Need a Recommendation for a Good Benchtop Drill Press

[NYC Tiny Shop]

I need a drill press, probably a 10", that can be picked up and put onto my MFT table, and then put away. I had the Wen 12" Benchtop here, but returned it because the RPM LED wasn't working and it was really too big for me to lug around the shop (an awkward 90 lbs.)

I need a drill press for making plugs, handle large forstners, spades through 8/4 red oak, repeatable angles, etc.

Does anyone have a benchtop, that they can recommend? I've looked online at the Skil, Craftsman, Wen, Ryobi, Rockwell, and some other lesser Chinese brands.  I'm sure that there's a couple that I've missed.  

(BTW, is every small drill press made in China?  Festool, where's your drill press for us Americans?"

Thanks!

 

[Sparktrician]

Check CraigsList.  I've found two Delta benchtop drill presses there.  My son got the 8" and I kept the 12" model (not exactly lightweight). 

 

[NYC Tiny Shop]

Sparks,
Thanks.  How do you like your Deltas? Craigslist, for an item like this, doesn't work for me because I have to either rent a car or have my delivery guy pick it up. So, depending on the distance, it's an extra $100-200.

 

[Wooden Skye]

I have the skil that is available at Lowes, it is alright.  If I was using it a lot, I would get something else.

 

[leakyroof]

You will probably already know this , many old units were well made in the 50s and 60s, but are heavy. My 1952 Delta Benchtop DP is so heavy that I would never want to lug it around. Even the Belt guard is Cast Iron. Current units are way lighter, but not as accurate usually since the quills aren't that tight. You want a slow speed for a large Forestner Bit if you're going to use one. Otherwise, weight seems like your main concern and overall size of the unit. Look for a good chuck if you spot one, cheap ones are a major pain to deal with on a working basis.
If you can look one over in person, that's better than staring at pictures.  The little 12" Jet bench top model looks interesting, 5/8" capacity chuck, laser guide points, digital readout and possibly a variable speed drive(specs were a bit confusing on their web page). I had a Jet floor model previously that I really liked.
Tell us what you ended up with  [smile]

 

[Sparktrician]

Sparks,
Thanks.  How do you like your Deltas? Craigslist, for an item like this, doesn't work for me because I have to either rent a car or have my delivery guy pick it up. So, depending on the distance, it's an extra $100-200.

My son likes the 8" model and I'm generally happy with the 12" model.  I will note that the 12" model doesn't have a bunch of power.  It will bog down on a 3-3/4" hole saw very quickly.  For other things like Forstner and regular bits, it's just fine.  I added the Woodpeckers drill press table, but found that the elevation crank hit the table, so I had to space the table up by 2-1/2" or so and cut away part of the spacing block to be able to use the crank, making it a 9-1/2" model.  The rack & pinion riser isn't the best, and the table will "wander" around the column, so a realignment is necessary when the table is moved up or down.  You certainly wouldn't want to be carrying this beast for several blocks in New York without wheeled transport.