drill press

[jcaplins]

I'm looking to get a drill press soon and wish to hear anyones opinions or reviews on a couple in my price range.

I want a drill press with a wide range of speeds; ~250 --> ~3000 rpm. For this I find my search leads mostly to 16 speed floor models.

such as:
the harbor freight central machinery model 43378 ($279.99):

http://www.harborfreight.com/merchan...ess-43378.html

And what looks like the same with different paint from Northern tools ($279.99):

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5430_200365430

Northern tools also has what appears to be the same thing in a bench top model plus a laser ($289.99):

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...5429_200365429


Anyone have any reviews for these three models or something I should consider instead?

Pros and cons of floor vs bench top? (I do little to no woodworking, only RV stuff)


Thanks,

[DaAV8R]

Get the biggest one that fits the budget. I recommend adding a cross feed vice to the drill press. It makes the drill much more functional and provides a method of fine adjustment to your drilling.

[Mel]

I've been using the HF floor model, 16 spd. for about 19 years. And I use it a LOT! No problems except you'll want to throw away the "peanut-butter" bolts that come with it and assembly it with real hardware. Lowest speed on mine is 170 rpm.
I was going to bite the bullet and buy a good Craftsman drill press until investigation showed that it was the same drill press painted a different color and marked up about 100%.

A floor model takes up floor space whereas a bench-top model takes up work bench space. I personally prefer the floor model.

[jrs14855]

I've been using the Harbor Freight floor model for about three years now. By all means buy the floor model. The motors do draw a lot of current on start up but once up to speed everything is fine. I just did some 3 1/8 instrument holes on the lowest speed setting with a circle saw. Much better results than my previous drill press which did not have the low speed capability.

[jcaplins]

sounds promising so far.... Any trouble with wobbling chucks or anything else?

[ChiefPilot]

Before you buy a drill press, you might read and consider this thread in the tools section :

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=51159

Short story: I needed a drill press but bought a bench top mill instead. Does everything a drill press can do, with better speed control, and does a lot of additional things that no drill press can do.

[jcaplins]

Originally Posted by ChiefPilot

Before you buy a drill press, you might read and consider this thread in the tools section :

http://www.vansairforce.com/communit...ad.php?t=51159

Short story: I needed a drill press but bought a bench top mill instead. Does everything a drill press can do, with better speed control, and does a lot of additional things that no drill press can do.

Brad,

I had already read that thread, looked into it, and I would absolutely love to get a mill instead. Unfortunately I can't see spending the money. It would be 2 to 3 times the cost, plus all the accessories needed.

[John Courte]

Many moons ago when I started this project, I got a floor-standing radial arm drill press from Harbor Freight. On paper it looked like the greatest thing since sliced bread. In practice, it's not all that wonderful. Locking the adjustment knobs makes the bit drift by as much as 1/16", which is annnoyance, but workable. There's also some wobble in the main chuck bearing.

If I had to do it over again, I'd get a smaller, but better-built and more precise machine instead.

[TX7A]

I got the 16 speed HF that you're looking at. I haven't had any problems. What I really like is that I can put it on the slowest speed and make some really nice lightening holes using a fly cutter. (clamp the part, slow feed & some squirts of kerosene)

Good luck!

[Lars]

Have a look at Ebay, too. I've found some great deals on old US made power tools. If you are patient you can get a lot more for your money, and nearly all the old US-made stuff is indefinitely rebuildable.