Replies

1. 
   RalphBarker | Feb 02, 2013 11:09pm | #1

   metal vs. wood

   The primary differencebetween the materials is the optimum speed of the drill. For metals, the speed should be slower, or a whold bunch slower, depending on the metal. Machinist handbooks will give you the recommended speed for specific metals.

   The bits can be different, too, of course. You don't want to try your brad points on steel. Conversely, conventional bits often aren't the best choice for wood, either.

   In my view, the big things to consider (beyond adjustable speeds) include the diameter of the quill (bigger=more robust), quill travel (for drilling deeper holes), and motor hp.

   Unless your old Delta is just worn out, what is motivating yu to change?

2. 
   roc | Feb 03, 2013 04:48pm | #2

   A Guy Needs At Least Two Of Everything

   It is nice to have two drill presses.  They don't take up much floor space and are fairly easy to drag or hand truck out of the way or into position depending on the project.

   This is one of the coolest things !

   I use my drill press as an out feed table for my bandsaw.

   I must say I learned this in another mag. :  Joshua Ballard of Wilmington, DE (my files are close to hand so I pulled the torn out page ) said when he resaws long boards his roller stand is too unstable when up high so he turns the drill press table and raises it to the same hight as the table on his bandsaw and now he has a perfect out feed table. This is what tipped the scales for me to get a big floor model drill press.

   The drill press table is still parallel to the floor just rotated around the column to clear the drill head. See photos.  Also note there is a bench top drill press on the bench behind the plank being resawed.  Can't have too many drill presses once you start making a project.

   http://forums.finewoodworking.com/fine-woodworking-knots/general-discussion/lengthen-throat-your-drill-press