Went to HD as I’m checking out 12″ DP’s. They had just recieved the new Ridgid 1550 DP. Had a good look and scoped it carefully. Has anyone seen it yet, and what is your opinion?
What I found was the handle is now ambidextrious, the chuck has been up-graded, the base has been widened and has tabs if you want to tie it down with concrete screws. They even slightly changed the color.
The quill travel is 3 3/4″, the mechanisms are smooth, the rack and pinion has been beefed and smoooth and the belts have been replaced with what appears to be similar to serpentine. The table is square and perfect for clamping or adding a larger shop built on top of it.
When I first saw it, it caught my attention. It had the “look”. After taking it for a little spin, it also had the “feel” and the price at $297. This is a serious and very well thought out piece of machinery. I always modify everything after I get it to meet my expections. I did not see anything I would change on this machine.
Anyone who is in the market for a 15″, please don’t overlook this new DP. My thoughts of a 12″ have vanished as I have decided what my next tool purchase is going to be. I may not ever need a 15″ throat, but this IMO is a great DP at a very reasonable price. I’ll find out, as I usually don’t gamble on a new model till I get feed-back. On this one, I don’t even consider it a gamble. IMO, it’s a sure thing!
sarge..jt
Replies
SARGE: I havent seen or heard about the Ridgid drill press that has you all hepped up there,soo I took a peek on the Ridgid web site,hmm I was kind of disap[ointed thought that this would be one sweet DP-- heck the Drill Presses that Harbor Freight sell are just as good if not better than the Ridgid- the Ridgid has a 1/2 hp motor the HF have 3/4 hp motors and cost less.. was wondering is Ridgid being made in China or Taiwan-- had heard rumors that they were???
Do you have a Harbor Freight store near you?? maybe you could take a peek at theres and save a few bucks.. sad that Emerson Electric/Ridgid has started making cheaper power tools.. on the next trip to Home Depot have to take a good look at this DP..
Happy Woodworking.. ToolDoc
Doc
Be sure it is the 1550. My local still has the 1500 and won't get till they sell all existing stock. I had to go to a newly built HD as local was out of what I was looking for.
I have done extensive comparisons as I do with all tools I am considering. Look at how wide the base on this thing is. That has always been one of my complaints to all models. DP's are top heavy. Why put a narrow base on a top-heavy machine. The machining is great and the new chuck and belt system gets my nod. The rack and pinion is super sturdy and the table was designed by someone that understood clamping. I could go on...
In this case I will pay the extra $100, as this is a trade off for upgrading the chuck, building a bigger base, and securing the rack and pinion, etc. The differences were so obvious at first sight to me, I will categorize as a "this is the one I want to spend the rest of my life with".. he..he..
Take care and have a look.
sarge..jt
SARGE: On my next Big shopping trip to the city IM going to stop in the Home Depot to check out this Drill Press, it has me very curious as to why it has you soo spell bound<G>.. must be one heck of a tool...I think I will be going shopping this weekend with the wife to get a few last xmas gifts and am going to drop in the HD then sure hope they have it soo I can give it the old twice over...my local HD has a pretty good selection of Ridgid power tools in stock...
Take care & wish you a Happy Holidays.. ToolDoc
Too bad that 10%-off coupon didn't make it to you in time. :(
Colleen
Never fear, I will use the other idea you gave me. You mentioned you got by applying for a HD credit card. I don't need one, but I will get anyway to get the 10% coupon.
Hey, it's hard to out-fox a fox. If anyone should know that, you should..!! Now if I can get my street name changed. grin<>
Have a great day FL on FL (inside joke to all that might wonder)
sarge..jt
Before Foxy Lane, there was Howell St., which i've been told was possibly more appropriate.
I got a 10% off cert. when i signed up for the card when they opened, but they've since repeated the offer for new signers. See if they can give you the deal NOW. It never hurts to ask...
Fox
I walked in and filled out an application. Ran it through the computer and within 4 minutes walked out with a HD cc and the 10% coupon good through Feb. 10th 03. If I let it run out, I'll just have a friend walk in and get one for the 10%. Looks like we got it covered.. grin<>
Go build some of those nice Navajo's. BTW, e-mail what you charge for them. Had two locals that really took a shine when they saw the pics.
Evening maam..
sarge..jt
Well, goodie! No reason the HD folks shouldn't get your Christmas "bonus", is there?
I see Marcello is steering you straight, too. He and his family came down earlier this month for shopping and a visit during this month's gallery walk. He was good enough to shoehorn some of his boxes in between the kids and the wife and the packages to show off and i absolutely think he needs to do some more posting in the gallery. People put their jewels IN my boxes, but his boxes ARE gems!
Marcello? That tray could use a cyber-airing... <G>
Colleen, your'e too kind..(blush, blush)...I haven't finished the Horse boxes yet because of the vanity I'm working on. I'll finish them this weekend and post on the Gallery, along with the tray. That vanity is giving me trouble at the moment.
Marcello
So, we've got another diamond in the rough up Montana way, huh.. Please alert me when you post in Gallery. I go for days this time of year without looking over there. My busy time.
Went back to have a second look. Glad I did. Know how I mentioned TEFC motor. Well, guess what!? Didn't catch it when I was playing on the original sighting. Got a work-light built in also. This is getting very serious as I really need to upgrade the HP on that B/S. Ha... Maybe I'll toss a coin. With my luck when it hits the ground, it will roll down a drain hole.**grin<>
Looking forward to the pics, but don't rush. Saw your post from the other thread about that. You're on the right track.
sarge..jt
To have a good DP is on my list as well, although Santa did not get this one on time. I stopped yesterday to scope out the Jet 17" DP. It is a sweet machine - for $100 more but it sure looks slick. In general, the Jet tools have been getting some very good reviews lately and I have noticed their price go up as well, (the 14" BS is a good example of that), so I am begining to think if I get the Jet, I may be paying for the name more than anything else. I haven't made it out to HD yet to check out the Rigid. I really like the looks of the Jet but these are simple machines and as far as features they are very competitive with one another. If the 1/2hp works fine for you, then you may have just found your machine. I am tending to go with a little more "umph" just in case I get the urge to drill large holes. Does the Rigid come with a mortiser attachment? Are these attachments any good?
I'll let you know when I post something in the gallery. Thanks for the interest.
Marcello
This is a message to all. Could we all agree that when we use abbreviations such a HD - DP - LOS etc. we follow a simple rule. The first time we will use the full name ex. Home Depot (HD), from then on go ahead and use the abbreviation, by then we all know what you mean. Thank you
John Cabot
ROFLMAO! You must be new around here.
How long you need be a member of the fraternity( sorry maybe more appropriately sisterhood) before you can correctly interpret those abbreviations?
Greetings and HHAPNY ( Happy Holidays and Prosperous New Year)
John,
It can get somewhat tedious to type all of the short cuts from thread to thread, especially if they are used only once, like "LOL", "IMO", "BTW", and others. You also have to be conscious as to who used them already - not going to happen. Your are trying to change the way hundreds of people who log in to these sites are acustomed to seeing. Not all at are at the same level of cyber talk but they'll get there eventually. Jumping from thread to thread and having to type these out every time a new subject comes along defeats the purpose of quick typing and shop talk. Lots of the short cuts are specific to forum and understood by most WW's. Usually all of these short cuts can be figured out, if not just ask, no harm there. There was a thread started about these and their definitions within the past month.
BOL ("best of luck" - did i just invented this one? or could it be "borrowers or lenders"? or "buy or lease"? or "buy one leach"? if someone doesn't know, just ask)
Thank you! I got your message. BOL!
John
Marcello
Yes, the Ridgid has a mortise attachment that can be special ordered. What do I think of mortise attachments for DP's? About the same thing I think of combo blades for TS's. They get the job done, but not as efficiently as a blade designed for a specific purpose. The attachments are OK, but a DP is not designed to exert the pressure and leverage of a true mortiser. OK in soft-woods, but a dollar short in harder woods. Simply a compromise, as a combo blade.
I saw the Jet 17" two days ago. Very bulky and sturdy. I did not have time to inspect closely as I was on the way to work. Just stopped by to pick up a splicer for the dust system. Didn't catch the price. Looks like a winner. I will check it out this week-end. The first thing I do is grab the chuck and if I can wiggle it and it has play, the test is over. I move on to the next competitor.
When I checked a friends Griz 7944, this is what I found. The chuck has excessive travel, especially towards the column. Other than that, the Griz 7944 is a solid performer. Could have been just his? It's on sale for $219 plus trk frt. for a total of $239. Not a bad buy with the 1 HP TEFC motor.
Watch the HP deal on an electric motor. IMO, it can be some hype. The Ridgid is 8 amp with smooth delivery from serpentine type belts with pulleys to match them. The 17" Jet is 3/4 HP with 10 amps with delivery form standard v belts. HP rating on an electric motor is very controversial. Factor the manufacturers hype on how they were rated. Me thinks just run the actual machine and compare with same woods and depths under similar conditions. Use a new bit on the comparison. You can have a super horse and it will not preform as well as a smaller horse if the blade or cutting instrument is dull. Can't compare apples to oranges.
I have a 5.6 amp motor on my current DP and it has never failed to get the job done. I am realistic about what I expect from a medium duty preformer. If I were commercial, I would go with a 20" and some serious 220v hook-up. I don't need that in what I do at this stage of the game. I only need a "light-cruiser" that takes a smaller foot-print. I want all the features that the new 1550 has to offer. Each of us should match our needs and expectations to the machine along with price consideration. Then put your money down with the confidence that the home-work has been done and this decision will not only meet your needs now, but for the future.
Have a good evening..
sarge..jt
I wonder if Sarge works for HD. I hear many companies have started this type of online salesmanship. I ran into a young couple on the street in New York recently that asked me to take their picture with a new Sony digital camera. They came on so strong I began to wonder and after a bit of pumping they admitted they were there specifically to sell cameras. I watched them approach the next person with the same line. They also said they sometimes work online.
Sarge has been very open about who he is and what he does -- what makes you think he's a shill for HD -- or Ridgid, come to that?It would be a pity if people were deterred from posting an honest appraisal of a tool for fear of being called a company stooge. IanDG
In an entirely different industry from woodworking I know 2 fellows whose full time, well paid jobs are to work a forum in support of a certain product. I would be surprised if no companies were working this forum. If I was selling a woodworking product I would certainly work this forum. Person's on forums such as this have easily hidden identities and to steer opinion towards or against a certain product is rather easy. So often on forums such as this brand names are continually trashed and sometimes it seems like it's organized. It's interesting to find completely reversed opinions on a product in another forum. If I was to suggest that a Delta Drill press was far better can you imagine how fast the Delta is crap, Delta service is terrible, you'll never get Delta service on the phone etc would be posted? Some of these posts are probably real but all of them - I doubt it.
What you say may be true, but having read many of Sarge's posts I do not believe he falls in this category. I welcome his comments and suggestions and will pay close attention as to what he says. He does a lot of research into the machines he purchases and lets all of us know how he came to those conclusions, what his uses are for them, does not push the product to us, and to top it off, posts pictures of the acquired machines in his shop. As Ian said, he is very open and willing to dish out information of his research. He did the same type of postings when he bought the Sunhill jointer. I listened, commented, and bought one - great product.
I believe you have to make your own decisions for the products you buy. The research you do is your responsibility. Take what is written here and make inquiries in other forums or find people with those products and ask them the same questions. Sure this forum will steer you here or there, but without it, I would have to rely on the high power advertising from wood magazines and such. I would not have heard of the Sunhill jointer that way.
When I bought the jointer, I spoke with the salesman and asked him why he or someone from Sunhill did not post in these forums to educate everyone of what is out there. He said there is an unwritten code of ethics in which makes it unaceptable for the manufacturers' of these machines to post here. There may be those who bend or break this code but for the most part I believe it is legit and postings of that nature are few and far between. The moment I realize, by definite proof, I am wrong about this, I will be out of here. Charles from Freud does post here but his writings are scientific, based on his research, and does not trash any other manufacturer. Again, he is open to who he is and what he does.
The decision to pay attention to a particular post is yours alone.
Marcello
SARGE is a plant here he works for Ridgid,Ryobi,Sun Hill and a whole host of other power tool companys he wanted to work for Delta but got the boot cause he was caught oggling the Delta Pin up poster girls..LOL... yes I was just going to ingnore the other silly post but after reading this just stupid nonsense I just had to say something..Pleaselet it be known that good old SARGE is just a plain woodworker who just plain loves tools and is not employed by any power tool companys,darn wished he was then he could of sent me some free samples..
ToolDoc
Well, ignoring those types of posts was probably the best thing to do...but I couldn't. I welcome and listen to Sarge's comments and reviews and bothered me any type of discouragement of such. It's a dead issue as far as I am concern, lets move on.
Marcello
DOC
Sorry to be out to lunch so long. Been super busy also with Xmas and re-arranging the shop to accomodate the new tools (all Ridgid I might add..ha..ha..). Got your e=mail read today. Spoke with my SIL Xmas day and she told me of the storm you guys got. Gee. and I was out in a sweat-shirt blowing leaves and cut the grass for the last time till spring. <G>
Hope you and your family had a great Xmas and also have a Happy New Year. BTW, I'm sending the Ridgid Girls up for your New Year's party for the back-up you gave on the silly post. he.. Oh, that's right...there are no Ridgid Girls!! I'll just drop that in the suggestion box Monday at HD corporate HQ. I think the only thing I got on the schedule Monday is figuring out how to get that Orange a little brighter.. he..he..
Take care, Doc..
sarge..jt
There certainly are Rigid Girls:
Tom
Thanks for the info and pics. I think HD is holding out on me. I live about 5 minutes away and am in there at least every other day to pick up odds and ends. They have never offered or have I seen their calendar. I am not a contractor thought and they probaly are the ones that get them.
Now if there are other companies that have girls that I might need to be aware of, please post those pics also. You can never get enough education. <grin>
Happy New Year and enjoy your Xmas Goodies..sounds like you hit the jack-pot..
sarge..jt
Rigid Girls???
There is a joke in there somewhere...
the Ridgid girls are on the Ridgid tools calander its from Emerson Ridgid plumbing tools line all HVAc & Plumbers have them <G>... We had 16 to 20 inches of snow in the area where I live over xmas plus we lost power for 12 hours on christmas day and theres a few areas near by that wont get power til sunday or monday.. IM still digging out up here and cutting downed trees its just one big mess,between work at the hospital and helping out on emergency calls with the fire company were on the go nonstop,,I cant wait til spring...
ToolDoc
DOC
I'm shocked. I had no idea. Did you see the pic Tom posted. Guess you guys are right. What shocks me is 11 of those girls are cashiers at my local HD. he..he.. I must be dreaming. <G>
On a serious note, I think you got hit a heck of a lot harder than either of my SIL's. One is in Altoona and the other in Johnstown in western Pa. We had an ice storm 3 or 4 years ago and a tree came through my roof. No power for 4 days and a pain getting the tree off and covering. Good news was I was going to re-roof that spring. State Farm did it for me.
Take care Doc, and be careful out there. If it gets that bad, jump in the car and bring the family on down. We'll squeeze you in. I'll even give you tokens to put in the parking meter in the driveway. I installed it especially for my in-laws. <G
sarge..jt
SARGE: Thanks for the invite, but everything is slowly getting back to normal here,were all over the big scare..now just the big clean up of trees down everywhere.. it was soo freaky seeing and hearing nothing but trees cracking and poping and falling over one big tangled mess of limbs,branches and phone,tv,electric lines down all over..roads were blocked all over..penndot just used there plow trucks to push them off the roads,the big ones they cut with chainsaws..IM glad this mess is over..
ToolDoc
ToolDoc,
Now is the time to bring out the old portable sawmill and clean up the neighborhood. Do you know what the city is doing with the felled trees?
Marcello
IM in the Poconos-- most of the trees are or will be either hauled away to a landfill or used for firewood many are on private land so I guess its up to the property owners what they want to do with the wood...theres already scores of tree trimmers and guys here looking for firewood..I have a lot of trees on my property that need to be cut up,Ill cut them and give the wood to friends to burn have many friends who burn wood..theres still about 700 or so people near here who are still without power since xmas eve..
Priorities are what they have to be. Keep warm first, turn bowls later - if there is any wood left. I made a chess table for my son's 12th birthday and told him that if hard times come about he can chop it up and use it to heat the room for a day. Hopefully that never happens, who knows...
We are supposed to get 8 to 10" of snow here in the valley, NW Montana, but I don't expect power outages since it will be snow, not ice. Best of luck out there in PA.
Marcello
Marcello,
My wife is fascinated by Montana and I was wondering what people do for work out there. I, on the other hand have to be able to spit into the ocean.
TDF
Tom,
Well, there is a big logging industry, more and more of them going out of business. There was lots of mining up here, now it is clean up time. Lots of ranches, cattle to the east. Lots of construction proportionate to the size of towns. Tourism also brings $$ in. Lots of hiking, hunting, fishing, white water drafting, horse back riding, etc., very outdoors oriented - it is a cowboy state. It has wonderfull scenery and places to go where you don't see or hear a soul. I have spoken to more than one person who decided to sell everything and move up here without any job prospects. Like the movie saying "life finds a way". If you ever are around this part drop me a note, we can bbq some elk steaks.
Marcello
Sounds like we'll have to wait until retirement which is another 15 years if the stock market cooperates. where abouts do you live in Montana? Are you near a major city?
Kathy works for the Post Office and I imagine they have those somewhere in Montana. She could always transfer and I could do woodworking for a living. Oh-oh, I must be day dreaming again!
TDF
Are you near a major city?
Only 9 hours to Seattle. <G>
Foxy
Just can't resist rubbing a little salt in the wound, heh...
Hope the pub grub was good....
sarge..jt
Kalispell, Montana, northwest corner of the state.
Ditto Splintie's post.
Thanks ,were over the hump now everyone thankfully now has power soo its just the clean up of downed trees..this has been the first time in many years where we have lost power for such a long streach, made me glad that I have a fireplace atleast we were able to stay toasty..
Ian
Thanks for the back-up. Been super busy in the shop for several weeks. Just read post for first time in several days. I did reply to poster.
I am not dettered from posting. Ha.. Like cream, the truth always has a way of rising to the top. <G>
G'day and again thanks...
sarge..jt
Corners
Sorry not to get back sooner. Have just completed over 300 wooden toys for needy kids and putting together the new Ridgid 1550 DP, which is great. It will go well with the new Delta 22-580 thickness planer, Sunhill jointer, Ryobi belt-disc sander and Penn State DC I have bought in the last several months. And don't forget the Shop Fox mortiser and the old Ryobi TS I bought as junk and did some modifying on.
You obviously don't read the post here often. I think Ian, ToolDoc and Marcello should have steered you in the right direction. I do a lot of home-work before I buy any tool. The only Ridgid tools I'm impressed with are the new 1550 (not the old 1500) and their thickness planer.
If you have any doubts as to who I work for, call this number during the week and ask for Sarge. They'll tell you he's on the phone. Leave your name and number and I'll call you.. 1-800-YEAR-ONE....BTW, it would be helpful if you have an old vintage muscle car. I'd love to sell you some parts for it.. Ha..ha..ha he..he..he..ho..ho..ho..
Looking forward to your call....................
sarge..jt
Sarge,
Well, i've posted a couple of boxes on the gallery under the thread "Montana". I finished them today and took pics of them. I prefer sunny days for taking pictures of them but today I did not have a choice.
Also on the topic of DP's, I saw the other day one called "Forester"? (sp?) or something like that. It had a red body and most of the features of the Jet. The on-off switch was a bit small though, but it was about $50 less, ($345). The owners of the shop said they have been carrying it around for 20 years and are very reliable. It passed the chuck test. Have you heard of them? I may stop by and get more specs on it, seems all of the DP's are coming out with TEFC motors now-a-days.
Marcello
Marcello
No. Never heard of the Forester. Let me know what you find and any links to the brand. I like to scope all available brands. I took a 2nd look at the Jet. Solid construction and an ample size base for all that weight. It has a 9 amp motor. It was smooth and finished well.
I do not like round tables without a flat lip for clamping. I would for sure build a table to gt that job. I also like a built-in work-light. The new quick release belt tensioners are nice also.
Keep me posted on any new info you get on the Forester. BTW, the chuck test on the Jet went well. Solid and stable..
Merry Xmas to you and yours...
sarge..jt
Sarge, I think I would build a new larger table regardless of which DP to purchase. One with a nice fence. I'll look up the Forester some more and post.
Marcello
Recieved.. Well, back to the shop for a last ditch production run on boomerangs. The ground crew is probaly going through last minute checks and de-icing at this point. Still got a little room left in that sled belly-hole, so need to get cracking to see if we can max out "ole Santa's" toy run.. grin<>
sarge..jt
BOOMERANGS?!?!?! now, what exactly are you doing (Santa?)???
Happy trails, On Rudolph, On...all the other ones.
Marcello
Santa is correct. Every year a few friends and I spend 3 or 4 weeks building toys for needy kids with donated shorts and lumber we recover from building being torn down. Had a ton of heart pine so 100 Boomerangs suddenly showed up. They are easy and relatively quick to make.
The bad news is these kids today are into high-tech. No problem with the rangs, but installing and pre-testing those in-flight guidance systems is a real bear. he..he. The hickory bows came out good. Arrows are made with donated dowels. The feathers we pick up at a poultry plant. Glueing them in the groove you cut in that dowel is tedious. Rubber stoppers on the business end are suction cups a friend donated from his advertising business.
Now you know why I'm so busy this time of year. All is done and I'm on coffee break. Time to straighten up the shop and see if Santa will show at my place. He's so busy with the kid's, he problay won't have time to get here.
Maybe I'll just kill a little time while I'm waiting and build a table for that 1550 DP that I got free with the computer printer I bought for my wife. Pretty good deal. HD and Office Depot must be working together. Buy a $100 printer and you get a free DP from HD. I think that special was only today between 1 PM and 1:15 PM. That's my story and I'm sticking with it. he....
My wife didn't buy it either! Oh well, she just laughed at me and shook her head. Then she told me to go build something. My kind of woman. Anything but boomerangs. Kinda burned out on that one. grin< >
Merry Xmas..
sarge.jt
SARGE; Merry Christmas, glad to hear that you got your Ridgid drill press early, I have to wait til xmas day to see what the jolly old guy and his little elves bring me, sure hope its something for the shop <G> cause Ive been sort of a good guy this year I hope.... IM at work just waiting for the Big snow storm to hit here there saying we might get a foot or better of snow..Yikes.. but were ready have all the trucks,loaders,tractors & snow blowers all gased up and ready to go..if you guys dont hear from me its because Im here plowing away..take care & Happy Holidays....
ToolDoc
A free DP with the purchase of a printer?? I couldn't stop laughing... The things I can learn from you guys is amazing. I wonder if my wife will fall for that one... nah, she's too smart; I'll have to try something else. Maybe I can tell her I was the 1,000,000th customer and they awarded me all the materials to build a new shop, that is if I purchase a HP printer first.
Marcello
The Ridgid 1550 is finally up and running. Drilled some holes with a 1 1/2" Forstner today and it breezed through without a whimper. If I run into trouble with 2", I will ship the stock to you and let you drill it and ship it back.
BTW, had to change the whole shop around and add 9 new 20 amp outlets with all these additions. Finally the shop is totally finished. ha..ha.. As my wife says, "yeah-right". he..he Not sure what she means by that!? <grin>
sarge..jt
Sarge
Thanks for sharing your photographs. From the angle of it, the shop looks like it is color coordinated -- that wouldn't be on purpose, would it? I haven't bought the DP yet, need to save some $$'s -- soon, I'll let you know. I'll need to ask you about your table and fence for the DP, looks very sharp and functional.
I haven't used a DP before so here it goes:
1. Why are there 3 slots parallel to one another? 2. How easy is it to mount that table on the one provided by the manufacturer? 3. Is the fence plastic laminate?4. How big is the table, what finish does it have?
I have been thinking of the 1hp of the Foremost: seems the motor will be plenty big for all the size holes I can possibly think of, but the 14 amps will be pulling more juice than I would like. Can't think about that or I'll go nuts, should just get it and forget about it.
I currently have one 20 amp circuit in the garage which serves all my machines. I need to constantly unplug one and plug another, I can use only one machine at a time, which is ok since my arms cannot reach the BS and TS at the same time. Add 9 circuits....wow! How cool is that?!?!? I have a feeling your wife knows about your plans of buying out the neighbor's property to expand your shop - I think the expansion comes free the the purchase of duplex electrical boxes, hahaha.
Marcello
Marcello
First, I didn't add 9 new circuits. I added 9 new recepticles to the two 20 amp circuits. One 20 amp runs down one side and the other down the middle and back on the opposite side. I have a 220 running to the TS.
Now, to answer your questions:
(1) The 2 outside slots are a T-track for T-nuts on the fence so it slides front and rear. You can also use them for a toggle clamp mounted on a wooden block with a T-nut. The middle slot is for the toggle clamp also. The 3 slots just give you more flexibility on where you can place the clamp for various size and shaped stock.
(2) To mount the fence, you drill 4 holes that correspond with the open slots in your manufactures table. 5/16" or whatever size bolt you choose. Counter-sink the hole with a Forstner so the bolt head is below table-top. Pop the bolts in from top and attach with T or Star knobs and washers on the bottom of the manufactures table after the bolts slip through it's slots. You can take the entire table off in less than a minute.
(3) My fence is white oak with aluminum angle mounted in the front. You could use phenolic or plastic. Doesn't matter as long as it doesn't warp.
(4) I glued a 3/4" MDF base to a 1/2" MDF top to form the table. You can make it as big or little as you prefer. Mine is about 15" deep and 22" wide. Cut a square hole in dead center of top piece of MDF before I glued it to the bottom piece. 4"x 4". This allows you to make disposable backing boards from 1/2" MDF. Just rip off a piece of 1/2" MDF 2 or 3 feet long and then crosscut it into 4" pieces. A stack of El- cheapo backing boards in 3 minutes.
The table is finished in a triple coat of poly. Both sides and edges. I may laminate both sides soon. Optional, along as you get it completely sealed.
Hope that answers your questions. As far as the shop being color co-ordinated on purpose, of course not. Even though I do love to paint, it's a mere coincidence. Well, gotta run. That new DP has got that orange on top. Just seems out of place with all the Red, White, Blue and Black. Just have to figure a way to tone it some. he..he..he..
Any more questions, fire away...
sarge..jt
"First, I didn't add 9 new circuits. I added 9 new recepticles..."
Well, then, I am not as jealous as I thought.
Thanks for the response on the table. I printed it out and will keep it with my files untill that DP mysteriously appears in my garage. Thanks a bunch.
Marcello
Sarge,
Here is the scoop on the 16" Foremost DP, not Forester as I thought:
Chuck: 5/8" capacity, solid as a rockMotor: 1 hp, TEFCAmps: 14 ampBuilt in lightPrice: $345Comments: The depth adjusting guide on the Jet is made up of an exposed threaded rod w/ locking nuts. The one on the Foremost is controlled w/ knobs and fully concealed gears. This feature would prevent dust from collecting on the threads easily causing potential clogging.
The Foremost is a tad smaller than the Jet and red in color, it may look nice next to the SH jointer. So much for having a color coordinated shop.
Marcello
Marcello
Just read your post, as have been super busy for weeks now. Still got wiring to do as all these new tools have forced me to go mobile and add 20 recepticles. Only other alternative is to move some tools back in the basement with wood-rack and assembly tables. Don't want the problem with saw-dust getting in the main a/c - heating system and ending up in the house.
This Foremost looks good on paper. If the chuck is stable you're half-way home. Who sells this thing? 14 amp is probaly pushing 1 1/2 HP, depending on the motor set-up. This sounds like a winner. Just throughly check it and if the lights keep coming up green, Go For It....
Thanks for the back-up on the poster while I have been away from the computer. My wife is installing a new system on the computer tomorrow. If all goes well, will be up and running. If something goes south, your guess is as good as mine. he.....
Keep me in your Foremost thoughts..he..
sarge..jt
Foxy
I went to the Depot to-nite. Showed 2 in stock. 1 was the floor display. We searched the store and couldn't be found. Story of my life.
Good news is I don't quit. Other HD's, other days. This will give me more time to consider the B/S or DP decision. Don't need either desperately, but could use both on an upgrade.
So, Marcello has been holding out his talent, huh. I helped him with a jointer decision and he is coming through with some positives on this thang. You Montanians are turning out to be OK kind of folks.
Ya'll have a good evening..
sarge..jt
Sarge,
I received Woodworker's Journal yesterday (I suppose I can mention the competition mag. here) and it had a review on DP's from 15" to 17" (and the Sears one at 20")grouped as a whole. the Ridgid DP1550 is in there. It shows it with a 1/2 hp motor and concluded "As is, you're buying a full plate of features and enough power for medium-duty use." Apparently it had some trouble with 2" dia Forstner bit holes. Other than that, they liked it pretty well. Lots of improvements over the old 1500 model. The others they compared it to were the Craftsman 22920N, Jet JDP-17MF, Delta 70-200, General 75-200, Bridgewood BW-1758F, Woodtek 816-805 and the Grizzly G7947. I guess you have to buy the mag to get the full comparisons - it'll take me too long to type it out and I may get in trouble.
Marcello
Marcello
Thanks for the tip. I will pick up the Journal. I actually got to test it as the new HD had it set up and was demoing. It is a very well designed peice of machinery. The only thing I might change would be go to a 3/4 HP TEFC motor. The 1/2 HP on a drill doesn't scare me. HP is not critical on a DP as in most cases you are finessing a small sharp point at slower speeds. I run my Forstners at slower speed also. Rarely use over 1 1/2" there. My current DP only pushes 5.6 amp (about 1/3 HP) and it's always got the job done.
The base on this model is impressive. The table is made for clamping and everything just operates smoothly and feels perfect. They added the new poly v belts and re-designed pulleys. The handle will move to the left side (a plus for lefties). I got a 10% coupon, I will probaly get about $100 in gift certificates for Xmas. The planets and moon seem to be in the right alignment. I'll give it careful thought, I got a he-l of a 10" in the shop. Do I really need the extra 2 1/2" throat capacity? Maybe I need the larger horse B/S first.
Decisions, decisions; seems like an eternity of decisions.
Thanks for the tip on the Journal.. I'll scope it.
sarge..jt
Sarge,
I too saw the new DP here in St. Louis. Looks like they did a great job with all the upgrades.
Michael
Michael
Just logging off. Yep, it's loaded with user friendly features. It runs smooth as silk and the base is extra wide. I don't impress easily, but it got my attention as soon as I spotted it. Love the table. Might just go there, I'm pondering as I have a DP. This one seems to be a keeper, though.
Have a good evening, Mike..
sarge..jt
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