chefmagnus@grics.net Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I was going to use my FIL drill press for my table saw fence up grade. Well, today we tried to use it to drill the holes in the 1/4" angle iron. It died a smokey and blue flamed death when he turned it. He told me that it worked fine the last time he used it about 15 years ago. The short even melted a bit of the motor housing. So I need to get a decent drill press for under $300(That is all my fun money for the next 2 months. Everything else is already planned for for Christmas and other projects). And if it can be less than that I might get to drink a few beers before the end of the year. So help me out. Give me your best advice. Chef Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikem Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 For under $300, you are looking at mainly benchtop machines. Lowes does sell a floor model drill press from Porter Cable for $319. If you are willing to take the risk, harbor freight has a floor drill for $250, but you may be better off with a name brand benchtop. Another option, is if the bearings are still good on the DP, and the only issue with it is the fried motor, I would look into replacing the motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minorhero Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 For under 200 you can get a pretty fantastic used drill press. Search Craigslist in your area. Just be ready to replace bearings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chuck Melton Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 I would second looking on craigslist. You can get a decent bench top press for $50-$75, and floor standing for $100-$150. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 14, 2014 Report Share Posted October 14, 2014 So I need to get a decent drill press for under $300(That is all my fun money for the next 2 months. Everything else is already planned for for Christmas and other projects). And if it can be less than that I might get to drink a few beers before the end of the year. So help me out. Give me your best advice. Chef HMMMMM - If it were me, I would go ahead and drink all the beer I want to now and get a good floor model after Christmas . Just foolin! Good luck w/ your choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
atlinwi202 Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 3rd vote for used. Craigslist should have excellent options under 300 bones that will be ready to roll and can take a rebuild when you are ready. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 I vote for HF. If the FIL only fires it once every decade or so, it should last him a long time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tim0625 Posted October 15, 2014 Report Share Posted October 15, 2014 New motor on the old drill press....in my mind it's like putting a new transmission in a car with 450,000 miles on it. I'm waiting on the next thing to fail. Craigs list is a good idea because DPs do not get a lot of use generally so wear could be minimal unless it's been in a production/metal working shop. Run far if it has. New One - The small difference is $68 difference between HF and Porter cable....I'D chose the PC and since you have $300 anyway, put another $19 into it and get a new one...reliable....warranty....etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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