Used delta drill press 17-965

[James Denn]

Hey guys
i found a used delta 17-965 drill press on the market place. It looks a little rusted up in the picture but nothing horrible. He was asking $295 but he came down to $225. I was wondering if you guys think it’s worth it and what I should watch out for when I pick it up.
thanks
jim

[James Denn]

411780
Trying to add a pic

[Thomas Canfield]

I think that is similar to my drill press. The rust would not be a big issue at that price and take a little elbow grease and time. Check out the start/stop switch, run on the motor and condition of the belts (2) to see how much real use was done, and crank raising/lowering table. Adding an auxiliary drill press table to allow for fence and hold downs and you have a very usable drill press for minimal investment. I would like to have a better drill press but that would mean a $1000 or so investment that cannot be justified at my age and decreasing shop use. My only problem was a broken return spring that I was able to find a replacement for. Use it almost every day often with 3-1/8" Forstner bits to get flat spots on tree sections for turning. The 4-1/2" quill travel is nice for drilling pen blanks.

[Mike Kees]

Thomas pretty well covered it. Check it out ,try it out,buy it,bring it home ,clean it up and enjoy. The price is reasonable if everything checks out.

[James Denn]

Thankyou guys
im going to look at it tomorrow

[Randall J Cox]

I'd grab it in a heartbeat at that price. I paid that for a 15" older delta, then totally rebuilt it (aside from the newer motor). the 17" is a beast. Last one you'll ever need.... Randy