New Drill Presses: Powermatic & Delta
I just went through the whole drill press process and looked real hard at the Powermatic. The Delta was not shipping and was told that nobody knew when they would get stock. The Powermatic seemed expensive for what it was and the real deal breaker was that the minimum speed seemed high and the quill travel was less than 4″. For that much I wanted something close to 6″.<!—-><!—-> <!—->
I seemed to be stuck between cheap products that would not do a good job and REALLY expensive until I found the <!—-> <!—-><!—->Steel <!—-> <!—->City <!—-><!—->. Full 6″ quill travel and solid as a rock. No variable speed but I can change the belts in no time. I have not tested the run out but seems to be almost non existent even with the quill fully down. I would only add a good keyless chuck (anyone know where to get a good one?). All that for $489!<!—-><!—->
Scott <!—-><!—->
Replies
When I first saw the Powermatic in print, months ago, it looked great but I had a feeling the price was going to be high (they didn't publish the price -- uh ohhhhh). Don't overlook the Steel City entry in floor model drill presses. I've seen it, and talked to a couple people about it, sounded promising:
http://steelcitytoolworks.com/products_tools.cfm?section=2&category=4&tool=20520
I also have been looking for a new drill press. From what I can find and have read about the Steel City with its 6" stoke is the only way to go. Price is right in the ball park.
Knothole
Delta rep told me the 17-959L is shipping now and the 20-950 is in the pipeline (or slow boat from China) and should be here next month. Don't know about the 20-959LX. I looked the PM and was disappointed. The table casting looked fairly crude in the examples I've seen, 400 rpm is slow as it will go which could be an issue when running big bits, and it lacks the 6" quill travel the Steel City and new 20" Delta drill presses have plus I'm not crazy about the keyless chuck.
Evenig Shop57..
I haven't physically seen either and I personally won't buy till I see a machine in person. But.. I have a 15" drill press that has performed admirably. Easy belt change.. practically no run-out.. etc.. To be honest it has done everything I ask except....
It will go up for sale soon as the Steel City 17" with the 6" quill travel (and industrial split head) will take it's place. My DP is great but I can't wave a magic wand and get 6" quill travel which I need at times.
So...
Good luck with your decision...
Sarge..
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