Popular Woodworking 2000-11 № 118, страница 30

model press.

The quill travel difference is not so easily overcome. Benchtop models (with a couple of exceptions) will be limited to around 3" maximum travel, while floor models will usually come closer to 4".

Features

The first feature that is pretty standard on most drill presses is the availability of variable speeds. Bits of different sizes operate better at specific speeds. Larger bits (such as Forstners) perform better at slower speeds. Smaller bits work well at higher speeds. Because of this, almost all drill presses offer between 12 and 16 speeds, which you adjust by changing the orientation of the drive belts on stepped pulleys. In a couple of cases the speed is adjusted by a crank and offers a continuous change of speed.

Connected with speed on a drill press is the motor size. The drill press' lot in life is to usually do the work of a corded drill, but more accurately. Because of this the motor doesn't need to be powerful. Horsepower will range from ¹/6 to ³/4 hp in benchtop models, and from ¹/2 to 1¹/2 hp in floor models.

The other part of drill presses' billed capabilities is the adjustable depth stop. Most units use one of two types of depth stops. The simplest is a threaded shaft attached to the quill that has two threaded stop nuts. By moving the stop nuts, you limit how far the quill can travel.

The other type is an internal limiter. It is attached to the handle of the press and works as a stop-collar, basically keeping the handle from turning past a certain spot. Both designs work, but most woodworkers prefer one over the other. Some drill press models will offer both types.

Every drill press has a work table, and it usually tilts for drilling at an angle. The drill press was born as a metalworking machine and was adopted by woodworkers. Because of this, many drill presses offer tables designed more for metalworking, with oil-catching grooves. These tables aren't convenient for woodworking, so it's necessary to make an auxiliary table. More

woodworking-friendly tables are designed with slots to accommodate bolt-on tables and jigs. Don't assume your table will be set up for woodworking. One benchtop model from Ryobi is actually designed for woodworking, with a table designed to tilt front-to-back, unlike most drill press tables, which will tilt left-to-right. In addition, the Ryobi table swivels, and has a pretty nice adjustable fence.

Tables can be moved up and down using either a rack-and-pinion system operated by a crank or a simple friction sleeve. We prefer the rack and pinion.

The chuck on a drill press varies from model to model. Benchtop models offer either a ¹/2" or ⁵/s" chuck capacity. Floor models will also offer ¹/2" or ⁵/s" capacities, with one or two ³/4" models available.

Radial Drill Presses

One solution to the capacity versus price dilemma is a radial drill presses. By mounting the head on a horizontal sliding post, the throat capacity approaches 18", almost double the capacity of most floor models. And this capacity is available in bench-top models costing as low as $150. Furthermore, the addition of the horizontal bar allows for a wide variety of angled-drilling possibilities. With the head extended out this far there is the possibility of deflection in the posts, affecting the "straight and square" of your drilling capabilities, but again, your use will determine the benefit of these tools.

Attachments

Add attachments to your drill press and you'll use it more. The drill press can quickly become a spindle sander (or oscillating spindle sander with another attachment) by chucking a simple sanding drum into the machine.

Your drill press can also double as a hollow chisel mortiser by adding a mortising attachment that is usually priced below $50. While this isn't exactly the same as a dedicated mortiser, it's less expensive, and for occasional mortising increases the benefits of your drill press. PW

PW

SmmenKo:

The following drill presses have been tested or used by the editors of Popular Woodworking and have earned their recommendation.

Occasional User

For the weekend woodworker a benchtop model should meet most of your needs. For the absolute best bang for the buck we recommend a Grizzly G7945 34" benchtop radial drill press for $150. If a floor model better suits your needs, we recommend nothing smaller than a 14" model and prefer the value of Grizzly's G7944 14" model for $200, though the Grizzly G7946 floor model radial drill press offers 34" capacity for $180.

Serious Home Woodworker

The serious home woodworker will be better served with a floor model drill press, but if a benchtop model is required due to space concerns we recommend the Grizzly G7943 14" model for $180. Our recommendation for floor models is the Delta model 17-965, I6M>" unit for about $390.

Advanced Woodworker or Professional

For this category we can recommend a very good drill press that happens to be a benchtop model. Most pros shy away from benchtop tools, but the Ryobi WDP 1850 is a serious professional machine. It sells for around $500, has an I 8 i/2" capacity and woodworker-friendly features, including no-belt speed adjustment and a versatile table with fence designed for woodworking. For a floor model drill press we recommend the 1^1/2 hp Grizzly G7948 20" model, selling for $425.