More drill press questions

I have the Delta model you are looking at, and it is perfectly adequate for most of the things I do. But if you have the option of getting one of those old solid-as-a-rock floor models with a more powerful motor, I would go for it…. just to have more flexibility of use down the road.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

I would say the older sear floor model if you have the floor space and it’s in good condition.

-- Jim from Heirloom Woodshop Southern Oregon

About a year or two years ago (could not remember exactly) I read a review by FWW author on Ryobi
12” or 10” bench top model which is fitted with variable speed digital switch. If I’m not mistaken, it is about $200 price tag on the street. I’m still trying to search for that review.

-- masrol, kuala lumpur, MY.

I have the 12” Ryobi bench top and like it very much for that price range. It is very convenient to change the speed. One comment on your specific choice though is I find having a bench top means its not very portable. On large pieces I find myself using a hand drill rather than drag a big piece to the back of a shop to use the drill press. If I had a floor model on wheels I would I think move the drill out to work on the big pieces. I recently build a play fort and should have used the drill press on those big pieces but did not.

-- mhawkins2 - why does my wife keep parking her car in my shop :)?

Older Sears floor model.

I have the delta and really want more hp….

My next dp will be this one..

I have the Delta and really cannot add a lot more than Charlie and Bartee said. It works ok but I find mine is somewhat underpowered when I have to use forstner bits. I bought this one on the basis of price and, as usual, have come to wish I had gone for a model with more power.

-- With God's help all things are possible- even woodworking. Woodworking is not just a hobby, it is an (expletive deleted) expensive hobby.

Well, the drill press man finally got back to me. Turns out we’re looking at a Jet 14’’ floor model vs. that Delta benchtop. Jet 14” with 1/2 chuck is all the guy said. I trust it(Jet) works as this is the same guy I bought my table saw form(with no problems). I’m going to look at it this weekend. Would you all give the same advice with the Jet in place of the “older Craftsman”. Thanks everybody!!

-- Larry , Colorado www.coloradorecordcrates.com

Hard to say without knowing the exact model, but Jet has a good reputation. If it is in working condition, I’d think it would be a steal at under $200.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Thanks Charlie! That’s what I thought. At $100 it sounds like a steal and should be a great press to grow into!

-- Larry , Colorado www.coloradorecordcrates.com

I don’t want to rain on your parade, but I would personally hold out for a 15” or larger press. I’m running into the post on my 15 1/2” from time to time and wishing I had a 17”.

But thats just me, the size needed reflects the type of work done.

Larry, I have an older Craftsman floor model. It has a 1 hp motor and I don’t think I’ve ever stalled it out. The smaller, bench top presses, like the Delta you mentioned, are only 1/3 hp. I also have a Grizzly 17” radial drill press, with a 1/2 hp motor and it’s pretty limited to what I can drill with it. I like the reach, but will be up grading the motor to a 1 hp soon. I always go with the older American made tools, when I can find a good buy on one that’s in good shape.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com