Official Luthiers Forum!

I have been lurking on the forum for the past month or so (I love this site). I am setting up shop and I am looking for a floor standing drill press where the quill can be locked in the down position so that I can use the Wagner Safety planer. Aside from the delta 17-965, which other presses would you recommend?

I see that a lot of folks are using the safety planer, which drill presses are you using?

Welcome to the OLF if I have not extended it to you before.

I have two Drill Presses in my shop, one is a Delta can't remember the number with a wide throad for using my Safety Planer. It stays set up this way all the time. I would guess 10-12" space between. My second Drill Press is one of those cheapies from HF that I got for Christmas a few years back from one of my kids and I think cost around $39.99. I use it for robo sanding, drilling holes, pressing frets, buffing small items, etc. Hope this helps as you set up your shop and good luck.

Mike

Welcome to the forum! I just bought the Delta 17-965 last month and it is the only DP in this price range that will lock the quill in the down position. The only other drill presses that could do this were pushing $1200. You won't find a better DP for the money than the 17-965.

Search the archives for more info.

Cheers!

John

I would look out for an older Delta Milwaukee 14" drill press. They can be
had for around $200. They have the quill lock feature you are looking for
and they usually run great. Keep a keen eye on Craig list at all times when
on the hunt for good used tools.

Louis

_________________
- Louis Freilicher

Oh No! Not another learning experience!

When searching for used machines I keep this link handy.

Ace Tool Repair

I use it both to double-check the features of machines folk list and the
availability and price of replacement parts. These folks were very helpful in
my recent resurrection of an old Rockwell wood / metal cutting band saw.
Parts for most Delta machines are readily available.

Happy Hunting,

Louis

_________________
- Louis Freilicher

Oh No! Not another learning experience!

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate your advice and think I will go with the 17-965. Although if I looked around I could probably find a used press which I could fix up. This might be a better value, but I want to spend the little time I do have building guitars.

Thanks again

Darin