Bench Drill Press

[andvari]

I currently have a 10" Ryobi POS bench drill press that is simply the worst tool in my possession. I'm interested in replacing it with something with Festoolish attributes - that is well made and precise. I'll be doing mostly woodworking but also occasional light metal and electronics work with it.

I was looking at the Flott but $2000 - well I want to consider alternatives.

Any ideas?

 

[crsowa]

The new Powermatic one is nice and shiny!  Has some nice woodworking attributes as well
http://www.powermatic.com/Products.aspx?Part=1792800B

 

[crsowa]

Sorry... I read that you're looking for a bench model... If you change your mind... Check my previous post.
Cheers

 

[andvari]

Sorry... I read that you're looking for a bench model... If you change your mind... Check my previous post.
Cheers

Alas I really don't want to devote that much space to it. Looks nice though.

 

[Kev]

The new Powermatic one is nice and shiny!  Has some nice woodworking attributes as well
http://www.powermatic.com/Products.aspx?Part=1792800B

Nice!

I'd like something with those features in Oz.

 

[Paul G]

I have no alternatives to offer but am curious what makes the Ryobi a POS. Am looking to add a bench drill to the mix and want to avoid the pitfalls

 

[waho6o9]

The Grizzly table top drill press has served me well.
Not a 2 grand model by any means but it gets the
job done.
[attachimg=1]

 

[andvari]

I have no alternatives to offer but am curious what makes the Ryobi a POS. Am looking to add a bench drill to the mix and want to avoid the pitfalls

Well, for example I have a hard time using the Ryobi with a Forstner bit because the speed range and power output are not suitable. It is also has a fair bit of runout that may be ok for most woodworking is not good when I am putting small holes in PC boards. It also does not have a laser and it could certainly run smoother although these are not quite as important I do like the aesthetics of quality tools.

 

[andvari]

The Grizzly table top drill press has served me well.
Not a 2 grand model by any means but it gets the
job done.

How is the runout on yours? There are a couple of reviews on Amazon of this model that mention runout.

 

[WarnerConstCo.]

A nice Delta, Walker Turner, Atlas, or even an old craftsman.  All made bench tops.

A floor model does not take up much room and offers lots more flexibility.  Plus they are easy to move around if you need more or less space.

 

[waho6o9]

I've never measured run out but the spindle did fall out once.

So, I reinstalled it with a 2 x 4 and smacked it with a sledge hammer.

LOL, it's still in there.

If you're going to use a drill press for PC work I don't think a wood working
machine will work well for you.  Just a thought.

 

[andvari]

A nice Delta, Walker Turner, Atlas, or even an old craftsman.  All made bench tops.

A floor model does not take up much room and offers lots more flexibility.  Plus they are easy to move around if you need more or less space.

If I can't find what I want in a bench top I may well go to floor mount. Obviously it does no good to buy a bench top that doesn't get the job done.

Thanks for the list of older machines. That may be a great solution.

 

[andvari]

If you're going to use a drill press for PC work I don't think a wood working
machine will work well for you.  Just a thought.

Yes, thanks. It may be better to come up with a different process for PC boards. At least for the smaller holes.