Official Luthiers Forum!

An I correct to assume that Delta and Jet are the consensus drill press'. Any others to consider. What size is necessary to perform luthier functions? What accessories are necessary or helpful to have.

I have the Delta variable speed 24" (no stupid belts), it's a great drill press but I wish I had a model that was floor standing so I could do tenon holes on it, I added a sears laser trac to mine for precise centering so if I bought a new one I would have to make sure they had something like that on it (for me at least).

Hope that helps.

-Paul-

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-Paul-

Patriot Guitars

   ALot depends on what you want to use it for. With the X Y tables you can buy you can make bridge slotting and hole spacing very accurate. Also the radial designs allow for alot of deep throat work and compound angles.
   But the best you can afford. I have 3 that I use. A bench drill press for little stuff and floor model for heavier work and a milling machine to make parts. Grizzly had a nice selection of them for a wide varity of uses.
    Variable speed is a no brainer. The table should be stable. The bigger the better. Also the heavier the machine chances the more stout it will be.
john hall

I just bought a Palmgren 17". I put it together only last weekend so haven't had much of a chance to use it yet. I seemed to be a better built machine than the Jet or Delta. More consistent in having low spindle run-out and the weight -this thing is 250 pounds (190# for the Jet) and runs very smooth.

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Scott Thompson
Port Townsend,WA

"In a perfect world we'd all sing in tune
But this is reality so give me some room"
-Billy Bragg