I'm in the market for a drill press. It would be a general use item, I forsee it being used to build science projects (I'm a teacher) tree stands, and other misc. items. Any features to look for - size?
I've got a Craftsman floor model I bought at a sale. It's been a good one. A table that will swivel and tilt in different directions is a must. I'd also invest in a cross-vise. Get at least a 6" minimum. As much throat depth and drilling depth as possible. You'll probably be surprised at how much more you'll use it than you might think. I don't know what I'd get if I was buying new, but at least I can get parts for this one. I'm not usually a big Craftsman fan, but this one has a nice, solid feel to it.
If you aren't going to use it alot. these might do the job, and they are cheap. www.harborfreight.com
I did the Craftsman drill press. If I use the tool very much at all, I buy Craftsman. If not I buy something cheap.
Harborfreight? I've considered buying a floor model drill press for a while now. Having purchased Harborfreight's inhouse el cheapo brand Chicago Electric/Pneumatic/Machinery stuff before, I would DEFINITELY NOT buy the house brand of anything they sell again. If you find an actual name brand drill press for sale at Harborfreight, you probably will be getting a good price on it. Delta, etc make good ones. My bench grinder won't run a wire wheel without nearly vibrating to peices, it's a house brand from them. I have an air-powered die grinder (5th one. I finally gave up on taking them back in hopes of getting a good one) that refuses to completely shut off, again house brand from them. My engine hoist will not stay in a raised position. It lowers itself slowly, four hours or more from all the way up to all the way down with the valve fully closed and no load on it. House brand. The bolts that came with my engine stand to hold the casters on it were of the lowest grade available. My son was about 13 when we put it together. He twisted off the heads of TWO of them. I've since replaced all of them with Grade 5 hardware. :Smarty: Moral of the story is buy the best tools you can afford or do without. Cheap tools not only cost more in the long run, they can be dangerous to the user and anybody around when they are being used. My $.02 :TU: By the way, I actually bought almost all of this stuff in one trip after selling a house and having some cash. Boy, having some cash. I almost remember what that is like...... uzzled:
When it comes to tools I try and get the best I can afford. I went to Home Depot today. They carry a brand I see around called Ryobi. It looked sort of cheap to me. Next stops Lowes - Sears
For those of you who went the crafstman route, can you please post a model number. Allen allioop108@aol.com
It is the 15-inch model. I got the last one in the area as they were discontued. I don't really get it, they have two bench top models that are nine-inch and 12-inch. Mine is a full-sized flor type that is an 15-inch o No: My model: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...cal=TOOL&pid=00922900000&subcat=Drill+Presses
Ryobi Tools Actually, Ryobi makes a good, quality product. I wouldn't be afraid of anything with their name on it. What I like about Craftsman is the guarantee. It almost doesn't matter where you live or go in the US, Sears has a place relatively close by. I have never gotten any argument or a hard time returning anything to Sears on the few occasions when I have broken something. :beer
I got Rod a Delta for Christmas two years ago. He really likes it. Although I don't know so much about getting the floor model. The one I got him was the last one being the floor model they gave me a deal. Great fine with me. Thing is we had to get it fixed right off the bat. There are parts, at least on his, that you shouldn't be moved unless it is running. Well, people play with things and everything was out of alignment. It was under warranty but it was just a bummer that we had to get it fixed. I would buy another floor model, I just think I would plug it in first to make sure everything works. Just thought I would share.
Just a guess here, but I'm thinking the difference between table top and floor model that is being discussed is overall size. One sits on the bench top, the other is an actual stand on it's own legs floor model. Am I correct?
