Drill Press Recommendation

[JSparky]

Hey everyone, I'm in the market for a bench drill press, does anyone have any recommendations on what to look for/look out for? General purpose use for the house, no extreme use I'm just tired of using a bench vice and hand drill.

I've got Dewalt corded and cordless drills that I'm happy with but didn't see any drill presses from them in my budget. Was trying to keep it under $150 unless there's some big reasons your average homeowner should shell out for more (I'm all ears). Thanks a bunch.

 

[Fern]

Ryobi from Home Depot has worked for me.
Even a harbor freight drill press will work.

 

[JSparky]

Ryobi from Home Depot has worked for me.
Even a harbor freight drill press will work.

Good to know. I've had ok luck with harbo freight, I'd probably get the warranty if I went that route. I saw the Ryobi though and I'd be more inclined to take that route.

 

[LandCruiser]

I have a HF mill.

 

[ndcent]

I use a Jet JDP-17, works great, nice laser and LED light.

I'd recommend picking up a drill press vise as well if you drill much metal, along with some cutting fluid like Rapid Tap.

 

[JSparky]

I use a Jet JDP-17, works great, nice laser and LED light.

I'd recommend picking up a drill press vise as well if you drill much metal, along with some cutting fluid like Rapid Tap.

That's a nice looking unit. I think I've only used presses with vise's, I figured they came with them but noticed now that they're an accessory.. I'll factor that in. I've always used wd40 as cutting fluid haha, maybe I'll up my game. First order of business are some aluminum spacers for a roof rack in working on so
now is a good time.

 

[ndcent]

That's a nice looking unit. I think I've only used presses with vise's, I figured they came with them but noticed now that they're an accessory.. I'll factor that in. I've always used wd40 as cutting fluid haha, maybe I'll up my game. First order of business are some aluminum spacers for a roof rack in working on so
now is a good time.

Ooph, def pass on WD! One bottle of that Rapid Tap will last forever.

Most of my days of drilling flat and angle are gone with this new baby, American made 60ton Ironworker.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Depends on how much you really want to spend, and how often you plan to use it. I got a drill press at Harbor Freight and it works fine

 

[JSparky]

Ooph, def pass on WD! One bottle of that Rapid Tap will last forever.

Most of my days of drilling flat and angle are gone with this new baby, American made 60ton Ironworker.

Holy smokes.. you would make an excellent neighbor!

 

[RedSled]

Ooph, def pass on WD! One bottle of that Rapid Tap will last forever.

Most of my days of drilling flat and angle are gone with this new baby, American made 60ton Ironworker.

I think i just dribbled in my shorts a little.

 

[muellernautique]

i believe ours is from northern tool, will check when i get home. harbor freight or northern tool are both great options for something reasonably priced.

 

[JSparky]

I think I'm going to go with this Wen. Home Depot also carries it for about the same price so I'll probably go through them in case I need it serviced. If Harbor Freight drops some coupons in the near future I'll check theirs out as well.. right now this Wen seems to be the better featured for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005...rill+press&dpPl=1&dpID=41dwSmRAWjL&ref=plSrch

 

[ndcent]

Looks like a good value. You should grab an auto center punch if you don’t have one, great tool.

 

[JSparky]

Looks like a good value. You should grab an auto center punch if you don’t have one, great tool.

I'd never even heard of those, definitely picking one up. I've just been using a standard punch and small sledgehammer.

 

[ndcent]

I'd never even heard of those, definitely picking one up. I've just been using a standard punch and small sledgehammer.

Pro-tip - you can place your auto center punch in the notches on your speed square for tremendous accuracy.

On punches, I’d love to have one of these: https://www.higherprecision.com/products/Miscellaneous/spi-fine-optical-center-punch-91-285-7

 

[JSparky]

Wen came in today, thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Bumbo]

Nice OP, I have something that looks just like that and for general home owner / garage item use, its been excellent.