I’ve been thinking about getting a drill press for a while now and Woodcraft is having their 10% off sale tomorrow.
I’ve been considering either the Delta 17-965 or the Jet JDP-17MF.
Both are 3/4 hp, 16.5″ presses. Their tables are about the same size (I think the delta is 1/4″ larger) and I don’t see a huge difference between the two.
Thier prices are virtually identical – The only difference is that the local Woodcraft carries the Jet in stock.
Asides from the normal uses of a drill press for woodworking, I was also thinking of getting the mortise attachment — would this change your recommendation? Is using a Drill press as a Mortiser worthwhile?
Any thoughts?
thanks
Replies
I've never used a drill press for mortising, as I have the Jet JBM-5. When mortising 1/2" holes, it takes an awful lot of pressure on the head to bust through tough Oak. I don't think a drill press would handle the strain for long. Look at the press handle on a mortiser vs. a drill press. I bet I put at least 50# of pressure on the end of the handle for 1/2" mortises.
yieldmap
See 30088 for a recent discussion on drill presses.
Based on cadiddlehopper's (sp?) recommendation, I bought a Delta 17-950 from Lowe's. About $400 US with tax. It stretched my budget farther than I wanted...hey, it's just plastic...but I couldn't be more pleased. While it comes with a light and a laser guidance system, the table is, IMHO, the most outstanding feature. It is actually designed for woodworking: large surface, replaceable MDF insert, parallel front-to-back slots to hold T-bolts for fence and hold downs, lots of good, flat clamping surface underneath. It eliminates the usual necessity of building an auxiliary table. The only issue I've had is that I suspect the runout is greater than the suggested 0.005 in. But I don't have a dial gauge to confirm this.
My usual advice, and the same I'll give here, is buy the best you can afford. These two are comparable. I'd weigh or pickup each one, then buy the heaviest; usually an indication of more mass (more stability) and durability. But since they're both made in China or Taiwan today, I'd buy the one with the least plastic.
I prefer older used tools, but since this is likely a homeshop usage, either one is fine.
Big Frank, I've got the Jet and would recommend it. I've had no problems with it. The belts seem to adjust reasonably well. Depth stop works satisfactorily. I haven't checked it for runout but I can't imagine there is enough to cause any issues when woodworking.....no holes noticeably out of round. I seem to remember a few mag reviews giving the delta the upper edge as it had a better and more easily adjustable depth stop. Overall I think if I did it again I'd go for the delta as the square table seems a lot more appealing than the round jobbie on the Jet. Tough to clamp a piece onto the round table, especially since it has a lip on the circumference. However if you made or purchased an aftermarket woodworking table (which I plan to make eventually), then the Jet would be just fine. Mind you I'm a weekend warrior and don't have experience with anything but the Jet.
Bankrupt
See my posting to your other one. I got my 965 from Amazon. It was on a very good day for me @ about $60 less than a 950 at Lowe's including shipping which was free. As for mortising, you will get more bang for your buck from a 950 than from the benchtop mortisers. It is my main use for the DP.
Cadiddlehopper
Thanks all!I've decided to get the 965. I read the reviews and articles on the FWW site and it just seemed to make more sense. The price difference between the 965 and the 950 were almost negligble (after the 10% discount at woodcraft) and I didnt care about the light (I have a light on my bandsaw and it doesnt really add much in my shop). The table was nice, but as mentioned I figured I could build one myself. I decided that the better build and greater depth were probably more likely to come in handy at some point.At any rate, it will probably be more drill press than I need for some time... Im sure I will be happy.
I do like mine. The switch wasn't assembled properly & came apart. Nothing broke, so reassembly got everything working. If I can ever buy a table assembly for the 950 I will install it on my 965. You may build a table, but will it be as sturdy as a cast iron one from Delta? LOL!
Cadid
One advantage the Jet has over the Delta is that the chuck goes into the quill with a #2 morse taper. So you can use the same chuck in your Lathe. You can also use the monster drill bits that have morse taper shanks. Not a big thing but the Jet also comes with a built in work light. It also has a totally enclosed fan cooled motor, Delta has an open motor. The add on mortising attachments for both are nearly identical but I would go for a dedicated mortiser myself and it would be the bigger of the two Delta bench tops, But I do my mortises with jigs and a plunge router using spiral up cut bits.
Work Safe, Count to 10 when your done for the day !!
Bruce S.
Edited 7/28/2006 8:50 am ET by BruceS
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