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Drill Press Recommendation?

5K views 43 replies 21 participants last post by  tvrgeek 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I'm thinking about replacing my 1980s vintage Taiwanese dill press that has excessive run-out. The two most important features to me are minimal run-out and an accurate, easy to use depth adjustment. Other features like long quill stroke, variable speed, digital readout, laser indicator, etc. would be nice but not as essential. A bench mounted press is fine for my needs, but I'm not opposed to a floor model. For price I'm thinking $500 - 600, but I'm flexible. Any recommendations on a brand and model?
 
#2 ·
Bob, this sounds like a thread I am going to pay attention to. I bought a shopfox with the oscillation sanding feature a few years back. It is definitely Not Scottish, and like Mike Meyers said "If it's not Scottish, it's CRAP!" I can't stand it, the depth adjustment is inaccurate and difficult to adjust. The table won't stay put when you lock it down and it sways from side to side. I am looking to replace it, but I am in the same spot. I have been looking at used machinery outlets in San Fran and Portland that have industrial machinery which might be a better way to go than the Home Depot specials. Here are few sites I found,
http://www.barbomachinery.com/
http://www.sterlingmachinery.com/new-and-used-machinery.php
http://www.perfectionmachinery.com/used-inventory/#tabid01
They might not have what you need, but they have good deals on some items and if you don't mind it not being new it might work.
I know a few years back FWW had the delta with the tilt table as the best for woodworking. I haven't had a chance to see one in person so I don't know.
It is higher in price than you were hoping for, but I think they have a few models.
http://www.amazon.com/Delta-18-900L-18-Inch-Laser-Drill/dp/B003YCEEQC
http://www.finewoodworking.com/tool-guide/product-finder/delta-18-900l-18-in-drill-press.aspx

Here is the FWW review on bench models
http://www.finewoodworking.com/toolguide/product-finder/drill-presses/118172.aspx
In that review General came in well. I use a general mortiser and it is well made and fairly easy to use.
Drill presses are a huge part of the shop and can be a tough choice to make, I look forward to hearing what you come up with.
Take care. Hope that helped.
 
#5 ·
Thanks for the links Brian. I'll have to do some studying. Steel City used to make a press with variable speed and digital readout, but I think they went out of business. I wouldn't mind a good vintage machine, but finding one near me would be almost impossible.
 
#7 ·
I bought my bandsaw at Montana Tool, but haven't been there recently. I plan to see what they have for drill presses. I've visited Kevin's website but have never met him.
 
#8 · (Edited by Moderator)
Bob,

If you are ever in the Seattle area, there's a Jet/powermatic surplus dealer in Auburn. Here's what I would probably get, plus WA sales tax would be just under $600. Full 5" of stroke. Once I clear up some room and get the money for one, that's what I intend to buy.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tld/5433528970.html

Or you could get a larger 20" press for a bit more.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tld/5420361667.html

And their powermatic ones:

http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tld/5445240469.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/skc/tld/5420367905.html
 
#9 ·
I just picked up a WEN 12" bench top DP with variable speed and a digital readout. It was very well reviewed on the HD site. I believe that there's a floor model as well. It's Chinese-made, but what isn't these days. The bench top version was $212 I think. A great price if it lives up to its reviews.
 
#14 ·
Depth stop is on the right side.



That black tab that indicates the depth of drilling. You can tighten a ring that spins freely that will contact the black tab and stop the press from drilling further. That's how my cheapo HF press is set up as well. Works ok.
 
#17 ·
I got myself a general floor mount 14" drill press about a month ago for 400$ cdn and it really worth it. The depth stop is simple and easy and it came with a laser(I don't use it) and an integrated lamp (I use it). It's the 75-150 from general international. I think they sell it a Home Depot in the U.S.

It' s a straight forward drill press that has nothing to do with star wars or sci-fi. Note that the jet drill is a beautiful machine and a good one without a doubt.
 
#20 ·
Can the run out on an old drill press be fixed, or helped at least, by replacing the bearings?

- Rick M.
Possibly, Rick, but my cheap drill press had run out even when it as new. It's certainly gotten worse over the years, so at this point I'll just give it to my son and go for an upgrade.
 
#22 ·
Bob, I have been reading through many sites and LJ reviews and it seems grizzly makes a fairly decent tool, there have been some quirks. One thing I have been looking for is beefy. I have decided to go the industrial rout with my purchases if I can and it has made a big difference. That model I looked at is heavy duty for sure. I wish I could find a current one made in the US that would work for me. I am not sure where the powermatic is made, I had heard they still made some things domestically, but that was a while back. A few things I don't like are the flimsy piece of metal sticking off the side for most models depth stop. I can't stand digital read outs for some reason, I like mechanical fixtures and I want it to last through the Apocalypse. Of course runout and accuracy are key if you are doing precise work. Too many choices :( but I am fairly sure when I sell off a kidney I will get that grizzly.
 
#23 ·
I recently purchased a floor model drill press that I'm very happy with,after thinking about a Powermatic for some time I decided there were other tools I'd rather have for $1700 so I purchased this HF 20" for $448+ shipping after using the 20% coupon. It fits my needs just fine.I'm impressed with it's large table size an substantial weight plus some of it's features. It's no Powermatic but I think it's hard to beat for the money.

Output device Computer monitor accessory Camera accessory Cameras & optics Machine


http://www.harborfreight.com/20-in-12-speed-production-drill-press-61484.html
 

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#24 ·
Thanks Jim, The one I like might have to wait until I find my permanent shop. It weighs 700+lbs wow. It sounds like there is no machine that pleases everyone, they all have flaws. Just what are you looking for and what are you willing to live with seems to be where I am at in my search.
 
#25 ·
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