[TheForge] Drill Presses

[schade at acegroup.cc]

On Nov 28, 2006, at 6:29 PM, Jim Beard wrote:

> Howdy folks,
>
> I'm in the market for a decent (yet inexpensive, I hope) drill press.
> I'm just starting to set up my metal shop and this seems to be one of
> the first tools I have a lot of uses for.  What do you recommend for
> good features, brands, perks, etc.  How low am I going to want to be
> able to adjust the RPMs down to?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Jim
> _______________________________________________

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ 
product_6970_47614_47614

Maximum drilling capacity: 3/4 in.
3 1/8 in. spindle stroke, MT3 spindle taper.
Spindle to column distance: 8 1/2 in.
Chuck capacity: 7/32 in.-3/4 in.
1 HP motor with 160-3000 RPM spindle speed.
Overall diamensions 27 1/2in. x 16 1/2in. x 64 3/8in.

This one is okay assuming that you are a blacksmith not a machinist.  
160 rpm is slow enough for the size holes most guys drill. You can  
drill bigger holes if you step drill. start small and work your way up.  
this one is $369+. No doubt imported and no doubt not the greatest  
drill press out there but will work fine for you if you're not drilling  
big holes all day. I have had a similar one for 20 years and it still  
has the original motor. Be sure you clamp down your work. Easy to get  
hurt.

Bob