| Author |
 Topic Search  Topic Options
|
wjohn 
Orange Level
Joined: 19 Jan 2010
Location: KS
Points: 1998
|
 Post Options
 Thanks(0)
 Quote  Reply
 Topic: Drill Press Recommendations
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 4:50pm |
I snapped off three manifold studs in my WD's head the other day and figured this is the best excuse I've had to get a drill press. I would like a decent quality used unit but I just haven't been seeing them for sale on Facebook or Craigslist, so I'm considering a new one from Harbor Freight or Northern Tool (I'm sure the real machinists on here are cringing). I'm not set on either one if Lowe's or somewhere has a decent one, though.
Ideally I'd keep this under $500, lets say. It would mostly be used for drilling metal. I can see maybe drilling broken bolts out of transmission shafts, or engine blocks, and I don't have a decent bench at the moment so I'm thinking a floor model - something like either of these:
This won't get a ton of use so I don't mind changing pulleys for speeds. Not just limited to those two... But with that budget, what would you recommend? Anything those couldn't do for general bolt removal etc.? Anything you wish your drill press had but doesn't?
|
|
1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45
|
 |
|
Sponsored Links
|
|
|
jaybmiller
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Greensville,Ont
Points: 22487
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 5:25pm |
I got something similar25 years ago... Made in Taiwan, it'll outlive me......
I can pop out the chuck and put in BIG drill bits ( MT , Morse Taper ), though I've only done that 2-3 times...
The biggest issue is LIGHTING ! The MORE light the better ! Get a 'ring of LEDs' or at least a gooseneck and a 23W LED.
If doing long ornery stuff, be SURE to make/get an adjustable holder for the 'other ' end.
Also lots of oil and use the correct speed for the size of the bit.
|
|
3 D-14s,A-C forklift, B-112
Kubota BX23S lil' TOOT( The Other Orange Tractor)
Never burn your bridges, unless you can walk on water
|
|
tomNE
Orange Level
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: dorchester, ne
Points: 1225
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 5:54pm |
I'm in the town of dorchester ne and have a nice one in your price range. pm me if you have interest!
|
|
AC from the start of my families farming career till the end!
|
|
HD6GTOM
Orange Level
Joined: 30 Nov 2009
Location: MADISON CO IA
Points: 6627
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 6:50pm |
|
I bought a cheap one from HF many years ago. I use it 2 or 3 times a month. Bench model. Usually drilling holes in steel. It works ok for this. I buy their drill bits in the big boxes. when I break them, just reach in the box and grab another. If I was a younger guy, I'd buy some good ones from someplace like Granger's and a drill bit sharpener from the Woodsmith Store. I'd sure look at one of the computer for sale sites and see if you can buy a good used commercial unit.
Edited by HD6GTOM - 27 Jun 2020 at 6:52pm
|
|
steve(ill)
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: illinois
Points: 81302
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 7:16pm |
|
I have a 15 inch Craftsman that is 40 years old... bought the boy a 17 inch one from harbor Freight about 15 years ago... works fine for him.. 13 inch is little small, i would go for the 16 or 17 inch models............ Number of speeds is not important. I set mine on the slowest speed to drill steel... Dont matter much if im using a 3/16 inch bit or a 3/4 inch bit, that speed is OK... I drill quite a few holes in wood also... not worth changing speeds. Takes about 5 seconds longer to drill the wood hole on slow speed... I bet i have not changed speed 3-4 times in 40 years... SLOW is good... too fast will burn a bit..... put a good 60w LED equiv bulb in the holde... and extra light might be a benefit.... Get one of the $30. VISE to go with it... you will need that.
|
|
Like them all, but love the "B"s.
|
|
john(MI)
Orange Level
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: SE MI
Points: 9262
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 27 Jun 2020 at 7:31pm |
|
I got my floor model in the early 80's at Big Lot for $39. I don't use it a lot or for anything specific, but it's always been there when I needed it. Table adjusts up and down and I have a real nice vice on it. I have it on the slowest speed and I don't think I have ever changed it.
|
|
D14, D17, 5020, 612H, CASE 446
|
|
chaskaduo
Orange Level
Joined: 26 Nov 2016
Location: Twin Cities
Points: 5200
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 1:24pm |
|
Big lots used to have some pretty good deals. The one here folded about 5-6 years ago.
|
|
1938 B, 79 Dynamark 11/36 6spd, 95 Weed-Eater 16hp, 2010 Bolens 14hp
|
|
TimNearFortWorth
Orange Level
Joined: 12 Dec 2009
Points: 2014
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 3:26pm |
The 175.00-200.00 new ones can be had all day long for 75-100.00 in a pawn shop. Best money I ever spent and it ain't big but does anything I have needed so far and no more piling up projects to justify a trip to the machine shop nor that expense. Imported, pulley change speed options and a decent adjustable table that just needed lubed up well for operating. Made short work of all the SC latch pins I had in a coffee can as had all of the broken roll pins removed in short order so it basically paid for itself with just those.
Whatever you buy, spring for a good press vice that fits the press table slots as it will help you get things done, slowly but accurately and safely.
*Pawn shops are great round about 1st or 2nd week of December as they are dumping everything that has "expired" from the warehouse shelves and you can pick up some name brand stuff like spare 7/16, 1/2" and 9/16 sockets/wrenches, you know, the ones that seem to grow legs all year and run away in the shop. Snagged a nice like new Yeti cooler a while back, for 60.00!
|
|
Dusty MI
Orange Level
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Location: Charlotte, Mi
Points: 5058
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 4:44pm |
I added an unguarded foot switch to my floor drill press. I wired it so the master/regular switch has to be on for the foot switch to work, and added a light to the drill press, and it is only on when the master switch is on. No accidentally stepping on the foot switch.
Dusty
|
|
917 H, '48 G, '65 D-10 series III "Allis Express"
|
|
Dakota Dave
Orange Level
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: ND
Points: 3939
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 5:00pm |
|
I have a bench mount on from menards bolted it and a bench mount grinder from menards to a 30" square old computer printer cabenite. It's on wheels I can roll it around the shop and roll it back into the corner when not needed. I think their both made by Wen. A good press vice is more important then the drill press itself. Unless it's a total piece of junk. I'm not doing production work just home stuff. I set the belt on the slowest speed when I got it and never changed it. We have an old harbor freight floor stand one at the farm it been in use for a couple decades stiill working. I don't like the floor stand only because something is always in the way when trying to get a large piece on it. I also have a small 1/4" variable speed hobbiest drill press mounted on a wheeled cart in the shop bought a good small magnetic press vice for it. It's great for small jobs the cart is the correct height I can do small projects sitting in the chair. Cabinet under each drill press has storage with clams vice and a couple sets of bits reamers and sanding drums
Edited by Dakota Dave - 28 Jun 2020 at 5:05pm
|
|
wjohn
Orange Level
Joined: 19 Jan 2010
Location: KS
Points: 1998
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 28 Jun 2020 at 7:31pm |
I hadn't thought about pawn shops... I'll see if I can check a couple before I pull the trigger on the 17" Harbor Freight one. tomNE is unfortunately all the way across the state from me.
Sounds like I can use a slow speed like several of you mentioned and probably never bother changing it. I will get a decent vise for it, at least.
I may be showing my age but's funny to think of Big Lots having drill presses. I used to live a couple of miles from one but it's now closed, and even before that it didn't carry much in the way of tools.
|
|
1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45
|
|
tadams(OH)
Orange Level Access
Joined: 17 Sep 2009
Location: Jeromesville, O
Points: 10135
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 29 Jun 2020 at 2:41pm |
|
I bought one at Tractor Supply 15 years ago and it has worked great for anything I want to drill.
|
|
Coke-in-MN
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Afton MN
Points: 41608
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 30 Jun 2020 at 1:40am |
Big item is spindle but next is the table size - get one with a big enough table to hold vice and with slots for clamps , have one with a small round table and replaced it with another with large square table , now i do use my Bridgeport mill more for drilling than the drill press when doing more precision work as can clamp to bed then still move work with feeds on drill press to align . Like any tool buy the best you can afford , also watch for run out on chuck and spindle, had one I took back as was about .006 or more run out , now for wood no problem but for metal just need better accuracy
|
|
Faith isn't a jump in the dark. It is a walk in the light. Faith is not guessing; it is knowing something.
"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."
|
|
wjohn
Orange Level
Joined: 19 Jan 2010
Location: KS
Points: 1998
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Feb 2022 at 8:30pm |
It took a long time but I finally brought one home today. I've been keeping an eye online for used ones, and checked pawn shops now and then. The ones on CL/FB either disappear quickly if priced reasonably, or people are asking the same price as new for 10 year old Harbor Freight ones and they never sell. The pawn shops around here were very high, too - maybe $50 or $100 less than new on the HF or Craftsman models.
This Craftsman 15"/1 HP popped up today for $125 with the cross slide vise (probably HF). The quill seems to be nice and tight but the chuckcould probably use upgrading. The guy threw in the the other vise for $20. It has Chinese lettering printed on the tag but what the heck... Figure I can get that much use out of it, at least.
Thanks to everyone here for your input and suggestions. I'm hoping this will last me for decades for the occasional jobs where I need a drill press.
|
|
1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45
|
|
plummerscarin
Orange Level Access
Joined: 22 Jun 2015
Location: ia
Points: 3478
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Feb 2022 at 8:44pm |
|
Looks like a nice. Wish the table was that big on mine.
Enjoy
|
|
steve(ill)
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: illinois
Points: 81302
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Feb 2022 at 9:00pm |
|
My 1980 model looks just like that... Does it have the real small 1/4 inch belt ? I thought that would never last... I bought one after 5 years and kept as a spare.. Finally installed it when the original was 25 years old... New one has 15 years on it and NO PROBLEMS.. suprised me ? I set on the slowest speed and never move it.
|
|
Like them all, but love the "B"s.
|
|
wjohn
Orange Level
Joined: 19 Jan 2010
Location: KS
Points: 1998
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 12 Feb 2022 at 10:54pm |
 steve(ill) wrote:
My 1980 model looks just like that... Does it have the real small 1/4 inch belt ? I thought that would never last... I bought one after 5 years and kept as a spare.. Finally installed it when the original was 25 years old... New one has 15 years on it and NO PROBLEMS.. suprised me ? I set on the slowest speed and never move it. |
This has 3/8" belts. 1/4" does seem small but for non-production work is probably plenty from the sounds of it. Wonder if mine is slightly newer or slightly larger than yours? This one says 1 HP "Developed" which I presume means not true full 1 HP somehow. It's an 8 amp motor.
I do plan on setting it to the lowest speed (250 RPM) and may not ever move it for what I plan to do with it. This is going to be so much better than using a hand drill for things like the broken manifold studs in the cylinder head.
|
|
1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45
|
|
shameless dude
Orange Level
Joined: 10 Apr 2017
Location: east NE
Points: 13607
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Feb 2022 at 12:13am |
|
i too have a bench model from HF, bought lots or years ago. it has worked good for me except in the winter time, the belt gets cold and hard and will not turn the drill part. it just sits and slips. it's in my outdoor shop and ussually it's to cold to do anything out there in winter anyway. i also looked at the bench models from northern tool, couldn't see any difference between them and HF except the price. if you use your floor model...bolt or fasten it to something bigger on the floor, they get wobbly and wiggley when using them, buddy had his fall over and it's never worked right since.
|
|
Thad in AR.
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: Arkansas
Points: 9455
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Feb 2022 at 5:17am |
|
We used to have a china knock off store. Harbor freight type place.
I bought my first drill press there in 94 or 95. It’s been used hard ever since. For a few years it was in my welding shop and used for production work.
A couple years back I bought an old (1930’s) atlas for $25.00 with no motor.
I rigged up a Jack shaft with step pulleys and a 1 Ho 1725 rpm motor. That thing is smooth as glass.
I then bought one made in 1890 that came out of the Daisy BB gun factory. Has a window weight on a cable to raise the quill.
I still use the China one most. I change speeds quite often.
I really need to buy a new Chuck for it. The one that came with it has gotten severely wore and developed some runout. I also swapped it back n forth between my lathe and the drill press.
|
|
Dave H
Orange Level
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: Central IL
Points: 3499
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Feb 2022 at 9:01am |
good score there john 
|
|
Lars(wi)
Orange Level Access
Joined: 14 Sep 2009
Location: Permian Basin
Points: 7243
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Feb 2022 at 10:11am |
|
Another source is estate sales. Year or so ago I got a 1950’s bench model, for $60.00 or so. Dang thing was heavy. Having a challenge finding a chuck key that fits correct.
|
|
I tried to follow the science, but it was not there. I then followed the money, and that’s where I found the science.
|
|
Walker
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: oh
Points: 8430
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Feb 2022 at 3:36pm |
|
Unless you get a big radial or milling machine good luck with your engine block.
|
|
Walker
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: oh
Points: 8430
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Feb 2022 at 4:12pm |
|
Where cheap Chinky drills and mills go sour is slop in the driving splines inside the quill. Makes for runout and big time racket. I've got an old Monkey Wards I've done production work with I wouldn't trade for a whole bank of Deltas. The limitation on a drill press is throat depth- distance between spindle and column you can always get around table size but you ain't never getting chuck farther from column without a radial. Go for the deep throat man.
Edited by Walker - 13 Feb 2022 at 4:53pm
|
|
DaveKamp
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Apr 2010
Location: LeClaire, Ia
Points: 5754
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 13 Feb 2022 at 7:16pm |
Whatever you do, when choosing a drill press, ALWAYS make sure
you've got a really big, heavy, sturdy base... and a VERY LARGE TABLE...
So you have plenty of space to put things...  
|
|
Ten Amendments, Ten Commandments, and one Golden Rule solve most every problem. Citrus hand-cleaner with Pumice does the rest.
|
|
plummerscarin
Orange Level Access
Joined: 22 Jun 2015
Location: ia
Points: 3478
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Feb 2022 at 6:33am |
Plenty of ballast on that base 
|
|
wjohn
Orange Level
Joined: 19 Jan 2010
Location: KS
Points: 1998
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Feb 2022 at 9:01pm |
Walker wrote:
Unless you get a big radial or milling machine good luck with your engine block.
|
I honestly can't think of a bolt or stud I can't get to with this on a 201/226 AC block? Like you said, table size can be overcome.
For my usage I can't justify dropping thousands on a new USA made one and the older USA-built used ones I could find for sale were thoroughly destroyed.
|
|
1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45
|
|
wjohn
Orange Level
Joined: 19 Jan 2010
Location: KS
Points: 1998
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Feb 2022 at 9:02pm |
The guy I got this drill press from no longer needed it because he had gotten a nice Bridgeport and hadn't used the drill press since.
|
|
1939 B, 1940 B, 1941 WC, 1951 WD, 1952 CA, 1956 WD-45
|
|
steve(ill)
Orange Level Access
Joined: 11 Sep 2009
Location: illinois
Points: 81302
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Feb 2022 at 9:23pm |
|
wjohn, i have used my 15.5 inch Craftsman 3-4 times per week for over 40 years... You will be suprised what you can do with it.... I have moved the table on occasion and built up from the base.... I have a vise that sets on the table to use for smaller work... Done a lot of work with that.
|
|
Like them all, but love the "B"s.
|
|
DaveKamp
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Apr 2010
Location: LeClaire, Ia
Points: 5754
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 14 Feb 2022 at 10:12pm |
wjohn wrote:
For my usage I can't justify dropping thousands on a new USA made one and the older USA-built used ones I could find for sale were thoroughly destroyed. |
Yeah, that happens. Acquiring this Johannsen set me back $112... I had to scrounge some scrap metal to make the motor adapter setup, the Gates Polychain belt kit (small and large sheave, plus belt) was another $110... the Allen-Bradley 1305 VFD was $43... the footswitch introduced itself to me at an auction for $12, and the can of paint was around $15. I added the table drive motor a year or two later, it's a Bodine 120vac reversable that came out of a small conveyor at a junkyard that I was able to trade weight-for-weight, and it probably cost me 15 pounds of scrap steel. The spindle lights are little LED under-cabinet pucks, came from the Re-Store for 3 bucks.
In all, I probably have at least $350 in it... 
Yes, it'll drill holes... and power tap. It has an R-8 taper, so I can use a selection of chucks (keyless and keyed) as well as a Procunier tapping head, a Criterion boring head, and I've got a little belt-drive multiplier spindle for 30,000rpm micro bits. When I'm not drilling with it, It'll securly support a sandwich, bag of chips, and a soda while I'm standing at the lathe... and at that distance, it will ALMOST be far enough so that little swarf chunks don't wind up in my Ruffles.
|
|
Ten Amendments, Ten Commandments, and one Golden Rule solve most every problem. Citrus hand-cleaner with Pumice does the rest.
|
|
Walker
Orange Level Access
Joined: 12 Sep 2009
Location: oh
Points: 8430
|
Post Options
Thanks(0)
Quote Reply
Posted: 15 Feb 2022 at 9:00pm |
wjohn wrote:
Walker wrote:
Unless you get a big radial or milling machine good luck with your engine block.
|
I honestly can't think of a bolt or stud I can't get to with this on a 201/226 AC block? Like you said, table size can be overcome.
For my usage I can't justify dropping thousands on a new USA made one and the older USA-built used ones I could find for sale were thoroughly destroyed. |
I wasn't thinking inline engine when I posted. I was thinking V8 on an old lineshaft mill and walking bent over for a week from keeping feet out of drop zone
|
|
