Drill press: Free standing or bench type?

[nutsnbolts]

I am considering getting a drill press for my garage. I don't have a huge shop but I do have a spot where I could put a smaller free standing press, or I could get a benchtop model. What are the pros and cons of each? Also, does anyone have recommendations for good ones that won't break the bank? I see them for a couple hundred dollars used all the time, and I would like to stay in this ballpark if possible. This will be used for little hobby/DIY projects only.

 

[Musicinabottle]

I have a bench top I bought off craigslist. It's a 48 inch tall, I think its a 15 inch technically and it works fine for me. The taller units I've used seemed tipsy to me and if you think about it, you'd scarcely ever drill something where you needed to lower the table to the ground. I also like that I have the bench that mine sits on, to use as a staging area for setting parts on, my bits etc , where the stand ups seem harder to place your parts unless you had a roller table. I wouldn't trade mine for a stand up. Opinions will vary but the bench top models for my needs has served exceptionally well.

 

[nutsnbolts]

Thanks Music! Question for you...do you find that you need to move it off your bench often because it takes up too much room? Is it light enough to move easily?

 

[Shiftless]

I have a vintage Craftsman 100 drill press, bench mount. With the motor attached it weighs about 150 pounds. And it is top heavy. So don't plan on moving it out of the way for bigger workbench projects. Also, because of its top heaviness, you will want to bolt it to your bench or at least to the wall in back of your bench. A buddy of mine did serious damage to his show car when his unsecured drill press tipped over during a small earthquake here in California.

 

[R_einan]

I have a small 8" craftsman bench top drill press, and I find it useful for drilling small parts (brackets and such). The biggest complaint that I have is with only 2" of throw and a very short distance between the table/base and chuck, is getting a lot of things to fit so they can be drilled. The unit is easily portable, and can be moved off the bench by 1 person, but I have 36' of bench space (and as long as I keep it picked up) I never really need to. There seems to always be something that I need or want to drill that won't fit in my current press, so I am leaning towards a larger press in the future. While floor space is at a premium, I will likely go to a floor standing press when I do upgrade. The grizzly G7947 has my eye currently: 12 speeds, 17" of throw, 4 3/4" of spindle travel, it seems like a press I'll likely not out grow. I despise buying something for right now and then out growing it a few years down the road. I would rather spend the money for what I need now and will likely need in the future.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Have a good sized bench, but I think a floor model would have been a better idea. Something else I can't ever remember changing the belt for different speeds either. Do any of you guys play with the pulleys?

 

[nutsnbolts]

I have a vintage Craftsman 100 drill press, bench mount. With the motor attached it weighs about 150 pounds. And it is top heavy. So don't plan on moving it out of the way for bigger workbench projects. Also, because of its top heaviness, you will want to bolt it to your bench or at least to the wall in back of your bench. A buddy of mine did serious damage to his show car when his unsecured drill press tipped over during a small earthquake here in California.

Good to know. I am leaning towards an upright the more I hear. My bench is only 8 feet long in a single car garage, so I really need to be able to clear it off. Also, I have a space that will be perfect for it, that isn't great for much else.

 

[Musicinabottle]

Thanks Music! Question for you...do you find that you need to move it off your bench often because it takes up too much room? Is it light enough to move easily?

No, not in my case. My area is fairly small where I have the press set up and I've never found that I needed to move it. Mine is an older 1940s model that is heavy, and not easily moved, but a more modern press would be lighter and perhaps more portable.

 

[V8Reverb]

I've got a bench mount but am looking for a floor model just so I get that extra bit of space. At the moment I have to take it off the bench to get the belt sander on. I've only got 5 foot of space. The floor mount would go next to the bench in a small recess I have. I'm looking for an older 5/8 model as some bits I want to use for metalworking only come in that size.

Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk

 

[Davefr]

IMHO, it's a no brainer.

For me, workbench real estate is way more valuable/in demand then floor space.

In addition there's so much more you can do with a floor standing DP.

 

[Maui]

The floor standing models can handle physically larger parts than a bench top can and in some cases have a greater amount of throw for drilling deeper holes. They also tend to be heavier (at least the vintage models were) which usually means less vibration. If you have the available space I'd go for a vintage floor standing model. Good ones to consider would be a Craftsman 150, a Walker-Turner, a South Bend, a Delta, or an old Atlas.

Maui

 

[nutsnbolts]

Thanks for all the good info guys. I think I am leaning towards a standing press. Now to go find a good one

What do you guys think of this one?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/d/standing-drill-press-mark-1/6269685746.html

 

[jshillin]

Thanks for all the good info guys. I think I am leaning towards a standing press. Now to go find a good one

What do you guys think of this one?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/d/standing-drill-press-mark-1/6269685746.html

That price definitely seems OK on that one, knock them down a bit and buy it.

I have a benchtop drill press and it has been able to handle everything I throw at it.

 

[Davefr]

Thanks for all the good info guys. I think I am leaning towards a standing press. Now to go find a good one

What do you guys think of this one?

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/d/standing-drill-press-mark-1/6269685746.html

It's a generic no name DP from Taiwan and the price seems high. They're usually around $100 + or -.

However these Taiwan units aren't that bad. They generally have a wide (ie 16) speed range, table tilt/lift and decent motors. They're better built then the modern Chinese units. It looks like it's in excellent shape, ready for work and parts should be easy to find if needed.

Older USA machinist DP's are better but hard to find. Most older USA DP's were intended for the woodworking market vs the machinist market so they lack table lift and the speed range needed for metal (big and small).

I'd opt for this one. It's more money, missing the table raising rack and will likely need complete restoration but you'll have a very nice machine if you have the time and desire to restore it. Add a 3 phase motor and VFD it and you have a perfect shop DP.

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/tls/d/delta-drill-press/6266512681.html

 

[nutsnbolts]

Good stuff Dave, and thanks for pointing out the differences...I didn't even notice the Taiwan sticker. Good catch. I really don't want to mess around with restoring one right now though, as I have a bazillion things ahead of it in line. I think I will keep looking for an American model in better shape.

 

[Packard V8]

There's no universal right/wrong choice. Both do the work. I've got a couple of each and find work for them all. I got by with a Delta 14" bench for forty years.

jack vines

 

[xman_charl]

this one is about 15 years old
belt width 1/2, 3 pulleys
2 1/2 hp DC motor

Charl

 

[lilredex]

My most used DP is an early model of HF's #38142, that I picked up for $40 after my Delta DP 350 blew its drive pulley (Pic #2). I am really happy with it as it goes to a low speed of around 220 RPM. It is much the same as that C/L model you show.
My other is a newer Delta (17-901) floor model, but not used as much.

 

[michaelwolson]

I bought a bench top model because of the price (Garage Sale) and the fact that I will never have to drill holes in the top of table legs or anything that requires the extra height.

Having said that, if I find a decent Craftsman 150 Free Standing I will replace this one instantly.

Regarding the Craftsman 150 series in particular, there is no difference between the floor model and the bench model except for the base and the pole.

 

[sco44]

Those earlier tawian drill presses work good for what the are. I have one labeled union tool co, Seattle wa. sturdy and can be spun at low enough speeds. Gave 100$ in NOS condition.

-scott

 

[rsanter]

A standing floor model typically is more rigid and more versatile.
What if you wanted to drill a hole in the end of a 4' long post, you could do it with the floor model.
iMO get the floor model and then get a HF end cabinet.
Put the DP on wheels and attach the end cabinet to it to store bits and accessories that are for the DP

Bob

 

[gordyy]

I have a bench top as that fit when I bought it. I really have only once needed a floor model, in 35 years. That being said I bought a cheap side add on harbor freight tool box with like 6 or 7 drawers glued and screwed 2 pieces of scrap 3/4 osb together and siliconed down after leveling and screwing cabinet to the floor so it won't tip over. Gives great bit storage for the drill press and its accessories and really think I wouldn't change it for the world. I think the only way I would go to a floor mount is if I had double the space in my shop LOL

 

[derosa]

Have a good sized bench, but I think a floor model would have been a better idea. Something else I can't ever remember changing the belt for different speeds either. Do any of you guys play with the pulleys?

All the time, a 3/8 wood bit can move at high speed and gets the wood chips out, a 4" forstner bit needs a slow speed, first time not reducing speed I needed to enlarge a 3" hole by 1/16", the bit grabbed the part, ripped it out of the clamp and threw the pieces across the shop, slow and steady would have done it. Drilling brass, a moderate speed works well.

Bench vs floor, I don't think in 7 years of owning one I've ever done something that I couldn't have done with a drill press that was bolted to a bench. That said there's been times I've been glad I had a floor model to make it a little easier, I've never thought that I wished I had a bench model. I've got a delta 17-950, I believe its a 17" model, has a 5/8 Chuck and just over 6" of movement. Not an incredible number of speeds, 12 I believe going from 450-3000rpm. New they were 4-500, usually more in the 400 range. Really nice it it came with a bolt on light with a flexible head that I took the time to hardwire in so the knob on the light still works so long as the press is plugged in. With a 60w bulb it noticeably dims turning the drill on but with a 100w equivalent led bulb there's no dimming and all the light needed.

 

[ford33]

Have the best of both. Mount your bench model onto a moveable cart.

I have a very heavy 50 year old Atlas bench model mounted on a 15 inch wide rolling cabinet. The cabinet has shelves for drill press related tools and five inch swivel locking casters. I built the cabinet. I was concerned about the tool tipping when I move it. Make or buy a wide cabinet and put large casters under it. Small casters do not roll over cracks or cords and could cause the tool to tip over when moved.

In 30 years I have never needed a floor model.

 

[nutsnbolts]

Have the best of both. Mount your bench model onto a moveable cart.

I have a very heavy 50 year old Atlas bench model mounted on a 15 inch wide rolling cabinet. The cabinet has shelves for drill press related tools and five inch swivel locking casters. I built the cabinet. I was concerned about the tool tipping when I move it. Make or buy a wide cabinet and put large casters under it. Small casters do not roll over cracks or cords and could cause the tool to tip over when moved.

In 30 years I have never needed a floor model.

That's not a bad idea!!! I am going to consider that!!!

 

[tool_scrounge]

I have used both. The bench mounted drill press did everything I needed 98% of the time. I personally found that finding a used older drill press in great condition more important to me over floor or table top.

 

[tarmy]

Best of both world's. Floor standing with storage built around mobile base.

And that switch...could save you a broken hand or arm...you can head **** it if your work gets away from you and your affraid to let go because it may hit you...ask how I know...

 

[pepi]

The big advantage of a free standing DP is the working area. When used with tooling, and having the ability to handle taller material.

Some vises raise the table hight by 3inches, add a 1/2 bit sticking down another 4 inches. You have just lost 7 inches of hight between the table and end of the bit.

Looking at a bench top drill press without any tooling is deceiving. Does not show how little working room is actually there.

greg

 

[unlvrebel]

Have the best of both. Mount your bench model onto a moveable cart.

I have a very heavy 50 year old Atlas bench model mounted on a 15 inch wide rolling cabinet. The cabinet has shelves for drill press related tools and five inch swivel locking casters. I built the cabinet. I was concerned about the tool tipping when I move it. Make or buy a wide cabinet and put large casters under it. Small casters do not roll over cracks or cords and could cause the tool to tip over when moved.

In 30 years I have never needed a floor model.

^^This^^

I too have a bench top on a rolling base with storage. Drawers with bits and attachments for the DP and an open cubby at the bottom for oversize storage. You can roll it anywhere in your shop to accommodate drilling into a long stock. Best of all worlds - mobility, storage and of course, a drill press.

 

[MikeF2316]

I would get a floor model, if I had the room. Every now and then my bench one doesn't quite have enough height, but not often. I drill steel often, so having the 3rd pulley is a must.

But the most important feature is a chuck that doesn't wobble.

 

[bczygan]

If you have excess bench space to dedicate to it, but no floor space, then do that.

If you have excess floor space, but no bench space, do that.

Bill

 

[dougf]

Vintage bench top ALL day. Solid, quiet as hell, and has the vintage styling that is just so cool!

 

[ajchien]

I have both and use the floor press. My benchtop is actually under the benchtop being stored. Benchtop space is more of a premium for me than floor space. Plus, I do agree that larger, taller pieces can fit.

As for changing pulley speeds, I do - but I often only work with a few speeds.

 

[Jazz1]

I have bench top and have never really needed floor model. Had I built my garage a foot longer I would have got floor model.

 

[unlvrebel]

If you have excess bench space to dedicate to it, but no floor space, then do that.

If you have excess floor space, but no bench space, do that.

Bill

But if you have the floor space you can get storage AND the press...

 

[dutchgray]

Mines a floor stander, bench space is valuable.
Everything else being equal (same head, base and table), the floor drill is more stable.

 

[mcmlvif100]

Best of both world's. Floor standing with storage built around mobile base.

I too have a bench top on a rolling base with storage. Drawers with bits and attachments for the DP and an open cubby at the bottom for oversize storage. You can roll it anywhere in your shop to accommodate drilling into a long stock. Best of all worlds - mobility, storage and of course, a drill press.

Did this ^^^ and the result is everything that I need / could want, at least for now. For reference, I have less than $150 in the entire setup. Craftsman bench top drill press was $60 on CL. Craftsman steel cabinet was $25 at Habitat ReStore. Used part of a solid core door for the top -- $5 at the ReStore. Only "expensive" new parts were the 4 casters but they were part of a lot that I bought on clearance from Menards. Took a some time to clean up the drill press and the cabinet, and assemble it but absolutely love having it in my shop.

It has definitely improved the quality of my work and expanded the types of projects that I can do. My only regret -- didn't buy / build one like this a long time ago.[/QUOTE]

 

[Mr_B]

^ that sweet highly usable yet low cost ... got do one for myself as about best option unless really want/need a floor standing model

 

[Musicinabottle]

A standing floor model typically is more rigid and more versatile.
What if you wanted to drill a hole in the end of a 4' long post, you could do it with the floor model.
iMO get the floor model and then get a HF end cabinet.
Put the DP on wheels and attach the end cabinet to it to store bits and accessories that are for the DP

Bob

A post four foot long, you'd spend more time trying to hold it down and get it squared up. You'd be ahead of the game just drilling it with a hand held drill and a jig.

 

[crewchief888]

I have a benchtop mounted on a cart