[mjadams61]

I saw this model on Northern Tools website with free shipping https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200729742_200729742 SHOP FOX Oscillating Floor Standing Drill Press — 13 1/4in. I am interested in it since I have a small 10' x 16' ft shop and really not enough bench space for a benchtop drill press and a oscillating sander and was wondering if anyone on here had one and if it is worth it.

 

[JOAT]

I saw this model on Northern Tools website with free shipping https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200729742_200729742 SHOP FOX Oscillating Floor Standing Drill Press — 13 1/4in. I am interested in it since I have a small 10' x 16' ft shop and really not enough bench space for a benchtop drill press and a oscillating sander and was wondering if anyone on here had one and if it is worth it.

Worth it? Maybe for you, for me, no. First I can't stand more than a few seconds anymore and use a tool, my back won't stand not moving, so my work is done sitting. So a floor model drill press is not in my future, don't need one anyway. My shop is 8X12, and for bench tools now pretty much make stands for them so can shift them around, and some under a bench, out of the way. Then I don't like combination gadgets like that, if one part goes kablooy, then you are stuck. I've got a bench drill press that does all I need. If I got an oscillating sander, I would want it stand alone, and would make a stand for it. Replacement for either would then be easier, and a lot less expensive. But, it's your dime. On stands are, bench saw, drill press, scrollsaw, small belt sander, metal cutting band saw, something else I can't remember. The router table is fixed to the wall, and low enough to use sitting. Right now the bandsaw is fixed in place, but will be getting a stand later. Works for me.

Got curious and did a search. Found this on Amazon, $64.99 and free shipping. I'm not getting one, because at this point I do not need one. But if I did get one I would most likely make a stand, mount it upside down under the top, with the sander up thru the top.

 

[DesertRatTom]

In some ways, it looks like an OK tool. However, I think you can develop a floor stand for a bench top machine that will consume no more space than this one does. The problem with any narrow base is that the thing is so top heavy that it will easily tip over.

The other thing I don't like is fooling around with changing belts to change speeds. If you asked many people here, most would have to admit they don't change speeds depending on the material you're drilling, or the type of drill bit you're using. You want a low speed for larger bits or brad point bits.

I have a WEN benchtop sitting on a small roll around stand. It has a very long post and a reasonable distance between post and quill. More important, it has a Rockwell drive so changing speeds means moving a lever on the side of the machine. A digital readout tells you the RPM. Since I got this, my drill work has improved, less tearout and splintering because I change speeds so easily.

I chose WEN because I have and like some of their other tools, and specifically because the casting marks on my WEN are identical to those on the much higher priced JET drill press. It is pretty heavy, but if you're strong, you could store it out of the way and bring it out only when needed. Lots of options in a small shop.

My small band saw sits on a stand made from a cheap and narrow kitchen cabinet. It has shelves inside for storage and I put a 3/4 base on it to mount casters. Works for me and I can store things, including extra blades. It is also top heavy, but that's very hard to overcome. No way to make a tall DP stable inless you add a large wooden base, and even then it will be squirrely.

Here's the Amazon listing, but you should check the online price at HD, where I bought mine. Arrived in a nice box to the store, not a beat up one that's been dropped on its way to you. And from HD or even WalMart online, if something's wrong, you can just return it. https://www.amazon.com/WEN-4214-12-...ateway&sprefix=WEN+drill+press,aps,236&sr=8-1

 

[JOAT]

The other thing I don't like is fooling around with changing belts to change speeds. If you asked many people here, most would have to admit they don't change speeds depending on the material you're drilling, or the type of drill bit you're using. You want a low speed for larger bits or brad point bits.

I don't change the speed on my drill press, but the only thing I have been using it for is to drill nail pilot holes for my masters. Anything else and I use my corded drills.

 

[sgcz75b]

I have that drill press in the bench top model bolted to a bench. It's excellent, no more than 002 run-out, and well-made. It's very easy to change the belts for the correct speed. When you get a little practice changing belts, it takes less than a minute or two to get the speed you want.

The sanding unit works and is easy to use.

As long as you can make the floor stand secure I don't think you will go wrong. That's also a good price for a quality tool.