'Bout to Impulse Buy a Drill Press....

Rockett69 · Apr 22, 2016

I think I am going to order me a drill press today. Had a couple bench style, but I think I'm going to get a Floor style. Been looking at Jets, thoughts? I saw on Tooltopia they are selling Wiltons, but the Part number and looks are the same as Jet, I'm guessing one owns the other? I don't keep up with such things, but I'd like to not pay more for the same thing if I can help it.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NF6P8PI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/j-2500-15-floor-model-drill-press-115v-1ph/354400

These are the 2 that keep coming back to my mind. I'm thinking the 17" model thus far. I would love a gear drive one or a mill/drill, but I can't spend that kind of money, it would dip into my new TIG I want :dunno:

More Info to sway options: I do a lot of metal driling, but nothing over 1/8" in 99% of instances, typically 18ga and less. It will see some wood work also. Not used every day, mostly a couple times a week.

Let me know yalls opinions/thoughts!! Thanks!

.... I'm almost willing to splurge and get the Delta 18-900L, but not sure yet, I've never even seen one up close before

nine4gmc · Apr 22, 2016

Just a quick search on the Delta shows lots of reviews for woodworking.

Rockett69 · Apr 22, 2016

Ya, I noticed that. I've always thought that the difference boils down to the drill speed. Both of those that I was looking at are 200rpm -3500rpm. I figured if a wood working drill press can go slow enough and have enough power (3/4hp is what the 2 jets I posted are, not sure on the delta) then it should work either way. Someone chime in if I'm wrong on that one

cgrutt · Apr 22, 2016

Check out CL there are bound to be some old presses dirt cheap. Just saw a nice 17" one today near me for $200. Of the ones you're talking about check out Powermatic as well.

Rockett69 · Apr 22, 2016

Ya, my CL searches have turned up a whole lotta nada, kinda disappointing actually. Usually I at least have a couple options. Found a couple small Craftsman ones, and while nice, not really what I'm looking for

Rockett69 · Apr 22, 2016

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/new-products-and-offers/new-products/17-drill-press/

Haven't found anything in my range thats topping this one in power and features (New at least). Tried CL and expanded my searches to the vast reaches I'm willing to travel to and still nothing very good, so new it is. Any arguement to not buy it? I've only been researching presses since the weekend, so I'm sure there is more good info. I like the Powermatics, can't find a lot of people that have them, but the specs are pretty good. not as broad of a speed range as the Jet though.

thymer · Apr 22, 2016

Rockett69 said:
http://www.jettools.com/us/en/new-products-and-offers/new-products/17-drill-press/

Haven't found anything in my range thats topping this one in power and features (New at least). Tried CL and expanded my searches to the vast reaches I'm willing to travel to and still nothing very good, so new it is. Any arguement to not buy it? I've only been researching presses since the weekend, so I'm sure there is more good info. I like the Powermatics, can't find a lot of people that have them, but the specs are pretty good. not as broad of a speed range as the Jet though.

I'm in the same boat. Look at craigslist regularly and it's either small drill presses or harbor freight ****.

Rockett69 · Apr 22, 2016

Exactly!!

Some areas seem to be blessed with good tools on CL. Everyone in my area seems to hoard them (Myself included). Well I'm ordering one by the end of the day regardless, I'm giving in already. I'll happily share my findings on whatever I end up with. And while it is a rather large purchase that shouldn't be rushed, there really doesn't seem to be much to shop for other than a deal maybe... so I see no need to drag it on, when I can have it in my garage in the next week.

Davefr · Apr 22, 2016

The mere mention of "new drill press" brings out all the responses that say go to CL and buy an old one.

Here's the rest of the story:
- The most common old DP's were designed for woodworking. (ex: 4 spds with lack of really hi and really low speeds for metal work)
- 99% of them lack table lift, table rotate and table tilt. (kind of hard to tram a table if you can't tweak tilt)
- Most lack T slots in table
- Parts can range from nearly unobtainium to very expensive
- Most require restoration (old worn out bearings, bent spindle, arc of shame, electrical kludge etc)
- Instead of doing real work you'll waste tons of time sifting thru the overpriced CL junk out there.

I've had some of these old DP's and couldn't get rid of them fast enough. I currently have a Jet 17" machinist DP and love it. (early Taiwan version) I wouldn't trade it for 99% of these oldies out there. The exceptions would be a pristine 17" Delta/Rockwell machinist DP or maybe a Clausing but they're very scarce and expensive to find in good shape.

I say get the new 17" Jet and put her to work.

Cruzan80 · Apr 22, 2016

Cheap<->Fast<->Quality.

Pick two of the three. Those of us who recommend CL tend to value the cheap over the fast for the same quality. Other's find their time more valuable. Nothing wrong with either approach, just state what camp you are in.

I do find it funny about the tirades I see people having trying to convert others to their camp.
I do not find Davefr's post to fall under this heading, just an observation

AMurray · Apr 22, 2016

I impulse bought a WEN 15" variable speed floor model from Amazon earlier this year. It had good reviews so I thought Id give it a shot. I really like it. Nice drill press for the price. I also looked at several of the Grizzlys but the reviews were all over the place.

cgrutt · Apr 22, 2016

Cruzan80 said:
Cheap<->Fast<->Quality.

Those of us who recommend CL tend to value the cheap over the fast for the same quality.

Not sure you can buy any machine tools today that have same quality that they made back in the day. Yeah I know technology has improved but for thing's like drill presses they simply don't make them like they used to anymore. That's why I recommend CL. Factoring in time, new parts, paint, etc. and it might wind up costing more than a new machine but "quality" would "generally" be much better. I'm talking typical machines that you get from the big box stores or buy online, not the custom made small batch industrial machines that are still available at significant cost. I just bought a Drill Press on CL that was made in 1943 for $100. Will probably put another $500 - $700 into it before its done. Definitely not going for cheap or fast, LOL...

PT Doc · Apr 22, 2016

A drill press is not a mill. If you need mill precision then get a mill. Runout of 0.003 is reasonable for the work that most folks will use a drill press to accomplish. I think that the Ridgid or Porter Cable will serve you very well. The Porter Cable at Lowes will serve you well.

rsanter · Apr 22, 2016

Also look at zero and CPO for prices
They often have 15-20% coupons in email and free shipping that can make for some really good prices

Bob

Rockett69 · Apr 22, 2016

I appreciate all the opinions and ideas!! I am a roamer between both 'Camps' really. I prefer new, but depending on the quality and precision of the tool needed dictates how I buy it. In this circumstance, I choose to buy new. There is a serious lack of good heavy drill presses in my area to snag a good deal on a used one. Shipping one from someone selling a used one is just not smart as these things typically tip the scales at 150lbs + and shipping will likely cost as much as the press.

Dave, I am glad you have had a similar experience. The machine styles are gear driven right? I looked at a few, and while tempted, the prices were out of my reach. Maybe I'll buy a drill/mill one day. I'd love to be able to do some sort of machining at home. I've been looking at machining classes in my area to see if I like it or not.

I always appreciate a good deal, but none of the models I've looked at have been on the cpo sites. I often forget about the reman sites as they always have good deals.

Packard V8 · Apr 23, 2016

Davefr said:
The mere mention of "new drill press" brings out all the responses that say go to CL and buy an old one.

Here's the rest of the story:
- The most common old DP's were designed for woodworking. (ex: 4 spds with lack of really hi and really low speeds for metal work)
- 99% of them lack table lift, table rotate and table tilt. (kind of hard to tram a table if you can't tweak tilt)
- Most lack T slots in table
- Parts can range from nearly unobtainium to very expensive
- Most require restoration (old worn out bearings, bent spindle, arc of shame, electrical kludge etc)
- Instead of doing real work you'll waste tons of time sifting thru the overpriced CL junk out there.

I've had some of these old DP's and couldn't get rid of them fast enough. I currently have a Jet 17" machinist DP and love it. (early Taiwan version) I wouldn't trade it for 99% of these oldies out there. The exceptions would be a pristine 17" Delta/Rockwell machinist DP or maybe a Clausing but they're very scarce and expensive to find in good shape.

I say get the new 17" Jet and put her to work.

All valid points, just not for everyone.

Budget for tools is first on the list. Doesn't matter how good a Jet is if the budget isn't there for an $800-$1,000 drill press.

For many, fettling an old DP is half th fun.

Fabricating an intermediate pulley to get a wider range of speeds is well within the GJ wheelhouse.

Jack Vines

2oolhound · Apr 23, 2016

I was in the same boat. I scoured cl for over a year for a decent deal but couldn't find one in my area. The gov surplus sold 2 rockwells but bidding went over $300 and I suspect the buyer is the guy who's been trying to sell them for $600 off and on for the last 3 years. Finally when I came into some extra cash I bought a 17" canwood taiwan 1hp, 3/4 chuck, T-slot, cheap cross slide vice, custom wheeled base and other extras for $290 at an estate sale. I often still wish I had an old beast but this unit does the job and I'm glad I have it. It freed me up to look out for the next thing on the list and I'm still always looking at dp's in case an old beauty pops up for a bargain price.

Sometimes you just have to make your move when all the ducks are in a row and you've already been waiting too long.

Davefr · Apr 23, 2016

Packard V8 said:
All valid points, just not for everyone.

Budget for tools is first on the list. Doesn't matter how good a Jet is if the budget isn't there for an $800-$1,000 drill press.

For many, fettling an old DP is half th fun.

Fabricating an intermediate pulley to get a wider range of speeds is well within the GJ wheelhouse.

Jack Vines

I agree 100% that restoring old tools/machines can be a fun and rewarding experience.

However I got the impression from the OP that he wanted something in the short term. The search for a "good" oldie, (vs. the common woodworking machines), can take many months/years as can the restoration.

Does he want the DP as the project or does he have projects for the DP?

The older Jets and Deltas from Taiwan, (not China), are excellent machines, there's a lot of them out there and they'll do most anything asked of them and they offer many improvements over the oldies.

exmaxima1 · Apr 23, 2016

Davefr said:
I've had some of these old DP's and couldn't get rid of them fast enough. I currently have a Jet 17" machinist DP and love it. (early Taiwan version) I wouldn't trade it for 99% of these oldies out there. The exceptions would be a pristine 17" Delta/Rockwell machinist DP or maybe a Clausing but they're very scarce and expensive to find in good shape.

I say get the new 17" Jet and put her to work.

I have a Wilton that says "USA" on it, but I swear it's a Jet. I love everything about it except the lack of table lift (which I corrected myself), especially the variable speed and 6" stroke. You can usually find similar machines for under $400, and they are indeed as nice as Deltas and Clausings---I have them as well and still wouldn't give up the Wilton/(Jet?)

Davefr · Apr 23, 2016

Rockett69 said:
Dave, I am glad you have had a similar experience. The machine styles are gear driven right?

Not necessarily. Machinist DP's are generally differentiated from woodworking machines by:
- Wider speed range. (100's up to 1000's in RPM)
- Usually 17" swing or larger.
- Usually a table set up for T slot clamping and table lift. Sometimes a channel for cutting fluid containment.
- Sometimes larger HP TEFC motors.
- They can be belt, gear or variator pulley style drive systems

Rockett69 · Apr 23, 2016

Davefr said:
Does he want the DP as the project or does he have projects for the DP

Very well put!! And in this instance, I have projects FOR the DP. Not looking to add a project just to finish a project, I already have that problem :willy_nil

Packard V8 I would love to restore a drill press one day, and thanks to all of the folk here on GJ, I feel its in my wheelhouse. Gotta clear some projects out of the way first though. In my searching for a dp for myself, I did run across a Buffalo Forge press, which I would consider for a project. I don't know anything about them really, but the machine screamed "Old Iron" and was very aesthetically pleasing.

exmaxima1 I am happy that someone else noticed the mirror images of the Wilton and Jet. I'm sure someone here knows the story as to how they are what I believe to be identical machines (Visually and part numbers). Liking the machine though?

2oolhound, my ducks are as close to in a row as they get at the moment, and the time is now. I would just be spinning my wheels by carrying on anymore with it.

Rockett69 · Apr 23, 2016

Davefr said:
I say get the new 17" Jet and put her to work.

http://www.jettools.com/us/en/p/17-drill-press/716300

Its ordered!!

17" Floor model, 16 speed, 3/4hp, 14"x19", adjustable slotted table, 210-3500rpm range, laser centering lines, LED built in work light, lots of "Creature Features" that will make it a little easier to stand in front of it and work. Got a pretty sweet deal on it too (Ordered through a very good friend who I didn't think could get it). I only paid $50.00 more than a plain jane 17" floor model that I just found on the Jet CPO site. I'm excited. I don't plan on this one going anywhere. Buy once, Cry once (Saw that in a post yesterday on here, brilliant wordage).

Thanks to everyone for helping me see this from all angles and making this a more responsible purchase instead of just a tool that jumped way up my list and got bought on impulse.

Pics to come!!!!!

manwithtools · Apr 23, 2016

Rockett69 said:
exmaxima1 I am happy that someone else noticed the mirror images of the Wilton and Jet. I'm sure someone here knows the story as to how they are what I believe to be identical machines (Visually and part numbers). Liking the machine though?

JPW Industries, Inc. is the parent company of Jet, Wilton, Powermatic, Jet ProMac and was formerly known as Walter Meier Manufacturing, Inc. The company was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in LaVergne, Tennessee. JPW Industries, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Walter Meier AG.

This is why the Jet and Wilton machines look the same. Wilton used to be a well respected American brand of vices and other tools, Powermatic a well respected American brand of power tools, now they are just brand names. The product sold under their names is decent enough, just not what the "Old Iron" used to be.

BTW, their headquarters is right around the corner from my offices.

LXCam · Apr 23, 2016

Congrats rocket I'm glad you just got it over and done with, you'll be much better off. I bet better then 90% of the older better iron guys buy with the intention of rehabbing end up never done or never used. I have had my Wilton for close to 20 years and it's never once let me down. You'll also be very happy you got the higher hp model since there's nothing more agravating then being under powered.

Rockett69 · Apr 23, 2016

Manwithtools, Awesome! Thank you!! I enjoy history lessons like that. I like to know who what when and where of big names like that.

I have never been to keen on vises until I came to GJ. I see the Wilton name a lot, and as I type this, my bench next to me has a Wilton Columbian 6" combo vise bolted to it. Does Wilton still make good vises? or is it mostly the older ones that were the "End all be all" vise? I ask because I'd like to buy a new one and happened across a nib Wilton Bash series for a bit of a discount while on the search for my drill press. Thanks!

Rockett69 · Apr 23, 2016

LxCam Hey thanks!!! :beer:

I'm glad yours has served you well!! I'll hope for many years out of this one!

I agree 100%!! I have had lots of good intentions myself with buying older things to revamp and use them.. But you know what they say about that road paved with good intentions.... And most of what I see in the restored vintage, is they are brought back to their glory for fun of doing and saving what may have ended up as scrap. Not necessarily to use.

I am very happy with the "New Alloy" over trying my hand at "Old Steel". I need form and function for what I am going to do with it. But I will soon have my eyes peeled for an old one to restore.... it does sound like fun..

I wanted a little more power (Insert Tim Allen grunt here) but couldn't afford the machinist style ones like Davefr that have the blown big block on alcohol strapped to a 3/4" chuck :lol:

they seem like they will chew through anything

'Bout to Impulse Buy a Drill Press....

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