Why do I need a drill press?

I have 4 drill press in the shop, along with 4 milling machines, I use them all constantly. I've never drilled a hole, for the sake of that hole, on a milling machine. If the parts already in the mill and needs a hole, thats a different story.
 
I rarely use my mill for drilling. In fact I do not even have a chuck for it, I use ER collets.

The DP has much better tactile feedback and is faster to setup.
 
You may need to drill holes in a part that will not fit in a mill that you have.

Today I drilled and tapped an M12 X 1.75 hole in a 35" dia X 1 1/2" thick aluminum disk with a 1940's era radial drill press for a lifting eye bolt. 1 hole in 1 part, it would be very silly to tie up a mill for such a purpose would it not?

 
Holy Carp Wreck Wreck - that's one serious "drill press" !!
 
DHarris said:
Holy Carp Wreck Wreck - that's one serious "drill press" !!
Click to expand...
One of the most unpleasant machines that I have ever used, loud, cumbersome in every way, every single data plate that tells one what any of the 16 levers and hand wheels do is unreadable.

On the plus side it will push a 1 1/2" drill through steel without a pilot hole located 48" from the column, ensure that the part is securely clamped down however when doing so.

This part has to go in a lathe, the eye bolt will make loading easier.
 
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