Looking to get a drill press...any help?

[NewShockerGuy]

I don't own a drill press... Always wanted one so I think I'm going to get one.

Problem is I don't have room for a dedicated shop persay... I've gone to the big box stores and they have about 20 or so drill presses.. I don't mind some that would sit on a table, they don't have to be the huge floor standing ones yet... later in life I would prefer that. But for sheer mobility I think a table drill press is fine.

Probably don't want to go with some chinese made one honestly... any recommendation or things that I should be looking for? I really don't know what's good/bad other than saying "oh dewalt, that's probably good.."?

Actually was looking at this one:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_78742-46069..._0__s?Ntt=drill+press&facetInfo=#BVRRWidgetID



Thanks,
-Nigel

 

[waltinbatonrouge]

try craigslist. picked up an older 5 speed Delta for $60, like new, works perfectly

have a bit of patience...you'll find one that sat waaaay more than it ran..

 

[spongerich]

I'd definitely keep an eye out on CL and at estate sales for an older American made DP. Even if you have to replace the bearings, it'll still come out cheaper than a Chinese POS.

The old Craftsman, Delta, Walker-Turner ones are all excellent. Bearings for WT can be a little expensive because they're an oddball size, but they're fantastic machines.

If you mount it on the edge of a bench, you can always swing it over the edge on the rare occasion that you need the clearance.

 

[lilredex]

I have had a similar Delta (#17-901) Dp for a number of years......China made. The only real issue I've had is with the second grade chuck that came on it. It now has a keyless type. The mobility issue was easily solved, for the few times it has been moved around.

Older DP's often come without the table lifts and intermediary speed reducing pulley and run too fast for many drilling jobs.

 

[Davefr]

I agree that CL would be a good place to look. Even the older Taiwan DP's would be better then the new Chinese models. (ex: JET)

I'd rethink table top vs. floor. I find that bench top space is far more precious then floor space but I'm sure it varies.

 

[blasto9000]

My first drill press was a Horrible Freight benchtop model that used to go on sale from time to time at $40-$45. The chuck was a little wobbly but it served its purpose for years with zero maintenance. After some tuning and with good quality screw machine drills it put a perpendicular hole when and where I wanted it.

My second drill press was also a Horrible Freight. They don't make it any more but it had an X-Y table and #2 Morse taper spindle. Actually it was supposed to be a benchtop mini mill, around $250. It was an awful mill but an AWESOME drill press. If you want a nicer drill press, I highly recommend finding one that has a tapered spindle rather than threaded.