Northern 17" vari speed drill press

[thymer]

Would like some opinions on this one. Anyone purchase one yet? Specs seem decent (besides being Chinese) although the min speed of 600 is a bit high. Thoughts?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200659141_200659141

 

[Davefr]

I would not call this variable speed. It looks like a 16 speed/3 pulley system with a silly readout.

There's no way I'd buy some no name Chinese machine like this.

The old Jets and Deltas from Taiwan would be superior IMHO. They're proven designs with no problem getting parts.

 

[tarbellb]

All of these Asian sourced 15-20" drill presses are about the same.

Personally I think Grizzly offers a higher quality version and doesnt charge the middleman premium.

And of course, since this is GJ.... Go buy a old 20" Clausing used for $100 off CL ya dummy! jk

 

[thymer]

All of these Asian sourced 15-20" drill presses are about the same.

Personally I think Grizzly offers a higher quality version and doesnt charge the middleman premium.

And of course, since this is GJ.... Go buy a old 20" Clausing used for $100 off CL ya dummy! jk

Well I did find one on CL but they wanted $75 and I thought that was just too much for a American made unit.

 

[madmikeee]

Well I did find one on CL but they wanted $75 and I thought that was just too much for a American made unit.

 

[exmaxima1]

I would not call this variable speed. It looks like a 16 speed/3 pulley system with a silly readout.

There's no way I'd buy some no name Chinese machine like this.

The old Jets and Deltas from Taiwan would be superior IMHO. They're proven designs with no problem getting parts.

According to the manual, this model IS fully variable speed and has adjustable sheaves. The cheaper models have the 3 pulley system. Unfortunately, the slowest speed is 600 rpm, which is way too fast for many applications. My old variable speed Wilton (looks like a Jet) goes to about 180 rpm.