Looking to buy a drill press and am curious what type/size/brand others have. My needs should be pretty basic, so for my budget choice, I thought about the Skil 10" benchtop for about $108. Reading some reviews, one site had the WEN 12" benchtop as the best bang for the buck, and it's around $240.

Going any more expensive than that, for just a hobby DIY'er, I'm not sure what benefits or differences there are in a drill press. Why would a floor model be better or worse than a benchtop? To me it seems I would be able to support longer boards better by putting a benchtop press on my work table and then being able to more easily support the opposite end of the board from just table height, as opposed to needing support all the way to the floor with a floor model.

I don't know the exact projects I'll use it for in the future, but any of my current projects that I have on my list should be doable with a 10" press. What types of projects would require something larger?

Used a coupon at Harbor Freight to get a nice one around $40. I don't do precision and don't mind fiddling to get it just right.

That's just me though.

I would go with the floor model because I tend to buy for the projects I may do as opposed to the one I'm buying the tool for. The floor model gives you more flexibility for clamping options and you also have to factor the length of the drill bit. You may not ever need it but the one time you do, the floor model will be nice.

I bought the HF 10" model about 15 years ago for a one time use project: to use a Forstner bit to install flush mount hinges on some cabinet doors I made. I spent more on the bit than the drill.

It sat in the garage closet, next to the water heater until this year. I currently use it a couple hours a week and it just keeps on going.

As for the floor vs bench top model, I would go for a bench top model to free up bench top, and to allow to handle larger material.

1. Don't go to harbor freight
2. Buy American
3. If you can't afford American, buy a Baliegh.

AggieFabricator said:

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1. Don't go to harbor freight
2. Buy American
3. If you can't afford American, buy a Baliegh.

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About to pick up dad's 60-year-old Craftsman.

Who makes an American made drill press these days?

Don't buy a Porter Cable, I got one from Lowes and the chuck sucks

I had a Dayton for a long time. Good little drill press until I didn't need it anymore. Everything is made in China now but I never had any issues with it other than changing the belt every couple of years. Honestly you can't go wrong with a craftsman or other store brand. Pretty sure the majority are made with the same parts with a different name on them.

You would be surprised at the amount of used manual machine tools on the market. You can find some really nice industrial tools very reasonable.

hopeandrealchange said:

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You would be surprised at the amount of used manual machine tools on the market. You can find some really nice industrial tools very reasonable.

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This is very true. We buy a lot of secondhand machines for amounts you wouldn't believe. Only problem is the majority of industrial machines are 3 phase. Finding anything single phase is rare in the used market, and they typically sell a little higher since demand is greater.

CanyonAg77 said:

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AggieFabricator said:

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1. Don't go to harbor freight
2. Buy American
3. If you can't afford American, buy a Baliegh.

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About to pick up dad's 60-year-old Craftsman.

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I support that. Old tools that are still functionable, are typically that way because they're well built.

BCStalk said:

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hopeandrealchange said:

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You would be surprised at the amount of used manual machine tools on the market. You can find some really nice industrial tools very reasonable.

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This is very true. We buy a lot of secondhand machines for amounts you wouldn't believe. Only problem is the majority of industrial machines are 3 phase. Finding anything single phase is rare in the used market, and they typically sell a little higher since demand is greater.

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This. I grew up in a machine shop, I learned how to run manual drill press, lathes, mills, etc. Houston Craigslist typically you can find some absolute steals if you know what to look for. My dad still will buy lathes, mills, and especially old Lincoln welding machines and almost always make a nice profit. I just put two sheets of tin on an awning for a old woman in the town I live in and got a 1953 Lincoln Short Hood our of the deal. I'll be rebuilding it, and done right you can get 6 to 9k for one all day. I may have 1,500 in new parts, my dads been doing them for so long he has blocks, body panels or anything else I'd need. We both get a lot of enjoyment out of flipping "junk" and making 3 or 4K off it. It's not a bad side hobby.

I was given a Grizzly floor model and I use the darn thing all the time. Makes everything from turkey calls to the railings for my deck.

As mentioned, you can usually get a lot of bang for you buck with an older used drill press.

I have an old delta floor drill press and love it. The floor model will allow you to do larger pieces and often have more power.

I also like that my press doesn't take up extra space on the work bench and I usually keep the press table at bench height (or chopsaw height) as an extended support for long boards.

AggieFabricator said:

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CanyonAg77 said:

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AggieFabricator said:

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1. Don't go to harbor freight
2. Buy American
3. If you can't afford American, buy a Baliegh.

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About to pick up dad's 60-year-old Craftsman.

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I support that. Old tools that are still functionable, are typically that way because they're well built.

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You can find some good tools at estate/garage sales.

If you are looking at skill and wen and you can't wait to stumble across a Craigslist/garage sale deal, just buy a harbor freight this weekend with the 25% coupon.
Then Keep your eyes out at for estate sales and Craigslist when/if you decide to upgrade.

As far as style, Like so many other tools, it isn't the tool itself that is the problem, it is the "what the hell do I do with it when I am not using it " that is the problem. Which is why I have a bench mount.

BCStalk said:

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hopeandrealchange said:

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You would be surprised at the amount of used manual machine tools on the market. You can find some really nice industrial tools very reasonable.

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This is very true. We buy a lot of secondhand machines for amounts you wouldn't believe. Only problem is the majority of industrial machines are 3 phase. Finding anything single phase is rare in the used market, and they typically sell a little higher since demand is greater.

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If going this route, one can also likely get a variable phase converter so you can run the 3 phase motors.

PooDoo said:

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AggieFabricator said:

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CanyonAg77 said:

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AggieFabricator said:

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1. Don't go to harbor freight
2. Buy American
3. If you can't afford American, buy a Baliegh.

---

About to pick up dad's 60-year-old Craftsman.

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I support that. Old tools that are still functionable, are typically that way because they're well built.

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You can find some good tools at estate/garage sales.

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This is true as well. They had a sell off of a local machine shop and my dad got a very well maintained Standard Modern lathe (that I actually learned to machine on). Standard Modern is Canadian I believe but it's a great lathe.

Lots of drill presses on craigs list these days.

I used to hate on Harbor Freight. Then one day I realized that most of the tools there are every bit as good as the higher priced alternatives, carry a lifetime warranty, etc. I'd even wager they all start out life at the same foundry...probably not, but who knows.

Once I saw actual mechanics and technicians sporting odds and ends is when I finally went full bore with them. I am only talking about wrenches and hand tools. I do have a polisher that is IDENTICAL to a Porter Cable...down to internal motor castings. So, I would bet they are sourcing the same materials as the ones people pay big bucks for.

Compared to my Snap-On and KD, they are still a little behind...but frankly...not far...especially for the cost.

Unforutnately, I think Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt and HF are in the same category now.

BrazosDog02 said:

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I used to hate on Harbor Freight. Then one day I realized that most of the tools there are every bit as good as the higher priced alternatives, carry a lifetime warranty, etc. I'd even wager they all start out life at the same foundry...probably not, but who knows.

Once I saw actual mechanics and technicians sporting odds and ends is when I finally went full bore with them. I am only talking about wrenches and hand tools. I do have a polisher that is IDENTICAL to a Porter Cable...down to internal motor castings. So, I would bet they are sourcing the same materials as the ones people pay big bucks for.

Compared to my Snap-On and KD, they are still a little behind...but frankly...not far...especially for the cost.

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There is a power tool design facility near where I live. It's owned by Ryobi but they design tools for almost a dozen major brands. When they have their employee sale - of items like damaged boxes, factory refurbished, etc. - you can buy name brands like Craftsman, John Deere, Ryobi, etc. Its amazing how many commonalities there are across brands.

BrazosDog02 said:

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I used to hate on Harbor Freight. Then one day I realized that most of the tools there are every bit as good as the higher priced alternatives, carry a lifetime warranty, etc. I'd even wager they all start out life at the same foundry...probably not, but who knows.

Once I saw actual mechanics and technicians sporting odds and ends is when I finally went full bore with them. I am only talking about wrenches and hand tools. I do have a polisher that is IDENTICAL to a Porter Cable...down to internal motor castings. So, I would bet they are sourcing the same materials as the ones people pay big bucks for.

Compared to my Snap-On and KD, they are still a little behind...but frankly...not far...especially for the cost.

Unforutnately, I think Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt and HF are in the same category now.

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I keep posting this but I have two exceptions

1) consumables (sand paper, grinding disks, drill bits, etc ) it is worth it to get better quality.

2) anything with a hardened edge (screw drivers, drill bits, wire cutters, nips, snips or clips.) They just don't work for more than a few cuts. Hell I have stripped a few flat bladed screw drivers....how is that even possible?

I only use harbor freight when I'm in a hurry and no other stores have what I need. I have tools that are decades old, and I'm rough on them. Usualy name brands, like the old Craftsman and snap-on. Plus, I get to deduct my tool expense. When you get to deduct 40% off the top, it makes it easier to buy quality.

phorizt said:

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Who makes an American made drill press these days?

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I believe grizzly is American made...

Wrong icon.


How much is a dang Grizzly?

http://www.grizzly.com/drill-presses

I own this one $365 plus freight

I have to admit, whenever someone says 'Made in USA', I don't equate it with quality so much as 'crazy f-ing expensive'.

That seems really damn reasonable!

Kenneth_2003 said:

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phorizt said:

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Who makes an American made drill press these days?

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I believe grizzly is American made...

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I looked last night and found where they have supposedly been Taiwan/Chinese made for a long time now (10+ years).

I snagged a HF years ago. I just poke holes in metal stuff from time to time to rig stuff up. If I needed precision, I would toss the HF for sure. Mine has a wobble in the motor shaft and usually makes an oval shaped hole.

My two HF welders are also ****, and are just useful enough to glue metal together when needed.

Signel said:

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I snagged a HF years ago. I just poke holes in metal stuff from time to time to rig stuff up. If I needed precision, I would toss the HF for sure. Mine has a wobble in the motor shaft and usually makes an oval shaped hole.

My two HF welders are also ****, and are just useful enough to glue metal together when needed.

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Who doesn't like oval shaped holes...

The Grizzly and Baileigh are just a little more than I'm wanting to spend. Grizzly is $454 after freight and Baileigh is $395 + $180 freight for a 15" floor model. They were supposed to send a quote for the bench model as well, but they overlooked that, although it would probably be in the $500-525 total range.

I think based on the positive reviews on Home Depot I'm going to go with the 12" WEN. Baileigh makes some tools in the US, but don't think all of them. So there's not really an option on American made unless Baileigh happens to be. A floor model would be nice if I had a dedicated workshop, but since I don't right now, having a benchtop will help me move it more easily as needed.

As far as Facebook, Craigslist and estate sale options, I'm not in a major city so the effort to find one and then go get it would be more than I want to deal with. I did search a few days this week, but I don't feel like constantly trying to monitor.

Appreciate the input. If I ever upgrade to a floor model, I'll have Grizzly and Baileigh on my list.

Jet or Powermatic.

Biased because I sell them for a living.

lawless89 said:

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Jet or Powermatic.

Biased because I sell them for a living.

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I'll admit Jet makes a pretty good bench grinder

lawless89 said:

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Jet or Powermatic.

Biased because I sell them for a living.

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I'm willing to take a complimentary Jet as part of a review program. If there's not one in place, what better time to get one started?