Thread: Kincrome Drill Press

One alternative I could suggest is the Hitachi 16mm pedistal. $609 at Sydney Tools currently, have been about $650 at Total Tools around Melborne.

I HP
Floor standing, i.e it doesn't waste bench space or need a dedicated stand.
12 speed (pulley selection) with a speed range of 210 -2850 RPM, covers optimum speeds for larger drill bits. Easier to maintain, replace belts as needed, vs scrap the unit if/when the variable speed drive wears out.
Incorporates an accurate depth stop system and a laser centre indicator system.

I have looked/played with four units of this model to date and none have had the dreaded Chinese quill issue. Most Chinese consumer drills and similar cheap units have badly machined head castings with significant bellmouthing in the quill bore, which allows the spindle to move around in the bore, causing drills to start in the work piece anyware within up to 1mm from the desired point.

None of the Hitachi's that I used/seen exhibit this problem.

Supply may be an issue, but Total Tools seem to have them as a stock line, and many tool supply places ae able to get them to order.

Thanks for posting that. It seems to have the features that I want - and I like Hitachi

Craig

Reviews on the Hitachi are less than sterling...

Here's one from this forum and another from the US. I might keep looking.

Thanks,

Craig

I was at H&F yesterday and was really impressed with their drill presses and the prices. I am going to have to go back and do some more research

My other half has already given me permission to go back

Craig

I read through both links that you provided.

With the local one, the motor can normally be moved vertically on the mounting plate to correct allignment with the idler pulley, and the idler pulley arm can be shimmed with washers etc to correct misallignment with the spindle pulley set. Not a major issue to my mind.

With the second link, the only concerns anyone seemed to present in five pages of discussion were the use of metric hardware (standard here), not being able to get an open ended spanner or shifter onto the table tilt lock nut because it is properly buttressed for rigidity, and finding the laser damaged when opening the box due to store impact.

By all means keep looking, but if you want a machine that is accurate, as a first step check for the Chinese quill syndrome. Feed the chuck to about mid point with the feed arms (position not critical as long as the spindle is not against the upper or lower stops which tend to lock the quill and mask play), grasp the chuck body, and test for movement side to side or for to/fro from the pillar.

If there is any play, walk on to the next machine on display. If at all possible, once you select a model, perform the same test on the unit you are taking before it leaves the store. A unit that cannot this simple test will never be any better than a pistol drill in a cheap drill stand.

So far, the Hitach is the only unit that I have found that can consistantly pass this test. One display example of CT's dearest drill passed the test, but the next display unit I saw of that model didn't, and the balance of their display stock doesn't. Most of the H+F display stock, and generic brands display stock cannot pass the test either.

Thanks for the info. I'll check those drill presses for that next time I am there - hopefully late January

Craig

I'd agree with malb - any Chinese-made drill is likely to have the same issues relating to poor machining quality. That includes Carbatec and H&F, plus all the other smaller brands. You might strike it lucky and get a good example, but good luck persuading the retailer that you want to go through the boxes and check all the drills until you find one that you like.....

If you could find a Jap-made drill in the same price range, at least the basic machining quality (and motor quality) will be there to start with. Other issues relating to bits hanging off the drill can be fixed, but if the guts are poor quality there is nothing much you can do about it.

JET might be a halfway house option for you, although not cheap. Their QA improves your chances of getting a good example, but JET still ship spectacular duds as well from time to time so don't count on it.

I had a look at the Jet models on Saturday as I had to go to Gregory Machinery to pick up some parts for something else. As far as I can tell the Jet models I examined passed the test outlined above. They are certainly of superior build quality than most of the other brands I've looked.

Gregory Machinery have a special on the JDP15M at the moment for $500. Regular is $580. There is no disclaimer so one assumes that this includes GST.