Drill Press Purchase Input Request

[Kent Cori]

I’m thinking of finally replacing my $99 Ryobi bench top drill press (which has really served me quite well) with a 17” floor drill press. I’ve done my homework and narrowed down the field to two. The models that I am considering are the Delta 17-965 and the Jet JDP-17MF. Both are $400 so cost is not a factor. They are pretty similar but there are some minor differences. The benefits of each that I see are:

Delta
Extra ½” of spindle travel (4 7/8” vs. 4 3/8”)
Higher Amp Motor (13.8 vs. 9) although both list as ¾ hp
Square table (14” square)

Jet
TEFC motor
Higher maximum speed (3600 rpm vs. 2700 rpm)
Round table (14” diameter)
Larger base
Built-in work light

There are other differences but they appear to be minor.
So…, I need your help. What am I missing in this comparison? For those of you who own either of these models, what are your thoughts and what has your experience been?

As usual, you folks are great and I thank you in advance for your input.

[Jim Becker]

I've owned the Jet since 1999 and have been very pleased with it. I think it's almost a wash and your "dealer relationship" is probably the only major way to differentiate if he/she only carries one brand.

I love the built in work light on my Jet and the round table is a non-issue as most woodworkers are better served by putting a large auxiliary table on their DPs anyway. Mine is 18" deep by 24" wide and has a movable fence and tee-bolt slots for hold-downs...all made from scraps at almost no "extra" cost to me. I also have the machine on a mobile base so that I can put it anywhere I need it and store it away when it's not in use.

[Chris Padilla]

Well, I have the Delta 17-965. My only complaint is the POS switch they put on it. Maybe they've change it? Mine's broken on me twice. I can't believe they expect a switch that gets heavy use to survive long on self-tapping threads into, get this, plastic!

The last time I fixed it I put some CA glue on the threads and drove it home...has been fine since then but I wonder what awaits me should it break again. Keep in mind the problem is that these screws get loose and allow the spring(s) in the button(s) to pop out of their recesses. What you end up with is that either you can't start the machine or you can't turn it off!

Anyway, all that aside, it has been great...excellent runout. Not too bad to change speeds. I made my own mobile cart and have a table on it just like Jim's.

The Delta recieved the Top Choice award from AWW 1-3 years ago...that is what swayed me over to the Delta. Other than the switch, I like it alot.

[Ken Salisbury]

I bought the Jet JDP 17MF approx 6 months ago. I love it.

[Dean Baumgartner]

I have the same drill press as Ken for about 10 years without a problem.

Dean

[Alan Turner]

I have a 15" Delta, from about 1980, which has served me well. But, were I buying anew, I would take a hard look at a radial head.
Alan