Drill Presses

[marcros]

Dear All,

I am on the look out for a drill press. No great hurry, or anything. I would like something that can drill wood and metal, and be capable of drilling large holes in metal if needed. I understand that the ones designed for woodworkers generally struggle doing metal, but the ones for metal will have no problem doing wood. Obviously I would need the right drill bits.

What brands should I be on the lookout for with engineers drill presses? I am not bothered about the age of the machine, in fact would prefer something good and old. I quite fancy having a go at some restoration too! Only real spec that I have is single phase 240v and floor standing. Any pointers that you could give me, I would be most grateful for.

TIA
Mark

 

[segovia]

I bought a FOX from Rutlands a few years ago but every time I use it I can't help feeling the quality isn't there. Good table adjustment is handy which the fox isn't . Having seen the Axminster now in my Local store I wish I had bought one.

You could be buying trouble if you go old as parts could be an issue

J

 

[woodstainwilly]

The choices are endless but do pick one with a good strong depth indicator there are some flimsy horrors out there.
Willy.

 

[Shrubby]

Startrite,Fobco & Meddings are old quality brands
Matt

 

[Lons]

I have a Meddings that I bought s/h last year and though it's a more modern version, it's rock solid, accurate and powerfull.t - Tkes 2 men to lift it as I found last week when I needed to use it on site.

No more expensive than a reasonable new macine and vastly superior IMO.

Do a search on the forum as I'm sure there are a number of threads on the subject

cheers

Bob

 

[powertools]

The biggest problem with most drill presses is not the build quality or the brand name but is the distance between the chuck and the pillar.
Mine is a radial type and the drill head can be moved in and out and tilted either way and with a self made table fitted it is almost possible to drill holes in any position in an 8x4 sheet and drill or drum sand at any angle.
I also drill large holes in metal with the drill head close to the pillar.

 

[Charlie Woody]

Hi Powertools
I am interested in this thread as I have been on the look out for a drill press too.

Whilst I also would like one with a good size throat I had not considered a radial type. Is this a floor or bench one? Does it need to be bolted down to prevent tipping when at full throat capacity?

As my workshop is not huge I would like to keep it mobile ... is this possible with the radial type?

What make / model is yours? Am I correct in assuming that you have found it to have enough power and that it is accurate?

 

[powertools]

Hi Powertools
I am interested in this thread as I have been on the look out for a drill press too.

Whilst I also would like one with a good size throat I had not considered a radial type. Is this a floor or bench one? Does it need to be bolted down to prevent tipping when at full throat capacity?

As my workshop is not huge I would like to keep it mobile ... is this possible with the radial type?

What make / model is yours? Am I correct in assuming that you have found it to have enough power and that it is accurate?

Mine is an SIP model 01363.
The max distance of the chuck from the colum 16", the colum and base are very heavy and mine is not bolted down and is very stable I also keep a box of heavy clamps on the base but would be ok without.
I find it to have more than enough power and is accurate enough for my needs I guess that most machines in this sort of price bracket could be improved but then they would be at a different price.
To be honest this machine is so versatile I would not swap it for a top of the range standard pillar drill.
Mine is floor standing and looks simlar to the one Axminster do and at their price I would say that the machine is a must have.

 

[Charlie Woody]

Thanks for that. Just looked at SIP 01363 online price about £295 whereas Axminster AWFSRD550 £193 floor standing or bench mounted AWBRD550 £166. Me thinks I can feel a drive to Axminster coming soon!!!

My main concern, as my present drill is inaccurate, is that if it meets my needs in terms of capacities can it do it accurately. So I'll need to take a careful look before parting with the cash.

Thanks for all your help.

 

[Lons]

Thanks for that. Just looked at SIP 01363 online price about £295 whereas Axminster AWFSRD550 £193 floor standing or bench mounted AWBRD550 £166. Me thinks I can feel a drive to Axminster coming soon!!!

My main concern, as my present drill is inaccurate, is that if it meets my needs in terms of capacities can it do it accurately. So I'll need to take a careful look before parting with the cash.

Thanks for all your help.

Just to put it into perspective Charlie:

My Meddings is 5 speed, has a 1 hp motor, heavy as hell, solid as a rock and very accurate. Mounted on to a cupboard on castors it works well for me and cost me around £100. (approx because I bought other items with it).

Bob

 

[Charlie Woody]

Hi Bob
Good point. However does it have a max throat of 420mm?

I know that old British machines can be great value and very well built but I don't think I will find one with that size throat. However, as always, I am open to correction on this.

 

[Lons]

Hi Bob
Good point. However does it have a max throat of 420mm?

I know that old British machines can be great value and very well built but I don't think I will find one with that size throat. However, as always, I am open to correction on this.

No it doesn't Charlie. I haven't looked at the measurments tbh as it does everything I need and is a million times better than the Clarke machine I had previously.

It's a bug*er buying machinery :lol: A bit exciting anticipating the aquisition but concerning that the choice made lives up to expectation :?

I've got cupboards full of stuff that rarely sees the light of day - :-$ :lol:

Bob

 

[powertools]

It would seem them that the choice is simple.
You either buy a second hand drill press that was designed to drill the rivet holes in the guriders of the Forth Road Bridge and hope that it is not worn out when you get it or you buy a far more modern version much more capable of doing various woodworking tasks.
With a radial drill with a home made table and some ingenuity you can turn this drilling machine into a multi purpose machine and set up as you would a radial arm saw will give accurate results.
I am unable to say if the SIP and the Axminster machines are the same because sadley I fell out with Axminster some 20 odd years ago.
In those days I used to place reasonable orders with them but 1 item in the last order I placed was for 4mts of 100mm clear hose and I got 1 3mt length and 1 1mt length and when I phoned them there attitude was I ordered 4mt and I got 4 and I have never ordered again. This was before the days of the interenet and forums like this and I guess their attitude has now changed and that their radial drill is good value for money.
From the pictures it would seem that the bench model has the table fixed to the colum and the floor model has a table that can be revolved this is a good feature.