bench top or floor mounted drill press?

[whelenfan]

I need help deciding which is better for homeowner use. I have the room for a floor mounted unit, but I just don't know.

 

[rsanter]

floor mount
they tend to be better quality/heavier duty and have more capacity
unless you only need to drill small small like models or something

bob

 

[VegasBruce]

floor mount, much more versatile.

 

[crashbumper]

I have a benchtop model and am very happy with it. I thought I would need a floor model for the same reasons listed above, but have not encountered it yet.

 

[Stuey]

If you have the space and $$ for a floor-mounted unit, then that's what you should get. I have a 10" benchtop and it's very lightweight.

If you don't think a floor unit is worth the expense, pick up a 10" for $100 or so on sale and upgrade to a floor unit when the time comes. Then again, if the time to upgrade is soon, you'll be kicking yourself for wasting the $100 on the bench model. However, consider that 10 years from now, you'll probably never regret buying a floor model as long as you always have the space for it.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Floor model, stronger more versatile.

 

[Mickey O]

If you get bench mount, I'd get the largest bench mount and mount it close to the edge of whatever you're mounting it to, that way you can swing it away from the bench to use it on longer things.

 

[speed bump]

I have a bench drill press and can't say I wouldn't rather have a floor mounted unit as I spend way to much time trying to fit bigger things into it.

 

[whelenfan]

thanks alot everyone. I think that I will purchase a floor mounted model. Now on to the really fun part! I'll post when I get it. It might not be until after the holidays though.

 

[cdent]

I don't think you'd regret buying a good drill press. Some floor mounted ones are just cheapie bench models with a longer column.

 

[nissan_crawler]

floor mounted. 99% of the bench ones have a lowest speed of 600 rpm, which *****. Be sure to get a floor model that will drop down to 150-200 rpms if you want to do steel.

 

[Shocker]

If you have room, do both. I have both and have them setup for different things.

 

[Vinko]

Depending upon what your doing with it, I'd look for an old Craftsman or Buffallo. Shoul dbe a lot of Buffallo out in your area. They were wood machines but do metal okay too.