Evan Purple240zt Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 I don't literally mean cheap! I would like a quality unit with no runout on the chuck. Drilling triangle holes is something I can do with my hand drill! *gasp* harbor freight has some higher end models that look alright. I really think I want a floor stander, thoughts? I have had trouble before with long drillbits and a smaller stroke cheapie drill press. Do I really need a floorstander? I dunno. Some level of precision is very important, I want to be able to drill nice straight and round holes! Most use will be metal, with some wood/plastic. Thoughts or advice? I searched and read a post from about 3 years ago, but thought things may have changed since then. My budget is 250 or so. Thanks - Evan BTW; I do have 220v in my garage if thats a must! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twentyfourouncer Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 Sorry I don't have any input on brand, but I would recommend looking for a used one on Craigslist. I have been shopping for one myself, and have seen some good deals. People need cash right now with the economy the way it is and a lot of them are selling off stuff for pennies on the dollar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted December 28, 2008 Author Share Posted December 28, 2008 Thanks 24oz... I think I may have found one. Floorstander Delta that would do the job nicely. EDIT; 2 hour drive each way ain't happenin! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grumpyvette Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 Try to find a variable speed/adjustable speed and 3/4-2 hp model with a built in adjustable vise if you can. a USED drill press can usuially be located at a good price looking thru the classifieds or craigs list Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zuhow Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 I love this little grizzley press that I have, and you really can't beat the price. http://grizzley.com/products/5-Speed-Bench-Top-Radial-Drill-Press/G7945 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted December 28, 2008 Author Share Posted December 28, 2008 Thanks guys, That radial drillpress is really cool! Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 When I bought mine years ago I replaced the motor with a reversable one so I can drill/tap stuff and then back the tap out. I also put a foot switch on it to free up both hands. The time will come when your part that your working on will get away from you and you wished you could turn the drill press off real fast. With the foot switch I can just tap it for better control and the motor has a lot more torque when on the starter winding A cross slide vice is very usefull as is a V block. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32997 http://www.eastwoodco.com/shopping/product/detailmain.jsp?itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&itemID=2182&keyword=43369&cm_mmc=undefined Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 I'm pretty happy with mine, $200 barely used, 3/4hp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted December 28, 2008 Author Share Posted December 28, 2008 I have an appointment to see an older (Read decent quality) craftsman floorstander with a dead motor. Guy wants $50 for it, said everything is good and no rust. He had two presses and killed this one. A foot switch would be amazing, thats a great idea. Since I will be changing to a bigger motor anyway. Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 A foot switch would be amazing, thats a great idea. Since I will be changing to a bigger motor anyway. Evan Once the part your drilling comes after you the foot switch will make a believer out of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad-ManQ45 Posted December 28, 2008 Share Posted December 28, 2008 If you wait you can get the HF 12 speed floor model on sale, and use a 20% off coupon and walk out the door for ~$290 like I did. It's normally $459, goes on sale for $329... Love mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evildky Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 check your local craigslist for an older floor unit, people tend to get tired fo these things sitting aroudn adn sell them barley used for a fraction of the cost new, if you are lucky you might find a heavy duty older model, i got a walker turner (fromt he 50's IIRC) from a shut down shop with a new motor on it, it's beig and heavy and quiet and smoothe, and I paid $75 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted December 29, 2008 Share Posted December 29, 2008 If you wait you can get the HF 12 speed floor model on sale, and use a 20% off coupon and walk out the door for ~$290 like I did. It's normally $459, goes on sale for $329... Love mine. I bought their 12-speed bench model for $100 2 years ago and have absolutely no complaints. In addition to the drill press you will need something like a drill press vice to hold the part while you drill. Additionally, good drill bits go a long way as well to drilling a clean, straight hole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 Bo, I have really good quality drill bits etc.. so I am set there. Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktm Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 Evan, not trying to imply that you did not. I was echoing your sentiment about the HF drill press. I have found out that hard way that no matter how good your tool may be, it is only as good as its weakest link. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 Nah, I don't take offense at all!!! The dude with the craftsman can't seem to get back a hold of me so I am continuing my search. I am starting to wonder if I should just get a new benchtop and be done with it. I have a feeling at some point I will regret it though. Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BQR280Z Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 What ever you decide on, brand wise be sure it has enough speeds to get the chuck speed at or below 200 RPM for large bits. Classically the 5 speed models spin too fast and just burn bits. My .02 worth. Bill Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evan Purple240zt Posted December 30, 2008 Author Share Posted December 30, 2008 Thanks Bill, I just backed out on one because it spun slowest 500 RPMs. Evan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pharaohabq Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 If you replace your motor with a reversable heavy duty motor and PS, you can drill at almost any speed. I use a sewing machine pedal with mine. that way I can control the speed with my foot, and when I'm not using it, it's off. Reverses with a switch on the counter. Phar Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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