TomP Posted April 9, 2016 Report Share Posted April 9, 2016 When you need advice I always find it with you guys. I am looking to buy a new drill press. My sears is terrible. The arbor is bent and I can't drill straight holes. I do a lot of pens, salt and pepper grinders, and other accessories. What drill press do you guys recommend. Lets try to keep it below $1000. Business is slow right now. thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodenskye Posted April 9, 2016 Report Share Posted April 9, 2016 I have heard good things about the following Jet. I know a couple guys have this model. It would be my choice if I was buying a floor model. http://www.woodcraft.com/product/861604/jet-17-drill-press-model-jdp17.aspx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjtboy Posted April 9, 2016 Report Share Posted April 9, 2016 I have this PC one from Lowes and am totally happy with it: http://www.lowes.com/pd_78742-46069-PCB660DP_0__?productId=3162489 Unless you have specific needs that dictate otherwise, I am not sure it is worth spending big money on a DP. This PC one has worked out great for me so far, and know I've seen a few others on the forum with the same one. Fine Woodworking mag also named this DP best value buy in the past year or so. It also isn't too hard to find a 10% off coupon - or Lowes also give this discount for Military/Armed Service members if applicable to you. I was originally looking at either a Jet or even that Powermatic one, but just couldn't justify the premium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted April 9, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2016 Thanks guys. I knew I could count on you. I have looked at the Jet. It is not available until mid April. I will go tomorrow to Lowes and check out the porter cable. I have read good reviews on it. I just need a drill press that drills straight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 9, 2016 Report Share Posted April 9, 2016 That PC drill press looks just like my 10 or 15 year old delta drill press which has not held up well at all. Take a look at a Jet whatever size you need. The Taiwanese versions have a better reputation than the Chinese ones. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted April 10, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 10, 2016 I am looking at the jet JDP-17 drill press. If anyone is interested a company from Minn called Acme Tool ships for free. Woodcraft wanted $195.00 and Amazon was 95.00. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjtboy Posted April 10, 2016 Report Share Posted April 10, 2016 I've had good experiences with Acme. They also offered a new customer discount of 10% off when I signed on to their mailing list last year - may be worth checking out. I get emails every so often with current promotions, coupon codes, etc. Looks like a nice drill press, enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cygnus A Posted April 10, 2016 Report Share Posted April 10, 2016 Does that Porter Cable drill press ever go on sale at Lowes? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 11, 2016 Report Share Posted April 11, 2016 11 hours ago, Cygnus A said: Does that Porter Cable drill press ever go on sale at Lowes? You can put a dress on a pig....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cjtboy Posted April 11, 2016 Report Share Posted April 11, 2016 10 hours ago, wdwerker said: You can put a dress on a pig....... You really hate this DP, huh? ha ha. It's really not that bad. I know you mentioned your similar Delta is in bad shape after 10-15 years... honestly if a $300 tool lasts me 10-15 years, I am ok with that and feel like I would have gotten my moneys worth! I probably would have upgraded by then anyway. While I generally agree buying the highest quality you can afford is the way to go, sometimes you have to make a trade off. For me, it was buying a cheaper drill press so I could afford other tools that would get more use in my shop... I don't use the DP all that often but do need one, so this made a lot of sense for me at the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomP Posted April 12, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 12, 2016 Thanks, I will certainly look into the discount. I have been working with a Sears drill press the last two years. Now the arbor is wearing to the point that it will not drill holes straight. I use it a lot. I turn pens and salt and pepper grinders. Need holes to be straight. Will have to purchase a lathe when that starts wearing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted April 12, 2016 Report Share Posted April 12, 2016 It's my second drill press so it doesn't get that much use. Started having issues after 4-5 years . The Handles loosen and fall out. Thats just for starters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheFatBaron Posted April 12, 2016 Report Share Posted April 12, 2016 The floor-standing Ridgid drill press isn't bad, in my opinion. I bought the previous model used off Craigslist a couple years ago, and it's been fine other than the handles slowly loosening (but that's easy to fix). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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