Jet vs Steel City Drill Press

[Archie England]

Well, I'm about to plunge further down the big tool abyss. I found the limit to my Delta benchtop DP; never imaged that.

After shopping around, I read really good comments on the SC and the Jet. Since I'm a hobby woodworker, I don't necessarily need more hp or heavy user amenities.

Any input will be much appreciated. Perhaps you'll help me not to spend good money on an average tool.

Arch

[tim mathis]

hi Archie,
i have owned a steel city drill press over a year and a half. the 6 inch quill travel is one of the reasons i chose it. it is not fun trying to drill a hole and then readjusting the piece to drill deeper and then the hole is not straight. the extra quill length also reduces you moving the table so much.
the other reason i chose it was the split head design.
i have used mine heavily drilling steel and wood and have had no proplems.
you will want to make another table but that is no big deal.
and i would purchase it again. tim in centerville,ohio

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x84/powermatic3520/sharpeneranddrillpresstable012-1.jpg

[Cary Falk]

I have had the SC for about 6 months. I would buy again. I have never seen anything in the Jet drill presses that impressed me. The SC is the best bang for your buck.
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q297/caryincamas/DSC_0007a.jpg

[Mike Heidrick]

SC owner here as well. Need a nice new table for mine - right now I have a vice on it and a makeshift zero clearence table that clamps in the vice and it gives me a clamping surface.

Where did you see good comments on the Jet? ;)