Replies

1. 
   Jellyrug | Apr 27, 2005 06:56am | #1

   Ethan,

   I have the 12 speed 14" floor standing drill press from Grizzly and use it a lot.

   I had to make a small modification on the quill stop, which was real quick and easy, other than that it's been perfect and I enjoy it. It will probably last longer than my lifetime.

   I see it now sells for $225 and don't know how they do it for this price, but it's heavy duty and there is no comparison with anything you'll find at Lowes or home Depot, or Sears, it's far superior.

2. 
   BarryO | Apr 27, 2005 10:34am | #2

   Drill presses are pretty simple machines.  I have to 20" swing floor model; the main reason I got it was for the very big table.  Can't say anything bad about it; other than the flimsy depth stop bracket that keeps on getting bent, which some magazines have noted on the Grizzlies.  I'll replace it with some more substantial one of these days.

3. 
   DJK | Apr 27, 2005 04:43pm | #3

   Look for a used PM 1100 or 1150. About the weight of a Unisaw, vary speed and 6" stroke.

   I have a 49" Delta Unidrill that I picked up for $150. Look around for a deal.

   I'm sure the Grizzly grupies will chime in and respond.

   DJK

4. 
   steves | Apr 27, 2005 07:03pm | #4

   I have one of the larger Grizzly bench top models so I assume the quality is comparable to the floor standing ones. It is a machine of decent quality, though the runout makes it unsuitable for precision hole drilling. The table and base are good and flat and machined smoothly enough. It has adequate power and the sheaves are well made. Overall a good machine for everyday use, but not really comparable to a higher end machine.

5. 
   chipo | Apr 27, 2005 07:07pm | #5

   I have a G7944 and like it a lot. The one thing I'm less than fond of is the table, which is meant for metalworking, where you want to keep the shavings contained instead of letting them fall on the floor. That'll be fixed when I build a table and fence for it.

   Other than that, well, it makes nice accurate holes in things. Changing speeds is kind of a bitch, but I think that's the case with pretty much any belt-drive drill press.

6. 
   Cheatah | Apr 27, 2005 10:32pm | #6

   Ethan:

   I have the Grizzly floor model radial arm drill press. I have owned it for about 2 years. I got it at a great price and I like the radial arm feature alot. I built my own table for it. The small round one that is attached to the machine is too small for wood working.

   I do find that it is a bit UNDER powered. I tried to bore a hole with a forstner bit thru some 1.5" red oak and it bogged down on me. In fact I had to use hand drill to finish the job.

   Overall I give it a thumbs up! Great price, goodquality. BTW--I am an avid hobbiest. I use the DP alot but I do not use it like a professional would.

   Good luck.

    

   Thank you,

   The Great Marko

1. 
   Ethan | Apr 29, 2005 05:43am | #7

   Thanks for the replies! Anybody else notice that Griz owners seem to be a pretty satisfied group? Nothing wrong with that these days, to be sure!Take care, Ethan