Drill press survey and question's

[Hank Knight]

Randall,

I had a Deta floor model for years. It was a basic machnine and did a good job. Two years ago I bought an old 1940s vintage Walker Turner benchtop, reconditioned it and sold the Delta. I've been very happy with the Walker Turner. So far I haven't missed the extra capacity of the floor model. I love the old iron machines, and the Walker Turner is a good one. So is the Atlas you have. "They don't make 'em like that any more" really applies to drill presses. I agree with the advice that you keep the Atlas.

My $.02.

Hank

[Pat Keefe]

I have a bench DP. A Fidax, cast iron thing (Cast Iron pedestal/Table/Head) weighing 50 odd Kg (110 lb). It is old, so I put a Link belt in it and it does anything I ask it to.

[John Renzetti]

About a year ago I bought an old Powematic 1150A drill press at an auction. It was 3 ph and had the PM speed change mechanism. I cleaned it up, put a chuck on it and also a VFD. Works great.
take care,
John

[Rob Will]

I picked up a Walker-Turner radial arm drill press for $425. I also have a benchtop DP. I use both all the time.

Rob

[Cary Falk]

I had a bench top DP for years but never had a bench so it always sat on the floor. If I wanted to use it I had to sit on a stool. I finally bought a floor model and couldn't be happier. I also like the longer quill travel that comes from a floor model.

[BOB OLINGER]

I'm a little like Dan. I had a Craftsman bench top for several years. Worked fine on most jobs. Then was able to cash in on the 17" floor model for $179. It depends on what you plan to use it for, it's about that simple; plus the bench top robbed bench top room.

[Brandon Shew]

I have a Delta benchtop press and it is mounted on top of a 15" wide base cabinet that I put casters on. I roll it around and have storage for all of my cordless drills and bits in the cabinet & drawer below.

I can only think of a few times where the 3" quill travel was not enough, but I was able to improvise. Still, it would be nice to have when you need it. I have toyed w/ the idea of getting a floor model, but I would need to find a way to make it mobile.