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Drill press

7K views 36 replies 20 participants last post by  DaninVan 
#1 ·
Hello fellow woodworkers. I" am looking to buy my first drill press, and for many years i have wanted a Delta 900L, but after doing some researching it seems as though the belts are hard to find and the quality is not what it was several years ago. I would appreciate any insight from anyone who has bought one recently. If not the Delta then what? All opinions welcomed. Thanks mac1
 
#2 ·
Quality of most stuff isn't what it used to be. I've got a HF drill press I bought in 1996-7. Still working just fine, and does just what I want it for. Cost new was around $50 or so. And quite possibly made in the same factory that similar, but high priced, drill presses were made.
 
#4 ·
Oh, I so don't like seeing this kind of thread because I'm in serious hate with my 30 year old Delta. But it sorta works ok even if it has massive runout. I really don't want to spring for a new one as my 2020 budget (and some of 2021, for that matter) is allocated for a big new shiny CNC router.

But, if I were, the Lagunas would get serious consideration though I'd probably go for a Griz. I do keep my eye on craigs list and Facebook marketplace hoping a little old widow is parting with a low mileage one.
 
#5 ·
If you're looking for a benchtop, consider the WEN. They have a taller bench model that is really nice. It has a continuous speed control without changing belts. It has a laser crosshair that is accurate and helpful. They have a larger floor version as well. I'm very happy with mine. Don't have any room for a floor model. BTW, the casting marks on the WEN are identical to the Jet. Can't speak for the floor model, but the reviews are not bad. Depends on how much you want to spend.
 
#7 ·
I found a nice Rockwell radial drill press during my tool search a few years ago for just $125 on CL. Cleaned it up, relubed the quill and wired up a light and paddle switch. Remounted it on a rolling cart and use a Chinese XY table for positioning. Super solid rig that can extend 16" out from the post for deeper drilling.

For accuracy, you do have to check runout on a used drill press but it is usually the chuck that has gotten old or was a cheap one and can be replaced.
 
#10 · (Edited)
A shot of my Rockwell radial drill press - reaches 16" from the post and can be tilted up to 90 degrees for angled boring too.
You can also see shelving hardware to adjust overall height and the XY vise and one of the blocks for bringing the workpiece into range of the desired boring height.
 

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#12 ·
Hey Mac1, depends solely on you brother on what kind of of DP you want/need.
if you need a simple benchtop DP then just go to HFT and pickup the 69.99 8inch DP,Also WEN...Portercable...shop fox... grizzly.... craftsman Now if your looking for a middle of the road and not highend DP
then of course HFT has a descent one for bout 699.99.... and there also are alot of middle of road types out there.
I personaly went with a Jet Tools - JDP-17MF, 16-1/2" Floorstanding Drill Press, 3/4HP 1PH 115/230V....around 700.00 U.S dollars...
i could name alot of them out there but it all depnds on what your lookin for and what you want it to do ...God Bless Brother
 
#14 ·
I've had a floor stand drill press for 15 yearsish. Got rid of it a couple of years ago and bought the Wen benchtop. Great drill press so far. Quill doesn't walk at all and the laser is very accurate. I love the fact that I can adjust the speed on the fly. So far well worth the cost.
 
#17 ·
I purchased a floor model PORTER-CABLE 8-Amp 12-Speed Floor Drill Press at a significant discount from Lowes number of years ago. I replaced the stock chuck and arbor with Albrecht chuck and arbor that I got on ebay. It transformed the drill press. Ebay has some amazing deals on Albrecht chucks and arbors.
 
#22 ·
My first DP was a craftsman bought at a farm sale. Changing the belt/pulley combination was a pain in the back side and the drill proved to be not worth the hassle. Current DP is a Delta table top with variable speed and overall reasonable. Might consider changing the Chuck though.
 
#25 ·
I recall that the variable speed is based on a pully that opens or closes down so the belt stays out on the edge for one speed, and rides closer to the center as the pully opens for another speed. My WEN has a circuit that computes actual RPMs as you vary it. Someone called it a Rockwell device or clutch.

Found this Loooooooong article on best DPs of 2020. Lots of info, comparisons. https://www.15tools.com/best-drill-press/
 
#26 ·
Found this Loooooooong article on best DPs of 2020. Lots of info, comparisons. https://www.15tools.com/best-drill-press/
I love lists like that for the humor. This one did not disappoint. He is an Amazon affiliate, trying to drive purchases, not a lot of experience with drill presses, though. Recommending a magnetic base drill press as a woodworking tool because of its automatic cooling system.... or recommending a little Skill drill press for heavy duty metal work.....

It was a very fun read.
 

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#33 ·
I own a Delta 18-900 drill press and I love it. This drill press is a quality piece of machinery and I enjoy using it. Well worth the investment and will last for years. I’ve had no problems. Easy to change drill speed. I checked on the belts and found a abundant supply on the internet. I wouldn’t think twice about buying it again.
 
#34 ·
I have a 17 inch Delta - a 950L. I get replacement belts at the auto parts store. they can measure the old belt with a special jig/tool they have and provide an exact replacment for a fraction of what delta charges. i prefer places like Advance Auto Parts or Pep Boys. The NAPA places tend to be pricier.
 
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