Drill Press

[ItsNemo]

So I've been looking for a new (not used) relatively inexpensive drill press for a little while now. Want something that can easily handle 1/2" holes in metal. In Canada we have pretty slim pickings on even the import brands, no Jet...Grizzly after import is pretty bad. King Canada is about all I've come across until this:

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ridgid-15-inch-drill-press-with-led/1001210114

At $520 it seems like a decent price for a 3/4 hp drill press with a good speed range. Even better when you see the same drill press is listed for $500 on the US site, making it actually cheaper to buy in Canada.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-15-in-Drill-Press-with-LED-R1500/205653862

So, anyone see any big flaws with this unit? About the only questionable part I see is the drill chuck being non-keyed and potentially not a standard taper to be easily replaced?

 

[lilredex]

I would not worry about that chuck, it is probably one of these #25013

http://www.cdcotools.com/

I have two and they are just fine.

When the drive pulley broke on my Delta DP-350 I was on the search for a new DP. Found a HF 38142 ($40) big and rugged. It just needed a (3/4 HP) motor and pulley, which I had. Would buy again in a flash. It'll do everything that your choice will. Those yellow handles say early eighties.

 

[tarbellb]

No (low) speed range given? Likely in the 300-400rpm range which is the bare minimum for 1/2" holes in metals.

Besides that, it seems very standard import DP which for light hobby use is fine. Table and column flex can be a issue, my HF 17" DP showed significant signs under decent pressure.

I actually have upgraded and love my keyless chuck, so thats a non starter for me. And doubtful they wouldnt use a standard taper.

Jump on it, unless of course that beautiful International 20" DP with shift on the fly, table riser, 1hp, all steel, unused by gramps, gem pops up that everyone here thinks is so easy to find, ha.

 

[ItsNemo]

No (low) speed range given? Likely in the 300-400rpm range which is the bare minimum for 1/2" holes in metals.

Besides that, it seems very standard import DP which for light hobby use is fine. Table and column flex can be a issue, my HF 17" DP showed significant signs under decent pressure.

I actually have upgraded and love my keyless chuck, so thats a non starter for me. And doubtful they wouldnt use a standard taper.

Jump on it, unless of course that beautiful International 20" DP with shift on the fly, table riser, 1hp, all steel, unused by gramps, gem pops up that everyone here thinks is so easy to find, ha.

Manual says 260-3100rpm, so actually goes decently low.

It would just be hobby use, not production. I'm using a little benchtop Job Mate piece of junk right now, it pretty much stalls out on anything bigger than a 3/16" bit.

I haven't seen any decent used drill presses, especially up here in Canada...they're either $1000+ or are totally beat to ****/super old projects.

 

[juddspaintballs]

It lists the low as 300 RPM. I'd ideally like to find that drill press with a 200 RPM or less low, though.

 

[brownbagg]

i bought a true china made drill press, used in 93, nothing great, its a delta copy. but I almost use it daily , no problem,
if you cant afford much, get a HF, nearly every part interchange at sear, com parts catalog, I mean they are exact copies of delta.

 

[brownbagg]

speaking of chucks and drill press, How do they come off, I need a new one



never mind, i watch the you tube video, not only that, I had one with the shank already on it, in my parts bucket, I know I have it twenty years, I thought it went to my metal lathe

 

[ItsNemo]

i bought a true china made drill press, used in 93, nothing great, its a delta copy. but I almost use it daily , no problem,
if you cant afford much, get a HF, nearly every part interchange at sear, com parts catalog, I mean they are exact copies of delta.

Did you miss the Canada part?

Not only do we not have HF, we don't have Sears anymore either.

 

[MattT]

About the only questionable part I see is the drill chuck being non-keyed and potentially not a standard taper to be easily replaced?

Took a quick look at the manual and it appears the spindle is threaded. But it didn't say what thread so may, or may not, be a standard one. That thread possibly being an oddball would be my concern. The chuck being keyless is no issue on a machine that doesn't reverse but not being able to replace it with a better one could be.

 

[Shadowdog500]

I have this one from Lowe’s and really like it a lot!

Here is a Lowe’s Canada link to the drill press.
https://www.lowes.ca/product/drill-presses/porter-cable-15-in-floor-12-speed-drill-press-78742


Here it mine drilling a large 7/8” diameter hole. Start at 5 minutes to pick it up at the pilot hole.

 

[The Cobbler]

not sure where in Canada you are, too bad I just sold a Delta cheap .

 

[fatfillup]

I had a ridgid drill press that i bought to resell. Not sure if it was the same model but looked similar. Used it a few times and liked it. NO problem with stalling. Was thinking of keeping it but a good customer wanted it and I needed the room. I see I sold it too cheap

 

[lilredex]

I haven't seen any decent used drill presses, especially up here in Canada...they're either $1000+ or are totally beat to ****/super old projects.

Certainly not true if you are around here.

Here is one, much like mine above, in a floor model for $75. Those sixteen speed DP are fairly common and come up regularly.

https://www.kijiji.ca/v-power-tool/london/drill-press/1480748780

Do a search for others.

https://www.kijiji.ca/b-power-tool/...edium=email&utm_campaign=Kijiji Search Alerts

 

[ItsNemo]

Well, problem solved...not long after posting this a General International 17" 3/4hp came up on kijiji locally for much less than the Ridgid. Just grabbed it this evening, I am now drill pressed lol

 

[ambenz]

post up a picture!

 

[ItsNemo]

Sure

 

[The Cobbler]

Nice!

 

[81turbota]

Congrats!

 

[tarbellb]

Well dang, you just hit the GJ unicorn!

Now another decade of guys saying "just buy a nice used machine" haha.

Nice score.

 

[ItsNemo]

Well dang, you just hit the GJ unicorn!

Now another decade of guys saying "just buy a nice used machine" haha.

Nice score.

LoL I wouldn't call this a unicorn, I paid good money still but a couple hundred less than the Ridgid would have cost...and it is a clean machine but it's still a China made one, not North American. So ya, good deal but not great lol