[myrockfight]

Hey guys. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a decent drill press for my gunsmithing needs as well as any accessories that would be helpful.

I know that you can get variable speed drills, which I would like. I think it would also be more appropriate for me to get a bench top model vs. a floor model. I am not in a permanent living situation, but I do have access to a garage to work in.

I was looking for something in the ~$150 dollar range or as close to it as possible.

Thanks for the input!

[rcmodel]

You need at least 1/2" chuck capacity.
You will need a table vice.
Buy the best quality bit assortment you can afford.

I would probably suggest you keep an eye on Sears Craftsman sales and see what turns up.

Harbor Freight might also be another route. I have one of their Chinese lathes, and although it isn't the best lathe ever made, it gets the job done.

Sometimes, really good old used ones turn up in the want adds & estate sales for not much money.

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j219/rcmodel/KTOG/1224.gif
rcmodel

[Pantaz]

If you are in or near a city of any size, look for used machinery dealers. They often have older (but high quality) drill presses for bargain prices.

[JNewell]

Make sure you check it thoroughly, though, or you're wasting your money and time.

[beemerphile]

I have a cheap Home Despot 1/2" Delta that does ok, but if I could afford a milling machine I'd give it to you for hauling it off.

[Clark]

From $100 to $600.
I like Enco.
http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMPAGE=535&PARTPG=INLMK3&PMITEM=308-0056

[myrockfight]

Beemerphile - you win the most useless post of this thread award. :neener::D
I'd be happy to take it from you, if it didn't cost me more in gas than the thing actually costs :)


Is there anything wrong with one like this Hitachi 5 speed for $149...http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=251521-46578-B13F&lpage=none


Would I be better off with a Craftsman? http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921900000P?keyword=drill+press
This is a 10" for $99.99 with
Spindle Speed: 5
Table Dimensions: 7-5/8 x 6-1/2 in.
Table Material: Cast iron
Table Movement: Tilt
Table Swivel: Yes, 360 deg.
Table Tilt Range: 0-45 deg. left/right
Chuck: Capacity: 1/2 in.
Horsepower, Maximum Developed: 2/3 hp
Speed Capability: 5 speeds
Speed Range RPM: 620-3100 rpm

+LaserTrac™ - projects X and Y axis laser lines for accurate pre-alignment of drilling location
+Quick release table elevation - Effortlessly raise, lower and make fine adjustments to the worktable
+Beveling Table - 7-5/8 x 6-1/2 in. table will bevel 45-deg. and swivel 360-deg.
+Fence And Stop Block Included - Fence and stop block help to secure the workpeice. Stop block aids in repetitive drilling
+Depth Adjustment Rod - Sets the dept of the drill bit for repetitive drilling

This is opposed to the Harbor Freight press that is $89.99. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=44836
It has...
Motor: 1/2 HP
Volts: 120
Load amps: 3.5
Speeds: 250, 340, 390, 510, 600, 650, 990, 1550, 1620, 1900, 2620, 3100 RPM
Table: 7-7/16'' x 7-3/4'' square
Spindle taper: MT #2
Spindle stroke: 2-3/8''
Chuck capacity: 7/64''-5/8''
Swing: 10"
Overall height: 28-1/2''
Base size: 13-1/4'' x 8-1/4''
Column diameter: 2.87''

[1911 guy]

If you're just drilling holes, a moderately priced press will work. If you plan on any milling work in your gunsmithing, I'd suggest getting a (relatively) inexpensive milling machine since it will drill also.

[moosehunt]

Based on experience, use the same philosophy as when purchasing binoculars: pick the best one that you can afford, then save a bit longer and get the next better one yet. A cheap drill press will cost you a lot more in the long run than it's price--a LOT more!

[myrockfight]

Moosehunt - I know exactly what you are saying.

With the same thoughts in mind, I went ahead and bought a Sears Craftsman 12" for $179.

There were others for $99, but they weren't built to anywhere near the same quality as the Craftsman and they didn't have as low of a speed (500 rpm) as the one I bought. Considering everything, I figured $79 was worth not having to hassle with a cheap version that wouldn't drill as slow as I wanted it too anyway.

[Hiaboo]

no no never ever buy power tools from HF. seriously...! 1/2 hp vs 2/3hp? HA take the 2/3! HF power tools are DISPOSABLE.

[GunTech]

Spend the extra money and get a mill drill - something that can take lateral pressure and has replaceable bearings. You can often find a Jet-16 for very reasonable money.

[Onmilo]

I bought two of my drill presses from here;
http://www.grizzly.com
good stuff.

[Rex B]

The best benchtop drill press is a chinese minimill.
But if you can find an antique US-made DP some of those are pretty stout.

[jacobhh]

Spent many hours going through this selection process.
Read all I could find on-line, checked all the big box stores.

Finally found a near mint, late '60s Rockwell made in Pittsburgh.
6" spindle throw, US made Jacobs chuck, 250-3600 RPM and
shipping was 2 gallons of gas. It cost me $500 and doesn't have
any lasers etc. but it's one nice DP. I gave up on benchtops.

Check around your area for used equipment dealers etc. You don't
have to pay $500, but I couldn't resist this particular one. The table
doesn't even have a mark on it. On used ones check for spidle play,
runout, bearing noise and overall signs of abuse.

There are some nice ones out there if you have the time and patience.

[kimbernut]

I'll second Clark's Enco advice. I bought a rather large table-top model used for $100 ten years ago. It had been used 3 years in a cabinet shop. All I did was clean it up a bit and put a new v-belt on it. It is still going strong.

[tkendrick]

no matter what you buy, take a small square with you. Chuck a bit and make sure the table is 90 degrees to the bit, especially the for and aft direction.

Most will have an adjustment that allows the table to tilt side ways, so make sure that once its locked down it stays true when you put some heavy hand pressure on it.

(it's an expensive lesson, one that I learned the hard way.)

[chris allen]

Your work can only be as good as your equipment and tools .Buy the best you can afford!

Chris