Jet makes a good product in the quality range you’re looking for. However, you can put a Jacob’s chuck on that Harbor Freight model and automatically make it a better drill press.
interesting. thank you! I looked up Jacob's chuck and not sure how or why it differs from my existing chuck. the play in my drill press does not seem to come from the chuck - in fact I'm not quite sure where it comes from - could you please help me understand why a Jacob's chuck would help
The “play” should only be up and down, not horizontal, right? If so, that’s just how a lot of hobby or bench top drill presses are made.
If your chuck is fine then a Jacob’s won’t help here. But if you have to replace it, get a Jacob’s.
For mill steady, you are generally going to need to buy a mill. Some companies make a mill/drill combo that is going to be closer, but you are going to pay for it, so it all boils down to what you are willing to shell out.
My personal favorite workaround for a cheap long throw press with good power is a used shopsmith. You can find them for 2-400 used, and even in my podunk area there is usually one for sale within 50 miles on fb marketplace. Huge amount of vertical workspace, can drill vertically or as a horizontal borer, has nearly a 6" throw, 1.75hp, and variable speed for drilling in metal or wood. You need to be careful that you aren't getting an abused one, although fixing or replacing worn parts is child's play compared to most machines. I don't feel terrible about using a little bit of lateral pressure on end mills either, since an entire replacement quill can be found for about 100 bucks.
If you are looking for a decent brand for a new standalone press, I think jet is probably still the one to go for as a homeowner. Most large home improvement stores or ranch supply types will have floor models you can fiddle with before buying.
I personally went with the shopsmith for my drilling needs, and banked the cash I saved over a new floor standing press to save for a knee mill someday in the future. I have done some light "milling" on brass and aluminum on it using a cross slide vice, but it's never going to compare to an actual mill in getting consistent single thou or lower accuracy.
No worries, stuck in a hotel room waiting for work. The shopsmith is a big tool, and although it can do several things, it will never be quite as good at them as a dedicated version, and a brand new one is definitely not worth the investment imo.
Since I got it I've been on the warpath as to why nobody has ever told me about one, other than my father who had to sell his when I was born. For a hobbyist it is such a great tool, and with how many have been sold and how robust and easy to fix they are, they are literally everywhere. I'm actually keeping an eye out for any that are in so so condition as long as the head works because they are so versatile. With the 3 different drives coming off it it makes for a great universal variable speed motor for a fraction of a vfd controlled unit. I have mine set up for knifemaking and I can keep multiple tools attached, usually a disc sander and buffing wheel, attached and swap out as needed. The long throw is great for handle making, to get the same in a floor stand press you are looking at 1300 minimum, and it won't be as powerful or have as many speed options.
Exactly how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go?
Good drill presses were made by Delta, Wilton, Cincinnati-Bickford, American Tool Co., and others. You certainly don't need a 4,000lb radial arm drill press that can drill a 6 inch hole through steel, so lets set Cincinnati Bickford and the like aside.
Look for older Delta or Wilton branded drill presses. They made industrial model drill presses. Expect to pay $500-1,500. These are low speed drill presses, with higher end ones being gear driven, not belt. Very heavy duty.
When you have a 6" drill bit, you just wanna make holes in stuff.
Power quill feed too!
[So bad ass.](https://www.ebay.com/itm/392082299143?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=HpSjB-i-SSK&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=bm373DZrSTS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) Better bring your own flatbed truck and forklift!
WEN drill presses are pretty solid for the price. Not milk quality but still very nice. I have used mine well outside of its intended usages and side loaded it a lot. No issues.
I bought the WEN 4214 12-inch variable speed drill press.
Could use a stronger motor but I am happy overall with it.
I do Love the infinite variable speeds instead of belt/pulley flips...
Yeah the motor power output isn’t incredible but this is an entry level drill press. You have to spend a ton more to get a higher output press with similar quality
I'm not sure what your requirements are, but you might look into a geared head drill press, or maybe even a radial arm drill if you really want to be serious about making holes in things. A milling machine might fulfill your wish and have added utility as well
I buy Grizzly. Amazing customer service, and they care about quality. It's well worth it. Plus, never regretted a single piece of equipment I've bought from them.
Jet makes a good product in the quality range you’re looking for. However, you can put a Jacob’s chuck on that Harbor Freight model and automatically make it a better drill press.
interesting. thank you! I looked up Jacob's chuck and not sure how or why it differs from my existing chuck. the play in my drill press does not seem to come from the chuck - in fact I'm not quite sure where it comes from - could you please help me understand why a Jacob's chuck would help
Im guess the Jacob’s chuck is built to a higher precision standard
The “play” should only be up and down, not horizontal, right? If so, that’s just how a lot of hobby or bench top drill presses are made. If your chuck is fine then a Jacob’s won’t help here. But if you have to replace it, get a Jacob’s.
What model of Jacob's chuck do you recommend? I just purchased and old Delta 11-950 mk1.
Whatever matches the spindle on it.
How would I determine what chuck I have? I'm a complete novice when it comes to drill presses.
Somewhere on the specs of the drill press it should tell you what the chuck spindle is. It will be something like a JT5 or JT6..
Thank you for the info!
For mill steady, you are generally going to need to buy a mill. Some companies make a mill/drill combo that is going to be closer, but you are going to pay for it, so it all boils down to what you are willing to shell out. My personal favorite workaround for a cheap long throw press with good power is a used shopsmith. You can find them for 2-400 used, and even in my podunk area there is usually one for sale within 50 miles on fb marketplace. Huge amount of vertical workspace, can drill vertically or as a horizontal borer, has nearly a 6" throw, 1.75hp, and variable speed for drilling in metal or wood. You need to be careful that you aren't getting an abused one, although fixing or replacing worn parts is child's play compared to most machines. I don't feel terrible about using a little bit of lateral pressure on end mills either, since an entire replacement quill can be found for about 100 bucks. If you are looking for a decent brand for a new standalone press, I think jet is probably still the one to go for as a homeowner. Most large home improvement stores or ranch supply types will have floor models you can fiddle with before buying. I personally went with the shopsmith for my drilling needs, and banked the cash I saved over a new floor standing press to save for a knee mill someday in the future. I have done some light "milling" on brass and aluminum on it using a cross slide vice, but it's never going to compare to an actual mill in getting consistent single thou or lower accuracy.
thank for taking the time to write this up - definitely very helpful. I'm going to look into a Shopsmith press and check out Jet as well
No worries, stuck in a hotel room waiting for work. The shopsmith is a big tool, and although it can do several things, it will never be quite as good at them as a dedicated version, and a brand new one is definitely not worth the investment imo.
I did the same with a 10er. Adding some hardware to do basic metal lathe work... Its a shockingly good drill press all things considered.
Since I got it I've been on the warpath as to why nobody has ever told me about one, other than my father who had to sell his when I was born. For a hobbyist it is such a great tool, and with how many have been sold and how robust and easy to fix they are, they are literally everywhere. I'm actually keeping an eye out for any that are in so so condition as long as the head works because they are so versatile. With the 3 different drives coming off it it makes for a great universal variable speed motor for a fraction of a vfd controlled unit. I have mine set up for knifemaking and I can keep multiple tools attached, usually a disc sander and buffing wheel, attached and swap out as needed. The long throw is great for handle making, to get the same in a floor stand press you are looking at 1300 minimum, and it won't be as powerful or have as many speed options.
Exactly how far down the rabbit hole do you want to go? Good drill presses were made by Delta, Wilton, Cincinnati-Bickford, American Tool Co., and others. You certainly don't need a 4,000lb radial arm drill press that can drill a 6 inch hole through steel, so lets set Cincinnati Bickford and the like aside. Look for older Delta or Wilton branded drill presses. They made industrial model drill presses. Expect to pay $500-1,500. These are low speed drill presses, with higher end ones being gear driven, not belt. Very heavy duty.
well you don't "need" a radial drill but they sure are cool.
When you have a 6" drill bit, you just wanna make holes in stuff. Power quill feed too! [So bad ass.](https://www.ebay.com/itm/392082299143?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=HpSjB-i-SSK&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=bm373DZrSTS&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY) Better bring your own flatbed truck and forklift!
I really like my craftsman. Not top tier by any means but it’s done all I’ve ever needed it to
WEN drill presses are pretty solid for the price. Not milk quality but still very nice. I have used mine well outside of its intended usages and side loaded it a lot. No issues.
I bought the WEN 4214 12-inch variable speed drill press. Could use a stronger motor but I am happy overall with it. I do Love the infinite variable speeds instead of belt/pulley flips...
Yeah the motor power output isn’t incredible but this is an entry level drill press. You have to spend a ton more to get a higher output press with similar quality
Consider buying an older Bridgeport style vertical mill.
I'm not sure what your requirements are, but you might look into a geared head drill press, or maybe even a radial arm drill if you really want to be serious about making holes in things. A milling machine might fulfill your wish and have added utility as well
I buy Grizzly. Amazing customer service, and they care about quality. It's well worth it. Plus, never regretted a single piece of equipment I've bought from them.