Matt Berger and Michael Dobsevage
Delta unveiled two new drill presses at the 2006 International Woodworking Fair in Atlanta that include a number of features suited for woodworkers.
In this video, Fine Woodworking editor Asa Christiana details some of the features on the 20-in. Delta 20-950, including a 6-in. quill travel to accommodate deep drilling, an extra-large table, and variable-speed control.Â
Christiana also takes a look at the Delta 20-959LX, an upgrade to the 20-950 with a digital readout for speed and quill travel, a laser pointer, and two ranges of variable-speed. Both drill presses are expected to be available in December 2006. The 20-950 will sell for $749; the 20-959LX will sell for $949.
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Oneidaâs Super Cell Dust Collector
30-Gal with Wall Mount
Stanley Powerlock 16-ft. tape measure
With its smooth lock, tough case, compact size, and excellent accuracy, this Stanley tape is perfect for workshop use.
Rockler Dust Right 650 CFM
While all five of the smaller units will collect chips efficiently when deployed properly, the 3/4-hp Rockler was just a bit more powerful in our suction test. Bag changes were very easy too, thanks to a lip on the lower edge of the
canister, which holds the bag in place while you operate the clamp. The Rockler 650 also hangs very solidly on its bracket, which helps when you turn the filter-cleaning crank.
DeWalt 735X Planer
The DeWalt 735X produced two faces perfectly parallel to one another, with surfaces far superior to what the other machines produced, thanks to its two feed speeds. At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy, with spacious access to the cutterhead from the top and a gib screw wrench that doubles as a magnetic lift to remove the knives. The 735X also has great dust collection, thanks to an internal blower that helps evacuate chips. The port has a 2-1/2-in.-dia. opening, but has a built-in adapter for 4-in.-dia. hoses. My only complaint is the location of the dust port. Itâs on the outfeed side of the machine, and exits straight back. If you donât pull the hose to the side, it interferes with material as it leaves the machine. The top is large and flat, so itâs a great place to set material in between passes through the machine.
Grizzly G0495X Industrial Helical Cutterhead 8-in. Jointer
Regardless of the boardâs grain, this jointer produced excellent results. Its fence was totally flat, worked smoothly, and locked well, staying in place even after jointing multiple edges. Getting the fence to 90° was very easy, but the 90° stop was a little tricky to set and the fence did not go back to square when using it. For those who would use it, there is also a digital depth-of-cut scale.
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