Flyin Beagle

My Feedback: (1)

For years now I have been working away using my battery drill for any projects I came upon whether modeling or odd jobs around the house. I always made due with my battery drill and typically had good results. I thought a battery drill was fine untill I cam across this http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...4&blockType=G4 at my local sears on clearance for $129.00. It was a factory repaired press that came with a full 2 year warranty. I couldn't pass it up. I never realized what a pain a battery drill was untill I used this thing. It is incredible how easy and precise it is. This is a must have for anyone that likes to work on projects around the house, or build models.

BarracudaHockey

My Feedback: (11)

Yup, I inhereted a similar one and found myself using it more and more.

MinnFlyer

My Feedback: (4)

Ditto - Great item to have.

Now if I could only afford a CNC Bridgeport!

Rodney

A drill press is the most used item in my shop; even more valuable than my band saw and I build a lot of large models.

sscherin

My Feedback: (1)

I couldn't live without one.. (OK I'd live but it would suck)
I had a Jet floor standing model but sold it when we moved from Denver..
Now I have this one..
It's 100 years old but runs super smooth..

Yeah I've been drilling a little bit of aluminum lately

aussiesteve

I would be lost without my bench drill.
My other often used machines are a small bench top sander (Belt sander and disc sander in one unit) and a scroll saw. I don't think more than 2 or 3 days would ever go by where they dont get used.

tailskid

My Feedback: (34)

I picked up one at Harbor Freight many years ago..not the best, but it does the job!

ron ward

i've had a craftsman floor model, 6 speed for about 25 yrs, now. can't imagine not having one. the only time i drill a hole without it, is when the object is just too big to put it on the drillpress. iput harbour freight's large cross slide vice on it andit does duty as a light mill, as well. granted, not with the accuracy of a real mill, but accurate enough that it gets used that way veryoften. i don'ttry to millthings like mild steel with it,but light cuts on aluminum with a sharp cutter are no problem, it just takes a little more time. i build alot of jigging and other stufffor woodwork andbeing able to do light milling with ithas really expanded whati am able to do/make in my shop. there are sites all over the net that show how to make jigs to convert your press to a drumsander, really handyfor sanding and shaping edges. run on it's highest speed, about 3400 rpm, you can shapeany wood with router bits, just feed slowly. one of my other "hobbies is home gunsmithing, and with a little moving the stock around in the vice, i canrough inlet a stock blank close enough that a bit of scraping or dremel toolworkafterwards andit's ready for glass beddding. recently, i drilled a motor mount for my current build and spot milled the flat spots for the capscrews on the bottom of the arms with it, no problem by mounting the motor mount ontoa 2x4 and clamping it in the viceto hold it level while milling the spots. it could be done withafile also, but it's nice to be able to make good straight and real flat areas for the nuts to sit on with the "mill", something you couldn't quitebe sure of getting with afile.

SharpProp

This is funny....I just came to the same conclusion a few weeks ago. I got a drill press and I don't know how I ever got by without it. Drilling props has never been easier...haha

tailskid

My Feedback: (34)

Wait until you try drilling a motor mount - EZ - and don't forget those aileron/elevator/rudder 'horns' that need two holes drilled parallel!

dragonov3

My Feedback: (3)

What he said. lol

moe7404

to: Flyin Beagle yep i have HF drill press. but yours is better. thats a good buy

Thunderbolt47

My Feedback: (8)

DITTO!!! Those are my three favorites too.

Glacier Girl

My Feedback: (4)

Check out the auctions, specially if it's a farm one. I picked up my 16 speed all cast iron beast for $50.00. Even came with the 2 direction machinist vice.
Took two of us to carry it out to the truck.

Did have to replace the light bulb in it though.

50+AirYears

I agree that a drill press is a great tool. I didn't know what I was missing till I got an 8" on sale from Sears. Then, when I got hold of an X-Y table, I started wishing I'd spent the extra $14.00 for the 10" model. I'd done some light milling on plastic uning that type of set-up at work, have a few projects hanging fire that could use the same rig, but the 8" doesn't give me enough vertcl clearance.

buchtes

My Feedback: (7)

The Bridgeport Brand of Mill's don't make CNC Machinery, try Haas or Mazak