Drill Press

[Tx Bass Tech]

I'm going to be buying a drill press soon and I would like to hear what some of you have to say about the ones you have that are still available today. Are there any Drill Presses still made in North America? I try to buy stuff made in the USA if I can. Or maybe something made in Europe?

I'm going to use this drill press for drlling pin holes in blades and scales and just general shop use. I'm thinking a benchtop model.

 

[Hengelo_77]

invest in top quality cobalt drill bits!
That's more important than the actuall drill press it self

 

[Gene Martin]

Try the used tool shops and garage sales. See if you can find an old Delta Rockwell or Craftsman. I'm sure there are other old, good drill presses out there, but that's a sure way to get a good one. Locally they go from &75 to $125.

Gene

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

invest in top quality cobalt drill bits!
That's more important than the actuall drill press it self

I can't second that point enough. Good drill bits are far more important than the drill itself.

Although I would make one more point of consideration, make sure it is big enough to hold a handle or something upright in a vise and still have room for a drill bit. On a HF 8" drill, there's isn't enough room for 2" of vise, 4" drill bit and 4" of handle.

That aside, I've had no complaints about my 8" HF, although I did replace the 16" support bar with a 24" support bar to make it taller.

 

[rickmenefee]

Find a used variable speed delta, clausing, powermatic if you look you will be able to find one on e-bay or craigs list.These machines you can work on and will out live your grandkids life. I have had maybe dz cheaper machine and they will work ;however, you will get a lot of run out in the spindle in a pretty short time. I started buying better machines and i wish i would not have waited as long. It will save you money in a short time.