drill press

[Lou Koestner]

I'm considering a benchtop drill press. Usage will be very limited;(drilling for shelving & other occasional drilling requiring spot on accuracy). I'm trying to keep price around $125 max. Any suggestions? There is not much available used in my area.

[Chris Stolicky]

I have the Craftsman model that is in that price range. I think I got it on sale for $100. I mainly use it for drilling pen blanks, but have used it for many other projects. The largest was probably when I was drilling 3/4" holes in 8/4" ash for my bench dogs before I glued up the top for my work bench. I used roller supports on both sides in order to do it. It had no problem drilling the holes.

I really do not have much experience with others dp's. There is also a larger bench top model that Craftsman makes.

[Lou Koestner]

Thanks Chris. Does anyone have any experience w/ Grizzly,Ryobi&Harbor Freight?

[Rick Huelsbeck]

Over 3" inch of quill travel and variable speed by means of a Reeves Drive. Laser cross hairs is quite helpful :D

[glenn bradley]

The phrase 'spot on accuracy' and a benchtop don't usually go hand in hand but there are some reasonably accurate little machines out there. The HF bench top would not be one of them by most accounts.

The FWW BT DP review had the Grizzly G7943 as the best value at $200 and the Jet and General as best overall but they are $350 and $450 respectively. If you read the article: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuidePDF.aspx?id=28902 be sure to catch the correction on awarding the wrong Griz model on the comparison matrix graphic. The text and my notes above are correct (at least according to FWW)

The Ryobi had the most runout by double any other machine in the test but they really liked the VS drive. In the Ryobi's defense, it was the least expensive DP at $180. At your $125 price I would look at floor models, used, if accuracy is really high on your list or the smaller machines if price is the priority.

[scott spencer]

Lou - I picked up a 13" Harbor Freight DP 38142 for $144 last spring to replace my little Grizzly, and couldn't be more pleased with it. It's powerful, vibration free, has decent quill travel, and is quiet. I looked at the 12" Craftsman, Ryobi, Delta, and Hitachi. The price and power made the HF pretty attractive to me.

[Thomas Williams]

I used the 10 inch Ryobi for several year. It was accurate enough for my work. I would still be using it except I got a great deal on a floor model.

[Mike Schmalzer]

I must say I use a 12" HF drill press and it is more balanced and accurate than any of the other three floor standing models in our shop (Jet, General, Some Old Iron Beast.

[Dewey Torres]

This one is in your price range:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921900000P?mv=rr

I have this one but I did not pay $219.99 for it. I found it on sale for $169.00 with free shipping.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921914000P?vName=Tools&cName=Bench+Power+Tools&sName=Drill+Presses

Despite what most floor model owners will tell you, this thing is dead on accurate. Furthermore, some of these 12" models have about the same power as a floor model. One thing you give up is capacity in height but it sounds like for your use a bench top model is just right. Another bonus I think, is storage underneath see pic:

[Dewey Torres]

If you read the article: http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/ToolGuide/ToolGuidePDF.aspx?id=28902 be sure to catch the correction on awarding the wrong Griz model on the comparison matrix graphic. The text and my notes above are correct (at least according to FWW)


How did the Craftsman fare? I can't view the article. Have to be a Taunton member:rolleyes:!

[glenn bradley]

How did the Craftsman fare? I can't view the article. Have to be a Taunton member:rolleyes:!

Second to last in drilling speed (power) and poorest in 'ease of speed change'.

[Dewey Torres]

Second to last in drilling speed (power) and poorest in 'ease of speed change'.

Maybe I should have gotten the HF...

I love it anyway. No problems so far:)

Thanks for the reply!

[Randy Looney]

Lou I bought the HF http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/photos//39900-39999/39955-t.gif (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39955) 12 SPEED FLOOR PRODUCTION DRILL PRESS (http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=39955)
Central Machinery several years ago and gave around 275 to 300 for it and it was worth every penny. I took my brothers advise and bought bigger than I thought I would need and never regretted it. This drill press has done everything I needed it to do.