Replies

1. 
   roc | Mar 14, 2009 05:49am | #1

   MrFinley,

   Sorry you are not getting any takers. I have one of the less sophisticated Delta floor standing drill presses that I bought a couple of years ago and like it a lot. I am pretty critical and know machinery so it takes a bit of care in the manufacture of a product to keep me happy. I would have bought the one you are looking at but it is a bit out of my budget. I have used the same one as I bought at two metal shops I worked in and it did well there.

   I think Delta does a great job in general with their drill presses and you should have a good experience with the higher end model you are looking at.

   You might want to go to this chat room and see if you get any more info on the specific model you ask about.

   http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/index.php

   Good Luck !

   roc

   Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/13/2009 10:53 pm by roc

2. 
   rdasilva | Mar 14, 2009 06:35am | #2

   Exactly the same Delta model I just ordered. They had some quality control problems with the 20-950 and delayed volume shipping for almost 2 years (it was announced in 2006). As of February, you can finally buy one.

   I tried it out at local shop and it's quite nice. It seems pretty well made and three things sold me on it...

   - True variable speed. I'm getting tired of changing belts when I change bit sizes.

   - Tilting table. It tilts both front and back and side to side. Generous table size.

   And the best feature...

   - 6" quill travel. You know this was designed for woodworking. On more than a few occasions I've found myself drilling to the extent of my drill press's travel and found myself repositioning the table to finish the hole.

   The only thing is it's a bit noisy. They say it will quiet down once the variable speed mechanism is broken in. Can't tell you if there's any truth in that. I'll just have to wait and see.

   I looked at the Powermatic also. The spindle travel is only 4" and the base is a bit small. It's also $150 more than the Delta. The fit and finish was a bit off as well. I'm also a bit put off by Powermatic since I have an old 17" model that is the biggest tool disappointment I've ever purchased. Table was out of square front to back (not adjustable), horrible run-out, belt tightening lever sheared from the rack, table lift crank snapped off (plastic)... it really left a bad taste in my mouth.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/14/2009 9:03 am ET by rdasilva