Replies

1. 
   jackplane | Feb 11, 2004 11:55pm | #1

    "making things" sounds a little vague, but I'll add what I can,maybe it'll help.

   Generally, in woodworking I'd go for a 3/4 hp motor or greater.14" minimum or you'll restrict yourself to small projects.The best value would be buying used, with a name brand.Many drill presses off the shelf are either imports, inaccurately machined, or have switches of a lesser quality. But if you have the money,I'd look at the higher end of products.

2. 
   JMartinsky | Feb 11, 2004 11:56pm | #2

   Someone just poseted a similar question a week or so ago, do a search on this forum for "drill press" and you should have your answers.

   John

1. 
   BobL | Feb 12, 2004 12:12am | #3

   i tried that but guess in all the entries i got, i didn't see that thread

   will try againbobl          Volo, non valeo

1. 
   JMartinsky | Feb 12, 2004 12:30am | #4

   It's called "Drill Press question" it was posted on Feb. 7 and it didn't come up for me either on the search. The question was about floor vs. bechtop. This was my post:

   Dear Mike,

   You hit upon one thing that rings true, in that the bench top models can be a bit cheesey. I have a Jet 16" floor model, that would pretty hard to tip over, but it could be bolted to the floor if you were that concerned. It is smooth, accurate, and includes a light, which may seem like a small point, but to me it's important. Being a floor model, it takes up no bench space. All in all I like it. If you are a Delta person, you can't go wrong there either. A word of caution if you are new to this. All power tools deserve respect, but a drill press can be deceptive. It is quiet and can be run at slow speeds, so it can lull a person into being brave with it. Always clamp your workpeice to the table and work with a fence. This will avoid the "helicpotor effect" of a workpeice being lifeted and spun by the drill.

   Good Luck!

   John

3. 
   joneill | Feb 12, 2004 06:03pm | #5

   Taller is better for wood working. Wood bits tend to be long, so you cant fit much wood between the bit and the table on a short drill press. I prefer a weak motor on a drill press. We all know that you should clamp your work down, but it's the quick hole or deepening of an existing hole that will bite you every time

4. 
   PlaneWood | Feb 12, 2004 07:09pm | #6

   I got the el-cheapo Skil bench top drill press.  It's done most everything I've asked of it.  It's called a 10" drill press which is silly.  It really should be call a 5" because there is only 5" between the vertical post and the drill point.  So, if I want to drill 6" in from the edge a piece, I'm out of luck.

   The motor is 1/3 hp and I have used it to drill steel with a 1/2" bit (on slow speed).  Need to use a lubricant in such case.

   Changing speeds by moving the belt is not that much of a hassle.  I mostly use the slowest speed for everything.  When sanding with a drum sander I will kick it up to mid-speed.  I mostly use my lathe with a chuck for drum sanding anyway.

   The throw on mine is only 2".  That gets to be annoying.  A 4" throw would be great.

   I have found that there are no high quality drill presses at a cheap price.  There is either low quality for a low price or high quality for a very high price.

   I guess what I'd really like is one that is high precision, drill at least 10" from the edge, and have a 4" throw.  Variable speed would be a nice luxury to have.

   Oh yeah, I did put a new vertical post on mine that is about 4" taller in order to get larger objects under the drill.  I got a piece of 2" pipe and polished it up on my wood lathe.

   Hmm, I guess my drill press really sucks!   But, it works.   Paid $95 for it at HD.

   I sold a floor model Taiwanese drill press to get this one.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy (maker of fine sawdust!)
   PlaneWood

5. 
   RANGERP75R | Feb 12, 2004 07:33pm | #7

   bobl

      Had a great BT drill press, but one came along that I consider is almost perfect for WW and I bit. Long spindle travel, good machining, minimum run-out, flat square table for clamping, work-light and quick release for belt changes, extra wide base with ears for securing to concrete floor and a 3/4 HP motor (finesse is the key with a DP, not brute strenght). $300 with 10% off if you play the cards right.

   Regards...

   sarge..jt

   Proud member of the :  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)