Bench Drill Press

[danielsje]

Years ago I got two drill press options that have served my modeling needs very well. One is the Craftsman bench top drill press. Great for larger projects. The other is a Dremel multi-speed rotary tool mounted on a Dremel drill press stand. That one is on my modeling bench and I use it a lot with pin drills.

 

[jplm]

I agree with Bob Cleek about the Dremel drill press. I bought a Dremel drill press attachment but it wobbles and is unsteady. It is only good for larger drill bits. I would not buy it again as the it cannot hold the Dremel machine with enough stability to work properly with small or precise jobs. I should have bought the Foredom attachment or, even better, a specialized small drill press for hobby work.

 

[Senorbob]

I’m thinking about adding a bench drill press to my modeling tools but not sure which one’s a good, budget-friendly option. I also do some DIY woodworking at home, so it needs to handle both. A friend recommended Porter-Cable, but it looks like they’re not being made anymore. Anyone got experience with other brands or suggestions for gear available locally in the US?

harbor freight? maybe not the best option but great value and massively overbuilt

 

[Philski]

I’m thinking about adding a bench drill press to my modeling tools but not sure which one’s a good, budget-friendly option. I also do some DIY woodworking at home, so it needs to handle both. A friend recommended Porter-Cable, but it looks like they’re not being made anymore. Anyone got experience with other brands or suggestions for gear available locally in the US

OK...so when thinking about a drill press, you mentioned one thing that makes a LOT of difference when considering a drill press for your shop. That was your need to be able to use it for woodworking along with model building. What kind of woodworking? Just small stuff? Or desks, kitchen cabinets, furniture? If you are serious about woodworking, then at a minimum, a desktop model with a 3/8" or 1/2" chuck might be needed. Otherwise, for bigger stuff, a floor standing model would be best. Then, when it comes to ship modelling, a mini drill press might better suit your needs. Mini drill presses or mini mills have a limited capability when considering woodworking. But the mini mill offers so much as far as model making is concerned. On the full sized drill presses, you can add sanding drums and chisel bits for cutting square holes as well as polishing wheels for metal work. And you can always chuck up a smaller chuck for the smaller drill bits. And lastly, budget and space. Both considerations that need to be taken into account. I have a floor-standing Delta, a Proxxon Mini Mill, a drill press stand for an Arrowmax drill, a Foredom type rotary tool and a whole host of hand held drill motors. I had a counter top drill press but passed it on to my son when I got the floor model. It worked well but wasn't big enough for some of the wood and metal working I do. And don't forget, when it come to drilling metal, a drill press is a must. Hope you find what best suits you and your needs. Maybe start small then work up?

 

[Loracs]

Just a thought to add:
Not all products made in China are knock-offs or of poor quality. In fact, many well-known American brands are still manufactured in China. There are definitely some cheap tools out there (and yes, the quality can be terrible),
but the key difference is who is making it, not where it’s made.

So I’d say: caution is wise, but not everything “Made in China” deserves to be dismissed outright. Just my two cents...!

I agree... My generalization was indeed way too wide. I'm sorry about that. In fact, their tooling and manufacturing capabilities are, in general, outstanding. It is indeed variable within manufacturer, not country. Thanks for the correction Jimsky.

 

[bill36]

I’m thinking about adding a bench drill press to my modeling tools but not sure which one’s a good, budget-friendly option. I also do some DIY woodworking at home, so it needs to handle both. A friend recommended Porter-Cable, but it looks like they’re not being made anymore. Anyone got experience with other brands or suggestions for gear available locally in the US?

1. As a starter, try the 8" desktop press from Harbor freight. Don't get the 6" model. The 6" press does not have enough clear space to insert a lot of the work.
2. If you need more accuracy than the HF 8" model provides, get a mill. Mills make great drill presses: however, more expensive. You can also add a "sensitive" drilling attachment to the mill for ultimate accuracy.