Be patient........how soon/fast do you need one?
I bought a 15" Craftsman on CL for $100
5/8"
1 HP
12 Speeds
250 - 3100 RPM
0-45 degree table tilt
Works great for me and my needs
Yes true, but it seems all the times I’ve looked on CL, there’s nothing but overpriced rusty junk. I’m not much of a bargain/used hunter, and don’t want to drive all over New England looking for one. I do however understand the older US made units are superior, but I never seem to have much luck. I like new, but would love to find an older quality unit, I just don’t want to wait much longer.
For the money on a new press, the Klutch 17in can't be beat. I spent $650 on mine and I see it on sale for $550 on amazon and I aint even mad.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EGB6RK0/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This same unit is private labeled by other brands for $900+.
I use it exclusively to cut metal, often time hardened aircraft alloys.
Old USA metalworking drill presses are the best but pretty hard to find in good shape. Don't buy an older USA DP designed for woodworking - it'll lack the speed range for metalworking and lack features like table lift.
For Plan B I'd look for a 16 speed, 17" Taiwan DP. They're easy to find, relatively inexpensive and better then the new Chinese machines. Look for Jet, Delta or the gazillion similar no name machines. Most have table lift, table tilt, TEFC motors and a wide speed range appropriate for metal.
Yes very true. I like some of the JET models. A local dealer sells them, but it looks like the models they carry are labeled by JET as woodworking DP’s. Is this a concern? For metal drilling, isn’t it usually done at lower speeds?
I was referring to the earlier JET machines from Taiwan. The new ones from China seem too expensive for what you get.
For large holes in metal, you'll need a couple hundred RPM. For small holes in aluminum you should be in the 1000's.
Where in CT?
Yeah, I used to post on Team Chevelle quite a bit, before the stupid password fiasco, 72ragtop over there. Decided they needed me more than I needed them, arrogant morons that aren't car guys running it. But yeah, have a few Delta's here, could put one together with a single phase motor, or even a 3 phase with a VFD.
Ok, let me know, and if you have any model numbers or pics. I’m not real savvy, but I know some models I was looking at can draw quite a few amps. I’m pretty sure my garage outlets are on a separate 15 or 20 amp breaker. If you want, pm me and I can give you my contact info. Oh also I’m 70CHEVELLE396 over there.
That Klutch looks a lot like a rebranded Delta, pretty good #s, looks like a rebranded Delta but thats not saying much.
Add in that 600rpm isnt low enough for good metal capacity and I would skip it.
If you are buying new and staying under $750, look at Grizzly, same quality (or better) as Delta, Powermatic, JET, better than Baileigh. All of those are made overseas now, Grizzly just doesnt charge for the "name".
20" for $785 shipped
http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-...948?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com
17" for $660 shipped
http://www.grizzly.com/products/12-...947?utm_campaign=zPage&utm_source=grizzly.com
Agree with others about finding a older USA model on CL, but sometimes it doesnt make sense with either timing, whats available, or how much work you want to put in.
Any I have can be plugged into a regular 15 amp household outlet, no problems there. These are the DP600 models, HD, have a table lift, think they're 3-1/2" columns. Considered a light industrial drill press. Can get some pics next week. I'll send a PM.