Best, cheap bench drill press?

[hailwood1965]

I'd like to get a new, small bench drill press.
Initially I'd like to use it to drill holes in small bolts and nuts for safety wire.

Any recommendations?
I'd like a designated unit, not one that uses a drill or a dremel.

 

[ohhimark]

If that's all you plan to use it for then the average bench top press should suffice. It will also fit on the bottom a floor-standing drill press after you upgrade.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I'd like to get a new, small bench drill press.
Initially I'd like to use it to drill holes in small bolts and nuts for safety wire.

Any recommendations?
I'd like a designated unit, not one that uses a drill or a dremel.

The bottom of the line drill presses are about the same. I would advise taking a mag-base dial gauge with you when you go shopping. Buy the drill press that has the least amount of run-out.

 

[ColoradoMech]

The biggest issue Ive had with smaller drill presses is the belts slipping when drilling through steel with larger bits. If your just drilling safety holes in hardware, any of those small presses should do if you have half decent cobalt bits. I personally like the HF ones because you can use it then return it if you really want to. But for $80 for a drill press it is just worth hanging onto afterwards for the next small project.

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

I had a craftsman one like those and it worked really well till I accidentally broke the work table. I upgraded to the Menards for variable speed. It is great.

 

[Nessism]

I'd do the Harbor Freight Bauer. Bauer is the new "better" brand within HF, and if the vices are any reference, that drill press should be decent.

 

[cannuck]

Almost every low buck 1/4" drill press is about the same. I use mine a fair bit. Typical el cheapo with a 1/4" keyless chuck that cost more than the press, but with a decent vice and chuck it is extremely usefull for small holes. My other presses all have 1/2 to 3/4 chucks and can't turn nearly high enough RPM for tiny bits, so a useful tool.

 

[johnre]

"Best" and "cheap" are usually mutually exclusive, of course.

Small benchtop units often suffer from too small a motor, short quill travel, reduced clearance between support column and drill chuck, and not a lot of speed selection.

If you want more value for a limited outlay, consider getting it used with at least a 1/2 HP motor, 14-15" clearance, and two belts / three pulleys. Grizzly makes a good one, G7943, that's 14", 3/4 HP, and speed selection from 140 - 3050 RPM.

 

[catalytic]

"Best" and "cheap" are usually mutually exclusive, of course.

No, just when you're buying new.

OP, the best drill press you're going to find is a $50-$120 American drill press made by Delta or Rockwell or about 30 other manufacturers between 1940 and 1980.

I rebuild machine tools and there is just no comparison between those and what you're looking at. For one, they are made of metal parts, which helps when you want to use them to make holes in other metal parts. Also, the chucks on most of the drill presses you linked kindof ****. Using them is an exercise in frustration.

Post a wanted ad on OWWM.org. Most of us have too many bench drill presses lying around. Decent bench drill presses are the opposite of rare and expensive... most of us jump at the chance to free up bench space.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I think would would check out Govdeals for something that is used but a better unit. Nothing wrong with buying a good used tool.

 

[Davefr]

No, just when you're buying new.

OP, the best drill press you're going to find is a $50-$120 American drill press made by Delta or Rockwell or about 30 other manufacturers between 1940 and 1980.

I rebuild machine tools and there is just no comparison between those and what you're looking at. For one, they are made of metal parts, which helps when you want to use them to make holes in other metal parts. Also, the chucks on most of the drill presses you linked kindof ****. Using them is an exercise in frustration.

Post a wanted ad on OWWM.org. Most of us have too many bench drill presses lying around. Decent bench drill presses are the opposite of rare and expensive... most of us jump at the chance to free up bench space.

I agree. CL usually has plenty of older bench top DP's. Even the older Taiwan machines were decent.

 

[ALinCarolina]

Check the advertised slowest speed also.

 

[bassJAM]

I've had a WEN for about 10 years I'm happy with. It does retail more expensive than the HF unit, maybe $200ish but I got it as an open box at a heavy discount.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I've seen a few powermatic bench top 1150s and they seem to go cheap. Some come with a nice steel bench they were mounted to.

 

[Jeff]

I bought a Grizzly about 20 years ago. No issues. Parts are available. I did upgrade the depth guide when they updated the new press.

 

[larry_g]

I'd advise you to review and understand the process for safety wire drilling. One thing is that for that small of a diameter hole your going to need a high speed spindle. Some of the really cheap presses may advertise a high top speed but lack the power to really turn it that fast. If your turning at the speed required by the small bit then balance comes into play. Do a search on precision or sensitive drill press to see what is out there. Where in the world are you? I may have what you need.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[lafester]

I've seen a few powermatic bench top 1150s and they seem to go cheap. Some come with a nice steel bench they were mounted to.

I absolutely love my 1150, but I think the op is looking for something smaller. The delta dp220 is fairly common and easy to manage.

 

[sparky 1971]

I have the Masterforce branded drill press sold at Menards

Masterforce® 12" Variable Speed Bench Drill Press

Masterforce® 12" Variable Speed Drill Press features infinitely variable speed ranges from 530-3,100 RPMS. Mechanical variable speed delivers equal torque throughout the range. LED read out displays speed. Built in crosshair laser improves accuracy and the LED work light illuminates the work...

www.menards.com

It appears to be the same as the Harbor Freight 12"

12 in. Variable-Speed Drill Press with Laser Alignment

Amazing deals on this 12In Variable Speed Drill Press With Laser at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

I don't use it very often, but when I have, it's always done the job.