with.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

1. 
   ToolDoc | Jan 29, 2003 07:46am | #10

   First Lady of the Forest.. Gee you have a Delta Drill press,Hmmm guess you do have good taste in power tools<G>....

                                                          ToolDoc

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 29, 2003 09:59am | #11

   Doc, you haven't been keeping track!  I have a Delta planer too.  See.......I'm not a total loss.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)

2. 
   ToolDoc | Jan 29, 2003 09:00pm | #13

   First Lady of the Forest,I thought you had a Delta planer too but wasnt quite sure,you bet your A-OK, OH by the way Welcome to the DELTA Club..<G>

   The temps here are starting to climb were finaly out of the deep freeze it hit 24 here today,guess I can come out of hibernation and get back to the shop-HOORAY....cant wait til spring......

                                                              ToolDoc

2. 
   RANGERP75R | Jan 29, 2003 09:20pm | #14

   eric

      You won't have any problems with metal as metal is done at very slow speed as opposed to wood. Unless you get into some really thick stuff, you are fine. BT's do the same thing as floor models, just don't have the capacity. (were not talking production here, BTW-another chapter).

      The 12" Delta looks good from what I've seen. All the Deltas have the plastic belt covers as FG mentioned. And most sit on their crooked. I can't stand that. ha..ha.. Consider the Delta 12" and get a visor so you don't have to see that dam-ed crooked, plastic cover. <grin>

   Good luck...

   sarge..jt

4. 
   timberrattler | Jan 28, 2003 09:29pm | #4

   checkout the Delta(DP350) 12" variable speed DP it's there newest latest. I'm curious to see what you think. There is a description @ Amazon

5. 
   PenobscotMan | Jan 28, 2003 09:49pm | #5

   Whatever you buy, make sure there is enough room between the chuck and the table to use long drill bits. I have the Delta 8 inch (a nice machine), but I can never use a spade bit -- not enough clearance. In the end I bought a set of Forstner bits (which have short shanks, among other nice features).

6. 
   BiotechBill | Jan 29, 2003 03:09am | #8

   Keep a sharp eye at garage sales. There was one in my neighborhood that specifically mentioned tools. I saw what looked to be a realatively new Delta 14 inch bench top DP. Checked it over, did not have any major problems. Asked how much they wanted....$75! I offered $50 and we settled on $65. What a deal, the beast weighs about 70-80 lbs and when I got it home and looked at the original owners manual, the reciept was placed in the front cover and it had been purchased in 1985. Must have been only rarely used. To get something equivalent new, would have cost $200+. It also pays to watch the classifieds for shops going out of business.

   Dr. Bill

7. 
   BG | Jan 29, 2003 03:18am | #9

   Ekarnes,

   I've got a nice table top model in a very small shop space.  I wish I had a floor model..it would take up less space and fit into many corners.  Perhaps your planing to share the table top space with many tools? 

8. 
   JoeCoty | Jan 29, 2003 10:15am | #12

   The Canadian made General offers one of the best woodworking drill presses and a throw back to yesteryear quality. The floor and bench models are the same machine just different length posts so no loss of quality as is typical with bench machines. The price is steep though, approximately $700.

9. 
   RANGERP75R | Jan 30, 2003 03:01am | #15

   eric

      Happened to be in Lowe's today to pick up a clamp. The new Delta 12" variable has a sheet metal cover. Whoa, those Taiwanese are probaly re-cycling old beer cans. ha..ha..

   sarge..jt

10. 
    DonnieR | Jan 30, 2003 03:18am | #16

    Lowes has this deal(at least in the Cincinnati area) on Delta 2inch bench top for

    $100.......cant beat that!

    DonnieR

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 30, 2003 10:05am | #17

   That's a fairly standard big-box price on the 12" DP.  Got mine last summer.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)