I need a new drill press

[golfnut]

Good evening! Long time member but seldom post.

I have a Northern Tool drill press that is about 10 years old in my farm shop. I've never been fond it. Today the speed control decided to quit working and I have zero desire to fix it. While I'd really like an Ellis I can't really justify that. Any other suggestions. I'd prefer to keep my purchase under $2,000.

 

[Trapps]

With a budget of < $2k I'd be all over a Nova Voyager...

 

[golfnut]

With a budget of < $2k I'd be all over a Nova Voyager...

Looks interesting.....also not available for several months.

 

[PoorUB]

Shop around Craig's list or Facebook market place for a used Powermatic 1200 or a used Clausing. Either will be a better drill than you can buy new for that money.

 

[corn chip]

i cant say which one to buy but i can offer first hand account what not to buy. china made jet. total garbage. you can watch the spindle wobble. hand drill would make a more accurate hole

 

[Davefr]

With that kind of budget I'd get a classic old machinist DP and restore it. (Walker Turner, Delta, Powermatic, etc). Then I'd convert it to 3 phase/VFD and add a Albrecht keyless chuck. The only issue is are you willing to spend the time restoring it?

 

[kelpaso1]

With a budget of < $2k I'd be all over a Nova Voyager...

A computer controlled DP? Ahh, no thanks. Changing the belt on different pully's for speed changes too much work?

 

[mogandave]

What size?

 

[mogandave]

Jet makes (or a least made) a decent low cost machine.

 

[exmaxima1]

A computer controlled DP? Ahh, no thanks. Changing the belt on different pully's for speed changes too much work?

I question the available torque using a direct drive motor with no torque multiplication from belts or gears. At the very least there should be a few ranges of speeds rather than a single range of 50-3000 revs.

 

[corn chip]

Shop around Craig's list or Facebook market place for a used Clausing.

this is what i should have done instead of flushing money down the toilet on a cheap piece of junk jet. when money allows ,im going to undo my mistake

 

[Davefr]

Changing the belt on different pully's for speed changes too much work?

Yes, it wastes too much time for small speed changes. That's why you go 3 phase/VFD. You adjust the pulley position for the range of speed/torque you'll use most of the time and let the VFD select the speed within that range. Then you can always change belt positions for when you need major changes in torque vs speed ranges.

I set my 1.5 HP 3 phase DP on highest speed belt range. There have only been a few times I've needed more torque down low but if I do, then I have 4 more higher torque/lower speed ranges to select from by making belt changes. Making a belt change for all speed tweaks seems so inefficient.

That Nova DP looks like something you'd find at HF. (lightweight and flimsy) Maybe it's OK but is sure looks weak.

 

[PoorUB]

I mentioned a Powermatic 1200. I bought one a few years back for $600. It is a 3 phase machine so I wired in a VFD. It is a tank! 600 pounds of American cast iron. I looked around the internet and when Powermatic quit building this model in 1995 the list price was $3,500 which would be about $6,300 in today's dollars.

 

[shawhite]

I mentioned a Powermatic 1200. I bought one a few years back for $600. It is a 3 phase machine so I wired in a VFD. It is a tank! 600 pounds of American cast iron. I looked around the internet and when Powermatic quit building this model in 1995 the list price was $3,500 which would be about $6,300 in today's dollars.

Powermatic still makes a pretty nice drill press PM2800B can be had for $2079 although it is no longer made in the US. While I am a fan of old American drill press there are other imports that are just as good or better arboga/solberga.

 

[PoorUB]

Powermatic still makes a pretty nice drill press PM2800B can be had for $2079 although it is no longer made in the US. While I am a fan of old American drill press there are other imports that are just as good or better arboga/solberga.

I looked at the PM2800 and it isn't close to the older PM1200. Don't get me wrong it is a nice drill press, but it isn't anything like they made 30-40 years ago.

 

[shawhite]

I looked at the PM2800 and it isn't close to the older PM1200. Don't get me wrong it is a nice drill press, but it isn't anything like they made 30-40 years ago.

I would agree it doesn’t have the heft of the old powermatic but it is capable. Personally I like gear head drill presses like the arboga due to their smaller footprint

 

[Trapps]

A computer controlled DP? Ahh, no thanks. Changing the belt on different pully's for speed changes too much work?

You got me, I'm lazy.

Yes, it wastes too much time for small speed changes. That's why you go 3 phase/VFD. You adjust the pulley position for the range of speed/torque you'll use most of the time and let the VFD select the speed within that range. Then you can always change belt positions for when you need major changes in torque vs speed ranges.

I set my 1.5 HP 3 phase DP on highest speed belt range. There have only been a few times I've needed more torque down low but if I do, then I have 4 more higher torque/lower speed ranges to select from by making belt changes. Making a belt change for all speed tweaks seems so inefficient.

That Nova DP looks like something you'd find at HF. (lightweight and flimsy) Maybe it's OK but is sure looks weak.

It might be flimsy, but at over 300Lbs, it is not lightweight.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Where are you located? Wood, metal or both? Our recomendations may vary depending on what state or country you are located in.

 

[tarbellb]

The Nova is about the only new DP around that price I recommend.

Grizzly is OK, but still leaves something to be desired. Avoid new Powermatic, Jet, etc.., overpriced for what you are getting.

With a $2k budget you should definitely be looking at your local machine resale company. You can find some really nice used DPs at that price.

 

[liliysdad]

For $2k, I would be looking for a small mill. You can easily get into a RongFu or clone round column, but with some patience, something like a Clausing 8520 or 8530 is not out of the question.

 

[GeoBruin]

For $2k, I would be looking for a small mill. You can easily get into a RongFu or clone round column, but with some patience, something like a Clausing 8520 or 8530 is not out of the question.

You're not wrong about the ability to pick up a small mill in that price range, but if the OPs primary purpose is drilling, an 8520 is going to disappoint. Any true mill in that class like the 8520 or a Rockwell 21-100 is not set up for drilling. A combination mill/drill is a great alternative. You get a heavy duty, integrated xy table, but you also get real drill press style down feed.

I have a Rockwell and a Grizzly mill/drill and the Grizzly is much more convenient for drilling operations. The only drawback is the Z axis height is limited so big parts are tough. I can rotate the head 90 degrees but then I have to re tram everything.

Honestly, a true drill press is the best option for just drilling.

 

[liliysdad]

I don't disagree, and I have both an 8530 and a Delta DP600. The drill press is hands down better for drilling, but if I could only own one I'd let the drill press go.

 

[golfnut]

Well guys, after hours scouring the internet and trying to make a few phone calls on Friday, I came to the conclusion that what I was looking for didn't exist. I studied the Dake units A LOT and almost ordered one from Trick-Tools. Then I visited with a few friends who have Ellis machines......and then I blew my budget and ordered a new Ellis that should be delivered early next week. Way more machine that I need but I've never regretted buying a quality machine or tool.

 

[shawhite]

Well guys, after hours scouring the internet and trying to make a few phone calls on Friday, I came to the conclusion that what I was looking for didn't exist. I studied the Dake units A LOT and almost ordered one from Trick-Tools. Then I visited with a few friends who have Ellis machines......and then I blew my budget and ordered a new Ellis that should be delivered early next week. Way more machine that I need but I've never regretted buying a quality machine or tool.

Wow at that price range you are in the clausing and arboga market both better drill press than the imported Ellis (assembled in the USA) in my opinion.

 

[seber]

With a budget of < $2k I'd be all over a Nova Voyager...

The last thing you want in a drill press is a password.

 

[GeoBruin]

I don't disagree, and I have both an 8530 and a Delta DP600. The drill press is hands down better for drilling, but if I could only own one I'd let the drill press go.

Ha! No kidding. Probably because good used drill presses show up every day on craigslist/offer up etc. but USA made milling machines smaller than a Bridgeport are a much rarer breed...

 

[golfnut]

Wow at that price range you are in the clausing and arboga market both better drill press than the imported Ellis (assembled in the USA) in my opinion.

Wow at that price range you are in the clausing and arboga market both better drill press than the imported Ellis (assembled in the USA) in my opinion.

I purchased this unit for $4,500 + shipping. It appears new units like you mention start at $6,500. I'm not sure I'd consider that the same price range. The reality is that the Ellis is already twice as much as I initially planned on spending and when you live in the middle of no where buying something that can be serviced locally is a huge bonus.

 

[shawhite]

I purchased this unit for $4,500 + shipping. It appears new units like you mention start at $6,500. I'm not sure I'd consider that the same price range. The reality is that the Ellis is already twice as much as I initially planned on spending and when you live in the middle of no where buying something that can be serviced locally is a huge bonus.

Either way congrats on the new drill press. Give us a review when you get a chance to use it.

 

[kelpaso1]

What does a + $4000 drill press do better than a $200 Delta can? I cant justify spending that kind of cash for just drilling holes which will never be as accurate as a mill.

 

[shawhite]

Not sure what the OP intended purpose is but. Power down feed and power tapping are just two of the many things that come to mind a drill press like the Ellis can do that your delta could only dream off

 

[golfnut]

Not sure what the OP intended purpose is but. Power down feed and power tapping are just two of the many things that come to mind a drill press like the Ellis can do that your delta could only dream off

It's going in a farm shop. General repairs, equipment upgrades, etc. Current project requires reaming out 128 1/2" holes to 5/8" and another 128 holes from 1 1/16th to 1 1/8th. Plus another 128 29/64th holes drilled. I'm fairly certain my cheap drill press crapped out with the big reamer

 

[tarbellb]

Looks like a very solid and capable machine.

Interested in hearing long term reviews.

I do agree with others, at that price point I would've gone another direction, but what you got is also not the wrong direction

 

[PoorUB]

What does a + $4000 drill press do better than a $200 Delta can? I cant justify spending that kind of cash for just drilling holes which will never be as accurate as a mill.

Poke large holes in steel comfortably.

I had a $200 Jet, probably about as heavy as the typical Delta home shop drill. The table would flex down under the force applied by the drill bit.

Seriously, if you have to ask, you either have never had to drill large hole in steel, or never ran a great drill press.

I wouldn't spend $4K on a mill either, unless I found a good used Bridgeport. Any new import mill I look at, by the time I find one that tickles my interest is well over $10K

 

[liliysdad]

My $300 Delta DP600 with a step down pulley would have absolutely zero issues with the tasks listed....

To each their own, and I can completely understand the desire for a new, shiny machine.....but when I can buy a legit, American made piece of *********, production quality machinery for less than 1/10th, doubtful I will ever make that sort of leap.

 

[shawhite]

Unless your dp600 is 3 phase there is no reverse for power tapping also I have yet to see one with power down feed. Don’t get me wrong I could buy a used clausing, alzmetal or arboga for a fraction of what the OP paid for this Ellis but it’s his money and he got what he wanted. There is something to be said for having a new tool ready to work that you don’t have to restore before you put it to work.

 

[liliysdad]

Unless your dp600 is 3 phase there is no reverse for power tapping also I have yet to see one with power down feed. Don’t get me wrong I could buy a used clausing, alzmetal or arboga for a fraction of what the OP paid for this Ellis but it’s his money and he got what he wanted. There is something to be said for having a new tool ready to work that you don’t have to restore before you put it to work.

Given that power tapping was nowhere in his description of needs, that seems to be a non issue...but I could always run a reversing tapping head if that was a concern. As for restoration....All I had to do to mine was plug it in, and buy a step down pulley setup. Old doesn't mean abused or worn out.







I do agree, its his money, and I bet its a killer piece of machinery.

 

[dutchgray]

Poke large holes in steel comfortably.

I had a $200 Jet, probably about as heavy as the typical Delta home shop drill. The table would flex down under the force applied by the drill bit.

Seriously, if you have to ask, you either have never had to drill large hole in steel, or never ran a great drill press.

Quite
I have sold it now but my 4 spindle production drill was rated to 1" in steel and would do that no problem, all day long, no pilots, just punch the bit through.
It took up too much room and I had little work for it so it had to go.

 

[golfnut]

I got my new Ellis 9400 drill press today. Ordered it Friday from Trick-Tools.com and picked it up from the local XPO depot this afternoon instead of waiting until tomorrow afternoon for delivery. It was easy to uncrate and stand up using my forklift and I had it running within 30 minutes of getting home. First impression......quiet and smooth.

 

[msharley]

Hey Golf,

Great looking machine!

(only a little jealous)

Later, Mark

 

[tool_scrounge]

Nice drill press!