Best small drill press <$200?

Thanks, but I have to limit myself to table top models - small appartment, you know. Are Harbor Freight the same (quality, guarantee, etc) as Delta?

JD
 
Originally posted by Joss
Thanks, but I have to limit myself to table top models - small appartment, you know. Are Harbor Freight the same (quality, guarantee, etc) as Delta?

JD

I believe they are all made in the same Taiwanese factory. they just get different coats of paint. A number of years ago, I got a Jet, 2HP milling machine. I found out after, I could have saved several hundred dollars by getting the same thing from HF. Oh well, live and learn.
Here's a link to a whole page of drill press'. One like the Delta for $70.00.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/headsearch.taf?function=Search
 
Originally posted by Joss
Thanks, but I have to limit myself to table top models - small appartment, you know. Are Harbor Freight the same (quality, guarantee, etc) as Delta?

JD

I believe they are all made in the same Taiwanese factory. they just get different coats of paint. A number of years ago, I got a Jet, 2HP milling machine. I found out after, I could have saved several hundred dollars by getting the same thing from HF. Oh well, live and learn.
Here's a link to a whole page of drill press'. One like the Delta for $70.00.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/headsearch.taf?function=Search

HF has a good warranty. Not too much to go wrong with these things, as long as you don't try to mill with them. That goes for any drill press.
I bought a no name Taiwan floor model back in 1980 or so. It still runs fine. I did get a keyless chuck for it, from grizzly, as my original one came off during use, and hit the floor pretty hard. It was not accurate after that.
 
I've got a Delta and it works just fine. The quality is mediocre at best but how much drill press do you need? The Harbor Freight probably does just as good. If you just need it to drill fairly straight holes in tangs, anything'll work.
 
I just ordered the DP250 from Amazon and it's on its way.

Here's why I went with that instead of HF (despite having placed a very large order with them that same day)

1 - the DP250 is variable speed
2 - bench top model
3 - Central Machinery and Delta are not the same (all respect due to Mike Hull). Ask me how I know... :rolleyes:
4 - Free shipping at Amazon


If HF had stocked the DP250 (or any decent var. speed drill press) I would have bought mine there.

Also, if I would have had the extra bucks, I might have opted for the DP350 - but the DP250 has everything I need.

And yes, don't mill with it...:D



[edited to add]

I also got a keyless chuck coming...(from HF of course!:D )
 
Originally posted by pendentive
I just ordered the DP250 from Amazon and it's on its way.

Here's why I went with that instead of HF (despite having placed a very large order with them that same day)

1 - the DP250 is variable speed
2 - bench top model
3 - Central Machinery and Delta are not the same (all respect due to Mike Hull). Ask me how I know... :rolleyes:
4 - Free shipping at Amazon


If HF had stocked the DP250 (or any decent var. speed drill press) I would have bought mine there.

Also, if I would have had the extra bucks, I might have opted for the DP350 - but the DP250 has everything I need.

And yes, don't mill with it...:D



[edited to add]

I also got a keyless chuck coming...(from HF of course!:D )

He doesn't want a variable speed model. He linked to a 5 speed delta, for $154.00 I believe. You can get the same thing from HF for $70.00.
The "variable speed" models you speak of, are reduction motors. I would rather get a regular motor, and just change the belt. They last longer. Can't compare apples to oranges.:)
 
Originally posted by Mike Hull
You can get the same thing from HF for $70.00.

A few months ago I ordered a "generic brand press" and it practically fell apart when I got it. I was ultra-pissed off about it because I really needed it bad and it set me back a few days progress.

Every Delta tool I've ever had was solidly built. I've never had one break or need repair.

I couldn't believe I had let myself be suckered into getting an off-brand just over a few dollars.

For me, it's a question of reliability. I don't want to have to replace tools. I don't want to have to even worry about it.

You get what you pay for.
 
Originally posted by Mike Hull
He doesn't want a variable speed model. He linked to a 5 speed delta, for $154.00 I believe...
I guess what I should have written was:

"I have been shopping around for a good drill press for about 6-7 months waiting for the right price, right brand, right equipment, right seller, etc. (even tried eBay - :barf: ) If I had to choose between the DP250, 300 and 350, I'd take the 350. Then the 250, then the 300."
 
Pendentive, I've never tried a Delta but I have a Central Machinery bench grinder with like a 5" wheel or some crap, and it's junk. Delta has got to be better than this rickety, weak-ass thing. I've been meaning to shell out the cash for a good 8" grinder but have been too stingy so far.
 
Originally posted by Mike Hull
The "variable speed" models you speak of, are reduction motors. I would rather get a regular motor, and just change the belt. They last longer. Can't compare apples to oranges.:)

From delta-tools.net

  • Variable speed from 500 to 3100 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
  • 1/3 HP induction motor for long-lasting, smooth performance
  • Table tilts left or right
  • Standard 3-jaw, 1/2-inch capacity
  • Adjustable depth stop locks for accurate measuring and repetitive drilling
  • Rack and pinion table rising mechanism
 
All - thanks for the info. I might go for the DP350, since I happen to have some spare cash right now.

Originally posted by pendentive
Amazon has a price match.

Go here:

http://www.delta-tools.net/drillpresses.html

Then call Amazon to get the lower price.


(wish I had been smart enough to figure this out before I ordered...:rolleyes: )


Price match policy here:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/feature/-/117374/103-7107864-0806262

Note that they take into account the shipping, so Amazon is probably already cheaper than Delta.

JD
 
Originally posted by Joss
Note that they take into account the shipping, so Amazon is probably already cheaper than Delta.
Right you are, my friend.

Best of luck with your order.
 
Joss I bought 2 of the Harbor Freight 5" drill presses. They have them on sale for 39.95 (if not now at least frequently). I set one up for high speed and the other for low speed. They do everything I have asked them to do and I'm happy w/ them.
 
Bill,

Thanks. I need to get just one tool - I'm fitting my entire cold work station in a 4 1/2' X 7 1/2' space.

JD
 
Originally posted by pendentive
From delta-tools.net

  • Variable speed from 500 to 3100 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
  • 1/3 HP induction motor for long-lasting, smooth performance
  • Table tilts left or right
  • Standard 3-jaw, 1/2-inch capacity
  • Adjustable depth stop locks for accurate measuring and repetitive drilling
  • Rack and pinion table rising mechanism

It was a freaking mistake. I meant to write INDUCTION and wrote reduction. Lets not turn this into the political forum.
 
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