suggestions on new drill press

PocketEdge

PocketEdge

Joined
Dec 23, 2008
Messages
566
I have noticed some wobble in my 30 year old drill press recently. Also some other issues that have now prompted me to make a new purchase. It's a good press for woodworking (variable speed, 24") and misc. work. However, when I drill a 3/32 hole for pins on my slipjoints, there is some play and wobble which is unacceptable.

I need a new drill press dedicated to making slipjoints so it can be small but it must be very good quality.

Any recomendations? or any to stay clear of?
 
I would check harbour freight. I bought a fairly good quality 1/2 in chuck press from them for under 70.00 dollars and does an incredible job.
 
I have been thinking of buying a mill drill, I have a HF drill press its older and worn out,
 
Avoid HF drills if you want to reduce wobble.

Or, at least plan on a complete tear-down/rebuild.



Check out the recommendations on toolcritic.com

http://toolcritic.com/bench-top-drill-presses.html?sort=dgra

Grizzly has some decent drills and the higher end Delta drills are great.


If you get a benchtop - drill some holes in your countertop and mount that rascal down tight. Your holes will drill much straighter, plus you can set level and keep it that way.

Same thing with a floor model - if you can't fasten it to the floor, mount it on a heavy base (small 24"x24"x2" thick cast-in-place concrete pad, for example).

Best of luck!

:thumbup:

Dan


p.s. don't forget...they don't make 'em like they used to....be braced for some let-down!!
 
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I got a delta benchtop for Christmas and its a dream come true. Its definitely on the pricier side, but Its amazing. Rock solid tool, does everything I could ever want. And I have to admit (not to blaspheme here) that its probably my favorite tool in the shop right now (competing with a belt and angle grinder). If you've got the money I highly recommend it.
 
I just finished assembling the Ridgid 1550 drill press. Sorry, I can't give any feedback yet on how it operates. Home Depot has a decent price. It has gotten pretty good reviews on the internet. It may be more beastly than what you're looking for, though.
 
search for "precision drill press" on ebay. Servo makes a very good(and expensive) drill press as does Dumore. Be aware that they can be expensive unless you find a bargain.

Michael
www.adammichaelknives
 
I replaced my Delta 12" benchtop drill press with a Rigid 15".

It is definitely better than the Delta and worth the money. Probably the best buy amongst drill presses that you can buy in a retail store. It goes down to 300 rpm, which is nice.
 
patriqq said:
I replaced my Delta 12" benchtop drill press with a Rigid 15".

It is definitely better than the Delta and worth the money. Probably the best buy amongst drill presses that you can buy in a retail store. It goes down to 300 rpm, which is nice.
Click to expand...

I will second the Rigid. I have had mine for a year + and it has been excellent.
 
Where ever you go to get your drill press, I would invest in a dial indicator that is mounted on a offset shaft so you can chuck it up in the prospective press and check if the table is square and if the table can be adjusted inorder to make sure that the hole your drilling is perpindicular. Take care, R/jcr
 
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