Thanks Thanks:  0
Likes Likes:  0
Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 10 of 10
  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    68

    Question Drill press choice? - any of these bad?

    Hi everyone,

    I'm about the add yet another tool to my shed - this time its a drill press. We have to replace our fence, and obvioulsy a new drill press is *needed*!

    It has to be a floor model, will mostly be used for woodwork, but also some metalwork. I don't want to spend a lot, (cheeper is better) but I'm also happy to spend more if I get a better tool. There is potential that I would get a mortising attachment for it, so that may bare on the decision.

    I'm going to go looking at them over the weekend, but have narrowed it down to:

    Hafco
    http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/sam...orking/21.html

    SPD20B 3/4 hP $299

    Carbatec
    http://www.carbatec.com.au/store/ind...th=180_340_890

    CH-16NF 3/4 HP $429 (Price seems on the high side)

    Gregories Machinery
    http://www.gregmach.com.au/new_machi...ro_dp1601f.htm

    Trupro DP150F 3/4 HP $335

    Tradetools
    http://www.tradetools.com.au/ProdVie...Product=K1316F

    K1316F 3/4 HP $278

    Does anyone have any experience with any of these - any to avoid? If I was going to consider the carbatec model, I would probably then start looking at the 1HP models in the other brands - would rather stay at the lower price though!

    Thanks!

    Matt

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,756

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by mobrien View Post
    We have to replace our fence, and obvioulsy a new drill press is *needed*!
    Of course

    Quote Originally Posted by mobrien View Post
    It has to be a floor model, will mostly be used for woodwork, but also some metalwork.
    If you drill any thick metal try to get one with at least one slow speed <200 RPM if available. I don't reckon number of speeds is an issue - 12 is more than enough as long as the lowest speed is low.

    The drills you describe are budget line DPs. There is nothing inherently wrong with them but just like budget gear quality control is an issue and there can occasionally be real lemons and problems.

    The biggest potential problem is run out, ie wobbly chuck and morse taper.

    Don't forget the extras.
    - easyriser
    - keyless chuck
    - solid vice - I use a cross slider - its excellent for metal and I clamp a wooden table onto that. You can then drive the wooden table with the cross sliders.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Dundowran Beach
    Age
    76
    Posts
    19,922

    Default Drill press

    I have a Hafco SBD 25A and am more than happy with it.I know it's a step up from what you are looking at but the extra grunt, drill capacity and the work light are very useful.
    I think H&F Brisbane are having a sale soon so you will do better.
    PM me if you want achat about it.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Canberra
    Age
    63
    Posts
    1,291

    Default

    The quality of chinese drill presses requires some tuning after purchase. Typically lining up the drive pulleys, adjusting chuck/table angle are required but relatively easy to achieve.
    The problem area is in machined slack mainly in the quill.
    Tip 1 always buy the machine you can check out yourself not one out of the box. The machining tolerances seem to be quite wide.
    Tip 2 Don't just test for slop whilst the quill is retracted or at full extension. Fully extend then back off slightly - if you can feel slop in any direction find a better machined press.
    If possible also check the machine whilst fully setup and running. Some vibrate excessively.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    68

    Default

    Thanks for the feedback!

    I went to a couple of places on the weekend, and have come to the conclusion that I need to spend more money - I wasn't impressed with teh quality of the $300 and under machines. So will now look at the $500 or so options!

    M

  7. #6
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    68

    Default

    Hi again guys,

    Went looking again last night - really like the look of the "new" Jet JDP-17F - its a dual purpose metal/wood machine.

    Anyone got any feedback on one of these - its only doubled my budget!

    M

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    In the shed, Melbourne
    Age
    52
    Posts
    6,883

    Question

    Since when isn't a decent d/prill for both timber and metal?
    I make things, I just take a long time.

    www.brandhouse.net.au

  9. #8
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    68

    Default

    Very true - sorry I should clarify - this model is a new european JET model that is specifically for metal and wood, coming with a square bench with metal catch tray around the edge and a metal vice as part of the package. Obviously any high end machine can be used for both!

    M

  10. #9
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    Canberra
    Age
    63
    Posts
    1,291

    Default

    The quality of the JET product should be better than the standard Chinese clones. I think your expectations of its machining can also be reasonably high.
    ie no slop and no vibration.

    If I had my time again I would have paid more and bought something like the JET.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    May 2006
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    68

    Default

    Hi guys,

    picked up the Jet JDP-17F today from Gregories - looks the goods and was easy to assemble (although the box was a lot smaller than I expected!). Will put it through its paces tomorrow building the fence - I'll report back then and maybe even get some photos up!

    M

Similar Threads

  1. Which Drill press
    By clogger in forum GENERAL & SMALL MACHINERY
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 3rd January 2008, 10:26 PM
  2. Drill Press
    By Tonyz in forum GENERAL & SMALL MACHINERY
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 30th April 2007, 11:08 AM
  3. Drill press
    By coedcae in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 8th March 2007, 09:46 AM
  4. New Drill Press
    By TommyC in forum GENERAL & SMALL MACHINERY
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: 25th March 2006, 10:01 PM
  5. Drill Press
    By Termite in forum GENERAL & SMALL MACHINERY
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 8th September 2003, 08:04 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •