Browsing for a new drill press

[90blackcrx]

Browsing for a new drill press

Well I’m in search of a new drill press, not looking to spend a lot ( because the use for one is not that great yet ) but I would like one that is pretty decent.

So far I have looked at craftsman, dayton , porter cable/delta

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?pid=00921900000&BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&bidsite=CRAFT&cs=e1

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender.shtml?xi=xi&ItemId=1613545457&ccitem=

Any advice?

Thanks

[unixadm]

Here are some things to look for on a drill press:

1. Construction. The more it weighs, typically the better it is.
2. Quill runout. The less, the better. .001 is ideal
3. Quill stroke. Most cheapies have a stroke of around 2". This limits the use of the drill press on thicker materials.
4. Electric Motor. Most cheapies do not have thermally protected motors. They are also usually underpowered.
5. Parts. Make sure you can easily get replacement parts for it.

I'm in the process of moving, but I needed a drill press for the short term. I bought a $130 Tradesman, 12 speed Drill Press from Lowes. It works, but it growls, it has some runout, etc. Does it beat drilling holes using a regular drill, yes! Would I buy one again, no. Once I move, I'll be buying this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00002266L/103-5916242-2367021?v=glance&n=228013&n=507846&s=hi&v=glance

That is a really nice and highly rated drill press. It has a long stroke on the quill, powerful 3/4 hp motor and parts are easy to get. That is the one I'll be buying in the next couple of months. Free shipping and no tax for most people. Originally I was going to go the variable speed route from Delta which is about $900. However after swapping belts a few times, I don't see it as a big deal. With a belt drive unit, there is less to wear out and go wrong.

[Fishy Jim]

Unix, that delta is a nice find. I've been looking for one too and had thought my only option to get slow enough for big holes in metal was going to be a drill mill machine. Now I can set my sights a little lower and more affordable.

Bob, since you do metal and not wood. You need to get one that can slow down to the 300rpm range or you'll burn up bits. For notching tubes hole saw style, you actually want to be down in the 100rpm range.

[imported_hotrodwillys]

check hear there tools are pretty nice
grizzly tools (http://www.grizzly.com)

[90blackcrx]

Bob, since you do metal and not wood. You need to get one that can slow down to the 300rpm range or you'll burn up bits. For notching tubes hole saw style, you actually want to be down in the 100rpm range.

Thank you

How are gizzly tools ? I thought they were the same as harbor freight ?

3. Quill stroke. Most cheapies have a stroke of around 2". This limits the use of the drill press on thicker materials.

Would that be the movement of the arm or Spindle travel ?

[imported_hotrodwillys]

no gizzley tools are not sold by Harbor Frieght. I have one of there box and pan brake and it is fantastic. It was $400.00 for a 16 gauge break, cant beat that. and a friend of mine has a lathe that he brought through them and he has never had a problem, I am not saying that they are the best in the world but I think they are alot better than Sears for the money. Good luck in your search.

[90blackcrx]

no gizzley tools are not sold by Harbor Frieght.

I just heard that were the equivalent, but thats was only hear say. Thanks.

[Fishy Jim]

Quill stroke is how deep the drill can go into the material. 2" is pathetic. If you're drilling a piece of thick tube, you want to at least be able to drill all the way through it to make a pilot hole to flip over and drill from the top again.

I have an ancient rockwell/delta wood drill press that is way too fast (on the slowest speed) and only has a 1/3hp motor. Cheap disposable bits have been my creed because I know they'll be blue as soon as I need to drill a thick plate. Doing hole saw cuts in 1/4" stock is ugly and takes a lot of time re-truing the vertical alignment after the saw catches and throws everything off. Wood working presses are a bad idea for metal. Mine is an exceptional press in wood, but it is a constant thorn in my side for metal.

[jolane]

I also can recommend Grizzly tools. I have a big cabinet table saw from them and it is great (I am very picky). They are a good company, and have tools basically equivalent to JET IMO.
Great service too.
Joshua

[unixadm]

I have some Grizzly stuff. It's hit and miss with them. I'd still recommend the Delta for $359 in this case. I was about to drop money on the $225 Grizzly standup drill press, but with shipping it would be about $275. The Delta is a better machine for less than $100 more, so I'm going that route. It's an excellent deal for a machine that size, with power and a good spindle stroke.

[Laiky]

another option you will want is an easily adjustable table. you will need to change table height often if you do various jobs. The nice ones have a crank and readily accessable locking mechanism

[Fishy Jim]

That's a good point. Mine lacks that feature and usually gets adjusted with a crow bar and rubber mallet (for the tensioner handle). :)

[joebass]

The Grizzly, Delta, Homier, Harbor Freight , and probably Craftsman and others are all the same buy the cheapest one. If you need something better be prepared to spend alot.

[90blackcrx]

So then whats spindle travel, cause a lot of machines are not listing the quill stroke.

[unixadm]

Spindle Travel / Quill Stroke are the same thing. It's the maximum travel of the spindle, from 0 (rest or full return) to max. The more spindle travel, the better as you can drill through thicker material, tubing and wood.

[90blackcrx]

Spindle Travel / Quill Stroke are the same thing. It's the maximum travel of the spindle, from 0 (rest or full return) to max. The more spindle travel, the better as you can drill through thicker material, tubing and wood.

Thats what I figured, ok thanks a lot.

[jpross1]

unixadm, I enjoyed your project pics. and would like to purchase some TIG rod containers like your blue plastic ones you used on your TIG welder cart.
Any guidance would be appreiciated. Thanks

[unixadm]

unixadm, I enjoyed your project pics. and would like to purchase some TIG rod containers like your blue plastic ones you used on your TIG welder cart.
Any guidance would be appreiciated. Thanks

Thanks.

Follow this link, this is where I purchased them:

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.com/servlet/Detail?no=1524