Thread: Quantum Drill Press

Are these the ones on their website? If so I don't know how anyone can judge anything from the small low res pictures on their site.

Here's the link to the manufacturer's website

Quantum Machines GmbH: B 140 T / B 160 T

Stewart

I've seen these "Optimum/Metex" branded machines advertised by a firm going by the name of "Red Fox Machinery" here in Melbourne. The specifications look very good, however, I've not been able to play with one yet.

I've been on the hunt for a quality drill press with 100mm plus of spindle travel and a suitable maximum run-out figure for a while. In terms of specifications these machines appear superior to the similarly-priced Jet and Powermatic drill presses (DPs).

I've spent time looking at the DPs sold by Hafco and those marketed under Carbatec, Jet, Powermatic, Peerless and various other store branding. They fall within the $1000 to $1500 price range to get the spindle travel I want. There is a big gap between all of them and the modern Australian-made Brobo-Waldown units in terms of quality . However, the Brobo stuff is way out of my price range at around $5,000 new.

All of the new imported machines I've seen have appeared roughly the same quality with pricing seemingly dependent on branding. There are minor subtle differences but nothing substantial and there hasn't been a single machine that has convinced me it was good enough to part with my hard-earned cash.

I'll go and take a look at the Optimum/Metex machines when I get the chance but I'd be very interested to hear what other people think of them as my choice seems to fall between one of these or a suitable second-hand ex-industrial unit.


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Hi Horaldic
I bought the one sold by McJing with model number: 5SPD16. I haven't used it a lot, but so far it's excellent. The brand is Quantum, also made by Optimum. The belt tensioning mechanism seems basic, but it works. The spindle is very stable, better than the the bottom of the range Hafco and Carbatec ones I tried.