Floor or Bench Mounted Drill Press

[Ryan87LX]

I have always 'made due' with a regular hand drill, but I'm about to embark on a project that requires 14 holes to be drilled very accurately, and that means it's time for me to buy a drill press.

I always figured that I should buy a floor mounted drill press, but they seem to have about the same 'throw' as the bench mounted ones.

So, is there a REAL difference in what I can do between a floor mounted press and a bench mounted press?

What would you recommend?

 

[#1SomeGuy]

You can fit much bigger work items between the base plate and drill with a floor mounted one. And one takes up floor space, one takes up bench space...depends which is more precious to you.

 

[kythri]

I won't say this holds true for all of them, but in my searching for a floor-mount drill press, I've found that the floor models typically seem to have heftier motors and more belt/speed options than the benchtop models.

Typically, it's NOT the same caliber of press on a smaller mount.

 

[Davefr]

There's another factor IMHO.

Benchtop real estate is always at a premium over floor space.

 

[STGFordCrazy04]

I mounted my bench top drill press on a rolling cabinet.

 

[Ryan87LX]

Very interesting. Sounds like the standing press is probably a better idea then, for long term.

 

[BD1]

Actual get a floor model standard drill press and a RADIAL drill press for the bench. There are always drill presses on craigs list. I got my Rockwell bench
radial for 80.00. Money well spent.

 

[Richard D]

Buy used USA instead of new China.

 

[PT Doc]

Buy used USA instead of new China.

I think this is a great idea.

For some folks though a machine with so many parts that might need adjustment or replacement might just lead to frustration. Now, a US made vise for sure should be US made. Just a thought.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Both. I won't say who, but some members of this forum have both - I think they have a problem

If you've got the arrangement, I vote floor, for the capacity. Bench mounts have their place though. Iffn you find a bench mount you can't pass up consider mounting it on it's own stand/cabinet. It won't take up precious workbench space.

 

[lilredex]

Two features you want are a table lift (rack + pinion) and the intermediate speed (third) pulley. A lot of older N.A. made DP's do not have either. Most DP's still go too fast for metal working. I have both floor and B/T models and they never get out of the very lowest speed.

Either floor or bench top will do, mount it on a mobile if you go bench top.

This is mine, used with a previous B/T model.

Some of the KING and Busy Bee models are OK. A friend bought one from PAL and it turned out the spindle was not splined to the drive, only a key or set screw....... so watch for that.




If you buy used and need a chuck, have a look here:

http://www.cdcotools.com/

or this Cdn. supplier with prices almost as good.

http://www.accusizetools.ca/


Have a look here too, post #163

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=172251&page=5

 

[Ryan87LX]

Lilredex by PAL do you mean Princess Auto? They do have a press on cheap right now. Thanks for the tip

 

[PCO6]

Both. I won't say who, but some members of this forum have both - I think they have a problem

I have both. No problem with that. I often have something jigged up in one and end up doing something else in the other. I sometimes have something jigged up in both. I sometimes drill with one and drum sand with the other.

I orignally had a decent sized bench model. It was mounted to a 3 drawer cabinet that I salvaged out of an old metal desk. I stored my drill bits, hole saws, jigs, etc. in the cabinet. I replaced it with a floor model in order to have a bit more versatility. I replaced the cabinet with a basic Craftsman tool box / roller cabinet and put in under my shop press. That cabinet now houses my drill bits, etc. and items I need for my press. In the end I saved some space and got a bit more versatility.

Floor model on the right ... small bench model just visible on the left ...

 

[lilredex]

Lilredex by PAL do you mean Princess Auto? They do have a press on cheap right now. Thanks for the tip

That is the one he returned..........

 

[lilredex]

Here is a decent one, if you were closer................

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-power-tools-drill-press-W0QQAdIdZ447908491

 

[Davefr]

Two features you want are a table lift (rack + pinion) and the intermediate speed (third) pulley. A lot of older N.A. made DP's do not have either. Most DP's still go too fast for metal working. I have both floor and B/T models and they never get out of the very lowest speed.

I couldn't agree more. I'm constantly tweaking table elevation to get the bit as close to the work as possible. My previous USA DP lacked that critical feature and table elevation changes were a total PIA. (you could go down OK but going up took lots of back and forth wiggling of the table). That DP has been put out to pasture.

My advise is to get the best DP you can find with modern features like a wide speed selection range and table elevation.

 

[HandsomeDan]

Can I hijack this thread and ask about what brands I should be looking at if buying new? Either bench-top or floor.

 

[Bull]

I couldn't agree more. I'm constantly tweaking table elevation to get the bit as close to the work as possible. My previous USA DP lacked that critical feature and table elevation changes were a total PIA. (you could go down OK but going up took lots of back and forth wiggling of the table). That DP has been put out to pasture.

My advise is to get the best DP you can find with modern features like a wide speed selection range and table elevation.

What are some good models that have these features?

 

[A_Pmech]

Floor, of course.

 

[neblinc]

I have a older Craftsman bench top drill press that I don't use that often. So when I need to use it I go get it off the floor in its out of the way place and put it on my bench to do the work. When done, back it goes to its place.

Randy

 

[tomshep]

I was using my floor model this weekend doing some basic work on strap steel and remembering how big a PITA it was before I bought it. I bought it new about 20 years ago. It is a Central Machinery brand made overseas (GASP!) but does what I need just fine. It has a number of pulley speeds, bed tilts, swings and raises with a rack. I would think you can get into a good unit for a couple hundred and you won't regret it.

To your original question--I enjoy the floor model. It is easy to get to on all sides and it has a greater range of adjustment over a bench model.

Tom

 

[Ryan87LX]

I've decided to go with a floor model, thanks so much for all of the comments.

I'm probably going to go with the one from Princess Auto that was posted here before, but they were all sold out, so I had to take a raincheck. In the meantime, I'll keep an eye out for a good used model. Not too common to see them for sale around here though.