Popular Post Tom Cancelleri Posted March 12, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted March 12, 2015 Jet has recently released a new woodworking drill press JDP-17 716300 The release was back in October 2014. I had been looking around for a new drill press to replace my Shop Fox 1670 Radial Drill press. However all drill presses that I saw were the same. They were all built the same and there hasn't been too much change since the 80s. I wanted a light integrated with it and a laser was a nice addition, though not necessary. The JDP-17 features 5" quill travel, ability to drill the center of up to a 17" piece, 3/4 HP motor and 16 speeds. Packing: Packing is nice and secure, all the pieces except the head are set inside of plastic bags with an anti-rust agent and a silica gel pack. Each piece is also placed inside of the thick styrofoam packaging and then the box is taped closed with fiber strapping around the box. Assembly: Assembly is straight forward, screw the base to the post, attach toothed track and table, top track ring and then install the head. I will note though that the post screws to the base from the bottom, so make sure that it’s tightened properly since you can’t access the bolt heads from the top. I recommend that you have help when assembling since it’s pretty heavy. Fit and Finish: The case is well machined and my table is nice and flat. The paint is standard Jet white. Features: Laser crosshair and LED work light. The controls are all located at the front of the head. Green switch turns the drill press on, red stops the machine, underneath those are 2 membrane switches for turning on the light and turning on the laser. Beneath those buttons is a status/indicator light, a white/blue means there is power to the machine, a green light means that the motor is on and the drill press is running. The laser was off by approximately 1/16” Adjustment was simple, you just turn the brass knob to adjust where the line is pointing. Took about 20 seconds to adjust. BEFORE AFTER The LED work light The work light is sufficient, it’s not perfect, but it’s better than any other drill press I’ve used. The LED can be tilted for optimal lighting. Speed changes: Adjusting the speed of the drill is fairly easy and you’ve got 16 options. There is a 3 pulley system with a tensioning idler. Also on the cover is a speed chart and suggested speed based on material being drilled. Table: The table I think is one of the nicest features and additions to this press. It’s geared towards the woodworker. The table can tilt left and right up to 90 degrees. There is a laser etched scale for adjusting rotation. There are 2 T-Track slots for clamping, a hard material plate to drill through (not sure what it is made of) which can be replaced and leveled to the table. Along the sides of the table there are flat spots for clamping to the table outside of the T-Tracks. I was also rather happy about the T-Tracks since it allows me to use my Festool FS Quick Clamps. Storage: There is a nice little clip to hold your chuck key, and the wrench used to loosen and tighten the table has a magnet on it to stick anywhere you want on the drill. Power: The drill features a 3/4 HP single phase motor. I drilled some 1 7/8” holes with my forstner bits into some hard maple. I had no issues, I will report back as I use the drill more. These are my initial thoughts and impressions of the machine. I don’t foresee any issues as I find Jet Tools to be well made and pretty well thought out. Only time will tell however. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Immortan D Posted March 12, 2015 Report Share Posted March 12, 2015 My drill press has the same laser thingy. It must be just me, but I cannot get used to it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDave Posted March 12, 2015 Report Share Posted March 12, 2015 Thanks for the review Tom...looks like this will be my next purchase. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted March 12, 2015 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2015 I'm gonna add some video review maybe Sunday if I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Posted March 13, 2015 Report Share Posted March 13, 2015 Good review. Tom. Looks like an awesome tool. Glad you finally got it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FtrPilot Posted March 25, 2015 Report Share Posted March 25, 2015 Thanks for the review. I have added to my "buy list". 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDave Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 Mine arrived just a few days ago and is now proudly standing in the shop... Last major tool investment until I find a job Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted May 7, 2015 Report Share Posted May 7, 2015 Congrats at the same time as good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Mine arrived just a few days ago and is now proudly standing in the shop... Last major tool investment until I find a job Dave, What's your occupation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDave Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Computer Sales Engineer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted May 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Awesome Dave, enjoy the drill press. In this area it shouldn't be hard to find something in IT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Tom, for some reason, I'm just seeing this. Great review! The plate directly below the bit, I'm sure there's a name for it, you said it looks like it's metal. So you can't use fortsner bits with it? As eventually it becomes sacrificial, can you buy replacement plates? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Computer Sales Engineer There ya go. We got your name out there, regardless of to how limited audience it might be. Good luck on your job search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AstroDave Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 There ya go. We got your name out there, regardless of to how limited audience it might be. Good luck on your job search. Thanks...definitely appreciated...not in a big rush...however don't ask my wife... Hijack over Tom 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted May 8, 2015 Author Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Tom, for some reason, I'm just seeing this. Great review! The plate directly below the bit, I'm sure there's a name for it, you said it looks like it's metal. So you can't use fortsner bits with it? As eventually it becomes sacrificial, can you buy replacement plates? Coop, it's more like a self healing fiber plate. You can order new plates. I haven't drilled into it as I always have a piece of scrap board to back it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted May 8, 2015 Report Share Posted May 8, 2015 Good idea. A piece of scrap ply is a whole lot cheaper and it keeps the table looking sweet! When, not if, my HF machine goes out, I'm definately going to get one of these. If for nothing else, I like the neon cross hairs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Cancelleri Posted June 13, 2015 Author Report Share Posted June 13, 2015 Update*** After 4 months of having the machine and using it a lot during the Roubo build and some other projects. The drill press is still going strong. I've had to readjust the lasers twice since initial setup. I don't rely on them however. They are great to get in the ballpark of where I need to drill but I always hit my bit into the indent I put in with my center punch. Would I recommend it to a friend? Absolutely! I love the table, I've got a 2x2 stick of poplar in the back that I use as a fence until I get around to making a table or something. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bgreenb Posted October 28, 2015 Report Share Posted October 28, 2015 Just wanted to bump this to say that I just took delivery of this drill press last night based on Tom's recommendation. I agree completely with his review - very happy with the tool so far. Setup was < 15 minutes. Speed changes are quick. The table is dead flat and came dead on 90* to the spindle. The T tracks are great for workholding. Drilled a few test holes and it laughed at hardwood even with a fairly old bit.Thanks for the review Tom! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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