Thread: Drill press and bench saw

G'day Tom. Welcome to the forum.
That question is probably better started as a new thread as this one is pretty old, but for bench drills I don't think anyone thinks poorly of Waldown drill presses. Other members here have Tough and Servian drills so some variety is around. The main thing to look for is something that isn't damaged too much (table half drilled away) or has major parts missing.
The big question that you will always be asked when asking for machine recommendations is "what are you going to use them for". Firstly because we are sticky beaks but secondly some equipment is more suited to particular tasks. For example, some drill presses come in 12 speed versions and others in 3 or 4 speed versions. With metal the wider speed range is handier.
Another issue is power supply. Most of my major machines are 3 phase. They are ex-industrial and usually cheaper than the equivalent 3 phase machines at the various dealers around the place (but have lower resale value too).

Michael

Hello Tom,

If you were considering the purchase of a Waldown there are a few things to keep in mind. A drill with a table raising mechanism is far more convenient to use than one that doesn't have one. My Tough is without a mechanism but it has adjustable collar that supports the table. (Ray cast a similar collar for his 8SN). The collar avoids a lot of struggling with an unsupported table.

Used drills will undoubtedly have some wear between the quill and the main head casting. Tough and Waldown made provision for take-up by including pinch bolts in the design of the head casting. Unfortunately, not all of Waldown's drills have this feature. My base model Waldown has about 0.005" quill play with the quill extended and no pinch bolts.

Finding a drill without a chain drilled table will be challenge. The table on my 3M was that badly mutilated that I purchased a new one. I considered a new table for the base model drill but Waldown wanted a too stiff $460 (from memory). Greq Quenneville and I repaired the 8SN table that now adorns that drill.

There are other well made Australian drills around and I can only comment on those I have. I used to have a Taiwanese REXON drill. A competent drill but not one I could gaze upon and think a thing of beauty.

Bob.