Replies

1. 
   BruceS | Jun 05, 2007 03:26am | #1

   Looks like you have time.  Go to http://www.craigslist.com  and do a search for a good used Jet or Delta.  You can probably get two for the price of the new ridgid.  And have enough left over to get a set of brad points, a set of forstner bits and more.

   Work Safe,  Count to 10 when your done for the day !!

   Bruce S. 

    

2. 
   Ryan1 | Jun 05, 2007 04:35pm | #2

   Eric, I recently did some research and also decided on buying the Ridgid drill press. I paid $280 for it, got it home, assembled it, tried to tune it, and wound up boxing it back up and returning it for a refund.

   I have read plenty of testimonials on various forums about how the Ridgid is really a bargain for a great machine, and maybe I just got a lemon.

   First, the motor on my unit was not plumb, therefore causing the motor pulley to not align with the spindle pulley. Essentially the bottom of the motor was leaning in toward the column due to a poorly engineered motor mount. The only way to correct this would have been using brass shims (and plenty of them) on the 2 bottom bolts on the motor mount.

   Second, my unit had too much runout at the chuck. I did notice when installing the chuck onto the spindle that the spindle had some dings in it. Sort of what it would look like if someone accidentally struck it with a standard hammer while trying to remove the chuck from the spindle. Or maybe it was damaged during assembly, who knows? By that time I didn't care any more and was ready to disassemble and put her back in the box for a trip back to the depot.

   Again, maybe I just got a lemon, or maybe I am too picky, but I have read a lot of favorable reviews of the Ridgid DP.

   You will probably be better served to find an older, higher quality machine on the secondary market. Good luck.

3. 
   mufti | Jun 05, 2007 06:36pm | #3

             Alas poor Eric, but we are not acquaited. I have a Meddings floor standing job that is about fifty years old and first class. Do try the secondhand industrial route, at worst you will be able to sell on for about what you pay since these things do not depreciate in value. You cannot lift them though!

1. 
   EricT | Jun 05, 2007 07:36pm | #4

   Where would I find something like that?

1. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jun 05, 2007 07:53pm | #5

   Eric,

   Try http://www.owwm.com.

   They have literally tons of old machines.  There are also government surplus sites as well.

   Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

2. 
   KiddervilleAcres | Jun 07, 2007 02:19pm | #8

   Eric,As I'm sure you are aware, there is an interesting video of a radial drill press on the Home page here.Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres

    

   A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!

4. 
   Vic Damone | Jun 06, 2007 05:42pm | #6

   Sometimes it's simply hard to beat what some Ridgid tools have to offer with regard to features and price. I've always felt apprehensive walking out of the BORG with a substantial power tool. On the other hand if you get the press home and there are issues it's usually a very easy return, aside from transporting the tool itself.

   If the runout on the shaft is acceptable I think a Jacobs keyless chuck upgrade is about $100.

1. 
   red2erni | Jun 08, 2007 06:23pm | #10

   I recently got the Delta 16" floor standing press, about 450$ and am very happy. The 5/8ths chuck capability and long boring throw are ++ The assembly and install requires some attention. It's still leveled with ceder shakes on my cement floor. There are no lasers which is a + And you have a solid value if kind of old technology. Think of moving around belts as fun! Delta is way behind in accessories or attachnemts so I built my own t-track clamping tray/fence and sent some pictures to the fixture thread. I would also like a Jacobs keeless chuck and sent them an email trying to find out which model would fit the Delta but didn't get a reply. I'd also like to be able to do some light milling and flycutting, which might be kind of non-standard to sawdust types, but that isn't ready available so I'll have some more fun shop building that stuff. red

1. 
   brownman | Jun 11, 2007 08:24am | #12

   Red2erni,
   You can find out what keyless chuck will fit your Delta drill press by calling Grizzly. Their service people can guide you in obtaining the parts you need to make a keyless chuck work on your drill press. If you don't have there catalog you can access it on their website and go to page 324 for an explanation on how it all works. I ended up purchasing my keyless chuck from Enco at the time as they were a little less expensive. I purchased one of their Taiwanese brands and it has performed very well for me now for about the last two years.You can look them up on a Google search or just go to use-enco.com. Love my keyless chuck!
   Danny

1. 
   red2erni | Jun 11, 2007 10:40am | #13

   Danny,Thanks for the tips. I like to carry out as many operations as possible without moving the set up by changing bits at each position in wood, no CNC here. And I have some drilling and tapping of brass inserts to do, so including the counter sink to break the top edge before tapping, it is three bits/hole, lots more fun with a chuckless, I agree.red

5. 
   brownman | Jun 07, 2007 09:08am | #7

   Eric,
   Once you've found the right drill press for you,do yourself a favor and purchase a key less chuck for it. I have a Delta drill press that I've used for the last 16 years or so and recently bought a key less chuck for it. Best upgrade I've ever done to date. They work very well and save you a lot of time in changing bits.They also save your hands or fingers from aching and you never have to worry about finding, losing or breaking a chuck key either. No drill press should be without one in my opinion.
   Danny

6. 
   SARGEgrinder47 | Jun 07, 2007 03:47pm | #9

   Morning Eric...

   I purchased the Rigid DP 1550 4 or 5 years ago and contrary to the issue's Ryan had, their were "no" issue's. Run-out is more than acceptable.. belt speed changing is quick and easy.. table is great for clamping and the foot's design is stable.

   Could they have made changes in parts manufacturers.. design changes ( I haven't noticed any as I looked at one at HD after your post), etc. etc. I suppose they could have so I really don't know?

   The suggestion of a used press is not a bad idea either. A good press should last for many years.. many years. But I already have a good press in the 1550 from my experience and there is only one other on the market at the moment that I would rather have. It has a split head that allows for adjustment of it's very long 6" quill travel which with 6" quill travel is the correct way to design it IMO.

   Regards...

   Sarge.. jt

7. 
   xmike | Jun 11, 2007 04:45am | #11

   Well,...

   My new Craftsman 14 inch model is "no Scottish". (See Monti Python's Flying Circus for an explanation).

   Someday I'll get around to returning it.

   Mike D