Replies

1. 
   lwj2 | Sep 10, 2011 06:54pm | #1

   They probably weren't selling enough of them. All the reviews I've read were positive, but the DP itself is pricey.

   I've had my old 15 inch Boice-Crane #1650 for years, I'm used to making jigs and what not for it. I also picked it up fourth or eighth hand for $125, added a Craftsman floor stand for $50.

2. 
   Munn | Sep 13, 2011 07:45am | #2

   Warrantee -- Delta vs Vendor -- and Us, the Consumers

   Thanks for the reply!

   Since placing the original post, I have had several e-mails back and forth with both Delta and a vendor I was able to find that still has a few 20-950s for sale, still packed in original packing.  Here are quotes from e-mails I have.

   Delta says: "Unfortunately, since the product you are looking to buy has be [been] discontinued some time ago, the warranty would no longer be in effect." And, "The reason why the model 20-950 was discontinued was related to the variable speed control mechanism and that service parts are not available for this particular model. We are working on improving the quality of this machine for when we do re-introduce this machine. As soon as we can improve the quality to a level that our customers expect from the DELTA brand we will re-introduce." And,  "It is in our plans to discuss bringing back the 20-950 Drill Press, but that will most likely not happen for at least a year. We are not sure exactly when it will be available."

   Vendor says: "When Delta decided to discontinue this machine we purchased all the inventory that was left in stock as this was and still is a very popular machine. We have less than 5 left."  And, "We do have a few unit[s] left in stock, that are still in the original boxes from Delta.  When Delta decided to discontinue this machine we purchased all the inventory that was left in stock as this was and still is a very popular machine." And, regarding Delta's written assertion that it will NOT honor the warrantee, "... Delta should be honoring it. It should not matter [whether] it would be purchased through a[n] authorized dealer that still has inventory. Warranty starts from date of purchase to customer."  And, regarding parts, "The new Delta company does not offer parts for older machines [;] they are offered from Dewalt the original company that owned them before the take over."

   In summary, the vendor has a few original machines.  They are for sale at full price, despite being discontinued several years ago, and despite Delta saying the warrantee is void.  I have not checked whether Dewalt has a good inventory or parts.  I am not an attorney; I do not know whether Delta should be honoring the warrantee; I only know that it says it is not doing so.

   The stats on the machine are wonderful, as we all know.  Am wondering how folks have been doing with the ones they have been using the past few years.  And, given what they know and have now read (above), were they in the market for a drill press right now, would they buy one of these last few remaining available machines??

1. 
   RalphBarker | Sep 13, 2011 09:36am | #3

   decisions, decisions

   FWIW, I think it's reasonable to trust Delta's explanation of why they discontinued the model. For me, that would be reason enough NOT to buy one of the units from the retailer. Further, I'd question the retailer's integrity for selling the remaining units at full price, knowing that there are problems with the speed-control. The retailer likely bought the remaining units at a substantial discount, so it looks like they are gouging customers who are paying full price. Even if DeWalt has spare parts, those parts likely have the same problems as the original.

   BTW, DeWalt did not own Delta. Both DeWalt and Delta were owned by Black & Decker, which was bought by Stanley, Delta being spun off to another buyer. What level of cooperation will continue to exist between these companies is an unknown, I'd say.

3. 
   Munn | Sep 15, 2011 07:58am | #4

   Thanks!

   Thank you for your reply!

   Samson