Recommendations for a $300 Drill Press

R

reedje777

Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Messages
33
I'd like recommendations for a drill press in the $300 range for my knife making.

I found an older thread that seemed to give some credibility to $300-ish HF brands with the extended warranty and the $300-ish Porter cable stand model from Lowes. Thoughts?
 
My drill press costs around 300 (260 i think), and I am happy with it.
It drills holes!

The brand is contimac, but i cant give you a model :/

Simen
 
Go to Craigslist and buy something used. Save money and be happy too

Just a suggestion
 
I've used a Delta for several years and am well pleased with it. A new Delta should be in that price range.
 
Look at Lowes and they should have a Delta floor model in that range. Not sure but Home Depot should have a Rigid model.
 
Grizzly has a bench top 12 speed model for 295 that looks pretty good. We've been using their 20" floor model for years at my work, and have had zero issues with heavy daily use. 12 speeds is a nice option to have.
 
synthesist said:
Go to Craigslist and buy something used. Save money and be happy too

Just a suggestion
Click to expand...

I agree

Look for something with 3 pulleys = a low speed
Look for a crank up and down table

check the wobble on the spindle when you have it all the way out.
 
If you are not in a hurry to buy one, keep checking Craigslist. I just bought a 13", 12 speed, 3/4 hp drill press, with a standard vise and a milling vise for $90.00. It was covered in surface rust from sitting in an open garage. Even had the original manual. It is a H/F press.

I am in the process cleaning it up. It ran very rough when I first turned it on. A simple belt adjustment and it seems to run smooth as silk. The deals are out there.
 
I also agree with craigslist. Motors are very easy to swap out of most drill presses, so just try and find one with as many speeds as possible. If the speeds seem to fast, get a more powerful motor with lower rpm. Some of those old drills are beefy and it'd almost be like having a mill if you were to put slower more powerful motor on them.
 
If you're just poking holes in fixed-blade tangs and handle material, go for used. As long as the spindle is in decent shape and it doesn't make any horrible noises when it runs, you should be fine. I have two $100-ish drill presses; I leave one set slow for metals and one set fast for handle material.

If you're making folders and need more precision, that's a little different.
 
Another vote for Craigslist, I just picked up a floor model Craftsman 2 1/2 horse from the 60's. Built like a tank and only cost $130.
 
Thanks for advice guys. Since I'm not in a hurry, I'll check craigslist and see what I can find.

I would like to use it for more than just poking holes... maybe some light milling but that's a future endeavor and I'm not sure I can afford to go that route yet.

I've also given some thought to changing out a motor on an older model. Any suggestions on where I can find the motors to do that? Is there a website to guide me or something?

Thanks again guys!
 
reedje777 said:
Thanks for advice guys. Since I'm not in a hurry, I'll check craigslist and see what I can find.

I would like to use it for more than just poking holes... maybe some light milling but that's a future endeavor and I'm not sure I can afford to go that route yet.

I've also given some thought to changing out a motor on an older model. Any suggestions on where I can find the motors to do that? Is there a website to guide me or something?

Thanks again guys!
Click to expand...

Milling is not a good idea. Light milling performed by an experienced hand with the appropriate taper is doable but for unskilled folks not a good idea.

Maybe you should look into a mill/drill?
 
PT Doc said:
Maybe you should look into a mill/drill?
Click to expand...

I would love a mill/drill combo to keep my options open.

Are there good mills in a $300-ish price range? If I were to buy used, what would be some good brands and models to keep my eyes open for?
 
The perfect drill press is the porter cable floor model drill press, slowest speed is around 300 or 330. For the price it can't be beat. they sell them at lowes. its 300-350 dollars.
 
FixedFiend said:
The perfect drill press is the porter cable floor model drill press, slowest speed is around 300 or 330. For the price it can't be beat. they sell them at lowes. its 300-350 dollars.
Click to expand...

the rigid at hd I'd made off the same casting and would likely serve you well. the pc can be taken home right away. the rigid I think is not available in the store. either would serve you well.
 
I like my floor sample craftsman.
I would love a "used but in decent shape" bench mount mill.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top