Best drill press for ~$1k?

[tldavis]

We've got about $1000 budgeted for a drill press at work and I've been searching around for suggestions. I work for a small engine manufacturer, we're in the quality department and have our own separate shop we're outfitting.

I came across the Clausing brand through threads on here, but that seems to be way out of our budget.

This Delta brand is highly rated, though some Amazon reviews are a bit more negative: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-18-in-Laser-Drill-Press-18-900L/203293723

Would anyone have recommendations for something in our range? I'll continue to search.

Thanks!

 

[Davefr]

We've got about $1000 budgeted for a drill press at work and I've been searching around for suggestions. I work for a small engine manufacturer, we're in the quality department and have our own separate shop we're outfitting.

I came across the Clausing brand through threads on here, but that seems to be way out of our budget.

This Delta brand is highly rated, though some Amazon reviews are a bit more negative: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-18-in-Laser-Drill-Press-18-900L/203293723

Would anyone have recommendations for something in our range? I'll continue to search.

Thanks!

For new, I'd look at JET 20" or Powermatic.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EONQF1M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004T9L1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I you have lots of time and patience you can start a slow gradual search for a used unit. You can get a really nice used machinist DP for <$1k but some repairs/restoration may be needed.

 

[exmaxima1]

We've got about $1000 budgeted for a drill press at work and I've been searching around for suggestions. I work for a small engine manufacturer, we're in the quality department and have our own separate shop we're outfitting.

I came across the Clausing brand through threads on here, but that seems to be way out of our budget.

This Delta brand is highly rated, though some Amazon reviews are a bit more negative: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-18-in-Laser-Drill-Press-18-900L/203293723

Would anyone have recommendations for something in our range? I'll continue to search.

Thanks!

Used Clausings should be readily available for less than $1000. Vintage Delta DP-600 would be my vote.

 

[ranger302]

I have a 17" Delta/Rockwell 1hp, 3 phase 220v with static phase converter. production table for sale if you are interested. No repair needed.
I am in the RTP area of Raleigh/Durham.

Similar to this one. But with no arc of shame.

 

[Ainsley]

I'm looking around at the moment for a drill press for our maintenance shop to replace our '50s Canadian buffalo. I'm working with a bit higher budget but have been looking at the grizzly and general international brands so far.
My most important features are:
- variable speed without having to mess with pullies and belts
- large table with a crank to raise/lower
and if the budget allows:
- downfeed

 

[zkling]

What will you be drilling (include hole sizes)? Are other operations such as tapping and reaming a consideration for this machine?

 

[tldavis]

For new, I'd look at JET 20" or Powermatic.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EONQF1M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00004T9L1/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I you have lots of time and patience you can start a slow gradual search for a used unit. You can get a really nice used machinist DP for <$1k but some repairs/restoration may be needed.

Thanks for the link on the JET, that may fit right into what we're looking for.

Used Clausings should be readily available for less than $1000. Vintage Delta DP-600 would be my vote.

I set up some craigslist alerts on my phone. Searchtempest isn't blocked at work, but craigslist is. Go figure. Any other places I should be keeping an eye on? I set it to search for 'delta drill press'.

I have a 17" Delta/Rockwell 1hp, 3 phase 220v with static phase converter. production table for sale if you are interested. No repair needed.
I am in the RTP area of Raleigh/Durham.

Similar to this one. But with no arc of shame.

Thanks! Forwarded it along. I live in Durham.

What will you be drilling (include hole sizes)? Are other operations such as tapping and reaming a consideration for this machine?

At this point, I don't think those are considerations, but if we can fit it into our budget and it's a well thought out feature, then definitely. Not sure on hole sizes since it varies so much, but we generally use steel for our test fixtures.

 

[zkling]

At this point, I don't think those are considerations, but if we can fit it into our budget and it's a well thought out feature, then definitely. Not sure on hole sizes since it varies so much, but we generally use steel for our test fixtures.

You have to be joking?

You don't know if you are going to be drilling primarily 1/4" or less holes, ~1/2" holes or 3/4"+ holes. Small machines aren't going to do the latter, and large machines won't be easy for the former.

If you are going to spend $1k on a drill press, and plan on using it in a production environment, get a real industrial machine. Easily done in that price range via a machine shop auction. A geared head 20" would probably do everything you need.

The delta 17" or DP600 is really a pretty light industrial machine, and that is coming from someone that owns one.

 

[tldavis]

Well, I'm still relatively new to the job, so I don't have a great sample size of things that have been done in the past where a drill press would have been useful. It could be anything from a throttle cable fixture to something that needs to be big enough for an engine PTO to fit through, though at that point we may have our tool shop take care of it. It won't be necessary for day to day use, but it will likely see some abuse. I appreciate the input.

 

[Nowater]

I have been told that TechnaTool will be releasing an electronic variable speed drill press in January. No belts! I know several people with their variable speed wood lathe, and they all seem pleased.

A lot of people settle for one often used speed on their drill press and make do with that rather than change belts.

If the variable speed is important to you, look into the TechnaTool.



http://teknatool.com/

 

[knobby]

I'm looking around at the moment for a drill press for our maintenance shop to replace our '50s Canadian buffalo. I'm working with a bit higher budget but have been looking at the grizzly and general international brands so far.
My most important features are:
- variable speed without having to mess with pullies and belts
- large table with a crank to raise/lower
and if the budget allows:
- downfeed

Did you check KBC?
http://kbctoolsandmachinery.ca/product/show/6-850-5816-MS

 

[dumper]

how about a used one? https://bend.craigslist.org/tls/5355821385.html