Drill Press Question

skyfrog · #1 12-01-2006, 05:44 PM

From reading the forums, it sounds like a drill press would make a great addition for my ever growing tool collection. But I'm not sure about the size and which manufacturer.

Home Depot has a 10" Ryobi bench model for $99. Lowes has a Delta 12" for $179. Would the 10" suffice or do I need a larger model? Is the laser guide an important gadget? How do the Grizzly models compare?

Any advice is appreciated...

Thanks,

John Edwards
Getting closer to ordering RV-9A
Tool Gathering - Building EAA workbenches this weekend.

rickmellor · #2 12-01-2006, 05:51 PM

I'm using a 12" Craftsman drill press. The laser is about useless ... I always have to guide the bits by sight. I wish the press had more than one speed, but even still I consider it a critical tool. My hands just aren't steady enough.

-Rick

Aden Rich · #3 12-01-2006, 05:53 PM

Grizzly models are good quality. I have gone to the showrooms and they are very nice. If space is availible, get a standing floor model like a 12". They are around 300 bucks. It will do everything you need to build a plane. Sometimes the 10" is just not enough and doesn't have a big enough work platform. Aden Rich

MichRV10 · #4 12-01-2006, 06:05 PM

Check out Ridge from Home Depot good price and quality with lifetime warranty.

3135F

Bob Axsom · #5 12-01-2006, 06:46 PM

Don't go cheap on this tool - I consider it essential. I even used mine for counter boring a bearing recess in a replacement aileron bracket. I bought a Craftsman from Sears for around $200 ten years ago and it worked fine. Clamp the work down when location is critical.

Bob Axsom

RV7Factory · #6 12-01-2006, 06:53 PM

IMHO the utility of the drill press is dependent on speed just as much as size.

If you want to use a fly-cutter for cutting large holes, then look for something that will go down to 250 RPM or less.

captainron · #7 12-01-2006, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyfrog

From reading the forums, it sounds like a drill press would make a great addition for my ever growing tool collection.

Any advice is appreciated...

Thanks,

John Edwards
Getting closer to ordering RV-9A
Tool Gathering - Building EAA workbenches this weekend.

Sears has their 15" Craftsman floor model drill press on a special "Craftsman Club" sale for about another week. It is normally $319.00, now it's $239.00.
This model has a useless laser, but it has a very nice keyless chuck which closes down to the smallest drill bits you can use. The chuck is perfectly true with no runout.
Some of the benchtop models only have a 2" throw, and you will need and want more than that. You also want to be able to run about 300 rpm at the low end for using a fly cutter, and around 3000 rpm or better at the high end for regular drilling in aluminum.
That's my.02 worth!

Ansarie · #8 12-01-2006, 07:24 PM

I am using a $40 Harbor Freight drill press with great success. It is small (table-top) and you can move it around - providing a larger work area (my problem). It is variable speed by changing the belt location on the pulley. It is not suitable for building a watch, but for airplane parts, works great.

If money and workspace are no issues, buy one you can use for many other projects, years after you are done with the plane.

Rashid Ansarie
RV7A
Tail done, almost.

TSwezey · #9 12-01-2006, 07:32 PM

I bought the Ryobi bench model 3 years ago and I have never had a problem with any drilling for building an RV-10. It is smooth and easy to adjust. Regardless, a drill press is a necessity.

Lars · #10 12-01-2006, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skyfrog

From reading the forums, it sounds like a drill press would make a great addition for my ever growing tool collection. But I'm not sure about the size and which manufacturer.

Home Depot has a 10" Ryobi bench model for $99. Lowes has a Delta 12" for $179. Would the 10" suffice or do I need a larger model? Is the laser guide an important gadget? How do the Grizzly models compare?

Any advice is appreciated...

Thanks,

John Edwards
Getting closer to ordering RV-9A
Tool Gathering - Building EAA workbenches this weekend.

Home Depot has sold a couple of Ryobi drill presses over the last couple of years. I have one, the slowest speed is about 600 rpm. It's ok for small bits with thin aluminum, but as pointed out, if you want to fly-cut holes, or use it for other projects that are made of steel for example, it's not slow enough. Eventually I'm going to buy a bigger (slower) model. Just my experience...