Replies

1. 
   JeffinWI | Mar 29, 2002 08:58am | #1

   Recently bought the Powermatic model 2000.  $650 locally with tax and they delivered it.    Runs smooth, good sized table. 16 x 20...I think.  Not crazy about switching belts, but the variable speed models are pretty pricey.   I'm happy with it.

1. 
   Elcoholic | Apr 02, 2002 10:28pm | #7

   Ditto on the Jet 17" Anniversary Edition with a couple of add'l comments.  I'm not too crazy about changing belts, so I just found a good middle speed that'll handle big forstners in white oak without burning and most everything else works just fine just by controlling my feed pressure.  I suppose I'm wasting a few nanoseconds per hole when using a 1/4" twist drill, but I'd have to do a 1000 to breakeven on changing the belt.  I do slow it down for big holes in metal, but that's rare in my shop.  Who really uses 16 speeds anyway?  Oh yeah, I really like the work light too.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

   Edited 4/2/2002 3:29:46 PM ET by ELCOHOLIC

1. 
   sschefer | Apr 02, 2002 10:33pm | #8

   I have the Jet 17" and have been considering just putting the belt on the highest speed and then use an electronic variable speed control to adjust the speed. It would be a little tough to calibrate it by RPM's but I think I could get used to it and just adjust by experience. I guess I could hook a mechanical tach to it somehow and mount it on the press somewhere.

   Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

   Edited 4/2/2002 3:34:28 PM ET by Steve Schefer

1. 
   DaveArbuckle | Apr 02, 2002 10:59pm | #9

   "electronic variable speed control"

   Steve, the induction motor on your drill press won't respond properly to the variable speed controls made for routers. My motor guys tell me use of one of those can cause the factory-installed smoke to be let out of the motor.

   The cool thing would be to put a three-phase motor on it and run a VFD. Unfortunately, I haven't found the pair of them except for more than the press itself cost.

   Dave

1. 
   sschefer | Apr 02, 2002 11:21pm | #10

   Dave you're absolutey correct. Thanks. Current draw is much greater at startup which would be what the motor would be trying to do all the time. I would be creating a brown out situation. Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

2. 
   sschefer | Mar 29, 2002 04:23pm | #2

   I bought the Jet 17" and haven't had any trouble with it. I think it was around 375.00. Not all that fancy but it does what I need it to do.

   Steve - in Northern California

   If the doctor says you have Attention Deficit Disorder, do you pay attention to him?

3. 
   ccampbell | Mar 29, 2002 09:45pm | #3

   I have the Delta 14" which I got for about $240.  I think it's about the smallest floor model, which was a requirement for me.  I've been very happy with it as a hobbyist.  I have the mortising attachment for it.  It is a pain to set up, but works well.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 3/29/2002 2:46:35 PM ET by CAMPBELLDUST

4. 
   TyEUP | Mar 29, 2002 10:57pm | #4

   My best recommendation, in your price range is the JET 17", their anniversary edition.  It is a good multi-purpose machine, nothing fancy, and mine came with the mortising attachment.

   If you had a little more money available I would recommend the Canadian drill press by General, not to be confused with the General International.  I believe it retails for about $800, but it comes with a Jacobs chuck, a Baldor motor, and a Square D power switch.  It is a solid machine, and worth the investment.

   My 2.5 cents,

   Ty

1. 
   user-38724 | Mar 31, 2002 05:32am | #5

   Thanks to everyone who responded.  It was a big help.  I've got somewhere to start now. 

1. 
   BernieMaas | Mar 31, 2002 08:36am | #6

   I'll have to agree with Ty - at the University, we sent that General model thru a number of rigorous tests - it's well worth the investment!  It rates up there with some of our old Delta/Rockwell industrial models - you won't be disappointed.  It's supplied with an American-made Jacobs Chuck & Baldor motor.  There's more to the Jacob's Chuck than meets the eye.

5. 
   TomPoe3 | Apr 03, 2002 09:33pm | #11

   Friday 3/29 I got a Delta 20" Its bigger than I need for wood, but for metal it has table w/ rim, t-slots, & drain hole for cutting oil recirculation. I do wood and metal. It hooked me because it was "marked down" from 799 to $569, even though there are other things still on my wish list.

   I have been very pleased, it has 1hp motor and runs smooth, the power is nice for a 2"+ self-feed/forsner bit. Changing belts is not at all difficult. I have never had a Drill Press before, so I'm riggin fences, drilling templates with dowell holes for stops, etc. Any info on jigs and clamping would be appreciated. Anyone have ideas for using the t-slots that is better than a bolt w/ washer to hold a piece of angle for a fence? One note,the On/off switch seems to require too much force.

   Also, the quill on this 20" drill press is too big for the Delta Mortise attachment. Does anyone know of another mfg. that makes a mortise attachment that might fit?

   Good luck w/ your decision.

   Whoops, this is my first post, need to fix that n/a.

1. 
   TooManyTools | Apr 07, 2002 04:50am | #12

   This is slightly off topic, but does anyone have any recommendations for chuck replacement on a Delta 12" bench top drill press?  The chinese Jacobs copy is worthless.  Will not hold on a 1/2" metal drill in 1/4" angle.

1. 
   JeffinWI | Apr 07, 2002 06:39am | #13

   They aren't cheap, but the real Jacobs "Ball Bearing" chucks are escellent.  Not sure how the chuck mounts to the spindle on that drill press.  Jacobs does have most styles available.

1. 
   TyEUP | Apr 07, 2002 10:33pm | #14

   I agree completely.  The Jacobs chuck is a great choice, and the 'ball bearing' option makes it just that much better.  They'll cost a little more, but you'll have them for a while.

   Ty"A true test of a man's character is what he does..."

1. 
   Andrew | Apr 08, 2002 12:05am | #15

   I just bought a 1930's (i think) 14" delta rockwell drill press today. it's a benchtop machine, but it has 4 1/2" of quill travel and is solid cast iron. i haven't had much time to use it, but everything is looking good so far. if you can find an old drill press pick it up, even if they're beat up they're simple to fix, and you'll have a better machine than one of the imports on the market today.

2. 
   JeffinWI | Apr 08, 2002 07:01am | #17

   There is another very well know Jacobs product.  Well known to truck drivers anyway, and lots of noise restricting towns........

   .

   the "Jake" brake.

3. 
   TyEUP | Apr 08, 2002 04:10pm | #18

   Jeff,

   Uhm you spent alot of time on that didn't you?  Or were you up late? LOL

   Ty"A true test of a man's character is what he does..."

2. 
   BernieMaas | Apr 10, 2002 06:13am | #23

   The "grab" length of those Asian import chucks is only about 5/8".  that is, the chuck only grips some 5/8" of the drill bit.  The Jacobs chuck has a grab length of about 1- 1/8" to 1-1/4" - that's more than double the biting area of the imports - makes one helluva difference when driving a large diamter multi-spur of Forestner bit. 

1. 
   fdampier | Apr 10, 2002 06:21am | #24

   Over 15 years ago I bought a drill press from Harbor frieght salvage.  Cheap piece of junk that's served me well.  go figure.... One of the handles is stripped but I'll put a little JB weld on it and expect another 10 or 15 years.

1. 
   BernieMaas | Apr 10, 2002 07:17am | #26

   Sometimes these things work like a gem - especially if they're suited to the job.  Good luck with your weld - and many more years of good use from that machine!

6. 
   TyEUP | Apr 08, 2002 03:20am | #16

   Jacobs is a brand name of chuck.  Its kind of like the Caddy of drill chucks.  And the ball bearing models are just that much better.

   "A true test of a man's character is what he does..."

7. 
   ecomma | Apr 09, 2002 08:06pm | #19

   I have owned the Delta 16 1/2" floor drill press for about 7 years.  I can't remember the model number.  Though it is manufactured in one of Delta's oversea plants, It is well made and has performed fine.  However, if I had to do it over again, I would spend the extra couple of hundred dollars and purchase the General.  Good Luck, Eric.

1. 
   user-38724 | Apr 09, 2002 08:33pm | #20

   Well, I took the plunge, after much hand-wringing, and ordered the General model yesterday.  I'm happy with the decision.  Thanks to everybody who responded; it was a great help in making my decision.  I'm sure I'll be back asking questions about my next hopeful purchase - a bandsaw.

1. 
   TyEUP | Apr 10, 2002 05:42am | #21

   I am curious, did you order the General, or the General International?  And if I may be so bold...where'd ya get it?  Just curious."A true test of a man's character is what he does..."

1. 
   user-38724 | Apr 10, 2002 06:22am | #25

   I bought the General, not the General International.  Bought it from a tool distributor in Nampa, ID.   I believe it was Idaho Tool & Equipment.  I live in a pretty isolated area, and closest distributor was over 200 miles away.  Ended up being $795.  Found it cheaper on the internet at Woodsmith, but shipping would have offset any savings.  Looking forward to receiving it.  Thanks again to everyone for their input.

1. 
   BernieMaas | Apr 10, 2002 07:20am | #27

   I don't think that you'll be sorry - we've got one in our shop - looks like a 1938 retro - but, it doesn't end there - it seems to have that great pre-war last-forever-engineering (that's pre-WWII) that just won't quit.

2. 
   BernieMaas | Apr 10, 2002 06:08am | #22

   The General is a good choice - real Jacob's chuck and a Baldor motor - you won't be displeased with its performance.