Another Drill Press Question

panch0

panch0

Joined
Jun 16, 2008
Messages
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Hello everyone, I got another question. I am looking for a drill press to help me make my scale pin holes straight, and to drill holes in the tang as well. There ia a Ryobi model at Homedepot for 109 dollars and a 10" inch for 99 bucks at sears. Does anybody have any experience with these two models. They are in my price range. I was also looking at one from HF for 89 smackers. Any advice on these or others in the same range. Thanks.
-frank
 
I've had the Harbor Freight one for well over a year now and have USED THE CRAP OUT OF IT. I use it for drilling, sanding, buffing, LIGHT milling, and anything else I can think of. I found it on sale once for $39 and couldn't pass it up. It is worth every bit for sure. I have had no problems with it. Don't get me wrong, if you are used to using a REAL drill press or are a real machinist you will not like it, but for the average joe that makes all sorts of random things including knives (like myself) it will beat the pants off of your cordless.:thumbup:
 
I bought a Delta 10". My biggest concern with buying a drill press is the table being out of square with the bit. Alot of cheap drill presses are not @90` with the bit. This certainly helps with making straight holes. You cannot take every press out of the box to check this. It is just something to think about.
I have had good luck with Deltas. Craftsman seem to be the worst about this. I hope I have not confused you.

Matt
 
I used to own a Ryobi drill press. It beats asking, "Honey does this look straight up and down to you?" all to death. Don't ever try a DeWalt though, because you'll hate your Ryobi forever after that.
 
No confusion here, thats the kind of feed back I was looking for. Thanks and keep it coming.
 
Have you check what speeds they run? My cheap little harbor freight one burns up drill bits in metal quick. I think the slowest speed on it is 620 rpm.
 
There are many decient drill presses out there. Just make sure the press table is level and the chuck is seated correctly. I reciently purchased the Home Depot press and could not be happier.
 
jll346 said:
There are many decient drill presses out there. Just make sure the press table is level and the chuck is seated correctly. I reciently purchased the Home Depot press and could not be happier.
Click to expand...

You purchased the Ryobi am I correct?
 
I have a large HF freestanding that I got on sale, I really like it. The key to getting the pin hole square is to align the table. I use a dial indicator in the chuck and swing it around in a circle and adjust the table to where its square.

I suggest you take a dial indicator with you to check the drill you buy. You can adjust the tilt side to side but you have to shim back to front unless you find one where the table is square back to front. Make sure the table locks in place or it will move slightly when you go to drill your holes.
 
I have a Ryobi......not bad. But I also have a 17 inch Steel City floor model that has a 5 inch stroke.......very nice. Even better, I am probably going to be picking up an old Rockwell belt driven monster that was my uncles in the next month of two.
 
The 2 Habba Flayt drill presses I have both get used. Both good for what they are. One I use for setting kydex rivets.
Once I got the big boys the benchtops went into part -time use tho I do still use them and the post drills at times.
The big old ones are out there, just have to look for them. You'll find them at a lower price than a new floor model.
The cheapos are a good starting point, go for it.
 
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I have used the ryobi for a while now (because it was in my price range) & I can't complain. As some one else said it sure beats the hand drill and hoping your holes are straight. I here good and bad stories about HF so even though it was a little cheaper I bought the ryobi. Plus I can do some other task with a drill press that you can't with a hand drill.
 
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