Drill press recommendations.

[handloader90]

Looking to buy a good drill press, preferably a 12 speed or so for metal fab. I wouldn't mind buying used but having a wobbly drill bit and ovaled out holes doesn't sound appealing to me.

What have you guys bought new within the last few years that holds up well and gives accurate holes?

I was looking at a Grizzly 12 Speed table top version that seemed pretty good.

 

[Stomis]

You're really better off used IMO. Older and better built is going to be more accurate than anything cheapo and new now a days.

Ive gathered from the internet that the lowes carried portercable floor drill press is basically the best bang for the buck you can get from a box store. It only goes down to 300 RPM but could always be modified with an additional pulley to slow it down. Ive come to realize that if you want something new, and budget its going to need to be modified for improvement in the metalwork field.

 

[ryoken]

oldschool delta in da house...

 

[jekquistk5]

Older craftsman. I have been eyeing the rouge kit to reduce the spindle speed. Think the slowest speed on mine is 250- 300rpm.

 

[BadDog]

First, you need a realistic expectation for "accurate holes". Bad holes is more about the bit and operator than the press. But of course run out can be an issue, particularly for smaller bits. If going new import, frankly I would probably do again what I did back then. I got the biggest of the floor model HF drill presses, the one with the square table and cast feed arms. Of all that were readily available, it's not half bad, and has nice low speeds you're going to want. But I just looked, and it appears that one is no longer available. Anyway, it was basically a pretty good press with a TERRIBLE chuck. Upgraded the chuck and was happy for several years till I found good deals and got my big Powermatic 20" and Wilton 20" VSG. If you want nice, it's going to be nearly impossible to beat an old US made survivor...

 

[jekquistk5]

My shop just got a new jet. Decent press, but I prefer my old craftsman. I do like the crosshair laser, and super bright led lights though. Lol

 

[handloader90]

Thanks for the suggestions fellows!

What would be the appropriate asking price for an older model Delta that is in good operating condition on the local Craigslist.

 

[readymix]

We had this at the shop. If you wanted I think it would drill through the earth!

 

[runamok151]

Older VS Wilton I bought from a welder friend in the garage for drilling anything metal. I have a table top Ryobi in the wood shop and it definitely wanders more than the Wilton.

Check Craigslist, deals on old tools can be had. Also, check the gov liquidation sites. A lot of tools being sold off lately. Ie:
http://www.govliquidation.com/auction/view?auctionId=9287563&convertTo=USD

http://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...d=drill press&whichForm=vehicle&searchPg=Main

 

[twoslo4five0]

.

Ive gathered from the internet that the lowes carried portercable floor drill press is basically the best bang for the buck you can get from a box store. It only goes down to 300 RPM but could always be modified with an additional pulley to slow it down. Ive come to realize that if you want something new, and budget its going to need to be modified for improvement in the metalwork field.

I own this drill press and have for years. I will buy a rogue fab reduction kit someday. The chuck is a total POS. I put this one on mine and have 0 compaints.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/152678/WoodRiver-12-Capacity-x-2-MT-Lathe-Keyless-Drill-Chuck.aspx

 

[Stomis]

I own this drill press and have for years. I will buy a rogue fab reduction kit someday. The chuck is a total POS. I put this one on mine and have 0 compaints.

http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/152678/WoodRiver-12-Capacity-x-2-MT-Lathe-Keyless-Drill-Chuck.aspx

Lol I have the same exact chuck on mine except I bought it from ebay.

I had to replace the entire front shaft assembly that drives the quill on mine. I think mine was defective because I cant ever remember something happening that would be capable of doing that. I chased the run out from the chuck, to the quill, then finally replaced the front assembly and now it drills great.

 

[twoslo4five0]

Lol I have the same exact chuck on mine except I bought it from ebay.

I had to replace the entire front shaft assembly that drives the quill on mine. I think mine was defective because I cant ever remember something happening that would be capable of doing that. I chased the run out from the chuck, to the quill, then finally replaced the front assembly and now it drills great.

mine would constantly fall out of the quill untill the point one day where i got pissed and broke the arbor and the chuck drill a 3/4 inch hole. Needless to say a new chuck and arbor was in order.