Standing Drill Press REcommendation?

[lbperry]

My 25 year old Craftsman desktop drill has served me well and is due an honorable retirement.
I'm looking for the best standing drill press in the $550 range. I'd love one of the $1000+ Deltas but that's just not in the budget.
Within the $500 limit the Wen looks pretty good and if I want to stretch to $600 the Jets do too
Can any of you guys recommend a good one in my price range.
In the mean time I'll be off searching CL for a diamond in the not too rough.
Thanks for your help,

 

[VocaTexas]

I'd go to auctions or garage sales and try to find another old Craftsman, Delta, or Atlas. I picked up a '70s vintage floor model Craftsman Industrial drill press for $200 at an auction a couple of months ago. I've used the **** out of it lately and haven't found a single fault with it. It's a lot better quality than the new drill presses I looked at.

 

[txvwnut]

I'd go to auctions or garage sales and try to find another old Craftsman, Delta, or Atlas. I picked up a '70s vintage floor model Craftsman Industrial drill press for $200 at an auction a couple of months ago. I've used the **** out of it lately and haven't found a single fault with it. It's a lot better quality than the new drill presses I looked at.

This is my suggestion also. I was on the hunt for a drill press a while back and found a really nice Walker-Turner floor unit on eBay about 10 miles from my house.

If you can take the time to look for an older American made unit I think you'd be happier than dumping a bunch of cash on a new import made unit and end up with a better machine.

 

[tarbellb]

This is going to be the same most guys here say, find something used. Its a great option if they are near you.

Post your city and you will have some here hunting CL for you! And they usually turn up some gems.

If you are forced to buy new, I recommend looking at Grizzly.com. They are all made overseas these days, but Grizzly isnt charging extra for the "name" like other brands.

 

[flkeysdude]

Today I picked up a Walker Turner 900 series drill press (benchtop) manufactured in 1947 from a fellow who was cleaning out his factory. It's heavy, dirty, needs a good cleaning but runs like a top. $50.00...

 

[Packard V8]

Since you've got a good operational DP, take your time and find a quality unit which fits your needs. They're out there. I've got five at present and sold three more in the past couple of years. I'd make you a heckuva deal on a Delta, but it's a long way from here to there.

Of course, you'd have to through in some Alabama barbeque, the best in the world.

jack vines

 

[rharman]

Do you really need to replace it? A 25 year old Craftsman is a well built machine. I have a floor model that I bought second-hand probably 40 years ago. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Still looks like new.

 

[nine4gmc]

Do you really need to replace it? A 25 year old Craftsman is a well built machine. I have a floor model that I bought second-hand probably 40 years ago. I wouldn't trade that for anything. Still looks like new.

25 yrs ago wasn't that long in Craftsman years, the one you bought used 40 years ago is probably a great machine.

 

[paulsomlo]

Old and heavy - Buffalo, Walker Turner, Clausing, Rockwell.