Pedestal drills / drill presses for woodworking - they're all a compromise!

[Kev]

I'm starting with a statement instead of a question - but that's probably just a bit of frustration bleeding through. I've owned a high end drill press in the past and I'm certainly missing one now, so I decided to start shopping for one ...

With a primary focus of woodworking, I thought I'd put together a features wish list and start my hunt. This has resulted in nothing but disappointment!

The first three items on my wish list seem to be either cost prohibitive or non-existent ...

1. more than 300mm of travel
2. electronic speed control 150~3500 rpm with variable "triggering"
3. accurate depth stop

Although my old drill was of very high quality - it was typical of a drill with a metal working focus and the manual belt changes for altering the speed made me feel I was working in the steam power era. Apart from a few safety improvements, I don't think the drill press has evolved from the first generation!

Am I alone in these thoughts?

Kev.

 

[land_kel]

I still have an older General 1 HP pedestal drill press with manual belt changing requirements. Never thought of it as "steam era" but your most likely right.  I use mine for Forstner bit drilling and hole drilling than needs to be at a 90.  But after spending some time on my knees in the shop today looking for a missing one of bolt, I think I'm of the steam era as I tried to get up.  Yikes!!!!