Drill Press

[Court_in_Dallas]

I have some interest free credit to use at Home Depot, and a 10% off coupon to go with it. I want to go ahead an spend some money while I can. I am going to limit myself to about $1000.

I am looking to purchase a home shop drill press. I have looked at several but seem to find bad things about all of them. Is Jet worth the money? Is the $430+ Ridgid a decent purchase with the lifetime parts and service?

Also, I would like to replace my air compressor. For a home hobby application, is buying one of the 30 to 60 gallon just complete overkill?

If you were going to spend a little money on tools at Home Depot, anything in particular that you would consider for a novice, in a still-being-outfitted home shop?

I know some of these are broad questions, but I thought there might really be some good input from you all.

Thanks.

Courtney

 

[FigureItOut]

If you were going to spend a little money on tools at Home Depot, anything in particular that you would consider for a novice, in a still-being-outfitted home shop?

I know some of these are broad questions, but I thought there might really be some good input from you all.

Thanks.

Courtney

If I wanted to blow a grand at HD, I don't think I'd be looking at any of the things you mentioned, honestly. I think you get better values on those things elsewhere. Personally, for setting up your shop I'd be looking at Gladiator type cabinet systems, if I wanted to spend my money at HD. Other than that, I might look at 2-3 stationary corded power tools, whatever your needs are. HD will have some of the best pricing on things like table saws and such. Another thing to consider would be a welding outfit, if you're in the market for the Lincoln Weld-pak type machines. The Milwaukee toolboxes would be worth a look also. If you're not already equipped where you you'd like to be in cordless tools, HD's pricing there will be among the best you'll find.

I suspect most would agree that with things like drill presses, your money will go farther in the used market, and in the case of air compressors, the HD offerings aren't going to give you the best value. Someone else can elaborate on that more accurately than I can.



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[Court_in_Dallas]

Those are helpful thoughts FigureItOut, thank you.

 

[larry_g]

Tell us what you plan to do, specifically, with these tools? Wood workers and metal workers need different types of tools. Home repair is different than auto repair. What are your aspirations to do with these tools? We each have different goals and skills, without knowing yours you only get recommendations that fit the poster, maybe not you.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[zendriver]

Over the years I found out the hard way that interest free becomes high interest if you accidentally miss a payment.

I would not want to borrow money for tools, unless maybe my job depended on it.


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[ez-duzit]

If you are dead set on borrowing money to buy new tools at HD, the Jet drill press will likely give you good service. I'd rather have my ancient Delta I bought new.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have had a couple of Jet floor model drill presses and have been please with both. My first one I bought slightly used about 20 years ago, 15" and then sold it and upgraded to the larger 20' model about five or so years ago. It has been a very good drill press but I highly recommend the first thing it so replace the chuck with a better quality one.

On my first Jet I kept the original chuck on it for several years and then upgraded to a Jacobs 14N (1/2" capacity) and it was much nicer. When I purchase my new 20" Jet, the very first thing I did was to upgrade to a Jacobs 16N (5/8" capacity) before I drilled a single hole.

I also fabricated a 6" spacer for my 20" fairly soon after purchasing it because both me and my son are over 6' tall and I wanted a bit more elevation on it. The spacer that I fabricated mounts between the base and the column.

Mike.

 

[GJoustra]

buy a used drill press on CL and blow your money on a Welder.

 

[Court_in_Dallas]

larry_g, I appreciate your questions. My shop will be really just a general home shop used for maintaining lawn equipment, fixing things around the house, woodworking, and general stress relief. I will not be repairing vehicles, maybe a motorcycle but that would be all. Like I said, really just a place where I can go and use my hands.

 

[Court_in_Dallas]

Thanks everyone for the input.