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I'd been considering a new drill press for some time, but I'm the type who waits until I can justify (rationalize) a new machine. The Delta pushed cleanly right through, no burns, no problem. I used the packaging to hold the head sideways, tipped the base and post over, pushed the post into the head and got a friend to help me lift it upright. Then I switched to a spindle sander and upped the speed to max. On time, no damage to boxes or contents. Doesn't get much tougher than that. Parts were well packaged and organized logically. With the quill extended, a heavy spindle sander and me reefing around from every direction it worked smoothly and without any slippage, visible runout or vibration through its full speed range.
I figure those are the two extremes, everything else should be a breeze.Once you experience the variable speed option, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. I ordered the Delta and it arrived from CPO on Thursday. I'm a remodeling contractor who builds cabinets, furniture and other woodworking items for fun & business. Note: I'm 45 and 250lbs and lift heavy objects daily.DON'T try to lift this alone.Assembly went smoothly. The assembly instructions were easy to follow.
The quill lock and work light were very handy here. The slow speed was a big plus here. I was making a wine rack out of birdseye maple when I destroyed my benchtop machine (Sunday). I took my time and it was together easily within 90 minutes. Having lived without it until now, it is a pleasure to just dial in the perfect speed for the application and go to work.I am completely satisfied with the machine as well as with the entire purchase experience.
We "walked" it into place and were in business.The first project was to finish drilling (13) 3-1/2" holes through 1-1/2" thick birdseye maple with a forstner bit.
It was an easy decision over comparable products, but it was also an easy decision when considering the small incremental cost over lesser drill presses that don't have the feature set of this tool. 4 3/8) and larger swing (20 inches vs. 200 RPM is acceptable, although slower (150 RPM) would be welcome. In practical terms, the slower speed will preserve your drill bits when cutting steel. With this drill press the table is completely adjustable, so you can make it PERFECTLY square at setup.
Every time I reach for the handwheel, I'm happy to be cutting holes instead of fussing with belts.In my opinion this tool easily beats the more expensive Powermatic PM2800. The compound tilt feature of the table is very important: Obviously you could use it to drill a compound angle but more importantly, it allows you to set up the table to be PERFECTLY square to the spindle. Fit and finish are about equal, but I find this tool to be more versatile. The table on this tool is flat and the height adjustment is smooth.
Instant continuous speed changes using cast iron handwheel.Drill presses that require a belt change for speed adjustment always end up being left on some 'middle' setting. For the price, the tool is a bargain. 18), the Delta has slots in the table for affixing a vise or milling table. I use a dial indicator (on an L shaped rod in the chuck) and rotate it by hand around the table. Yes, Powermatic is a woodworking company, but even woodworkers use vises and often they drill holes in metal.On the topic of drilling metal, the spindle speed on the Delta can be slowed all the way down to 200 RPM (vs 400 on the Powermatic). (2009)REAL variable-speed. Sadly on many (or most) drill presses, the spindle and the table are out-of-square and there's nothing you can do about it. This tool is an easy decision at this price.
Finally available. Beyond the obvious differences--longer quill travel (6 inches vs. The Powermatic would require the use of clamps or T-bolts to attach a vice. Even though it's the wrong speed for nearly every operation, changing belts is just too much of a hassle.
400 RPM is too fast. A USABLE variable speed system (like this one) is very important, but in the past you had to spend a few thousand dollars on a higher-end metalworking drill press to get it. That's rather clumsy in my opinion. The proper way to think of it is that the Delta has DOUBLE the low end capacity.
200 RPM vs 400 may not seem like a big difference, but in reality it is.
In the instructions they warn you not to try and put the head on yourself. THIS WILL PROBABY BE THE ONLY NEGATIVE ABOUT THIS DRILL. We put the head on laying down and tilted it up. It is built like a tank and it weighs the same amount. Well They are finally selling this beast and I think the wait was worth it.
Yes it still took two of us and then some. As a drill press it has all you will ever need. I am a spry 62 and can lift just about anything. ONCE ITS TOGETHER YOUR HOME FREE. I was afraid to lift this with 2 other guys.
FYI - Delta's website now says this won't be available until August.
I included the year 2007 on the dates because the way it's going it might change to 2008. but I wouldn't know since I ordered it Feb 8, 2007 and still don't have it. Amazon now says I won't receive it until May 4, 2007. Be very prepared to wait and don't expect much explanation from Amazon. That's a nearly 12 week delay - ridiculous.
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