Drill Press Recommendations

[azbison]

I know you get what you pay for, but my drill press is an ancient central machinery 5 speed that has been beat to death. At the time I could only afford $20, and that's what I paid.

But if I were to have a $200 budget, and needed a drill press for accurate drilling for compound cutting, what would the recommendations be from the assembled group?

[miniwoodworker]

Jim, I have two. One is a Delta Bench top model that I bought at Lowes. (I'll have to go down to the shop to get the model number.) Thought about getting a floor model, but as it turns out the table top works fine for me. I've mounted on a shop built mobile cabinet, so I can swing the head around, if the extra drilling depth of a floor model is needed. The only problem that I had is that it was a little frustrating to line up the laser cross-hairs on center when I set it up. No other complaints.

The second is a Dremel Workstation with a Dremel rotary tool mounted in it. I use that far more often for scroll work. It's handy to have it close by the DW788, especially when I miss drilling a hole. (opps!) So far I haven't run into anything it couldn't handle.

The added benefit of the Workstation is that the tool can be turned to a right angle for use as a small stationary grinder. And, with the shaft extension, it'll provide support for the flexible shaft attachment.

BTW, I also have the chuck adapter for the Delta, if the need arises to use micro bits. So far, haven't needed it, since the Dremel has been able to handle my needs for those. May have to use it when the piece is too wide to fit the Workstation.

Hope this helps.

[texaswoodworker]

i have a 10 inch craftsman drill press i got from sears for $130 and i is really smooth and precise. it has a laser guide and has 5 speeds. They also have a 12 inch for $200.

(the left one is the 10 inch and the right one is the 12 inch)

[pat c]

I'd probably head back down to Harbor Freight and get another Central Machinery. Pat

[Ramjet]

I have a delta bench top . It has done just about everthing I have asked it to . The table even tilts . I would make a list of what it is you want to do in the future . If it is just drilling small holes a small chuck will do and not much horse power . If you intend to get into some heavy drilling you may consider a larger chuck and hp . You will need a chuck which will handle number drills if doing a lot of fret work . If you have a counter, a bench top will do . Usually the more heavy duty drills have a stand . I put mine on an old stand I had . Whatever works .
Roger

[B Smith]

I have a King bench top. It works ok for most holes but when doing JZs patterns I can`t reach the center cuts. I also have a floor drill press [which cost 0$] that I use for the center holes. I have a mini drill chuck from Mike which I no longer use as the bit wobbles to much. It has 3 jaws that don`t grip the bit straight. I also have a pin vise which I use that holds the bits straight with no wobble.I don`t know if all mini chucks are the same .99% of my cutting has been JZ patterns and use # 68 drill bits that require the use of the pin vise.
Some folks drill freehand the holes that the press won`t reach but if you are stack cutting my experience is if you don`t get it at 90deg you have an issue with cutting the bottom pieces wrong.

I also run my drill press as fast as it will go or the micro bits are more likley to break.

[lucky788scroller]

I am pleased with my Harbor Freight drillpress. This one - Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices is almost identical to mine.This one actually looks a little better than mine, and is the same price mine was about 5 years ago,for the price its a great tool.

[Fremmed]

Have the Delta bench top also. Very happy with it.

[Gypsum]

I picked up a Delta DP300L bench top from Lowes. Very satisfied with it.