Drill press recommendation.

[mauro]

Hello everyone, I've been lurking here for a few months now and appreciate all the knowledge and killer garages you all have! I am looking to finally purchase a drill press, primarily for wood work but can see myself using it for occasional metal milling (aluminum is most likely) and metal boring up to possibly hardened steel. I am wondering how much power, and what features I should be looking for (lasers? milling vise?)

I am open to used machines if you guys tell me they are worth looking for. I'm hoping to keep my budget under $500. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

Also if there's a milling vise worth buying I'd love o hear about it.
Mauro

 

[Outlawmws]

I'd go used however, most older good used DP's are 4 or possibly 5 speed and only really good for wood or soft metals. Steel and the like require much slower cutting speeds so you need at least an 8 speed, more if possible, to get slow enough for steel in say 1/2" sized holes. (the larger the hole, the slower you cut...)

The most common setup is three pulleys with 4 sheaves each, giving you 16 speeds. So when looking, if the DP is not marked, look for that third intermediate pulley.

Another option for slowing them down is to replace the motor with a variable speed treadmill motor. I did this to a 4 speed Rockwell, and am loving it. I have a thread documenting it if you think this is something you want to pursue.

 

[Outlawmws]

PS: most drills are NOT suited to ANY milling unless they have a screw on Chuck. Taper mounted chucks (most all new DP's) have Taper/taper chucks.

 

[mauro]

Outlaw, thanks for the feedback. Any brand better than any other? I'm assuming new craftsman is just below ryobi ?

 

[perfect]

I would love to see that link that you have for using the treadmill motor for the drill press. Sounds like a fun project!

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw, thanks for the feedback. Any brand better than any other? I'm assuming new craftsman is just below ryobi ?

Current Craftsman DP's may BE Ryobi. if the model No. prefix is 315, It's Ryobi.

For the older DP's Sear's made a lot of different level's, and the larger Craftsman Branded units are generally more desirable. The model 100 and 150's are well liked (A lot of restore threads on these, And I will have one up for a Mod. 100 soon..)

Pre import Delta, Rockwell; Atlas/Clausing (that is getting into the industrial drills, I JUST missed on last week... almost any of the larger old American iron is good IF the thing is not worn out or thrashed beyond redemption. unless the rust is beyond surface rust, and as long as the quill is tight in the head then rebuilding/refurbishing is a weekend project at most, unless you need spindle bearings. then you need to find parts.

 

[Outlawmws]

I would love to see that link that you have for using the treadmill motor for the drill press. Sounds like a fun project!

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=2615162#post2615162

 

[Glacial_Speed]

Features.....quill depth.

Nothing worse than a drill press that can't even get through a 4x4.

If you are buying used, make sure it has a split head design that can be tightened up.

See if you can find a used clausing or powermatic (very industrial....usually with price to match). Delta/Rockwell is kind of a **** shoot since they made both industrial items and 9" lightweight trash.

I'd go used....if you're able to put a new motor on a 3 phase machine (or install a VFD) then many more used options are available.

But if you're looking to buy new, maybe you can score a black friday deal at lowes or sears.

Good Luck.

 

[JASTECH]

I would like to have a used Clausing, there are none to be found out here. I need variable speed or "maybe" better yet a 3hp 3ph then use VFD. I drill all kinds of wood and steel. So Outlaw, if you locate one please let me know. I have a 16 speed in the shop and can't change the speed myself.

 

[Outlawmws]

I would like to have a used Clausing, there are none to be found out here. I need variable speed or "maybe" better yet a 3hp 3ph then use VFD. I drill all kinds of wood and steel. So Outlaw, if you locate one please let me know. I have a 16 speed in the shop and can't change the speed myself.

Take a look at the link in post 7, and think about converting the 16 speed to a treadmill motor. watch CL for a free treadmill and you have 90% of what you need to do it.

 

[BD1]

Rockwell,Delta, and Powermatic are nice. If mainly for woodwork, what about a radial drill press ???

 

[JASTECH]

Outlaw, The one I have is a Daytona or something odd like that with 3/4hp motor. That is why I need the Clausing VS.

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw, The one I have is a Daytona or something odd like that with 3/4hp motor. That is why I need the Clausing VS.

I don't see an issue. Treadmill motors range from1-1/2 HP to 2-1/4 HP or more, and have better torque than induction motors. Weight is comparable to an induction motor of 1 HP or less...

If the physical capacities of your DP's stroke or post clearance is the issue, then a different story.

 

[carbon]

I bought a Porter Cable 15" drill press from Lowes 2 weeks ago. Brought a HF coupon and although they didn't accept it, they did knock the price down to $270 (also, on their website it's $299, in the store they wanted $329! If anything, get them to honor their site price, bastards!).

Speeds go down to 300rpm and it has a 4 inch stroke. It's all metal, even the top. The chuck on mine wobbles a bit, however. I had always planned on buying an Albrecht keyless chuck anyway, so that wasn't a big deal to me, but it would be to most people. I know, putting an Albrecht chuck on a cheap DP is like putting lipstick on a pig, but hey, I wanted to go keyless and I can always use the chuck on a more expensive press if I decide to upgrade.

I must say, that Albrecht chuck is niiiiice! But anyway, I did a ton of research and you won't get anything close to that DP at that price. The 4 inch stroke is BY FAR the longest at the price. The only other one I would consider, factoring in low price, would be the grizzly 14" heavy duty one. It has a very low speed (140rpm), a shorter stroke (3.25") and a higher price (on sale now for $379 shipped). http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-Speed-Heavy-Duty-14-Floor-Drill-Press/G7944

 

[BWS]

Mint '47 W/T radial drill with full cabmet base.Sits along side of BP in machineshop.These were originally used in a lot of "pattern shops".I would strongly discourage their use as an "all-purpose" DP.They do a cpl things SO well,that it justifys the enormous amt of realestate.I love ours....its a sweetheart,gets used every other day or so.

Big,late 40's W/T 20 in woodworld(period cabmet work).Production table,pwr downfeed....with practically unlimited vises to go with it.More often than not......its got an 8" Heinrich quick-vise thrown up on it.The production table takes a little getting used to.Its a staple in metal world.....but most WW'ers don't fully use them to their capability's.Once you have a bunch of Tee-nuts,throw in some hdwd spacer blocks....and a handfull of Destaco's....and a few custom pcs....they're the cats azz.

Got a Jet 17" for free...'cause its a complete POS.Machined replacement parts for it and abuse the snot out of it as a dedicated mortiser.Bought a period correct(that there is funny),Jet mortising unit off the Bay.....unopened with bits for 30 + shipping.Its sporting a really nice bed set-up.This DP had the livin f**k beat out of it as a....mortiser,duh...in a medium sized WW facilty.Mortising on a DP is like trying to "mill" with one.....just "don't do it".

Look for a "restored" Powermatic 20.

 

[JASTECH]

Outlaw, I would like more then a 4" stroke and not China made. So an older used USA is in need. You guys on the east of me locate them for around $300 and down to $100 or so. I might even be able to pay for a little restore from a GJ member. Our weather won't permit me to do much. I think from what you guys say that Clausing restored would be my last DP. Then pass it on to my son.

 

[ersatzs2]

I would like to have a used Clausing, there are none to be found out here.

I finally found a nice Clausing on Craigslist, paid only $300 it had spent an easy life at the Rutgers University wood shop. Don't give up, monitor the craigslist aggregator sites.