Drill Press decisions...

[notenuftoys]

I'm working on a design that requires 30 holes drilled through 1/8" angle. I'm halfway through the first build, or prototype, and have decided that using a M18 drill just doesn't cut it. Or rather, my arms don't cut it. The drill does fine.

So, with limited cash in hand I've been scouring the used sites and I'm currently going between a few different drill presses.

Option 1: Sprunger 14" that runs. I'll need to look at it in person to know if bearings are needed, but some restoration work doesn't phase me.

Option 2: Old-ish Craftsman 10". I may or may not be getting sucked in by the 1/2hp motor.

Option 3: Old-ish China-made Delta 12", model 11-990

Option 4 was a floor model Delta that got away because it was priced cheap. Kicking myself on that one.

Option 5 is a just another generic Chinese made Skil/Wen/HF to burn through until I get some real money to spend.

I'm very intrigued by the Sprunger. It appears to be clean, little rust. I do think I'm going to go take a look at it because I might regret not doing so.

Any other thoughts, opinions? All these options are basically in the same price range, plus/minus $30.

 

[dutchgray]

Get the best condition one you can find, USA made (or First world production) will be better than a Chinese made drill of equivalent spec. If you want to do over 1/2" in steel then you want one which runs in the low hundreds rpm, the lower the better.

 

[lis2323]

If all you plan on doing is drilling holes through 1/8” any cheap drill press will do you fine. Use a good quality step drill to save time.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Most of my drill presses were either free or nearly free. Some needed refurbing but no big deal as I’m not proud. [emoji1]

 

[notenuftoys]

I need better friends who'll give me some free tools. ;-)

I found an old brochure that lists the specs of the Sprunger. 600rpm is the slowest speed, which should be fine for my needs. There's no plans on the radar that will use more than 1/4in metal. It also has a 3 1/4 spindle travel, which will be useful drilling through square tubing.

 

[lilredex]

As above any DP will do, but do yourself a favor and get one that will deliver around 200 RPM, with the center intermediate center pulley, for future steel drilling.

I found an older HF #38142 that need some work for $40. Heavy and does a good job.

 

[BFBOB]

14 in absolute minimum. Slower speeds very useful but easily done with pulley change. Sprunger is very good stuff. I have a Sprunger 14” bandsaw speed reduced for metal. It's a tank.

 

[Packard V8]

Use a good quality step drill to save time.

Here's where we'll have to agree to disagree. I spend a lot of time in machine shops and I don't recall seeing the pros reaching for a step drill.

Also, I've never had the pleasure of using a "good quality step drill" I'm willing to learn, so who makes the good one?

jack vines

 

[ClappedOutBport]

Here's where we'll have to agree to disagree. I spend a lot of time in machine shops and I don't recall seeing the pros reaching for a step drill.

Also, I've never had the pleasure of using a "good quality step drill" I'm willing to learn, so who makes the good one?

jack vines

That's because the pros had nearly unlimited access to sharp, large bits and drill presses that are capable of pushing them. But lis is right, for a homeowner DP, a step drill is by far the fastest and cleanest. Even though I have 1" twist drills, 1" annular cutters and a capable machine, I would still use a step drill for a hole in say box tubing or thin plate.

 

[notenuftoys]

I picked up the Sprunger tonight. It was inherited from the seller's grandfather, and as best I can tell it was built in 1976. It appears to run great but needs a belt right away. The one on there almost looks original!

I'm going to pull it apart, clean it up, lube everything and generally make sure it will run for another 45 years. But first, I need my son's help to unload the beast when he gets home from work. Tomorrow I'll start a new thread and share some pictures.

PS: In a couple years we plan to move out of town where I'll get to build a shop. At that time I'll probably start working with heavier metal. If so, then I'll go find another DP that runs at an even slower rpm.

 

[notenuftoys]

14 in absolute minimum. Slower speeds very useful but easily done with pulley change. Sprunger is very good stuff. I have a Sprunger 14” bandsaw speed reduced for metal. It's a tank.

What rpm are you running? Did you do something to slow it down more than the 600rpm listed?

 

[Shadowdog500]

Check out this porter cable drill press from Lowe’s. I’ve had several drill presses over the years and this one is my favorite. It has tight tolerances, is well made, long stroke M2.
At least go to Lowe’s and check it out.

8-Amp 12-Speed Floor Drill Press https://www.lowes.com/pd/PORTER-CABLE-8-Amp-12-Speed-Floor-Drill-Press/1000132463

Here is mine drilling large holes at 5:00 in this video.

 

[tarbellb]

Or may throw cash at better bits?

Grab a couple of HF step bits, and some quality pilot bits just bigger then the first step, and youre done in no time.

Congrats on the new DP tho, fix it up nice.

 

[vrinner]

If all you plan on doing is drilling holes through 1/8” any cheap drill press will do you fine. Use a good quality step drill to save time.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money. Most of my drill presses were either free or nearly free. Some needed refurbing but no big deal as I’m not proud. [emoji1]

That's a lot of drill presses! About time to start a museum!

 

[matt_i]

PS: In a couple years we plan to move out of town where I'll get to build a shop. At that time I'll probably start working with heavier metal. If so, then I'll go find a knee mill that runs at an even slower rpm.

There fixed it for you

 

[groundcoat]

Good choice with the Sprunger. You won’t regret it. You’ll find the restoration process to be both educational and quite enjoyable. Get yourself a good set of cobalt steel drill bits.