HF/Central Machinery Drill Press

[Ron_J]

Anyone have first hand experience with the floor model drill presses from HF?

I have been keeping my eye open for a decent used name brand drill press, but nothing has popped up. I want to replace my 20+ year old cheapie Cummings Tool bench drill press with a floor model.

I'm trying to decide between the Rigid, Delta and the HF. Rigid and Delta are both $499 and the HF is $289 (before coupon). I don't make a living off the stuff I'll be drilling, so perfect isn't a requirement, but it will need to be damn close.

I looked at the HF pass/fail thread but didn't see anything on these drill presses.

 

[bri_man57]

I had the 3/4hp one I believe, it was the biggest one with the round table. It was decent, worked great for a long time, motor was good, but I did end up with some wobble in the Chuck. My friend had the next size up, 1hp with the square table and that was a solid machine. Always did what we asked.

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[rok_hunter]

I know it's not on your list of models, but check out Wen. Yes, it's Chinese, but it also has a lot of great reviews. I bought a tabletop model that I've not put together yet (building the bench for it this week) that was very highly reviewed, and inexpensive.

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[Bretny]

If your drilling metal with any size bit over 1/2in make sure it goes slow enough. 1/2+ bits are to expensive to be trashing or sharpening every few holes.

I found the problem with the used market to be there almost all drill presses for wood or highly highly over priced. It took me a few years to find an old delta with huge spindle pully and slow 1180rpm motor.

 

[matt_i]

As close as I think you are to Cleveland, a trip to HGR Industrial Surplus in Euclid, OH or at least to their website is in order.

Buffalo, Avey, Edlund, Powermatic, Clausing are just a few names to look for.

These will run circles around almost anything new.

 

[InsaneEd]

I have the largest drill press that they sell at HF. I have had it for nearly 20 years, and it has done everything I have needed from wood to 3/4" thick steel.

Is it the best? Probably not.
Would it hold up in a manufacturing environment? probably not.
Was it affordable? Absolutely
Would I buy it again? Absolutely.

 

[csp]

I have the largest drill press that they sell at HF. I have had it for nearly 20 years.....

Would I buy it again? Absolutely.

I wonder if after those 20 years the quality is the same as it was when you bought yours. I'd suspect it isn't.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, Harbor Freight tools are built to a price, not to a quality. If you buy
a low priced tool you can expect the quality to match.

 

[kaymccampbell]

I bought this one a couple years ago, to replace a benchtop model that died after 30 years. It's a full height, and 1hp, according to the catalog. I beat it like a rented mule, and I like it a lot.
https://www.harborfreight.com/power...presses/16-speed-floor-drill-press-43389.html

 

[rmack898]

I bought this HF drill press in 1987 and it is still my most used drill press in the shop out of 4 DP's.

 

[wayne55]

Range of speeds looks good.

 

[John in OH]

As close as I think you are to Cleveland, a trip to HGR Industrial Surplus in Euclid, OH or at least to their website is in order.

Buffalo, Avey, Edlund, Powermatic, Clausing are just a few names to look for.

These will run circles around almost anything new.

If your drilling metal with any size bit over 1/2in make sure it goes slow enough. 1/2+ bits are to expensive to be trashing or sharpening every few holes.

I found the problem with the used market to be there almost all drill presses for wood or highly highly over priced. It took me a few years to find an old delta with huge spindle pully and slow 1180rpm motor.

+1! Definitely worth a website visit!! I bought two Delta drill presses (very similar to the Delta in Bretny's post) from HGR several years ago and they have been great. They were grubby and needed some TLC but are stout machines. I think I paid about $250 for each.

BE CAREFUL .... many of HGR's drill presses are 3-phase.

 

[CraigStu]

That DP posted by kay looks identical to my Craftsman from 30 yrs or so ago.

 

[LeonardY]

I've had a 16 speed HF for about 20 years. I replaced the chuck with a swap meet Albrecht chuck 5-6 years ago. Checked the run out on it and it's perfect.
Funny thing. I never knew there was a light socket built in until I replaced the chuck.

 

[whateg01]

I've got a few drill presses set up for different things. All used. Mostly old iron. If you can find one that isn't damaged, they can usually be rebuilt with new bearings and cleaned up and work as well as low cost imports new. I figure I can put the same money in and end up with a better machine.

Dave

 

[marinusdees]

I bought this one a couple years ago, to replace a benchtop model that died after 30 years. It's a full height, and 1hp, according to the catalog. I beat it like a rented mule, and I like it a lot.
https://www.harborfreight.com/power...presses/16-speed-floor-drill-press-43389.html

I have this one, bought 20% off with coupon. Replaced motor with a 3 phase and run with a freq drive. My go-to for tough drilling. Otherwise, a Craftsman "Commercial" with a PM variable speed.

 

[Ron_J]

Thanks all.

I'm still a couple weeks from having my garage ready to set up, so I'll keep looking for a better quality used machine, but it sounds like the 1 HP HF would fit my needs.