Drill press: Free standing or bench type?

[exmaxima1]

To me the key to which version of DP is the ease of use. Like noted above, many tasks are just plain easier with a hand held drill and guides. My favorite features are variable speed (via knob or crank), 5-6 inches of spindle throw, and adjustable head height---this last feature is a rarity, but once you get used to having a fixed table height and can quickly raise/lower the head you will soon become a convert. Good luck.....

 

[crewchief888]

heres mine...

the cart is an unused snapon 2 shelf cart that i already had, i flipped the top shelf over so i'd have a flat surface.

 

[PT Doc]

My floor model on a mobile base works great for me. I can move it out the way and when I need it and have larger stock, wheel it wherever I want .

 

[Zeus36]

If you can't decide which to get, get them both. Vintage Atlas, vintage Craftsman, or Walker Turner. Stuff from post WWII to the 1960's.

 

[bpjr]

I have bench tops...8" compact hobby size and 14" for everything else. The 14" is same as the floor version (Northern Tool) except for stand size and I've never had a stability issue with either one of them. Floor space is valuable and I store the 8" under the bench if I need to get it out of the way. My bench is 18' long so no problem. It was a hard choice deciding between the 14" bench top and 14" floor model but I'd buy the bench top again. It works for what I do. Had the 8" for 30+ yrs and got the 14" about 8 yrs ago.

 

[jonhdw]

I prefer bench top drill presses. Much cheaper for the same features!