I placed this question on Breaktime the other day, maybe I get some more response here from you guys!
I want to buy a drillpress for my woodworking shop and need some sugestions what to buy. Table top or floor modell, how big, how much HP?
Don’t need it to make a living but want to buy good professional quality.
Thanks Martin
Replies
myhomereno,
I'm kinda surprised at so few responses, there is a recent discussion over in 'tools'about this topic. Anyhow, while it costs a bit more, a floor mount radial arm drill press provides lots of utility and flexibility.(Grizzly, Rikon, Delta). Mine is a 17" craftsman on a seperate stand tat takes up a bit more space than I like and it's hard to move. I like it because I can secure the stock and move the bit into the correct position. Also, because I can jig up support for my stock and move it under the drill press....the point being fewer constraints and more opportunities to use the drill press. good luck
Don't buy chinese they are junk.
I agree with the other post a radial arm is a little more cost but you love the extra convenience.
You might look at a used machinery dealer for a good buy, most of my tools came from an on line auction, but I live near the dealer so I go and look before I bid. Don't buy machines blind.
FW did an article some time back on drill presses you should look there eval up in the index.
I used a bench top Craftsman for several years that worked fine but was really limited by its capacity.
I got a Ridgid floor model a few years ago and I've been very pleased with it.
If you buy used (I did and I've been satisfied with the machine for over 10 years) you might ask yourself if the machine was used in metal shop or a woodworkers. In my opinion a used metal shop would be better. Woodworkers tend to hook up devices such as sanding drums and router bits for morticing that put side pressure on the quill (?). Anyway, the bearings on a drill press were meant for up and down motion and side pressure will create slop eventually.
And I would buy an old American made machine rather than a new Chinese or Taiwan. I bought a Grizzly sander when I was just starting out and I learned my lesson. I got off cheap... $89 back in 1988. It was junk.
I purchased a craftsman stand-alone drill press some 25 years ago and it worked beautifully my only complaint was it did not have a crank to lower and raise the table and in order to change speeds I needed to move the belts. A little bit over a year ago I sold the craftsman and purchased a Delta stand-alone with a variable speed system and a hand crank to adjust the table. This is not the $900 model but the less expensive model number 17-968. I am delighted with the machine, when compared to the Grisly, cost was more but the quality is well worth it. Another thing to keep in consideration is if you buy a cheaper unit today and in 10 of 15 years replace it with a more expensive model you're going to lose money.
A lot depends on what you do or plan to do. Power, swing, speeds, and quill travel are things you'll need to take into account-more is better; most bench tops and lower cost floor models offer less of the above. This link should give you a good idea of what to look for. http://www.woodcentral.com/bparticles/DPFeatures.shtml Even though most all new drill presses under $1000 are imports, I'd be inclined to stick with a brand name for reasons of warranty, parts, service and technical support. Delta's 17-965 is worth a look; 3/4 hp, 4 5/8" quill travel, 16 speed. If you have the time and inclination, old American made iron is worth considering. imho the old Clausing and Delta drill presses I used years ago are superior to any of the new imports.
Edited 12/29/2005 11:23 am ET by jc21
Edited 12/29/2005 11:25 am ET by jc21
I hardly ever check Knots any more, but as many here know, this is obviously something I have experience with!
There was an extended discussion/argument regarding Grizzly and the concept of buying mail order. Unfortunately, the Knots staff deleted it.
Sorry.
I bought a bench model Jet that is 15 in, 3/4 hp which I am happy with. The thing I like about it is that if you decide later, you can convert it to their floor model by buying the floor stand. It is the most heavy duty bench model I could find. I found it in the Jet supply catalog, and ordered from a local tool supply. I was unable to find it in any store prior to purchase. Also nice cause has a light for added visual, quill lock, large travel, and is very heavy and stable. Worth a look.
Dave
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