Which Drill Press?

Having never used either of them, I would say the Skil just because it is a 10". If you ever need to drill through a 5" square of something you can. The quality on this is likely not great because of the price point. I bought the 8" harbor freight version. Quality is meh... But expected this. But being that I am just starting out I didn't want to a bunch of money right away (wouldn't get that past the boss anyways ;)). I have seen a bunch of people say you have to get a 12 speed to get the speeds really low for drilling through metal, but mine is a 5 speed like these and as long as you have a decent bit and use some 3 in 1 oil it works fine.
 
I have used for years several small drill presses and have as well a fairly big one. The HP has never seemed to matter. What may be important to you is that the chuck jaws will close to zero for very small bits especially if you start folder making. Frank
 
Thanks, so you think either would work okay? Are there any major flaws that the cheaper of the two has that the other doesn't? I'm not too experienced with this stuff so I figure you know better.
 
Run the spindle down to almost the bottom and check the "Lash" = wooble =looseness
Don't waste money on a drill press that has sloppy tolerances you will just spend more replacing it later It WILL cause nightmares!
Needs to run true IE: Put a piece of drill rod in the chuck and see how straight it runs. Wiggle the chuck, mount, post whatever you call it when it is almost fully extended and see how tight it is Before you buy. Ask me how I know this :}
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top