Drill Press?

[Agrantina]

I am looking to buy a drill press and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions? I am looking at both kinds of drill presses- bench mounted and stand alone. Will use it mostly for metal- up to 1/4 to 1/2 inch and would like to stay under $500 any ideas? 120v

AndyG

 

[SandburRanch]

I am looking to buy a drill press and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions? I am looking at both kinds of drill presses- bench mounted and stand alone. Will use it mostly for metal- up to 1/4 to 1/2 inch and would like to stay under $500 any ideas? 120v

AndyG

I at one time owned a drill press that didn't have a quill lock and depth stop. Never again. Sold it at a consignment auction and bought a 1960s Craftsman at an estate auction with those two features.

Another thing about home owner presses is they seldom have a good table that is conducive to clamping work down. For metal this is especially important for safety and the longevity of drill bits. I easily modified the under side of mine so most any style of clamp will work.

Pictured is an older drill I'll probably buy at auction just because I like older tools that were made by some proud people that knew what quality meant.

I'd be checking craig list or the bay for an older press. New with those mentioned features may be expensive. Good luck in your search.

 

[Egon]

Will you also consider a radial arm drill press?:thumbsup:

 

[JRobyn]

I have a 10" Delta with a clamp and height adjustment crank on the table, and an 8" Delta with just a bolt-tighten table clamp. I didn't realize how nice the simple adjust was until I didn't have it (on the 8).

 

[Western]

I have a floor model Delta, I set it up where I can use a bench top for longer pieces on one end, or a adjustable rail on the other side. It can also be mounted to the floor which I like. I haven't used it here yet since my shop isnt finished, but that old thing has worked great since around 1987.

 

[Pete Judd]

I have a Delta floor model as well. With the square table and crank. I also have an AUX table that is much larger that mounts on the iron table for woodworking. I am very happy with the tool, but price wise, might look at the grizzly units as they seem to be getting good reviews. I have looked at the HF ones, and they look very cheap, but might work for you.

 

[flusher]

I am looking to buy a drill press and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions? I am looking at both kinds of drill presses- bench mounted and stand alone. Will use it mostly for metal- up to 1/4 to 1/2 inch and would like to stay under $500 any ideas? 120v

AndyG

I have a Rigid floor drill from Home Depot. I bought it because the quill travel is 3-3/4" (not feet as in the HD description) so you can plunge drill 4x6 wood beams.

15 in. Stationary Drill Press-DP1550 at The Home Depot press&storeId=10051

The price is where you want it. The slowest rpm is 300 rpm, a little high for drilling large bore holes in metal. You'd need to change to different pulley sheaves to get lower rpm. So far I've drilled holes in 1" metal stock with that drill.

Good luck

 

[Agrantina]

I have a Rigid floor drill from Home Depot. I bought it because the quill travel is 3-3/4" (not feet as in the HD description) so you can plunge drill 4x6 wood beams.

15 in. Stationary Drill Press-DP1550 at The Home Depot press&storeId=10051

The price is where you want it. The slowest rpm is 300 rpm, a little high for drilling large bore holes in metal. You'd need to change to different pulley sheaves to get lower rpm. So far I've drilled holes in 1" metal stock with that drill.

Good luck

Thanks- I like that one- but I am still looking around- I was told to look at Grizzly ones and I like the 14inch 12 speed--but have not made up my mind.. I wish I could go somewhere and window shop!@!!!

AndyG

 

[Egon]

Window Shop??

Go online.:thumbsup:

 

[Agrantina]

Online is reserach..window shop is looking and touching!

AndyG

 

[bigtiller]

For metal work I think a vise like this comes in very handy.

 

[david12171951]

Neighbor has a HF bench model that goes down to about 150RPMs and has had it for about 6 yrs, uses it for everything. So far no problems and has nice features, also in your price range. I know it is HF but depends on how much you are using it and the pricision your need.

 

[jlawso21]

Agrantina:

Buy a used 70s model Powermatic or Delta!! You can buy a great drill press for less than $500.

Here is one on Ebay.

Powermatic 1150A Drill Press, single phase 115v, 6"quill travel, American iron! | eBay

I was lucky and found one locally for $250, best money I ever spent. 6" quill travel, plenty of power, heavy so there is no vibration. Don't waste your money on a new Chinese machine. Check your local craigslist and go try it out first.

Good luck

 

[Soundguy]

i have a grizly drill press and an old store brand.. I think lowes / kobalt. many ys old.. might be pre cobalt.. have had to clean the chuck head ont he old oe once.. but both are belt pulley rediuction.. and were sub 100$ presses. for wood and small metals.. they do fine. grizzly has a laser sighter.. kinda neat..

 

[Yandaddy1110]

Another bid for an older drill press, Delta/Rockell, from the 50s,60s, 70s. All American made quality. Atlas Press/Sears are good too. In your price range you might even find a Clausing. Check out this site:Old Woodworking Machines • Index page

 

[jlawso21]

Here you go! Don't know if it is close enough but what a machine.

WoodNet Forums: Delta Rockwell Model 15 Bench Top Drill Press (6" Travel) $400

john