Decent drill press for metal.

[zondar]

It's less "can't" than "don't want to". I just don't want to go swimming in the CL swamp, nor do I want to buy a project.

One thing I noted is that the HF options seem to stretch the swing before upgrading other components. So a 20" HF would have similar running gear as the other 14 or 15" options. Still cheaper anyway, though.

One intriguing idea is the Nova Viking. That seems targeted at woodworkers, and there's probably a catch for metal. For example, torque is probably low at low speeds compared to traditional belt-reduction presses with up to 10:1 torque multiplication.

But also, availability seems to be zero through at least September - supply issues or corporate issues? Anyway, I would expect to see more direct-drive presses in the future.

I do have a toy mill (Sherline 5400) bought as a learning tool.

 

[stupoty]

Once you have a style and size you like you then have to choose between the square "jig box" style table and the rotating "bolt circle" ? kind.

The ability to angle the table can be handy for clamping long things vertically.

I dream of having a drill press with a gear box for speeds

Stu

 

[slow-poke]

I picked up a an old school used Buffalo 15 for $200, sold the original motor and replaced it with a used eBay 3-phase so I could use a VFD for variable speed. It has a fair bit of quill travel. The table on mine did not have a hand crank, so I rigged up a linear actuator to make raising and lowering the table fun instead of a PITA. I would not call it portable, but easily moved by one person.

 

[projectnut]

Drill presses are almost always available on Craigslist. Get a larger floor model, you can move them with a handtruck and a buddy.

This looks a decent deal for a benchtop

Drill Press - Orbit 16 Speed Drillpress + Compound Slide Table Vise...

Orbit 16 Speed Drill Press Works like a horse. Also selling the attached Compound Slide Milling and Drilling Table for $200 or $350 together. Made by Phase II Model Number 260-512 and includes the...

losangeles.craigslist.org

Or finish this guys project if you like art.

DELTA 17" DRILL PRESS VARIABLE SPEED VINTAGE RARE UNUSED RESTORED...

PLEASE CALL BY PHONE ONLY, SORRY, TEXTS AND EMAILS WILL NOT BE RETURNED. CALL I just dropped the price in half Down from $1650 which is what this is worth. so at 875 the price is firm. the motor...

losangeles.craigslist.org

If it were me choosing I'd go with this one

Rockwell Delta Drill Press - tools - by owner - sale

Rockwell Delta 15-655 Standing Drill Press 4 Speed. Worked fine. 600 OBO.

losangeles.craigslist.org

The Rockwell is a beast, with a little cleanup you'll be good to drill probably the rest of your life. Of course anything not running you'll have to feel if you think bearings might be shot but it's not too hard to tell. He doesn't show the motor plate but with 4 wires it might be three phase which would not be a bad thing in my opinion.

Here's another Rockwell

Rockwell Model 15-017 Floor Drill Press 15" Vintage Excellent...

Rockwell Model 15-017 Floor Drill Press 15" Vintage Excellent Condition, Works Great!

losangeles.craigslist.org

Point being you will be well served with an older US built machine IMHO.

John

The first drill press is one made in Tiawan, and could be as old as the early 1970's. They're good for what they are, but certainly nowhere top of the line. I have 2 of them both bought new. One was purchased in 1974 and carried the name "Rockford". The other was purchased in 1978 and carried the name "Farm & Fleet. They each cost $125.00 new in the box. I use both on a regular basis, but they are somewhat limited as far as power and capacity.

I also have an older Jet 21" drill press. It's a floor model and weighs in at about 750 lbs. It can be moved by a single person using a dolly, but since it takes up very little floor space, I rarely have to reposition it. I bought it used from a shop the company was closing down several years ago. It's my go to machine when the mill is busy. It's well built sturdy and accurate.

 

[Boswell]

I

It's less "can't" than "don't want to". I just don't want to go swimming in the CL swamp, nor do I want to buy a projec

I felt in a similar way some years back. In general, I want to make things, and spend less time making "things to make things" if that makes any sense. I ended up purchasing a Grizzly G7947 floor standing drill press. Overall weight is shown as 245lb. with a minimum speed of 180 RPM. I was able to assemble it (on the floor) and then raise it upright all by myself. While it was a bit heavy during the lift, it was manageable and with a little blocking I could have made it easy to stand up. I have been happy with the drill press. I am sure it is not the best available but I have had good support from Grizzly in the past and good solid machines. If I needed another drill press (Gear head, or bench top) I would not hesitate to look seriously at what Grizzly had to offer.

 

[Choiliefan]

I have an old Buffalo #18 drill press with 1100rpm 3-phase motor.
It's rated at 1" in cast iron. The floor column is 1/2"-wall steel with a rack milled into it for raising the table.
Looks like they are still in business, manufacturing iron workers, rolls and DP's:

Buffalo Machines, Inc. - Drills

New page

www.bmt-usa.com

 

[Aukai]

That's a beast.

 

[zondar]

I have an old Buffalo #18 drill press with 1100rpm 3-phase motor.
It's rated at 1" in cast iron. The floor column is 1/2"-wall steel with a rack milled into it for raising the table.
Looks like they are still in business, manufacturing iron workers, rolls and DP's:

Buffalo Machines, Inc. - Drills

New page

www.bmt-usa.com

The 18 is well outside my weight limit, but the 15 looks interesting. From the photo and schematic, it appears distinct from the usual Chinese imports, and the site claims US made.

It's a 1/2" capacity 5-speed, Morse 33 taper, floor or bench, with an optional accessory that provides an additional 5 speeds.

There's extremely little independent information on these out there, aside from a few antique restorations from their prior "Buffalo Forge" incarnation. It's "call for a quote" only.

Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[matthewsx]

It would be interesting to know the price on these, please share if you contact them.

John

 

[Ultradog MN]

[/QUOTE]

I dream of having a drill press with a gear box for speeds
Stu

I had the same dream for a looong time.
If you all don't mind me showing it off... I bought this one recently.
Have it bolted to my work table for now but that screws up my table for other purposes.
Now I have a dream of finding a suitable column for it.
I'm sure I will someday.