Over the past few years I have been giving my shop a total overhaul. I have a Shopsmith that mostly switches between Drill Press and horizontal boring machine. I need to free-up more floor space so I am considering replacing it with a drill press. Initially I wanted a floor model. But I can’t remember the last time I had the table any further than about 8″ from the bit. I haven’t seen much on drill press comparisons. I’m asking your opinion on which one you would buy if you were in the market for one today. Floor or Bench? What features would tip the scales for you?
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Replies
The choice really depends on the type of work you'll need to do. For some, the bench-top models are sufficient. To me, though, they tend to be on the wimpy side. I have an older Delta floor model, but I've been tempted by their 3/4hp 17-959L:
http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=15685
I like the tilting table, and it has a decent quill range (4 7/8"). The lasers don't do anything for me, personally, though.
drill press purchase
I have had a Powermatic for at least 15 yrs. ( bench top) and it has done a good job for me. I dont use it that often but it is ok. I do wish it had a tilting table however, that would be handy sometime.
Drill Press
I'm working in a small (one car garage) sized shop and bench space always seems at a premium. A bunch of years ago I picked up a floor mounted drill press and the previous owner tossed in a short (bench-top) column. This gave me the option to go either way. I opted for the floor mount configuration. I then built a roll-around cabinet to go under ther drill press table with two shallow draweres. The top drawer holds my fostner bits, a case with my brad-point drills, a container with various countersinks and screw-mates and my 18" long frill bits. The second drawer holds my collection of hole saws and mandrels for them. Below that I have a large open space to hold the cases for my battery powered drills, brad guns and an old 1/2 HP drill used when I have serious work to do in concrete and brick. The top of this cabinet gives me room to store the drill press vise and small pieces that I am working on at that time. My choice.... GO TALL
Features in order of importance to me LONG quill travel, Multiple speeds, crank adjustable table height (some are better than others), large table or ability to attach an auxiliary table, link-belt, tilting table auxiliary light. I've used both key and keyless chucks. I prefer a key chuck., I think that covers it.
SawdustSteve Long Island, NY (E of NYC)
My Vote
I just purchased a Ridgid floor standing model. It had a nice price (they only make one model) and decent features-- Integrated light-- things of that nature. While functionally it's fine, they sent a base with the holes misaligned so I can only use 3 of the necessary bolts to hold it down.
I wouldn't buy a Ridgid, next time-- I'd have spent a few extra dollars and bought the Powermatic, if I could turn back time..
Pictures?
Sawdust
Do you have any pictures?
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