WTB Floor Standing Drill Press

[radio2000]

Looking for a drill press that won't break the bank. My dad has an old craftsman that's 20+yrs old, that I love, but as he says, "they just don't make 'em like that anymore." Will be used for a little bit of everything, metal, wood, etc.
So... Fellas... What do you think?


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[KENWIL138]

I have an old Rockwell 15-665 drill press. Excellent quality machines. Definently look for an older model. I got mine for $120. Works great.

 

[davethorik]

You asked what we think...

I think this is not the classified section, for starters. Secondly, forum rules dictate 100 posts to buy/sell in classifieds here.

 

[1982fxr]

Where are you located? Some members on here have several.

Lots of us like the old stuff but just because it’s old don’t necessarily mean it’s good. Look for a slow speed pulley.

 

[Bdgjr215]

You asked what we think...

I think this is not the classified section, for starters. Secondly, forum rules dictate 100 posts to buy/sell in classifieds here.

Seriously dude,the original poster is looking for advise on WHAT to buy.He's not selling anything .Relax ,drink a cup of coffee and reread the post.

I've had an older craftsman drill press since the 90's and it's been a sturdy machine,but an old atlas or delta or walker turner will all be very sturdy for home shop use.

 

[Davefr]

Looking for a drill press that won't break the bank. My dad has an old craftsman that's 20+yrs old, that I love, but as he says, "they just don't make 'em like that anymore." Will be used for a little bit of everything, metal, wood, etc.
So... Fellas... What do you think?


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IF you don't want to break the bank AND you want to find one quickly AND you don't want the DP to be a major restoration project, then I'd recommend a mid 70's/80's floor DP from Taiwan (not China). There were a gazillion different names on them but I'd opt for JET.

Here's why:
- You could likely find one easily on CL for about $100 + or -
- They are new enough that you're unlikely to need to do a complete restoration and have to hunt for unobtainium parts.
- They have modern "must have" features like table lift, wide 16 speed range for wood AND metal, TEFC motors, table tilt.
- Taiwan machines were decent quality

The older US machines are obviously better but they can be expensive/hard to find and you need to find a machinist DP if you plan to drill metal due to the lower speed range. (most older DP's were intended for woodworkers). In addition they'll need restoration and possibly hard to find parts. As a minimum, bearings will need service.

 

[Shootinok]

I agree 100% with Davefr ^^
I too wanted an old made in USA machine and searched for some time. When the time came that I needed one, I found an older Taiwan one for $90 to get me by with the intentions of replacing it when the right one pops up on CL.
It’s a very usable machine. NOT to be confused with new Chinese junk. These older units do a good job for the average, non-machinist applications I need. I’m very happy with it and haven’t ever looked for another one.
MUCH better than anything I see today in the stores.

 

[Cyansarunt]

How badly do you need one right now? Sounds like you want one but don't need one right this second

If you can bide your time keep your eye on craigslist and other local selling forums for a craftsman 100/150. I've picked up a bunch very easily from $50-100

 

[shawhite]

IF you don't want to break the bank AND you want to find one quickly AND you don't want the DP to be a major restoration project, then I'd recommend a mid 70's/80's floor DP from Taiwan (not China). There were a gazillion different names on them but I'd opt for JET.

Here's why:
- You could likely find one easily on CL for about $100 + or -
- They are new enough that you're unlikely to need to do a complete restoration and have to hunt for unobtainium parts.
- They have modern "must have" features like table lift, wide 16 speed range for wood AND metal, TEFC motors, table tilt.
- Taiwan machines were decent quality

The older US machines are obviously better but they can be expensive/hard to find and you need to find a machinist DP if you plan to drill metal due to the lower speed range. (most older DP's were intended for woodworkers). In addition they'll need restoration and possibly hard to find parts. As a minimum, bearings will need service.

+2. If you really want to break the bank look at an arboga.

 

[torqueman2002]

If you want something in short order, look at Grizzley Tools. I have a bench top model and it is a great setup for home use.
http://www.grizzly.com/search?q=(drill+AND+press)+OR+(drill+OR+press)+AND+(drill_press_type:Floor)

 

[radio2000]

Thanks fellas. Great info.
Not in a hurry, so I'll keep an eye out on CL.
Don't mind doing a lil restoration, could be fun if the parts are available.
I'll post what I find


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[radio2000]

You asked what we think...

I think this is not the classified section, for starters. Secondly, forum rules dictate 100 posts to buy/sell in classifieds here.

I was looking for advice, on a tool. Is that not what this is for?

 

[radio2000]

Where are you located? Some members on here have several.

Lots of us like the old stuff but just because it’s old don’t necessarily mean it’s good. Look for a slow speed pulley.

In upstate South Carolina. Perfectly ok with older, I'm pretty sure that pops bought his in the 90's.

 

[radio2000]

not really wanting to spend more than $150ish after reading your posts, but thoughts on this one?
https://greenville.craigslist.org/tls/d/floor-mount-drill-press/6330678962.html

 

[Davefr]

not really wanting to spend more than $150ish after reading your posts, but thoughts on this one?
https://greenville.craigslist.org/tls/d/floor-mount-drill-press/6330678962.html

That looks like a decent Dayton DP if you could get it for less then <$200. It's only 5 speed so make sure the lowest speed is around 300-400 RPM for big holes in metal.

Here's one of the finest old DP's you can find IMHO. This one looks pretty nice but it'll exceed your budget:

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/d/17-delta-rockwell-drill-press/6301564886.html

I'd also look at these. The CM 150's are a good machine and I believe they have the middle pulley for a wide speed range. However they lack table lift:

https://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/d/shop-tools-craftsman-delta/6310797457.html

https://asheville.craigslist.org/tls/d/craftsman-drill-press/6319341286.html

These Delta's are also decent fairly modern machines. They made a gazillion of this style and they have nice features.

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/d/delta-drill-press/6343384812.html

Happy shopping. Your area seems to have plenty to choose from.

 

[tarbellb]

Wow, is it me or does this Delta/Rockwell have some really nice and unusual features?

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls...301564886.html

Look at the belt tensioner motor bracket, all the handles!, and the depth readout. Must be an early model with very nice features?

Well worth $400, would be nice to snag for less. But Davefr is steering you in the right direction, and that Dayton does not look bad at all. Always check things like bearing noise, motor connections, run-out on the spindles ect...

 

[HoosierBuddy]

Thanks fellas. Great info.
Not in a hurry, so I'll keep an eye out on CL.
Don't mind doing a lil restoration, could be fun if the parts are available.
I'll post what I find


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THIS^^^^^^^^^

It took me over a year to find my old Powermatic 1150. I finally found a good deal on one 40 miles away, drove down and got it, and spent a couple of weeks and another $100 or so refurbing it. I don't think you can buy a new drill press for any price that compares to that old beast. Love it.

BTW...Facebook Marketplace is about equal to CL around here for finding this type of thing. Try it out if you haven't.

Phil

 

[shawhite]

Depending on how far you are willing to drive may want to looks at these.

https://greenville.craigslist.org/tls/d/delta-drill-press-14/6333502761.html

https://macon.craigslist.org/tls/d/drill-press/6318004343.html

 

[rsanter]

Search craigslist, offer up, etc looking for a vintage Cman, delta, powermatic, etc.
Look for good used of that era.
Frankly, most used made in the USA DPs will give you what you want

Bob

 

[radio2000]

Wow, is it me or does this Delta/Rockwell have some really nice and unusual features?

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls...301564886.html

Look at the belt tensioner motor bracket, all the handles!, and the depth readout. Must be an early model with very nice features?

Well worth $400, would be nice to snag for less. But Davefr is steering you in the right direction, and that Dayton does not look bad at all. Always check things like bearing noise, motor connections, run-out on the spindles ect...

Looks like this one is gone. Thanks for the help though.

 

[radio2000]

Depending on how far you are willing to drive may want to looks at these.

https://greenville.craigslist.org/tls/d/delta-drill-press-14/6333502761.html

https://macon.craigslist.org/tls/d/drill-press/6318004343.html

Those are good finds! I'll check the delta out, it's only about 30mins from my office.
The powermatic is bad ***, especially if it was gloss black! Unfortunately the wife may shoot me if i spent that much (too many car and truck projects in the works right now).

 

[454ragtop]

Wow, is it me or does this Delta/Rockwell have some really nice and unusual features?

https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls...301564886.html

Look at the belt tensioner motor bracket, all the handles!, and the depth readout. Must be an early model with very nice features?

Well worth $400, would be nice to snag for less. But Davefr is steering you in the right direction, and that Dayton does not look bad at all. Always check things like bearing noise, motor connections, run-out on the spindles ect...

Those are mods, not factory, nice job. Wasn't thrilled with the 1/2 HP cushion mount motor though, but maybe that's just me.

 

[radio2000]

Those are mods, not factory, nice job. Wasn't thrilled with the 1/2 HP cushion mount motor though, but maybe that's just me.

Is that link working for you? or anyone else?

 

[454ragtop]

Is that link working for you? or anyone else?

The link, first one in Davefr's post, works fine for me. Older Delta 17" DP with many mods.

 

[Davefr]

Is that link working for you? or anyone else?

The link is still working.
https://charlotte.craigslist.org/tls/d/17-delta-rockwell-drill-press/6301564886.html


That guy obviously put a lot of work into that motor mount and it looks like he did a top notch fabrication job. It looks like everything he did can be reversed if you need to use an original Delta motor with their proprietary mount.

Look at the guy's shop in image #2. He's obviously not a hack and seems like a perfectionist.

It's rare to find a table this nice. (only a couple small divits vs. an arc of shame).

It also looks 100% complete and I bet the guy even serviced the spindle bearings.

He has a Jacobs 14N Super chuck on that DP. The chuck alone sells for $200 new.

I'd check it out in person try and try to snag that machine for $300+.

 

[Unruh]

I'm in the same boat. I'm doing searches and finding more listed on Offerup than on Craigslist in my area. May wanna check that out.

 

[incognitokeefer]

Morning, (first post), I have been following this thread and thanks for all the useful information.

I just came across this https://austin.craigslist.org/bfs/d/big-joe-drill-press/6369678020.html

Anyone have any thoughts? Had never heard of any Drill presses made in Texas, where I currently reside...

Have been mulling over heading to our Community college's metal department, where I have been taking classes and seeing if they have any leads on drill presses too.

Appreciate any insight.

 

[shawhite]

That is a run of the mill Taiwan import. Will get the job done come in a plethora of names. I would offer $75

 

[incognitokeefer]

That was my gut instinct. I'll keep the search alive and appreciate the information!

 

[Roberts210]

You asked what we think...

I think this is not the classified section, for starters. Secondly, forum rules dictate 100 posts to buy/sell in classifieds here.

Ditto that.