Drill Press Suggestions?

[JohnGreco]

Hi Folks! I currently have a 1960's Delta floor drill press. I have a nagging feeling that it can go any day now (it's probably already on borrowed time!), and I'd like to know what to replace it with whenever that day arrives. I really don't want to have it die in the middle of a big order and THEN have to begin my research

Things I'm Not interested in:

- Drilling on my lathe
- A benchtop model drill press

Things I'd be interested in:

- Variable speed without belt changes
- Holes/slots in the table to attach jigs (I know that sounds silly to specify, but I've seen $2000 PM's that have just a solid plate).
- Personal experience with the model you are suggesting.

Pens are really the Only thing I'm using this for, so 15" vs 17" really doesn't matter. Thanks in advance!

 

[Crashmph]

Personally... I would just have a spare motor on stand-by for the drill press you have. You will not get that quality of steel/cast iron in a new model. With proper care and lubrication, those old drill presses from Delta are fantastic.

Suggestions on a motor... Look for a Leeson Farm Duty Motor. The motor will cost you $200-$350 depending on what you get. A good 110-220V 2HP 1700RPM will run you nearer to the top of that estimate.

 

[kovalcik]

My dream choice is the PM2800, even without the mounting slots. With the T-slots and removable center I am pretty sure I could come up with ways to mount my jigs. The no belt change speed control, 6" spindle travel, and table size are what sell it for me. Pricey at $1400 so it woun't be in my shop anytime soon unless I win the lottery.

My realistic choice would be the Jet 17". Belt changes for speed control, but large table (with slots) and 4"+ of spindle travel. $610.

Edit: Just saw Crashmph's suggestion on a motor. If you like what you have that is probably the best choice. I have a late 80's, early 90's Delta 16" which gets the job done, but has issues so that would not be my first choice personally.

 

[robersonjr]

John, I purchased the Powermatic PM2800 18" drill press when it first came out, have been super pleased with it since. It sold then for $1,400. a little pricy but in my opinion, well worth it. I did install a rolling base under it for two reasons. First I needed to be able to move it when necessary as I do share my shop with my car in the winter time. Second and more important, I found that the powerhead was a little too low for me so by installang the self made mobile base I was able to raise it 4" which put the powerhead at a comfortable height for me. Robbie

 

[sbell111]

I have a Delta 17-950L that has been a great tool. I think that it has now been discontinued in favor of the 18-900L.

Both of these require the pulley polka to change speeds, but it's a pretty fast and easy process. The 18-900L has auto-tensioning which makes it really super easy.

 

[jj9ball]

I have the PM 2800 from powermatic. I got it about 9 months ago to replace my old delta 17". The 6" stroke is a homerun and makes the drill press worth every penny for pens. My old one had a 4" stoke which was mostly fine but every once in a while it was a little short. The motor on the 2800 is a 1 horse motor and is really large quiet and powerful. The speed changes with the crank wheel work really smooth and best of all I will give you a link to get it for less than $1400. I bought my from equipment sales and surplus off of ebay. They also have a website just google their name and you'll find it. They are on the west coast and sell factory surplus stuff. Sometimes it will have nicks or dents but most times they don't. I got the drill press from them for $1050 shipped to my door. They are on ebay periodically and start at $895 with $75 shipping. If you follow them on ebay you should be able to pick one up pretty cheap. Their ebay screen name is "eqss1". I hope this helps. If all else fails you can call them and they will tell you when they are going to list another drill press (thats what I had done). They also carry Jet drill presses and I believe they sell them for around $500. Good luck.

 

[JohnGreco]

Some great info, thank you all very much!