Recommendations needed.

2032 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by sailer, May 8, 2005

ryan.s

Discussion Starter · Apr 21, 2005

I have a store credit at one of the local hardware stores and was thinking about picking up a delta benchtop drill press. Then I thought to myself maybe I would get more use out of a scroll or a band saw. I do woodworking and metalworking as a hobby mostly on weekends. I already have a table saw, miter saw, router, laminate trimmer, circular saw, jig saw, several power drill/drivers... etc. Do you guys get good use out of a drill press. I know that it pretty much depends on the projects I do but wanted to get some general opinions. Thanks!

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Bob N

· #2 · Apr 22, 2005

Ryan,

I never thought much about a drill press until I purchased one this past winter and now I must say between the router and the drill press, they are the 2 most used tools in my shop. You can do so many things with a drill press and a little imagination, it is unbelievable.

I see you listed a laminate trimmer in your arsenal. Which one do you have and how do you like it? That is on my wish list at this moment and I am still trying to decide which one is the best investment.

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ryan.s

Discussion Starter · #3 · Apr 22, 2005

Bob,

Thanks for the reply. I will definitely look into the drill press. Based on the reviews i've seen on the web the delta DP200 seems like a good cost effective choice. What sort of creative stuff do you do with it. I was thinking it could double as a spindle sander but if you have more ideas on how to fully utilize this tool I'd love to hear it.

In regards to the laminate trimmer - i checked out several of them and it seemed like power wise and accessories wise the ridgid seemed like a good choice. there weren't too many reviews on it since it's fairly new but i took a chance and picked one up about a month ago. i've used it only a couple of times but i couldn't be happier with my choice. it's got all the bells and whistles, slow start, variable speed, edge guide X2 flush trip bit, nice case. the fit and finish is really good and i liked the fact it had a circular subase unlike some of the other ones which makes it a little easier to handle. the power is good so far, no bog down yet but i haven't used it much. one of the things i did so far was to carve out some t6061 aluminum using an end mill bit. worked flawlessly. but keep in mind i've only had it a month so i really won't know the low down until i've used it extensively.

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reible

· #4 · Apr 22, 2005

I'm a BIG drill press fan, I think every shop should have one. Now I'm not sure of what you are thinking of buying but if the drill press is to small (as I stated I am a fan of bigger drill presses) it may not give you the utility that you need. I would say about 12" is but less then say 9" is a major limit to your woodworking. Second it needs to be able to spin down to let you drill with larger bits (i.e. 1-3/8 Forstner bits recommender speed in hardwood is 250 rpm.... softwood 500 rpm.). A quill of at least 4", a 1/2" chuck, easy to adjust depth stops and speed changes sure help. Some of the bench ones are simply underpowered and not made for a woodworker.

So yes get a drill press but shop around and look at the specifications.....

Ed

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Bob N

· #5 · Apr 22, 2005

ryan.s said:
Bob,

Thanks for the reply. I will definitely look into the drill press. Based on the reviews i've seen on the web the delta DP200 seems like a good cost effective choice. What sort of creative stuff do you do with it. I was thinking it could double as a spindle sander but if you have more ideas on how to fully utilize this tool I'd love to hear it.

In regards to the laminate trimmer - i checked out several of them and it seemed like power wise and accessories wise the ridgid seemed like a good choice. there weren't too many reviews on it since it's fairly new but i took a chance and picked one up about a month ago. i've used it only a couple of times but i couldn't be happier with my choice. it's got all the bells and whistles, slow start, variable speed, edge guide X2 flush trip bit, nice case. the fit and finish is really good and i liked the fact it had a circular subase unlike some of the other ones which makes it a little easier to handle. the power is good so far, no bog down yet but i haven't used it much. one of the things i did so far was to carve out some t6061 aluminum using an end mill bit. worked flawlessly. but keep in mind i've only had it a month so i really won't know the low down until i've used it extensively.

Jason,

I have the Rigid floor stand DP with 12 speeds and love it. As Ed stated, be sure to get the larger one if possible and if you have room. It was he and Mike that made these same recommendations to me when I was searching for what to get. I have used mine for drilling, sanding, buffing and mortising so far. As soon as I finish my new router center, I hope to make a table for my drill press.

Thanks for your imput on the Rigid Trim router. I have seen others say good things about it as well. I plan on heading to the borg this weekend to see one first hand before making my final decision. I was considering the PC 310, but it appears to have a few problems related to it and may be on it's way to becomming extinct in the near future as well. They have already dropped the acessories for it from the market. I hate having to make decisions

Good luck on your decision for the drill press and be sure to pay attention to what Ed is saying.

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GoonMan

· #6 · Apr 22, 2005

I purchased the 20" Central Machinary 12 Speed Drill press from Harbor Freight last year and have been nothing but happy with it. It gets alot of use in my garage shop. I bought it on sale.

So I guess you could say I am a fan of the big drill press. I did alot of looking before buying mine. I spent about 2 months looking with several trips to all of the stores until HF had their sale. HF has some deals, steals and junk.

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Sidro

· #7 · Apr 22, 2005

I have the Delta DP400 floor model and am very pleased with it. I had a cheap bench type before and it would not take the punishment of a 2 3/8 forstner bit without backing off every 1/16" or so. Now I only use it for a drum sander. I say get one but get one big enough to handle the type of work you will be doing.

Sid

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sailer

· #8 · May 8, 2005

I had been wanting a drill press for quite some time. I would use it just as much for a drum sander as i would for drilling holes. I was recently at the wood show here in Orlando,Fl. and saw the Shop Fox drill press for $199.,and purchased it for its unique ability to serve as an oscillating drum sander. It has a special Pulley belt that slips on and enables it to oscilate up and down. Its a benchtop model but it seems to be hefty enough to handle anything I would want to do on it. Has anyone had any experience with Shop Fox tool?

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