Table top drill press

[Monty]

I have a friend looking for a tabletop drill press. He just bought and returned two crapsman’s because of excessive play in the quill when it is at full feed.
Anyone have any experience with these Grizzly’s?
http://www.grizzly.com/products/g9986

http://www.grizzly.com/products/g7942

http://www.grizzly.com/products/h0625

He would consider one from HD or Lowes if they are any good.

 

[kent4Him]

I wouldn't get any of the ones you listed. This is mainly because the spindle travel distance is 2" or under. Mine is 2 1/8" and there is not one pen that I have made where I don't have to stop the lathe and put a block under the vice and then drill the rest of the blank. I'm pretty good at doing it, but I wish I didn't have to.

 

[Monty]

Should have mentioned he doesn't make pens. He is just looking for a small DP for light general flat work.

 

[Dario]

I bought a small Delta DP at Lowes for $99.00 Works great...only complain I have is the quill travel w/c is not your friends concern.

 

[Skye]

Didnt I hear someone say that HD has one with over 3" for like $150? (not that this pertains to the OP's topic)

 

[Tea Clipper]

Is there a Harbor Freight near by? I have this model, and it's $40.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44506

 

[Skye]

2" stroke sucks but $40 is $40!

 

[ctEaglesc]

Flat workers would want as much quill travel as possible if they are going to be using a mortsing attachment.
My Ryobi has a travel of 3&1/8 inches.
It isn't the travel once you get the piece is it is getting the bit in if you are using a centering device.
the longer bits need to be set up with the quill cole but if you are in need of changing the bit the table needs to be lowered many times to get the bit in the chuck.
Certain tools shouldn't be scrimped on.anything requiring a preision set up like a table saw or a DP is one of them.
Even as much as I complain about the Ryobi DP for around $150.00 at HD the quill travel is important.
I might consider on with a lesser travel for milling but that is about it.

 

[Rifleman1776]

I have the Grizzly G7943 which is the bench top version of the G7944. But, I believe they have dropped the 7943. My advice is to go with a floor model, my regret is buying the bench version. Floor models take up the same footprint space but are much more versitile. To answer part of your question, bench or floor is not indicative of quality. My machine is entirely satisfactory. The Griz's are fine.