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05-19-2013 07:58 AM
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Topic tags/keywords:
benchtop drill press
question
drill press
Hi There, New Guy – first post. Been lurking for answers and opinions here for a couple of months and finally jumped in. Hope I can sow at least as much as I reap. So, I’m buying a benchtop drill-press; needs to handle large-bore holes for heavy mortising as well as metal-work for making jigs & shop stuff. Bench-top will work for me in lieu of floor because my shop is tiny. I’m gonna mount the post backwards to the base, and bolt it through 3/4” plywood and another 1/4” of plate steel to make the max work height as high as I can lift the thing and bolt it down.
My criteria were: Wide speed-range (16 speed class), 12” swing at least, 5/8” chuck, 3 1/4” stroke and cast-iron base & table.
My choices have been narrowed down to the: Grizzly g7943 http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Speed-Heavy-Duty-Bench-Top-Drill-Press/G7943 Woodtek 162-497 http://woodworker.com/13-bench-top-drill-press-16-spd-12hp-mssu-162-497.asp
The difference is $100.00 or so, an inch of swing, a few pounds and a quarter of a horsepower. That I can see.
The differences that I CAN’T see are what their performance histories have been in the hands of my peers. I humbly request any experience and opinions ya’ll have on these (or comparable that I may not know about) models.
Thanks! Rob
-- "I wear eye protection when using power tools because my blood stings my eyes and because I can't read braille."
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12 replies so far
#1 posted 05-20-2013 07:38 AM
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I have the floor-standing model of that drill press (G7944), and it has been dependable and a good value.
Bad points: - the knobs have all broken. Fairly cheap plastic, broke right above the thread. I’ll get around to turning some wooden ones some day, but for now, there’s no functional issue. - the pulley cover rattles. There’s a simple metal tab catch to hold the cover in place, but it doesn’t put enough pressure on the cover to prevent rattling. A bit of masking tape in a couple of spots would make the noise go away. Again, not a functional issue.
The good: - pretty easy speed adjustments. Way more speeds than I find useful in woodworking - built in light is quite useful
Would I buy it again? Maybe. This drill press is good but I occasionally want something with a larger swing, so I’d probably step up a size.
-- Mark Kornell, Kornell Wood Design
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#2 posted 05-20-2013 10:56 AM
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I too have the floor-standing version of that Grizzly DP (see reviews). I mostly use it for woodworking and other general utility purposes. However, I have fabricated a few small brackets for my motorcycle. Its always got the job done- easily. - I don’t remember how many speeds it has. But it can spin crazy fast and balls slow and everything in-between. - The table size is adequete, but nothing more. - The table elevation works pretty well. - The depth-stop is kind of chintzy. It works ok, BUT is nothing more than a thin-guage L-bracket. If NASA presicion is required, you’ll need to address the depth stop. - The service light is a nice feature, but the bulb is in a stationary fixture behind the chuck. A gooseneck light would be better. Don’t get me wrong, its a great DP. I have no plans to upgrade as its all the DP I’ll ever need and more.
My (unsolicited) advice: - Haunt Craigslist for a used DP. I see good, heavy duty DPs all the time for $100-150. Not to say that the models you’re considering are bad values. Afterall, they will likely last 30-40 yrs. So $350 isn’t bad. BUT, all else being equal, cheaper is better. And you very well might score an industrial-quality gem for peanuts.
- Reconsider the benchtop model. I too limited my DP search to benchtops, but stumbled upon my floor model Grizzly for $100. I figured I’d try it in my small shop. If it proved too big, I could always sell it for a profit. However, I found that the floor DP has about the same footprint as a five gallon bucket, is more versatile, and easier to use. That said, I’m glad I skipped the benchtop.
Good Luck
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#3 posted 05-20-2013 11:01 AM
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Oh, and between the two machines you cited, I’d go with the Grizzly. The specs appear to be superior.
And BTW. Are you sure about the $100 price difference? Won’t the freight charges make the Woodtek approximately the same price as the Grizzly?? If so, its a no-brainer. Go with the Grizz.
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#4 posted 05-20-2013 01:17 PM
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I recently went from 1/2 hp to 3/4 hp and the difference was surprising. I would go with the grizz but i would scour craigslist first. Just make sure you check for runout on a used drill press!
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#5 posted 05-20-2013 01:38 PM
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Robert … If you can make do with a 12”, let me throw out another option. Menards has the 12” Masterforce Drill Press for $229.00: http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools/drill-presses/12-masterforce-drill-press/p-1498047-c-10086.htm
I went through the same process you are going through a couple of years ago, and ultimately settled in the Menards product. I posted a review a year and a half ago … http://lumberjocks.com/reviews/2509 ... and still stand by my purchase.
-- Gerry -- "I don't plan to ever really grow up ... I'm just going to learn how to act in public!"
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#6 posted 05-20-2013 02:01 PM
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Rob. you should reconsider the bench top idea. That was my plan as well, but when I got to the store and saw that the floor model was only $30 more, well it’s a no brainer. Get the floor model and build a mobile base for it. Now it’s portable and easy to move out of your way. JMHO
PS I bought a General 1/2hp machine. The 1/2 hp is fine for what I do, but as they say biggest is usually best.
-- Mark
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#7 posted 05-20-2013 04:38 PM
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I used to have the grizzly you mentioned; it was a solid performer, but the quill travel was limiting sometimes. For $329, the porter cable sold at lowe's is the best value in presses right now. More travel (4”) and longer reach (15”). It is a floor press, but I have yet to hear a convincing argument as to how a floor model takes up more space than a benchtop model.
-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.
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#8 posted 05-20-2013 07:11 PM
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When it comes to imports, I trust tools made in Taiwan over made in China. That said, my choice would be a Jet or a General. They cost more, but are well made. Jet today is where Delta and Powermatic were 50 years ago. If price is an issue, I would consider one from Harbor Freight. I’m pretty sure all the machines selling for about the same price are made in the same Chinese factories.
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#9 posted 05-20-2013 11:06 PM
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Thanx ya’ll! A 90 degree table tilt is also critical for my needs, otherwise, I’d jump on that Porter Cable.
-- "I wear eye protection when using power tools because my blood stings my eyes and because I can't read braille."
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#10 posted 05-21-2013 02:02 AM
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Delta 16 inch floor model here. Paid 175.00 28 yrs ago. Slightly used then. Still going strong. It gets used regularly.
Just something to think about. JB
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#11 posted 05-21-2013 09:30 AM
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The porter cable does tilt… 5th bullet down: “Table Tilt: L and R: 45 °”
-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.
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#12 posted 05-21-2013 06:50 PM
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How about a shop smith mark V ?
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