Drill Press Question

[txbonds]

Looking at getting another bench top drill press for general home use in metal and wood. I want something with most power and capability but don't care about features like lasers. I do want minimal run out though.

I think these are all made in China but Would either of these be worth the cost increase over the HF model below which is about $200 with coupon?

JET 354165
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00064NGQU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

GRIZZLY G7943
http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Speed-Heavy-Duty-Bench-Top-Drill-Press/G7943

CENTRAL MACHINERY / Harbor Freight 38142
http://t.harborfreight.com/heavy-du...142.html?utm_referrer=https://www.google.com/

 

[Fretters]

Especially when it comes to pillar drills, I'd personally suggest that you get your hands on an old English/American drill and not bother with one of the import jobbies. The import drills are usually so naff as to be practically worthless. Last one I had the displeasure of trying to use would have put a hula dancers **** wiggle to shame with the amount of runout it had.

 

[txbonds]

Can't find any locally that aren't floor models and I don't have a spot for floor model. That's why I narrowed down to these 3

 

[harvero]

For the price the Ported-Cable drill press is not bad. I looked for an older unit myself and got tired of waiting for one to turn up on craigs list. Yes it is floor standing.

lowes link

http://www.lowes.com/pd_78742-46069-PCB660DP_0__?productId=3162489

product info

http://www.portercable.com/aboutus/News.aspx?BlockID=e18732a4-040c-4a45-a150-3c1c0e391a30

 

[txbonds]

Thanks. I looked at that one locally but I really have to use a bench top model. I was thinking the grizzly might be nice because it has the slowest speed capability of 140 rpm vs 220 on the HF but I don't know if that's much difference.

 

[harvero]

The porter cable link contains a comparison of the HF and grizzly floor standing models. Perhaps these same points might map to benchtop models.

Best Buys
Central Machinery 38144 13 in., $206*

PROS
Although Central Machinery tools haven’t fared well in previous American Woodworker tests, this one performed admirably, appears to be well made and is available delivered for $206 (there’s a $6 handling charge). You can try it out for 30 days and return it for a full refund, if you’re not satisfied. If bottom dollar is your top consideration, give this machine a try.

CONS
The 38144 comes with a round table, an open motor, a ring-style depth stop and narrow belts. The unusual, cast operator’s lever takes some getting used to.

* Price includes shipping in the 48 contiguous states.

Grizzly G7944 14 in., $248*

PROS
This machine feels better to operate than other small-throat-capacity machines because it’s built big (taller and heavier) and it delivers good power. Its operator’s levers have long rods with comfortable grips. We like the paddle style on-off switch, although it isn’t recessed. Grizzly is known for its reliable customer service.

CONS
The G7944 has narrow belts and a ring-style depth stop. There’s noticeable side play between the quill and the head.

* Price includes shipping in the 48 contiguous states.

 

[larry_g]

Have you considered a mill/drill? They make a great drill press and a fair milling machine. Another thing to consider is a floor model and cut down the column.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[PT Doc]

If you will be drilling with large bits or hole saws then the grizzly would be better on papers outside of that, get the hf and see how it works. If it's not good for you, then will accept a return.

 

[sawbuck]

buy a floor model and cut the pole, you have a bench top....

 

[noslin]

one thing i noticed on my hf bench top is the chuck doesnt seem to be too true.. it wobbles a bit. might of been the way i installed the chuck? but whenever i work up to a big drill bit (stepping up in size) it gets really bad till you apply pressure and just dive in.

but, i got it on a fire sale for 80 bucks (literally had a fire at the store - nothing was wrong with it except the box stunk i think)

dean

 

[Carla]

Looking at getting another bench top drill press for general home use in metal and wood. I want something with most power and capability but don't care about features like lasers. I do want minimal run out though.

If you feel you really must get your experience of an oriental-made 'pseudo-machinery' drill press at 'first-hand' so to speak, have a look at your local Craig's list on the internet.

You are most likely to find several 'like new' ones for sale cheaply, after their current owners have gotten their own 'first-hand experience'. There are a few cosmetic detail differences, and a variety of names, but they are basically all the same class of item.

Now, if what you want is a serious drill press, then specify what material you plan to drill, and to what drill size. The most common light drill presses, real ones, that is, are rated for 1/2" in wood, and 3/8" dia. drills in steel.

Will that capability suit your needs?

If so, there are several makes which are good ones, but, understand, the good ones were last built in the 1970's, with some, and expensive, exceptions, the American 'Buffalo' make for example.

It may take some patience to find a nice one in your area, but good serviceable light drill presses in the Delta, Atlas, Walker-Turner, Buffalo, and Powermatic makes (and there are a few other good makes as well, the ones mentioned are the most common.) are surprisingly commonly offered for sale, on internet advertising areas, such as Craig's list, or the 'classified' areas of this site, and the various woodworkers' and machinists' internet sites.

cheers

Carla

 

[txbonds]

I'm just looking for a generalist home garage unit that will get used on everything from wood to projects on my 4runner build. I had bought the harbor freight but decided to go ahead and return it before I even opened the box after lots more reading.

I'm not really looking for another project so restoring a used vintage model is not really desirable.

I'm still thinking bench top for storage and versatility purposes as I can mount on a cart or on my bench but I do see the benefit of having a floor model on a cart as well.

I looked at the porter cable and it looks to be similar quality to all the others but what I didn't like is its slowest speed is 300 rpm and while it says it's 1hp I just don't believe it since it's only 8 amps. I'm guessing it's closer to the 1/2 to 3/4 range like the HF model since it claimed 3/4 HP at 7.5 amps.

I think I'm narrowing down to either grizzly or jet models for best chance at future parts support. I really like the features on many of the jet models and with amazon free shipping it isn't that much more than grizzly. As best I can tell jet is a little more refined than grizzly but both seem to be considered very similar. I like the fact that grizzly has models that get slower to 140 rpm for thicker material.

It's a shame I can't find any of these locally.

 

[Packard V8]

It's a shame I can't find any of these locally.

I had a ready-to-go-to-work Delta 14" bench model for sale for $100 for two weeks with no takers. It ended up going to Africa, along with a wood lathe, three table saws, radial arm saw, band saw and router arm.

jack vines

 

[ZRX61]

Can't find any locally that aren't floor models and I don't have a spot for floor model. That's why I narrowed down to these 3

Just find a floor model & put a shorter mast on it.

 

[txbonds]

From what I can tell the grizzly and jet bench models I'm looking at are identical to their 14 and 15 inch counterpart floor models except the pole height.

 

[txbonds]

What about a good condition Buffalo Forge no 15 benchtop unit? It is the style where the foot is also the table. Not sure what size motor it has on it but how would that compare to the ones I've been looking at?

 

[PT Doc]

As stated before, a floor model column can be cut down to any height you want. Would have a beefier column to base interface as well.

 

[txbonds]

I understand but I'm just trying to find best options with what I'm finding available in market. Are you suggesting a floor import like HF, Grizzly or Jet? Everyone keeps saying forget import and find old one so I've been looking.

The buffalo mentioned above is not local to me at 4 hrs away so I can't check it out easily. I've just sound a floor model used buffalo 15 that is in auction about 5 hours from me that lists not working and bad motor as reason. It is currently listed for $27 and a few days left on auction.

Would have to go get something like these but I'm just trying to figure out if they would be better than new import or keep looking.

 

[GirchyGirchy]

No, you said all you could find locally on CL was floor versions....we were assuming you meant these were good ol' American vintage ones, in which case you could hack the post off to make a bench version. Or did you mean all of those you found on CL were cheap imports as well?

Look for Walker Turner, Rockwell, Delta, Craftsman, etc...

 

[txbonds]

Yes, sorry the only thing I can find on local craigslist is import floor and import tiny bench stuff.

I started checking CL and Ebay further out in cities I drive to for business to try to find some options. I'm just having trouble finding much info on a lot of the ones I'm finding with regards to speed, power and capability. I'll keep looking. Thanks.

 

[Hurricane_Whisperer]

Can't find any locally that aren't floor models and I don't have a spot for floor model. That's why I narrowed down to these 3

A floor model doesn't really take up any more floor space than a bench model would.

If your floor space is completely taken up by benches, then a bench model would take up less floor space.

That being said, there are drill press units that are the same size as floor model, but meant to be mounted to a bench, sometimes in multiples. I believe General in Canada has some imported units like this that might be your best hope of getting a low cost bench mounted unit with the capabilities of a typical floor unit.

 

[7th Kahuna]

I think these are all made in China but ...

I looked really quick and didn't see any country of origin info. I wouldn't necessarily expect either the Jet or the Grizzly to be from China, rather from Taiwan. In my mind that would be a significant difference. I am with most of the other folks here, find a good old American drill press, but I can also understand being in a smaller or younger community where those aren't as common. If you are looking for a drill press for casual use, I hate to say it but perhaps there is a good argument for going with a Taiwanese model. If it doesn't work out long term, it doesn't work out. $250 isn't going to prevent your kids from going to college.

I started out with a hand full of Chinese and Taiwanese Delta tools that I picked up cheap off Craigslist. As I have found American made replacements, I have sold those imports off. Happily, I have made money on each of those sales. If you buy new, you aren't likely to make money, but it could none the less be sold down the line.

 

[txbonds]

Folks mentioned to get a mill/drill. Not sure what model or year this is but it's central machinery and looks like it's older but still made in China. Not having much luck in search so far.

Would this be a good option as it's about same price as a new 17" jet or grizzly press.

 

[Packard V8]

Yes, it's more machine than the usual Chicom DP suspects.

Not having much luck in search so far.

One, you really haven't been looking that long.

Two, remember, you're not marrying a benchtop DP. Buy one, use it, learn what's good and bad, find a better one, buy it, sell yours. Most of us have been trading up on tools and machinery all our adult lives.

jack vines


jack vines

 

[larry_g]

Folks mentioned to get a mill/drill. Not sure what model or year this is but it's central machinery and looks like it's older but still made in China. Not having much luck in search so far.

Would this be a good option as it's about same price as a new 17" jet or grizzly press.

That is what I had in mind when I suggested it. If you can make sure that it includes a drill chuck, not a deal killer though if <$500. If it is in the $2-300 range go for it.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[txbonds]

That is what I had in mind when I suggested it. If you can make sure that it includes a drill chuck, not a deal killer though if <$500. If it is in the $2-300 range go for it.

lg
no neat sig line

They are asking $650 as it stands. Given no chuck or taper I offered $350 but we will see if I even get a response.

 

[txbonds]

No go on above mill as price too high.


Knowing I'm jumping around here but how does the sears craftsman 17" compare to the other China import 17" models from jet, grizzly, etc.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-17inch-drill-press/p-00934986000P?&redirectType=SRDT

 

[txbonds]

After a week of reading and the above comments I decided to just pick one and try it. Ended up stepping up from the HF bench top by ordering a Grizzly G7943 bench top model this morning. I realize it's made in China just like the HF model is but I liked the table on the Grizzly, the parts availability on the Grizzly website and the extra reach over the HF model. This one weighs 40 lbs more than the HF model so it has some extra beef packed into it somewhere but who knows if that will make much difference.

Anyway at the end of the day I figured I would pick a middle of the road China bench top and try it and if I want more at some point Or if I come across a better vintage USA made unit I can always upgrade then. Thanks and I'll share a pic and thoughts once I get it.