[DJ3100]

One thing to look for in a drill press is how slow it will go. To get proper surface speed in mild steel 500 - 600 RPM is about right. For a 3/4" drill 200 -250 RPM is needed. Hole saws 50 - 100 RPM. Most cheap drill presses are for woodworkers and have minimum speed of about 500. Getting at least 3 speeds in the 100 to 400 RPM range will really help.

Another thing to check is the play in the quill. Extend the quill all the way down and see if you can shake the chuck. If the quill moves side to side in the housing the drill will chatter in the cut and won't make a clean hole.

Hope this helps.

[matt167]

My grandfather has a Clarke metalworker 8" press, it looks the same as my HF 8" press but his has a lower ratio, goes to like 100 rpm's, mine does 500 minimum. mine, had it a couple years, and it still works good.

[MAUSS]

I've been in the Delta power tool plant in Tupelo, MS... the parts are all imported, the workers do some assembly work and then they put the finished product in a box labeled "made in the USA". It was better when it was Rockwell... the stuff was actually made here. I used to do some work on their machine tools when they had a plant in Syracuse, NY (many years ago).

[Kevin45]

I've been in the Delta power tool plant in Tupelo, MS... the parts are all imported, the workers do some assembly work and then they put the finished product in a box labeled "made in the USA". It was better when it was Rockwell... the stuff was actually made here. I used to do some work on their machine tools when they had a plant in Syracuse, NY (many years ago).

I worked at Rockwell in Bellefontaine Ohio in the late 70's / early 80's. It was the Power Tool division. Small lathes, bandsaws, drill presses. Back when it was made in the USofA and it had some quality to it

[leldai73]

check this bad boy out, I've used a little smaller one a few times, talk about a drill press...


http://www.zhongyang-engrg.com/catalog/dq1990-10.htm


to be seriouse we have a crafstman floor model, 3/4 inch chuck, i like it, lots of power holding up good.

[35WINDOW]

I know it's made in China or Japan (well, I know now), but I bought a new Jet floor model and have been very happy with it-absolutely no issues-

[Youngster]

Here's the pics of my cabinet and some of my hold downs....

[boatbob2]

cheap money,cheap quality,if thats what youre looking for,buy MADE IN CHINA...the chinese things today,are where the japanese were 50 years ago. they will probably take 50 years to catch up.

[jvsapp]

Originally Posted by Youngster

Here's the pics of my cabinet and some of my hold downs....

very nice. inspires me to make one now to reclaim my bench space.

[1ownerT]

Originally Posted by jvsapp

define broken? belt? or metal? i have had a 8" delta for about 10 years now and very happy with it. i like using it for everything from drilling, and mild milling, to using it as a buffer to buff out my stainless. now i just need to find a band for my craftsman bandsaw that is 30 years old. mad in USA can't beat the quality.

There are companies that will make bandsaw blades to order, whatever length and width is needed.
I have bought them through a Snap On dealer before, very reasonably priced and very good quality.

[oldred]

Originally Posted by 35WINDOW

I know it's made in China or Japan (well, I know now), but I bought a new Jet floor model and have been very happy with it-absolutely no issues-

Some Jet tools are made in China and some are made in Japan and the Jap stuff is usually top-notch just like their cars. The Chinese "tools" (that should be spelled JUNK) are worthless, most anyway. I have a Chinese JET 9" bench lath that is JUNK and I mean JUNK!! but I know of several Jet tools that are real top quality and they are made in Japan. "Made in Japan" these days means quality but sometimes the term is still used to imply junk when in fact the Japs have worked hard to shed that label they earned so many years ago and they now take pride in what they produce, it is also reflected in the price since there are no more "Cheap" Jap goods.

[Henry Highrise]

Originally Posted by jvsapp

define broken? belt? or metal? i have had a 8" delta for about 10 years now and very happy with it. i like using it for everything from drilling, and mild milling, to using it as a buffer to buff out my stainless. now i just need to find a band for my craftsman bandsaw that is 30 years old. mad in USA can't beat the quality.

What size blade does your Craftsman band saw use? Mine is over 30 years old too and I still can find blades for it.

[jvsapp]

Originally Posted by Henry Highrise

What size blade does your Craftsman band saw use? Mine is over 30 years old too and I still can find blades for it.

i think it is a 120". the wheels on the top and bottom are 12". haven't used it in 10 years because bands are so hard to get out here. i should have gotten one when i was in wisconsin last week. but it slipped my mind. oh well.

[cboy]

Originally Posted by jvsapp

i should have gotten one when i was in wisconsin last week.

You came all the way from Hawaii to Wisconson and you didn't stop in to see me. I'm REALLY peeved.

[Youngster]

If you don't have the paper work or manual that came with your saw, just call a Sears service center, give them the model number and they'll give you the information you need. Any Sears store can give you the number of a service center.

youngster