[JPD]

I recently bought a drill press and thought others might benefit by the experience. If you want a good tutorial on what to look for in a quality drill press then check out this blog "How to buy a Drill Press" by Grant Erwin.

Most of the machines I looked at where either dissappointing or too expensive. In the end I broke down and went to Harbor Frieght to check out a Bench drill press Brainchild metioned in another topic. Most of what I found at HF was simply crap, but the one Brainchild mentions seems really solid but still a little too expensive.

Here's the thing about HF. Never pay full price. Wait until it goes on sale and then double up by getting a 20% off coupon found in any machinist type magazine.

So I waited for a sale and here's what I paid. The Heavy Duty 16 Speed Bench Drill Press (SKU 38142 13") listed for $219.99. It was on sail for $174.99 and with a 20% discount the price was lowered to $140 + tax.

I assembled the machine today and it is everything I hoped for. Although there are no bells or wistles there is also very little vibration or rattle (after adjusting belts) the machine literally hums. The quill is solid and there is next to no spindle run out. I am very happy with the purchase and would like to thank Brainchild for mentioning it.