Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 13, 2004 08:58pm | #1

   The Delta DP350 has a 1/3HP motor and variable speed (step pulleys and dial).  I have a Delta (different model) and have been happy with it, but I use it sporadically, and am no expert.  You might want to look over their other bench top models here.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   DaveRead | Dec 13, 2004 10:05pm | #2

   thank you for the quick reply - will do!

2. 
   jc21 | Dec 14, 2004 07:17pm | #3

   I have a Delta DP 300 and have been satisfied with it. It's a 1/3 hp and comes with a work light and a tool tray both which have proven useful. It uses stepped pulleys which means you have to move the belt to change speeds but even for these arthritic paws it's easy- less than a minute. Assembly was pretty straight forward- it took longer to clean the cosmoline off than to put it together. It has a decent manual. I'd looked at the variable speed DP350 but passed. Earlier models had some issues with the variable speed; Delta has since issued a revised design (s/n 022600 and above have it). Also access to the belt and pulleys of the DP350 requires removal of 6 screws- not a big deal but less convienent than the hinged cover of the DP300. I think the DP300 offers a pretty good bang for your $ (about $180 online). About the only real annoyance (and one which is true for most all benchtops and less expensive floor models) is lack of quill travel. Drilling through thicker stock, say a 4x4,  requires two passes. If you want or need more power I'd give Grizzly/ Shop Fox a look.

1. 
   DaveRead | Dec 14, 2004 07:31pm | #4

   thanks!

3. 
   forestgirl | Dec 14, 2004 08:00pm | #5

   According to our very own ToolGuy, the Shop Fox oscillating drill press is quite popular.  I don't know what the HP on the motor is. 

   With regard to ease of speed changes, sounds like there's an issue to consider with the Delta variable speed.  As mentioned in another thread, though, most of us don't actually change speeds all that much on the DP.  Odd design though, eh?

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   DennisS | Dec 16, 2004 05:38am | #8

   Jamie -A friend of mine bought one of the Delta variable speed benchtops. He had to modify the mechanism to get it to work. Don't remember exactly what he did ... something about a shaft not being well machined perhaps. But from what I understand it's one of those variable diameter pulley contraptions where the pulley flanges move in and out to allow the effective diameter to change, thus changing the ratio of diameter between the motor and arbor pulleys. If indeed that's the case, I agree - they suck. Had one like that on my Delta benchtop lathe. The macine has to be running in order to change speeds. So let's see, you just got through drilling some 1/8" holes in aluminum with a high speed twist drill. Next you have to bore some 3" diameter holes in some plywood so you chuck up a 3" forestner bit (or worse yet an adjustable fly cutter) but .... Dang ... forgot to change the arbor speed.Break down the setup, take the big bit out, turn on the drill, adjust speed, turn off machine and set things back up.I'm waiting for a true electronically controlled variable speed drill press! (grin)BY the way .... won't be going to Grizz until after the first of the year but I'll check out the machines you asked about in another thread............
   From Beautiful Skagit Co. Wa.
   Dennis

1. 
   forestgirl | Dec 16, 2004 06:36am | #9

   Ahhhhh, you mean like this:

   View Image

   Hmmmm, didn't realize they could be such a pain.  It would be an even bigger pain with a lathe, I'll bet!  OK, I'll file that tidbit for future threads.

   Edited 12/15/2004 10:39 pm ET by forestgirl

4. 
   Steinmetz | Dec 15, 2004 07:06am | #6

   Dave, when bolting the new drillpress to your work bench, position the base so that the table, (When rotated 90 degs) will' over hang ' the edge or corner of the bench.

   The better for the occasional long workpiece which can extend to the floor.)

   Steinmetz

    

1. 
   DaveRead | Dec 15, 2004 04:07pm | #7

   Great idea - thanks!