What size drill press

[CarolinaNomad]

At the moment I need a drill press that will drill through 8020 aluminum extrusion, but I know that once I have the capability of doing something, ill find other uses for it, ie drilling into steel, hard wood.  I don't want to spend a great deal of money on a tool I won't use a great deal, but I'm not cheap to purchase something that will break or not provide the accuracy.

My guess is a Bench top drill press maybe better than a floor model due to being able to build a storage underneath.  But do I lose capacity or capability?

How does this look?  Is 17" overkill?  Is there something better?
http://www.atlas-machinery.com/75-100rc_m1-17-bench-drill-press-regular-keyed-chuck/

Jeff

 

[nickao]

Just get a little WEN 12" with digital read out, cross laser and light on Amazon for 224.00 inc shipping.

Use it to drill your 8020 and if you don't like it send it back free within 30 days. I did that and ended up keeping it. You have nothing to lose using Amazon and some states have no tax as well. They make a 15" too, I just don't think you need it for 8020, its just added weight and unused capacity. Don't get the WEN units smaller than 12" they don't have as good a track record. Actually Jet uses this exact machine(they add 150.00 for the nameplate).
https://www.amazon.com/WEN-4214-12-...9_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=751KTPXCNJM2V9DFGNNM

I drilled the steel and 8020 to make an entire CNC machine with it, it works fine. If I had to drill holes all day for metal working I would get a better unit, but for a one time project cutting aluminum and wood once in awhile this is all you need.

The unit you linked to weighs 169 lbs  its not going to be easy to slip under a table.

 

[IanW]

Another option is to just get a cheap-o from Canadian Tire. They have it on sale for half price right now (never buy anything that isn't half price at CT ) for $120.
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-drill-press-with-led-0555530p.html#srp

It isn't a great machine, but honestly no drill press is. If you want super accurate then you need to get a mill instead. For drilling holes roughly of a certain size (+/- a small percentage) just go cheap and be done.