best bench-top drill press

[nick brigg]

hey guys! im looking for a no frills(but not garbage) bench top drill press. can anyone suggest me? possibly in the $200-250ish range, thanks guys!

[Tom Kelley]

Nick, I have the Delta DP350. It has variable speed which is a lot easier to adjust than changing belts. It's been a great drill. It has more than enough power. The only thing that broke was the switch which Delta replaced for free. In fact it was top choice in a test in Wood Magazine. Check it out for your self.
Tom

[Hank Knight]

Have you considered old iron? My suggestion is to look for an old Walker Turner, Rockwell or Delta bench top - in the 1940s or 50s vintage. I don't think today's machines come anywhere close to them. You can find an old machine in pretty good condition locally or on e-bay in your price range. Parts are available, and with a little rehab and a paint job you will have a machine that will last your lifetime and your children's. Look here for photos of my Walker Turner:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=48897

[George Bregar]

Have you considered old iron? My suggestion is to look for an old Walker Turner, Rockwell or Delta bench top - in the 1940s or 50s vintage. I don't think today's machines come anywhere close to them. You can find an old machine in pretty good condition locally or on e-bay in your price range. Parts are available, and with a little rehab and a paint job you will have a machine that will last your lifetime and your children's. Look here for photos of my Walker Turner:

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=48897 Yeah, I always see great old benchtop presses on craigslist for cheap. Course, very few floor stand ones.