Hey

I have question regarding drill presses. I have been looking to get some decent tools for my shop to be and need some advice. I am currently in the market for a drill press and have not been impressed w/ the taiwan built presses. I have seen an older Powermatic and been using a Wilton press, I personally liked the older Powermatic. I am not doing any industrial or machine shop type of stuff, just building my Jeep and would like to have more precision and better control of my hole drilling capabilities.

So, I have seen an Enco 22" floor model pretty cheap, it was a 1 phase, 1hp and 110/220v for around 400-500 new. Of course, it is a taiwan unit.

I have also come across a few older American machines. A few beat up Rockwell and Rockwell/Delta's, they ranged from a rusted shut variable speed boring/drilling press 3/4hp, 3 phase model15-655, it was a big machine, probably bigger then I prefer to have; another Rockwell Model 15081 1 phase, .5hp, 7.5amp, looked like it had been raped, twice; Another 15081 that had a Baldor Industrial Motor on it, 1/2 hp, 60hz, 110v, 1 phase, but the column was rusted to hell; and finally the best one of the used machines-- Buffalo benchtop, w/AC motor, delco, 1/2hp, 3 phase, 220v, around a 3" stroke, had a new Jacobs chuck (633D, 3 taper, 0-1/2"), but there were some holes in the table.

I can probably get any of the used guys pretty cheap, but I don't know how much work they need.

I am ignorant when it comes drill presses, so any advice, experience or even comments that will help are welcome. Thanks for your time.

Jason

sounds like you know more that most.

i too am in the market for a drill press but just can not bring myself to buy a tawian press. i am keeping my eye out for a older american made press.

Get a floor model. As soon as you get the bench top you will want to drill a hole in something big and get mad (I know this from experience!)

Also for metal applications look at the speeds. You want the slowest speeds possible(well not all the time)

Some of the drill presses may be more suited to woodworking and have higher speeds.

You are right, I would rather have a floor model. With the Buffalo I think I can just swivel the head and put it to the side off the bench to drill something big.

That is one of the most deciding factors is the chuck rpm. I can't seem to find any info on the Buffalo press. I am leaning towards the Buff because it was in the best condition out of them all, but if it is crap I am think I will wait until I find a sweet one.

If anybody has experience with any press I am interested.

Thanks again
Jason

I Have a floor model I bought from HF for $199. It has 16 speeds and turns as low as 170 rpms. Its been in my shop for 10 years and its still drilling holes. And I've drilled alot of holes. Its not a great drill press but for the price you cant beet it. It will handle a 1" drill bit through 1" plate.

I have this one: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/Displayitem.taf?itemnumber=42976
plenty of power. You will burn drill bits up with it on low low before the motor stops!! Plus having the milling part is nice.

Motor: 1/2 hp,120V, 8.5 amps, 1700 RPM
12 speeds: 300, 400, 540, 720, 900, 1040, 1500, 1740, 2100, 2260, 3100 and 3840 RPM
Head rotates 360°
Spindle taper: MT-2
Spindle stroke: 3-3/8''
Spindle diameter: 1.265''
Drill capacity: 5/8''
Face mill capacity: 1-1/2''
Chuck to table: 10''
Table size:16-1/2" X 6-1/16''



Originally posted by Air Bag
I Have a floor model I bought from HF for $199. It has 16 speeds and turns as low as 170 rpms. Its been in my shop for 10 years and its still drilling holes. And I've drilled alot of holes. Its not a great drill press but for the price you cant beet it. It will handle a 1" drill bit through 1" plate.

http://www.grizzly.com/products/mach-specs-pdfs.cfm?listtype=group&GroupTitle=Drill%20Presses&key=380000&&User_ID=507093&St=1606&St2=-53677012&St3=29510711&DS_ID=1

I plan on getting one of their floor units.

You can also get parts, and motors from them too..I like that.

MJ

I use a Delta at home and love it just like the one in the link.
I've drilld rock with it no prob Havent been able to stall it yet.

MOTOR : 3/4 HP, 115/230V, single phase, 60 Hz., 1720 rpm

MOTOR CONTROL : Up-front push button

SPINDLE SPEEDS : 16: (215, 310, 340, 435, 490, 510, 580, 675, 735, 750, 1200, 1380, 1850, 2035, 2720 rpm)

TABLE : Tilting with C-clamp edge and diagonal slots - Size - 14" x 14" (356 x 356 mm)

COLUMN DIAMETER : 3-1/8" (80 mm)

QUILL :

Diameter - 1-3/4" (44 mm)

Stroke - 4-7/8" (124 mm)


http://www.toolpeddler.com/17-965.htm

I am new to the machine shop type of tools. What can you do with a mill? I have heard this a lot, but don't really understand it. I have seen big ass ones in a couple of shops, but never saw what it did.

I got a 17" Rockwell from the 1970s for $200. I bought it from a old machinest...it has a big table, real nice...it probably weighs 300 lbs. Keep looking

With a mill like the one I posted you can move the table back and forth and cut area's out of your piece. I like it because I can lock whatever I am working on to the table and then move the table under the bit. Mine has a vice on the table.


Originally posted by diiulio
I am new to the machine shop type of tools. What can you do with a mill? I have heard this a lot, but don't really understand it. I have seen big ass ones in a couple of shops, but never saw what it did.

diiulio ,

Here is my .02 spend alittle more now and not have to buy another one. Rockwell stuff is good.

I really love the old USA made stuff. I have a small floor standing
Delta/Rockwell that was built in 1947. Not a piece of plastic on the thing.
If you can find an older machine in good condition for a reasonable price,
I don't think you can go wrong. I so much love it's quality over some of
the newer import stuff I own.
Jay

Originally posted by MattS
With a mill like the one I posted you can move the table back and forth and cut area's out of your piece. I like it because I can lock whatever I am working on to the table and then move the table under the bit. Mine has a vice on the table.




hey matt, how does that HF one work for you ? does the head have much slop in it ? i have an old HF 16 spd floor drill press that my dad gave me but would really like a mill and the price sure is right on that HF drill/mill if it works even have way decent.

- jack

Originally posted by morpheus


hey matt, how does that HF one work for you ? does the head have much slop in it ? i have an old HF 16 spd floor drill press that my dad gave me but would really like a mill and the price sure is right on that HF drill/mill if it works even have way decent.

- jack

I want one too, lets hear about it!

I have a Delta bench top model. However, it is a radial arm drill press. Most of the stuff I drill is small, but when I need to make a big circle or drill something big, the head moves out up to 17-18" I think. Haven't measured it recently. The head also rotates to drill on angle. I can rotate the head and drill something at a 90 degree angle on the bench if I want. I pulled it off the bench the other day and used it on the floor to drill holes in my ramp for the bolts. It worked great. DOn't get me wrong, I love the solidness of a floor standing well built press, but for home shop, I believe I have more versatility with the bench top radial arm press.

It's in NYC and good old made in the :usa:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1707189459

Looks like a nice unit!

What about drilling up to 2" holes in steel with hole saws? Is 300rpm slow enough?

One the mill.. what kind of work do you do? it seems limited in the size of object you can place under the drill head.

The Clausing DP on Ebay is what anyone considering a drill press ought to aspire for. The only downfall about it is the 3 phase motor.

Easily changed out, maybe the broker would do it for the purchaser.

Old US built iron is the only way to fly when looking for equipment for your shop.

Some of our stuff in my tool room is over 30 years old and it is the most robust and precise equipment money can buy!!!!!!!!!!!!:usa: :usa: :usa: :usa: :D :smokin:

Any one know how to convert a 3 phase motor into a singel phase motor. It can be done just how :confused:

Hey diiulio,

This is what I know. I just bought a Bridgeport mill used. I can't find any reason that I will need a drill press again. It's easier to use and it can do so many more things a drill press will never do. If you have to spend a grand or so for a decent drill press, you might as well buy a used mill and get so much more.
:D

P.S ENCO is total CRAP buy something used of good quality before you buy an ENCO

I am currently using a Grizzley. Only complaint is that the chuck they give you sucks. Other than that the 140 rpm speexd is one of the lowest i have seen for $199. $40 shipped to the 50 states too.

I will get6 a nice mill/drill later, but this works just fine for now.

Fleckster

The response I received has been excellent. Thanks for the input. I am going to probably buy the Buffalo press because it was built somewhere between the 50's and 60's and is in pretty sweet condition, plus I wouldn't mind buying a piece of equipment that was built where I have been living the past six years. The only downfall is that it is 3 phase and I will just try to sell my brother the 3 phase and pick up a single phase.

Keep the input coming.

As long as you don't raise the upper part to high I have not had any problems. I have access to a machine shop and have used alot of their high dollar tools and for what I am doing this one works great. I'm sure it's not something you could used all day 5 days a week but for a garage piece I like it. Get a friend to help you put it on the work bench cause it's heavy!! Both the tool height and press drop have screw holds and so far the moving deck works smooth. Ya get what you pay for and I'm happy. There is another one similar to it that is grey that was a little larger and more $$. I was going to get it but it would not fit in my Jeep to take it home. :D


Originally posted by morpheus
hey matt, how does that HF one work for you ? does the head have much slop in it ? i have an old HF 16 spd floor drill press that my dad gave me but would really like a mill and the price sure is right on that HF drill/mill if it works even have way decent.

- jack

I got a Harbor Freight drill press a feww weeks ago. Its not top of the line by any means but its better than my 3/8 drill.
You do get what you pay for...

I was looking at getting a tubing notcher. But with this drill press i can clamp a tub to the table (off the the side) and easily notch a tube, and rotoate for angle cuts, so for me this does what i need it to.... Once and a while the chuck fall out... (ya i laugh too when it does) but hey.... it will rip stuff out of my hand when im drilling and it came with an oiler atachment...

everything is relitive.... For me it was buy a welder and a drill press...... With the extra i bought a tube bender (pro-tool#105)

-mike

Originally posted by twaldher
What about drilling up to 2" holes in steel with hole saws? Is 300rpm slow enough?

One the mill.. what kind of work do you do? it seems limited in the size of object you can place under the drill head.

I've drilled some 2 1/4" holes with a hole saw in the 1/4" plate on my trailer with my 450 RPM 1/2" hand drill, worked fine.

I also have the 16 spd HF floor model drill press, was ~200. Not the greatest, but I feel it was a decent value. I would love to get my hands on an old Bridgeports someday, but this drill press is a whole lot better than nothing. BTW, if I bought it again, I wouldn't even mount the oiler, IMO all its good for is leaking oil all over the floor. I just keep a little oil can next to it.

Pete