Ryobi tools

Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
7,353
Hi all,

I'm thinking of investing in a table top, 12" drill press. Home Depot has some made by Ryobi. Is that a pretty good brand? They were around $150.

Thanks,

JD
 
I have a ryobi version of a dremel. Had it for longer than I can remember. Its still runs like new.
Haven't got any real experience with their larger tools, besides looking them over at the store. I wouldn't have any reservations about buying any ryobi tools if thats whats available though. They seem to make a nice machine with good performance and features for the price.
You could also check out Delta. I have a 12" drill press by Delta. Cost about $180 if I remember right. Been very happy with it.
 
I wouldn't have any reservations on purchasing this brand, other than trying to get parts in the future if needed. A drillpress shouldn't take a lot of abuse, so parts really shouldn't be an issue anyway. I teach Ind. Technology courses and many of my drills are 15-30 years old and still work fine. My only recommendation would be to check on part availability. Sounds like a good price.
 
Joss,

I see you live in the Seattle area, like me. Here's phone numbers for the Jet and Porter-Cable/Delta factory outlets in Auburn, WA. They sell discontinued models, factory overstocks, refurbished units, and items that were returned due to crunched packaging. The units they sell will carry the full factory warranty. I've had no trouble with the units I've bought there, with the exception of a mis-labeled 220/110 voltage setting on a motor that was quickly & courteously fixed for free. Give them a call to see what they've got on hand (and at what price) that may work for you.

Porter-Cable/Delta: (253) 333-8353
Jet Surplus: (253) 804-3211

Re: Ryobi tools - I've got a cheap benchtop Ryobi jointer in the shop and it does the jobs I ask of it. While I don't think Ryobi makes the best tools on the market, I do think they are decent tools for the price, especially light-duty tools for us "weekend warrior" wood or metal workers. If you are going to be using this drill press hard or for extended periods of time, I'd recommend getting a more industrial-strength unit. Tooling is a field where the price and the quality seem to rise together.

HTH, -- Greg --
 
Ryobi tools are good but not great. It also depends alot on which tools you are looking at (in general). I have been using a Ryobi chop saw for six years and love it. But thier wood working tools such as routors suck.

If you are looking to set up a pro shop, get the best money can buy. If you are looking to set up a hobby shop Ryobi is a good choice. That drill press should serve you fine for many years. Just do not expect it to do everything that a top of the line machine will do.
 
Thanks all. I'm going to use that piece for hobby only. I'll drill holes in tangs, handle material, etc, and maybe in damascus billets. I don't have the room or the use for something big. I'm going to get some good drill bits though. Any good tip for metal-piercing drill bits?

Thanks,

JD
 
According to what a sales associate at Home Depot told me, they bought Ryobi and that will be their "house brand" henceforth. That is heresay, I have no other info. But, if true, parts should be readily available. Plus, alot of Sears models are nothing more than Ryobi's with a house label, or at least used to be.

As for drill bits, Joss, I take a different tack than may others. I have an expensive drill-bit sharpener, and it puts a marvelous edge on bits. However, i found long ago that the small bits are a PITA to index properly to get a good grind on. I tried cobalt, nitrided bits, etc, when I worked with alot of stainless. They all crapped out quickly for my tastes. Thus, I turned to the cheap HSS short-length bits from MSC, use em for several knives until I don't like how they cut, then I toss em. Works for me....
 
Sweany,
You get better results with water than with something like Tap Magic?? Never tried it. Sure would be less messy.
Thanks for the tip.
 
Back
Top