I have a Walker Turner drill press (serial number 1 9 44) in nice condition that I got for a good deal years ago when intending to buy a band saw (but bought this as well), and am wondering if I should sell it...
My reasons for being interested in potentially selling are:
1) For the type of work that I do, have yet to find a need for a floor standing model... so it takes up a ton of space in my small shop without providing me utility in return
2) I cobbled together a trailer jack as a means of raising/lowering the table, which works, but isn't ideal.
3) There's noticeable runout... I can see bits wobbling visually, and have measured to find that it bores holes ever so slightly bigger than intended.
4) I have zero interest in a restoration project right now... I'm in a great woodworking groove right now and just want to keep working. I fear even "simple" swap out of parts may become a snowball of fixes.
All that being said, I do want a drill press... I think... Unsure what features to even look for since I've only ever had the old WT.
I want one that's more reasonably accurate. I'm not a machinist, but I do want better results than "visible wobble" that I'm achieving today.
Perhaps a benchtop model is more suitable for my work. Typically I use the drill press when making jigs and sometimes during furniture making when the pieces are able to be brought to the tool. Most materials range between 1/4" to 6" thick.
Ease of raising/lowering the table is important to me.
I almost always am drilling wood, but can imagine wanting flexibility to easily change speeds to drill metal etc.
I feel like some have digital readouts, and perhaps that would be handy.
Something that is more dust collector friendly wouldn't be bad.
So.. based on this story, do you think it's sensible for me to sell the WT in favor of a new benchtop option?
Do you think $300 is fair price if I do sell? (edit, for that price, I'd include the mobile base and pictured accessories)
Can you recommend any benchtop drill presses for under $500 that might be good options for me to consider?
THANK YOU!!!
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