Drill press recommendations

[Jim Oaks]

I want to get a drill press for my work shop. I had a bench top one years ago, but it was small and under powered.

The hardest thing I'd probably drill would be 1/2 inch holes in 1/4 inch steel plate but it would probably be material thinner than that.

I'm trying to figure out what size drill press to buy. How many horsepower?

I've considered buying an old one thinking that they're probably stronger and more reliable than a new one from harbor freight.

Found this Buffalo drill press on Facebook marketplace:

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Any recommendations on motor size, speeds, and brand names?

 

[Shran]

What's your budget?

That Buffalo one is way overpriced, HARD pass on that. Any of those older ones that say Made in Taiwan are probably made in the same factory under a million different brand names and are on par with Harbor Freight. Not to say that they won't do good work - they should just be priced accordingly... hundred bucks is about all I'd pay for that one. Brand new one just like that from HF is $300.

Stuff to keep in mind is chuck size, table size, how many speeds it has... you want low speed for drilling metal.

ANY unit that you look at should be evaluated for play in the quill. Run it all the way down and see if there is any slop side to side in the chuck and the piece above it - if so that will greatly affect the machine's accuracy. Also check for any play in the table and height/angle adjustment when you've got everything tightened down. Pass on any that you can't get 100% tight.

Factor in a good vise or clamp system, I got a nice Shars quick clamp for my drill press and it was WELL worth the expense

 

[Roert42]

That drill press is the same exact design as the ones at harbor freight.

Pretty common style, for light duty stuff they work fine.

If you're not in a rush, I would wait and see if you can find a direct drive drill press. Where the motor is mounted directly on top and the chuck is mounted to a gear box instead of the pully with the belts.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

I want to get a drill press for my work shop. I had a bench top one years ago, but it was small and under powered.

The hardest thing I'd probably drill would be 1/2 inch holes in 1/4 inch steel plate but it would probably be material thinner than that.

I'm trying to figure out what size drill press to buy. How many horsepower?

I've considered buying an old one thinking that they're probably stronger and more reliable than a new one from harbor freight.

Found this Buffalo drill press on Facebook marketplace:

Log into Facebook

Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

www.facebook.com

Any recommendations on motor size, speeds, and brand names?

Now priced at $100. I'd grab it if the speeds are low enough for drilling metal. Potentially you could change pulley size...

 

[Shran]

I am guessing the return spring is broken on it too, it looks like a screen door spring pulling the handle back. I didn't see that before.

I've got a Craftsman very similar to that and the lowest speed is adequate for metal. Wouldn't complain if it spun a little slower but it does work. IIRC low speed is around 150rpm.

 

[pjtoledo]

floor model, 3/4 hp. tilt tables are nice, slots for holding are a must. and of course "deep throat"

I would love to have that table.

 

[Roert42]

Table vice is 100% a need, otherwise just use a cordless drill clamped to your bumper. Cross slide vise, Heavenly.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

Dad got a Delta and it wobbles as you run it out. Really disappointing for a name brand. We thought about maybe trying a Grizzly next. Dad has some of their tools and they’re pretty decent quality so far.

 

[bilbo]

Dad got a Delta and it wobbles as you run it out. Really disappointing for a name brand. We thought about maybe trying a Grizzly next. Dad has some of their tools and they’re pretty decent quality so far.

I used to work in a wood shop and the majority of their equipment was Grizzly. They were very nice machines.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Dad has a old Buffalo from like the 50's, it is a beast. Way too big for even an above average DIY'er.

I was all excited about this one until I saw where it crawled out of.

 

[Curious Hound]

Drill press?

 

[Snoranger]

We’re looking into getting an iron worker for our shop:

Why drill holes when you can just have a big machine punch the hole in a few seconds?!?!

 

[oldgeek]

We’re looking into getting an iron worker for our shop:
View attachment 89510

Why drill holes when you can just have a big machine punch the hole in a few seconds?!?!

Iron workers are cool. And scary. Being able to punch square holes is handy. So is the shear and notch cutter. But one might not want the metal deformed or might need a hole that isn't tapered a bit.

However, if we are going to start suggesting what the OP really doesn't need.. getting a spade drill over 2", our Ikeda can move a lot of metal.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Drill press?
View attachment 89509

That where Hobart the Robot went to hide...
Try saying that 6 times real fast...

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Iron workers are cool. And scary. Being able to punch square holes is handy. So is the shear and notch cutter. But one might not want the metal deformed or might need a hole that isn't tapered a bit.

However, if we are going to start suggesting what the OP really doesn't need.. getting a spade drill over 2", our Ikeda can move a lot of metal.

View attachment 89512

I have the bench top home version of that. 30" swing iirc.