Drill Press, How Much HP?

[Balin]

Needing a drill press, how much HP is advisable? 1/2? 1? More? What do you want in your drill presses?

Thanks!
Balin

 

[kc custom]

I have a 1/2 horse craftsman from 1977 that sees frequent use daily. I've ran 1" bits in it
on occasion, and 3/4" more often, anything 1/2" or smaller drills like butter. I do use the slowest of the 8 speeds for the bigger bits.
Ken.

 

[adammichael]

1/2 horse with VFD. Look for an old Walker Turner or Rockwell. There built like a tank and will last another 50 years. Even after you rebuild them they will still probably be cheaper than a decent new one and they are more accurate.

 

[jll346]

I reciently purchased the Home Depot drill press for $299 and it is great. It is a 1/2hp and 12 speed. Plenty of power and a good range of speed. I had a table top one that was 1/3hp and never had a power issue. The LIFETIME WARRANTY on Rigid tools is nice also.http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...com2froogle-_-product_feed-_-D25X-_-100037270

 

[P.Brewster]

I had a 1/3 HP delta that was ok until I started drilling 5/16" x 2" deep holes in W-1.

I upgraded to the aforementioned Rigid drill press (1/2 HP), which is doing the trick. It is indeed a lot more rigid than the delta. Being able to drive to Home Depot and not pay shipping was a plus.

We have an old Rockwell at work that is bomb-proof. The table is one solid piece of cast, which I like a lot.

3"+ of quill travel is good if you want to go from a small (and short) bit to a big (and long) bit without losing your location.