Amazon.com Review

If your projects require you to drill with big bits or if you find yourself attempting to drill with precision under questionable circumstances, this heavy-duty 16-1/2-inch drill press from Delta will help you get out of your, um, hole. Running off a 3/4-horsepower motor that can be wired for either 115 or 230 volts, it gives you an impressive deep plunge length of 4-7/8 inches and holds up to 5/8-inch-diameter bits. Solid cast-iron construction and a 3-1/8-inch column give it the industrial feel and durability we look for in this type of tool. You'll enjoy the rotating work base--which bevels, of course, 45 degrees each way for drilling angles--as well as the depth stop that can be set quickly and easily with microadjustments and a locking mechanism, great for repetitive drilling. While other models sometimes place hard-to-read speed and belt charts under the top cap, Delta uses a wide, clearly legible chart to explain how to configure the belts for each of 16 speeds (215 to 2,720 rpm). And, thanks to the smooth, cool-running induction motor inside, you're not likely to find yourself shopping for a drill press again for an extremely long time. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• 3/4 hp induction motor for powerful, smooth running operation
• 16 speeds from 215 to 2720 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
• 5/8-inch chuck for use with a wide variety of drill bits
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (31)

Thoughts on my new Delta Drill press
This tool is great, not perfect, but still great. It is well designed and well built. Not many consumer products have
this much cast iron and steel. The tool is heavy, stable, quiet and cuts great holes. I had a little bench drill press for 20 years, and now realize what a waste that was. This Delta would be better with some kind of quick release to raise and lower the table by hand (now you have to crank up and down the shaft). Jet advertises such a feature on their model. Also, the Delta table does not pivot out of the way easily, and does not tilt easily--too many steps and hard to reach bolt.

Wished I had bought this long ago. As a hint, get a set of carbide tipped Forstener bits, as they work great--much better than the spade bits I used to use.

Delta has a good manual, and knows how to design tools. Give it a try. Do wish I could afford a variable speed model, as the belt adjusting looks inconvenient, and I will stickw with whatever speed was set at the factory.

Essential Tool for Serious Woodworker
I have had this floor model drill press for over 2 years and love it. I think that Delta makes some of the best tools in the business. While the cost of the drill press originally made me think twice about purchasing it, I am glad that I did. While trying to decide whether to shell out so much money for a tool that basically a cheap hand drill could do was a bit of concern. That notion was very incorrect on my part. A hand drill can not come close to making accurate holes and mortises as this tool can. I love using it for mortises, and I even make them without the use of a mortising attachment. I set up the fence and equip the drill with a forstener bit and drill numerous holes, moving the wood over very slightly each pass. This technique seems crude, but I feel it works better than a mortising attachment. If you do enough passes it can practically be flat enough so you don't even have to remove the excess with a chisel.

PROS:
* Accurate holes and mortises
* Heavyweight so it doesn't move around easily when working
* Runs smoothly (especially when converted to run on 220V of electricity - which I highly recommend for ALL shop tools)
* Very easy to change the belts to make it run different speeds

CONS:
* Somewhat awkward to attach a fence to the table
* Pricey (but worth it over time)

Overall, a great tool for any serious woodworker. I think there is only two major shop tools that are more critical to your shop, a good table saw and a floor model jointer. Get a good quality drill press ilke this and you won't regret it!

A Good Machine At The Right Price
One doesn't wax poetic about drill presses. They perform some functions that are vital to a workshop, but their primary function - to bore straight and true holes into a variety of materials is hardly glamorous. And not one has ever thought to make a drill press look like anything other than it is. And yet, without one, craftsfolk would be limited in what they can do.

The Delta 17-965 is intended to be an economic entry into the range of heavy duty presses. As such it is primarily for woodworking and light metal work. It lacks the architecture and high precision for exacting machining. But it comes very, very close and at a price that makes it a reasonable entry in an economical shop. It also is sold as the Delta ShopMaster DP400.

Basic features are a 3/4 horsepower engine, a 5/8" capacity chuch, rack and pinion table movements and an external depth stop. It is capable of 16 spindle speeds (215 to 2720 RPM), changes manual via the pulley belts. The table can be tilted 45 degrees left or right. The quill can travel 4-7/8", but if you are using the mortising attachment you will need to shift the depth stop up out of the way, which will cost you about an inch.

An early warning for people used to manhandling a benchtop press. Most of the 195 pounds of this press's weight is in the head - particularly the motor. Delta designed the head so that there is no easy way to get a grip on it. Assembly should really be a two person job. I'm not a weight lifter, and getting the head down into my workroom was a near disaster. And then I had to winch up the head so that I could lower it on the stand.

It works beautifully. I've been cutting long pegs out of Honduran rosewood for a project, which takes a lot of torque and precision. It has worked smoothly throughout. The mortising attachment also works beautifully. For the price this is a tremendous amount of drill press. You could spend more and be less satisfied.

Probably best in the fly-weight class
I'm considering this press as a replacement to my old drill press - various friends own a mix of Delta's, Jet's and General's in the 16"-18" range and I've tried them all. This Delta won the Editor's Choice in a review of low-end drill presses in one of the woodworking mags last year, largely on the basis of low run-out, superior quill control and travel, ease of adjustment and alignment. Delta has a sale on this until mid-April 2004 through my local dealer at $369 with a free 17-924 hollow mortise kit - not needed by me (I use a General mortiser), but a cheap leg up for those interested in trying mortises.

Jim from Douglas, WY: Some improvement can always be gotten by dismounting the chuck, carefully cleaning it and refitting it - all factories are carelessly-quick in final assembly, even on critical aspects like this. Your run-out of .0015" is commonly thought to be better than required for fine-fit woodworking, my goal. You must be a machinist, but this press is way underweight for most metalwork.

I really like this drill press
I've been slowly replacing my lower level (cheaper) woodworking tools with higher quality ones. This drill press was just about my last one because I thought the little bench top Craftsman drill press I had was just fine. I had no idea how much difference a high quality drill press can make in everything you do with it. It was easy to assemble with a little help from my son and the only thing I see wrong at all is a pulley misalighnment which I haven't fixed yet but plan to soon. The adjustments and accuracy are excellent with the possible exception of the table tilting mechanism. I don't use it much so it's not a real big deal but I'm certain it could be engineered a littl better.

I bought mine at a local woodworking store, the price was actually $20.00 cheaper than Amazon and I didn't have to pay shipping. They just loaded it in my Minivan and I felt good because I'm supporting my local merchant plus I'm saving money and if I have a problem I just talk to them and they help me. I can't understand why anyone would buy mail order for something big like this. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Everything about this drill press says quality, whether you're a professional or a home do-it-yourselfer or woodworking hobbyist. To our delight, this model doesn't feature the belts and pulleys of the lesser machines; rather, there are two variable speed ranges—from 150 to 1100 rpm and 500 to 3200 rpm, suited to your material and bit size. The table is larger than those found on other brands with the same throat capacity, and bigger is always better where that's concerned. It rides extremely smoothly on a rack-and-pinion system that requires practically no effort. We like that the power switch is right on the front of the head, rather than on the side, for quick starts and stops. When we examined the 1/2-inch chuck, we found yet more quality in the Jacobs name. It runs like a dream with no play that we could discern, assuring a quality bore every time along its 6-inch stroke. It's hefty at 230 pounds, so there's no vibration whatsoever. Perfect for the cabinetmaker or exacting home woodworker.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Five year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 3/4 HP, 120/240V single phase induction motor
• 6" quill stroke, micro adjust depth stop
• 1/2" chuck capacity and key
• Large precision ground table makes your drilling a breeze

Amazon.com Product Description

Here's a benchtop tool that packs the power of the big boys. With 6 inches from bit center to column, you can drill with ease into the center of a foot-wide board with a 3-1/4-inch stroke and a chuck jaw capacity of 1/2 inch. The cast-iron table tilts left and right to 90 degrees with a positive stop at 0, and offers variable-speed control at the turn of a dial. Changing speeds is as simple as turning the knob, allowing you to drill at 500 rpm up to 3,100 rpm. Have some repetitive drilling to do? The adjustable-position locking depth stop takes the trouble out of the job. Rack-and-pinion table depth adjustment makes raising and lowering the table no work at all, and here's a nice bonus--a built-in gooseneck lamp. When you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machine, parts and accessories
• Variable speed option, 620 to 3100 rpm for drilling in a variety of materials
• Motor mount pivots for easy and fast speed changing
• Position locking depth stop for easy repetitive drilling operations
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling

Reviews (22)

Ron from the Beach
Received quickly from Amazon. Box was in very poor shape although all components were ok. After two weeks of light usage the variable speed spring sprung its spring and pulley. Took three hours to put parts back together after finding all the pieces. One week later the spring popped again. This time I tried a washer under the spring because the sheeve in the pulley came up. Has held for two days. Also the chuck started continuously dropping down from the arbor when using 3/8 inch or larger drill bits. This has become an unsafe tool.

Contacted Delta who readily accepted my problem (without a serial #) and ordered the parts... Spring, washer, pulley and new chuck. The spring and pulley were on backorder but yesterday I received the replacement chuck and washer. Waiting on the other parts. There is no guarentee that replacing these parts will fix a design problem.

Can not figure out why the Delta engineers (?) did not hinge the top plate. Removing six screws and washers every week (to lubricate the VS pulley shaft) will soon become a bore.

I am seriously considering upgrading to a JET drill press ($$$ for floor model). They appear to be more solid and professionally made. But for the price......... you can not beat the 12" Delta VS althought this tool should be put on Amazon's discontinued list.

I would not buy the variable speed again. Changing belts is easier than trying to compress a spring while installing a lock washer. Maybe Delta can provide a tool for this task.

Received replacement parts. Retainer still the same. Am replacing with a collar. Pulley new design. Has a setscrew now. Took 3 weeks for parts.

DP350
I e-mailed Delta about the reviews shown here and asked about the problems with the speed adjusting spindle and pulley. A rep called me the next day and reassured me that my unit based on the ser# has the revised design. I must say that the product so far has been flawless. I dinged it one star for the 6 screws on the spindle cover and the inacessibility of the angle scale.
It is a great bargain tho'!

bang for your buck
i have bought shopmaster products before because i'm trying to outfit a rough workshop on a budget and found them good enough considering the price tag. that said i was VERY pleasantly surprised by this drill press. all the pertinent parts are cast iron, nice and heavy. although you do have to make your height adjustments by hand, the action is nice and smooth.

downsides: the chuck has to be pressure fit into the tool, not exactly ideal but it gets the job done. the speed adjustment is made by opening the top of the tool and moving the belt to different sized spindles. i would have prefered a gear shift, but again though it's ungainly it gets the job done.

overall, if you can afford it go ahead and buy a better press, but if you're on a budget than you can't really get a better deal.

delta seven weeks and still waiting
If I knew what I know now I would think twice about buying delta products. Longer warranty does not mean that they can obtain the needed parts for service . For example I turned in my dp350 to an authorized service center 12-30-2004 for defective drill speed adjuster guess what? they could not obtain the needed parts til today 2-19-2004. Can you go without a needed tool for that length of time? Other delta products I own ,portable 12.5" planner and a 2 stage dust system. when I replace these items it will not be made by delta.

Variable Speed Mechanism is Junk!
Operated machine a total of a couple of hours when the pulley mechanism on the motor (part of the V.S.) blew apart. Put it back together and within minutes it was in pieces again. This time with the cover off the spring loaded parts, held on by a tiny retaining ring, (very dangerous) flew every where even puting a hole in the drywall. Send the bomb squad to work on this puppy. This is my first drill press and first piece of Delta equipment and I gotta say what a disappointment. Norm wouldn't be happy. Delta customer service was excellent in obtaining replacement parts. Had an improved v.s. pulley design (a simple set screw on the steel sleeve) delivered to my door within a couple of days. They even shipped me a new motor, although the shaft was fine. This new pulley should should fix the problem, but time will tell. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 0- to 1/2-inch chuck capacity for use with a variety of drill bits
• Infinitely variable speed for exact speed setting without changing belt and pulley configurations
• 3/4-horsepower induction motor for smooth and powerful operation
• Rack and pinion table raising and lowering mechanism for easy adjustments

Reviews (5)

Excellent professional grade heavy duty press
It was too much trouble to move belts to adjust speed on my previous drill presses, but I knew the right speed did a better job and made the bit last longer.

Delta appears to own the market for reasonably-priced variable-speed drill presses. The 17-925 has an incredibly long (6") quill travel, plus a very wide speed range (150-3200 RPM). Run-out on my machine is practically nil, regardless of the quill location. There was minor belt-cover vibration which was fixed with some stick-on felt. At 74" tall, this is a large, top heavy, machine. Probably unnecessary, but I bolted two 50 LB weightlifting plates onto the base, to mitigate a tip-over. Bolting it to the floor offers maximum stability, but mine's on a mobile base. The metal-working table also works just fine for wood-working -- it's easy to clamp work down since the table has many flat areas underneath. The handle knobs are hard and small for comfortable use, so I bought a can of liquid rubber and coated each handle - much better. The 110V motor is amply sized for everything I've thrown at it. Although more power is unnecessary, a simple motor wiring change to 220V does just that.

No lamp is included, but that's easily fixed with the addition of a standard Delta goose-neck accessory lamp bolted to the press's (left side) lamp lug. I installed two more lamps -- a 24" goose-neck magnetic lamp stuck to the top plate, and a 30 watt mini-flood mounted INSIDE the hollow area behind the quill, aimed to below the chuck location. Talk about LIGHT! All three lamps operate on a single switch.

Bolting my very heavy cross-vice to the table significantly increased table raising effort. Worse, rotating the table now made the raising-rack (column gear-piece) bind in it's bottom channel. Had to pull up heftily on the table whenever raising or turning it - thus, a four star rating, versus five. (If you don't add a heavy vice, this won't be an issue.) My "fix" was a counter-weight apparatus using three strong garage door springs, four pulleys, and a steel cable that pulls the table UP with significant force. It now takes equal cranking effort to raise or lower, the table.

The principal features of this press are the terrific variable speed mechanism and the extra-long quill travel. Everything works as advertised -- I'd buy the same press again.

Drill Press Review
I have wanted a variable speed drill press for some time, as I was tired of changing the belts every time I needed to adjust the speed. I was hesitant about buying the Delta, as most good variable speed drill presses are twice as expensive. Having given up on trying to locate a used commercial machine, I took the plunge and purchased the Delta.

As soon as I put it together the first thing I checked was run-out. I was pleasantly surprised when I found I had only .001. The run-out did not change even when I extended the quill. As you can imagine I was beaming at that point. Next test was vibration. Again, surprised, I had little vibration. I am sure with a heaver castings, I would have less; but I could not complain about what I had, it was nominal.

All in all, I was very pleased/surprised with my purchase as I think Delta in some cases has sacrificed quality to bring it's product in at a lower price point.

A Welcomed Upgrade for My Home Shop
I have used this unit for over a year. It was purchased as an upgrade from the commonly available Multi-speed floor units. With those units, I found myself too lazy to continually change the belts to get the correct speed. I knew using the correct speed was important to hole quality and cutting tool life, but it made a bigger difference than I had expected. The vibration and quill runout is fine. I like the extra long quill length. The depth stop and quill lock are convenient and easy to use. So much so, that I use them. The base is larger than most units and provides stability. The table is larger than most, and the underside, once past the rim, provides adequate flat surfaces for clamping. There are some things I would add/change. It should come with a light. I purchased a Delta magnetic base unit. There is an optional light available. Either way, you end up with two power cords/plugs. All the handles could be of better quaility. As a direct user-interface, the handle plastic with sharp seams just does not do it for me. I replaced mine with 2" hardwood balls. Softer to the touch and I like the look. A chuck key holder should also be a standard feature. I have mine on a retractable key holder, attached with doublestick tape to the side of the machine. Finally, the feel of the on/off switch is less positive than I would expect. It is like the push buttons for the presets on an old American car radio. They worked, but thinking back, they just never did feel like the most well-engineered design. Bottom Line: I do like the machine and am happy with my buying decision.

Sturdy and powerful, but vibration and run-out are problems
I love the power and the flexibility, but my work requires a precision which is impossible with this machine because of the vibration and the run-out variance (nearly 1/16 inch on my press). If this machine is to live up to expectations something must be done to dampen the belt vibration and to true the quill. JZK

Delta Variable Speed Drill Press
This is one awesome machine. The ability to continuously vary the speed of the drill allows you to find just the right SFM for the drill and the material at hand. No more of the belt wrangling when you have a small hole to drill after a big one. If you make holes, get this tool and donate your old belt change beast to the local high school. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This model has more capacity and more weight than its little brother--Delta's DP115 8-inch benchtop drill press--but you're still not talking about a lot of shop space or a lot of money. We like this drill press because it can drill to the center of a 10-inch-wide board with a 2-1/4-inch stroke, its table tilts left and right to 45 degrees with a positive stop at 0, and it offers five drill speeds depending on your material and bit size. You don't even have to know what speed is the right one--there's a chart inside the pulley cover that dictates belt speed according to hole size and material. Changing speeds is as simple as adjusting the belt on the pulley. Have some repetitive drilling to do? The adjustable-position locking depth stop takes the trouble out of the job. We like the Shopmaster drill presses for their Delta precision and tight prices, but we have to admit that the rack-and-pinion table height adjustment and the built-in gooseneck lamp on this model win our hearts. The three-jaw chuck will accept bits up to 1/2 inch, and when you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• Cast-iron table tilts 0-45 degrees left to right with a positive stop at 0 degrees for leveling
• Standard 3-jaw, 1/2-inch capacity Jacobs chuck grips a variety of drilling, cutting and sanding tools
• Adjustable depth stop locks for accurate measuring and repetitive drilling
• Five speeds for drilling woods, metals and plastics

Reviews (8)

Good starting press - terrible table design
I bought this press for a beginners woodwork shop. It was easy to set up, and I think the workmanship is much better than that of other similiar presses I looked at. My problem is with the design of the table. First, it is small (7.5" x 7.5"), but I will be making a larger, add-on table for woodworking, so the size is not a problem. The problem is how difficult it is to mount anything to the table. There are two parallel slots in the table face on either side of the center opening. The better designed tables have four slots that radiate out from the center, which enables you to vary mounting points. With the Delta, if the bolts on the fixture you are trying to mount (be it add-on table or metal working vise) aren't 4.5" apart, you're out of luck. And it isn't easy to clamp anything to the table either. There are ribs on the bottom that seem to be right in the way - with some parallel to the table top and others on an angle from it. Don't get me wrong, I like the drill press, but it's taking me a lot more work to make it fit my needs than it should.

Simple, straightforward, and sound
The Delta DP200 isn't a particularly fancy drill press -- no electronic speed contol, for example. But what do you actually NEED in a drill press?
* Smooth operation
* predictable and adjustable speed with good torque
* easily set and repeatable depth control.
The DF200 does all of that, does it well, and does it at a very good price.
Initial setup takes about 20', and requires that you be able to actually read and follow directions. DO make sure to remove all traces of oil when setting the chuck. But once you've set it up, the DP200 will sit on your bench, doing it's job, without muss or fuss for years. Hard to beat or question at this price.

Great starter and low cost drill.
For the money, an excellent drill. If you are buying on budget and just need a starter drill consder the DP115. The differences are that the DP115 (compared to the DP200 shown here) (1) does not have the built in work light, (2) does not have a crank and gear for height adjustment -- it just has a tightening collar, (3) the quill only has 8" of travel instead of 10" as onthis model. If you can live with those differences you can save a lot (about 33%) on your purchase. The DP115 can regularly be found for about 20% less. And on sale you can find the DP115 for about $69. That's a great price for a starter drill press.

dont be overcharged
You can get the delta dp 200 10 inch drill press for $88 at lowes. Not $119.99 at Amazon.com.(is your shipping free?)
Made me wonder what else I may have been overcharged for.

A little honesty about a good tool
Ok, I read the reviews ... I assembled the tool with critical attention to detail and here is what I have realized. This drill press is well worth the ticket price. The assembly is straight forward (although messy due to rust inhibiting oils) and can be completed in about 20 minutes. This unit hasn't rated very high on Amazon but the user complaints that I have read about are easily avoidable.

1) The fact that changing speeds is a manual process on this unit (disconnecting and reconnecting belts and pulleys) seems to be a blessing - the variable speed mechanisms on other units are a source of aggravating maintenance.

2) Setting the chuck is simple and effective. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS and clean the hardware (spindle and chuck) before setting the component. Delta recommends an oven cleaner / degreaser which worked beautifully. If ANY OIL remains on either component, the chuck won't set properly and will eventually come off.

3) Complaints about wobbly bits and seemingly misaligned chucks are most likely caused by two factors: (A) drill bits aren't all machined perfectly straight. Clamp your bit as high on the smooth shaft as possible to alleviate wobbling. I tested a range of my bits and some move more than others (usually the cheaper ones :) (B) Use the appropriate speed for the bit and material you are working with. The guide provided by delta is very helpful and has already alleviated a complaint of mine when using spade bits - I was spinning long spade bits at an unnecessary speed.

All in all, if the chuck is set correctly and your bits are true, there won't be any wobble.

Buy it, try it, and return it if you don't like it. For the price, you can't beat it.
I am quite happy with my purchase.

Update:
The unit is still working perfectly after extensive use. The chuck is stable and wobble free. I couldn't be happier. ... Read more

Amazon.com

There's nothing not to love about this drill press. Longing for a variable speed drive system with a jack shaft for full torque at any speed? Got it. A hungry 3/4 HP induction motor won't bog down, and the generous 14-inch table travels like a dream with a rack-and-pinion system. Working on an intricate job or repetitive drilling? You'll love the micro-adjustable depth stop. To change speeds, you don't have to bother with wrestling belts onto spindles, because the variable speed drive system offers an infinite range of high and low speeds, from 200 to 2,500 rpm. For angled work, the table tilts 90 degrees both left and right and offers and impressive max of two feet from the chuck. At a hefty 230 pounds, you'll feel zero vibration and experience ultimate stability. And the crowning touch: a work lamp and tray, offering ease and safety.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes two-year limited warranty on parts and accessories
• Powerful 3/4 HP induction motor
• Versatile 1/2" capacity chuck with Jacobs 33 taper
• Six-spline spindle drive for efficient torque transmission
• Heavy cast iron construction, large precision ground production table tilts 90 degrees left and right

Amazon.com Product Description

Here's a benchtop tool that packs the power of the big boys. With 6 inches from bit center to column, you can drill with ease into the center of a foot-wide board with a 2-3/8-inch stroke and a chuck jaw capacity of 1/2 inch. The cast-iron table tilts left and right to 45 degrees with a positive stop at 0, and offers five drill speeds depending on your material and bit size. You don't even have to know what speed is the right one--there's a chart inside the pulley cover that dictates belt speed according to hole size and material. Changing speeds is as simple as adjusting the belt on the pulley. Have some repetitive drilling to do? The adjustable-position locking depth stop will take the trouble out of the job. Rack-and-pinion table depth adjustment makes raising and lowering the table no work at all, and here's a nice bonus you won't find standard on other models--a built-in tool tray. When you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• Five speed options, 620 to 3100 rpm for drilling in a variety of materials
• Motor mount pivots for easy and fast speed changing
• Position locking depth stop for easy repetitive drilling operations
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling

Reviews (8)

Model 11-990 is still availabe.
Just to note... the two-year old Delta 12" model 11-990 which the troublesome DP300 replaced is still available at a discount from some industrial tool suppliers. I purchased one about two months ago. It is the exact same drill press with all of the same specifications, including being made in China.
So far, it has been a very good tool and I have no complaints, especially considering the reduced price. I wrote a review on it last month.
It's possible that since technically it is an older model, it may have been made to higher standards, because as everyone in the woodworking industry now knows, Delta's continued cost cutting shift to its overseas production facilities has produced increasingly inferior products over the last few years. This is especially true for their low priced light home duty "ShopMaster" series and medium priced commercial product line.
Considering the fact that Delta owns these overseas facilities, if they exercised better material selection, manufacturing techniques and quality control, this wouldn't be such an issue. Unfortunately for everyone, overall product quality as well as Delta's reputation are now almost completely in the tank.

bad motor
I purchased the drill press to use with my middle school students. Less than 2 weeks after it arrived, my students called me over cause it smelled funny. I noticed hot melted plastic dripping from the motor and immediately unplugged it and we had to leave the area because of the fumes. Now I get the wonderful task of tracking down the warranty, and then the communciation with delta/amazon, and then the return shipping or lawsuit, and then the... You get the picture! You may want to check other brands...if not, good luck!

Depth stop unworkable
As an old woodworker, disappointed that the depth stop mechanism does not work, even when following the written instructions. The spindle travel is very short out of the box, and ours just (without any adjustment) became shorter. The depth control ring and the guage are not intuitive, the guage reading what appears to be backwards. Not up to the old standads of Rockwell/Delta days. Do not buy this model.

Under powered
This drill press is adequate as a bench top unit. Initially I was fairly happy with it, other than some vibration from the spindle. But the more I use it the more I am dissapointed with it. The minimum spindle speed is 620 which is too fast for my hole cutter ( recommended 400 RPM). Delta should change the pulley ratios to allow an alternative slower speed rather than so many at the higher end. I used my hole cutter anyways and ended up barely being able to cut a 3" diameter hole the drill kept stopping. It appears as if the motor just stops under load. I noticed a similar problem using a small diameter forstner bit. I hope that my motor needs to be replaced, and it isn't just that that's the best that 1/3 hp can do.

Very Disappointing Delta quality
Received my DP300 on Friday afternoon. Out of box the tool rest was broken. After assembly, the depth stop was not settable - the screw stop inside the mechanism was not attached. More importantly, the quill raised and lowered with great force required. It would not return under its own spring return tension. I suspect there is a woodruff key in the slot and it is broken. Of course customer service is closed for the weekend and I cannot get redress from Delta until Monday.

I have several other US made Delta tools with which I am satisfied. There was no damage to the shipping container, so I believe the DP300 left the factory in China in this condition. Delta needs to revisit their Quality control in offshore locations or risk ruining their previously fine name. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Bores multiple holes simultaneously to increase productivity
• Heavy Duty 3/4-hp induction motor for powerful drilling action
• Fully adjustable table and fence for quick and easy set up
• Big 16-by-29-3/4-inch table for ample work support

Amazon.com Product Description

The Shopmaster DP400 is a home woodworker's dream--it has all the details of a professional-grade drill press without the cost. The chuck-to-table depth of 27 inches will be the envy of your neighborhood, allowing you to drill into the longest work pieces. You'll get to the center of a 16-1/2-inch board with no trouble at all, and a generous 3-3/8-inch stroke means you won't have to keep readjusting the table. Even when you do, it's a breeze with Delta's smooth rack-and-pinion mechanism. The table measures 12 inches square and tilts for angled drilling. No matter what you're drilling into, one of the 12 speeds--from 250 to 3,000 rpm--will be right for your material. Have some repetitive drilling to do? The adjustable-position locking depth stop will take the trouble out of the job. You're open to a broad range of bits with this machine, as its chuck will accept bits up to 5/8 inch. The built-in gooseneck lamp lets you position this drill press anywhere in your shop, and you'll always have great task lighting. When you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 3/4-horsepower induction motor for powerful, smooth drilling action
• 0-5/8 inch chuck capacity for use with a variety of drill bits
• 12 spindle-speeds--250 to 3,000 rpm--for drilling a variety of materials
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling

Reviews (1)

Good drill press
I've had this drill press for about a week now, so this is a fairly brief review. I bought this particular version from a local large home supply establishment. Overall, I'm pretty happy with it.

I carried it home in a VW New Beetle, so it's a manageable package. It came well packed in a sturdy cardboard box lined with foam. I and took it downstairs in pieces, since the whole box is near 180 pounds. It assembled quickly. There are really only 4 parts; the base, the support post, the table, and the motor and belt head. The hardest part was cleaning off the packing grease -- I used kerosene -- and then waxing all the bare metal parts with paste wax.

I measured the runout with my admittedly less than high quality dial indicator and a spare mill bit in the chuck and came out with around .0018" I haven't done any real heavy cleaning of the chuck assembly so there could be some grit or packing gunk inside.

Speed changes are easy by moving a small lever and loosening a thumbscrew. The only thing I'm less than completely happy with is the table assembly. It uses a rack and pinion to raise and lower the table. The rack is held against the post by just a ring up top and it fits into the base at the bottom. There is no support along the length of the rack so there ends up being quite a bit of play in the middle of rack where it sags out away from the post. As a warning to overly harsh treatment, the rack on the display model at the store was severly bent. Also to angle the table, you have to get under it and pull a pin. I haven't tried that yet, but it could have been made easier.

I did try angling the table last night. To me it's a pain, but I don't know how common this method is. You have to remove the pin, which comes out with the use of a wrench, and then loosen a big bolt that holds the table. The bolt is hard to get to being between a couple of reinforcement webs and is large. I think it's a metric just smaller than 15/16". I used a 15/16" socket and it was a little loose, while 7/8" was too small and I don't have a 31/32" wrench to try and my metrics only go up to 17mm. I did see a quick release bolt in another catalog for drill presses that might work. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Here's a beauty that brings stationary-model features to the benchtop. You get the capacity to drill to the center of a 10-inch board with a 3-1/4-inch stroke, and the table tilts left and right to 45 degrees with a positive stop at 0 and offers variable-speed control at the turn of a dial. Changing speeds is as simple as turning the knob, allowing you to drill at 500 rpm and up to 3,100 rpm. Have some repetitive drilling to do? The adjustable-position locking depth stop will take the trouble out of the job. We like the Shopmaster drill presses for their Delta precision and tight prices, but we have to admit that the rack-and-pinion table depth adjustment and the built-in gooseneck lamp on this model win our hearts. The three-jaw chuck will accept bits up to 1/2 inch, and when you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• Variable speed from 500 to 3100 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
• Adjustable depth of stop for repetitive drilling
• Cast iron table tilts 45 degrees left and right for angled drilling
• Rack and pinion table rising mechanism

Reviews (5)

not a very well made machine
This drill press has been very disappointing. For a bench top, it is too heavy to lift so I made a stand for it, taking up limited space in my small work area. After using it for a couple of months things sort of flew apart. The main reason I selected this model was its ease of changing speeds with a simple turn of the dial. Since I have experience in machine and assembly, took the thing apart and discovered the reason was poor parts and design. While the variable speed mechanism is faily simple the design needs a little work. A set screw to hold the bearing in place on the upper motor pulley would have helped. It worked its way out of place (friction fit?) and there went the variable speed. Next, a little attention to the machining of the cap holding the spring above the motor pulley so it wouldn't bend the retaining ring out of it's grove on the motor shaft would help as well. I believe I have spent more time fixing the thing than it has given me doing the drilling tasks I bought it for.

POOR QUALITY AND DESIGN
I received the drill press in great condition and quickly from Amazon. It was easy to assemble and the instructions were well written (there was a lot of grease on every piece that made assembly challenging).

Once together, it functioned flawlessly-----for about 1 day! Then the variable speed function ceased working properly. Upon examination of the pulley system after removal of the top cover (which was nearly impossible to reassemble) it was noted that the spring system on the rear pulley did not work properly. The die-cast (cheap) rear pully had a small crack in it as well. I disassembled it and returned it to Amazon.

Subsequently, I purchased the Sears Craftsman 12" drill press and although you need to change the belt pulley ratio manually to adjust the speed, it has worked perfectly on a daily basis for months now and under heavy loads the motor doesn't even lag.

AVOID THIS DELTA DRILL PRESS!!

Nice heavy drill - with mechanical flaw
(...)Setup: 3 stars (the Delta shipping grease again)
Repair flaw: 1 star
Use When it isn't broken: 5 stars
Broken: Two times in 6 months - 0 stars...

This drill broke again today; the variable speed control snapped inside the housing. This second mechanical failure, combined with the wobbling chuck I have endured the last couple times I used it, have forced me to publicly condemn this machine as unfit to sell. I don't mind maintaining my machines occasionally, but I have put in over 8 hours of labor vs. less than one hour using the drill. Presently I am sick of it and will decide if I should try to fix it again, or just buy one from a different manufacturer.(...)

Delta Dp 250
First time buyer on Amazom. Great price, no tax, free delevery and I received the item eariler than expected. The unit was a bit heavier then I expected. Two areas that could be improved on are, there isn't a place to hold the chuck key. That would appear to be a simple task for Delta to incorporate into the design. The handle that raises the table could have been placed on an angle so as to not be so close the table. If one wants to increase the work surface area with a peice of plywood, you must provide a cutout for the elavation handle.
Other than that it appears to be a sturdy machine

Delta DP250 Shopmaster 10" Variable Speed Bench Top Drill Pr
I bought this equipment recently from Amazon.com. It was delivered on time as promised.
After some thorough degreasing the assembly was easy and uneventful.The variable speed system allows a lot of drilling versatility without touching the belt, but it is not ultra-smooth. It also requires weekly maintenance if you plan on using the drill frequently. The three spoke pilot wheel and the adjustable locking depth mechanisms are nice and easy in operation. The tilting table is OK but not at all easy to use. The finish of all major components seems to be basically per the standard for this price level. However in order to access the belt housing I needed to remove some screws that were jammed into the holes rather than cleanly treaded. After removing the top cover I decided to re-drill these holes, now everything goes together as it was intended. Verdict, this Delta drill is an OK machine for the price. It does what it is supposed to do but I am not impressed by the overall attention to detail in fabrication. The variable speed feature is convenient but given the frequent requirement for oiling I don't see a large advantage over the traditional belt and pulley systems. ... Read more

Features

• DELJ9

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 5 spindle speeds for drilling into a variety of materials
• 1/2-inch chuck for use with most larger drill bits
• Table tilts 45 degrees right and left for accurate angle drilling
• Simple depth stop adjustment for repetitive drilling operations

Reviews (5)

Bought It - Returned It
The price seemed right and it appeared well built. But I found the table frustrating to use.
Pros
1. Solidly built
2. Relatively easy speed changes with speeds clearly marked
3. Good manual
Cons
1. Table too small
2. Awkward adjusting table height
3. Underneath of table is open and ribbed which makes clamping difficult
3. Depth guage on left side fell off during assembly
4. A little rattle at the higher speed. Just enough to be annoying. Never could pin it down.
Summary
5 stars for functionality and good construction
-2 stars for the table
-1 star for the depth guage
====
2 stars overall.
The frustration of working with the table may steer you to the 12 inch model. It appears to be the better product although at twice the price.

A Good Entry Level Drill Press
Have used this press for about a year and have drilled through metal, hard woods and soft woods with out any issues. It is easy to assemble and is small and light enough to barely make the "portable" grade. I utlimately ended up purchasing the 12" version because this version isn't compatible with the many Delta accessories, and if you have stock on the table thicker than 2 inches there isn't any clearance between the bit and the stock. If the drill had been compatible with the various Delta accessories I would have rated it a 5.

In response to a previous reviewer, changing speeds involves adjusting a belt in the upper housing. This is very easy, and takes less than a minute after dealing with it once.

I Like It
Obviously not intended for heavy work, but great for small weekend/hobby jobs. Doesn't take much space. Changing speeds isn't bad if you're not changing bits very often.

Needed Information
To properly evaluate a tool powered by electricity you must know the amps of the motor and horsepower developed. Also, it would be of use to know what accessories are available, where to purchase and cost. Additionally, how you change the speed of the drill press is important. If this model requires you to turn it off and move a "band" to change the speed, then it is not for the serious workshop.

Reliable - Easy to Use
Had this model for years. It was a real pleasure to use. High quality contruction, nice safety switch. Reasonably straightforward to change the speed (you have to move a band)...

We used it far more than we expected to, and it stood up to plenty of abuse. High quality contruction... ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 5 spindle speeds--620, 1100, 1720, 2340, and 3100 rpm
• 1/2-inch chuck for use with most larger drill bits
• Table tilts 45 degrees right and left for accurate angle drilling
• Simple depth stop adjustment for repetitive drilling operations

Reviews (3)

Almost Satisfactory
First the bad points: Fine tuning the table height is very frustrating. The arm that you loosen then tighten is set akwardly on the left. Furthermore, you either have to rock the table back and fourth to get it lower, or it just drops down, so much for fine tuning. The table that you place your work on is small. If you're working on anything of any size, it's difficult to clamp. Finally, there's no mortising attachment available.

The good points: It's a solid machine that will make good holes for a long time. It's just the set up that's misery.

I should have spent the extra [money], and bought the Delta 12" Drill Press. The 12" model has a crank to adjust the table height, the table is bigger, and a mortising attachment is available.

A decent entry level drill press
I purchased this unit about a year ago. I haven't had a single problem with it, and have used it on several projects. Changing the speed of the drill involves messing around with the belt in the top housing, which is a little cumbersome until you get use to it. I have only two complants with it. 1) The adjustable table doesn't utilize a rack-and-pinion system like the other Delta drill presses, which can make it cumbersome to adjust the table height, particularly if you are fine tuning. It also forces you to have to constantly make sure that the table "hole" is lined up correctly with the drill bit. 2) Delta doesn't appear to make accessories to support the drill, such as clamps, mortising attachments, etc. I originally purchased this drill press because of its Delta name and its remarkable low price. Ultimately I will upgrade to the 12" drill press which has the features that this one lacks.

Drill Press
This little drill press is great for a young woodworker. So far, it has been a pleasure to work with. The spring loaded chuck prevents the chuck key from staying in, thus preventing "chuck key flyout" when the drill press is turned on. A great idea, this feature makes the drill a lot safer to use, especially with kids. The pop out switch toggle prevents unauthorized use of drill press. The 5-speed feature is great for hard or soft wood, metals, and plastic. The only thing I find indesirable is that the chuck could always go a little bit deeper. A nice little machine; just what you'd expect from Delta! ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Five speeds from 620 to 3100 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
• Adjustable depth stop for repetitive drilling
• Cast iron table tilts 45 degrees left and right for angled drilling
• Rack and pinion table raising mechanism

Reviews (2)

Excellent for the avocational woodworker
I bought this for exactly the reasons Delta lists: I find their 8" drill press too small for any useful work, but the 12" is overpriced for what you get. So I bought the 10". I've owned it for a few months now and have used it extensively. It has plenty of power - all but the largest forstner bits in all but the hardest wood cut smoothly and cleanly with this press. My only real compaint is the difficulty of adjusting the angle of the table - it requires a wrench and is fairly rough. However, the depth-stop adjustment is smooth and elegant, the table height adjustment is adequate, and the speed changes (via belt changes) are quite simple once you've got the hang of it. Workmanship of the tool is excellent.

Pretty Good for the Money
I bought the 10 inch because it is significantly less money than the 12 inch. It does everything that the manufacturer claims, and is a good deal. Its sturdy, and easy to assemble and to set up. The tilting table requires a wrench, but works fine. One word of caution-- while the mortising attachment will fit, there is not a lot of extra room. If you plan on doing a lot of mortising, buy the 12 inch. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

A great fit in any serious home workshop, Delta's bench drill press combines safety and versatility with industrial-grade durability for long life. Featuring five speeds from 620 to 3,100 rpm, the 1/3-horsepower induction motor runs coolly and quietly off standard 115-volt outlets. With a 2-3/8-inch stroke length, a tilting cast-iron work plate, and an adjustable depth stop for repetitive drilling, this tool lends itself to a variety of applications. Its 34-inch total height makes this press welcome on tables and benchtops even where ceilings hang low. We were impressed Delta had the foresight to build a removable on/off switch to prevent injury to curious little hands. Though set on a sturdy cast-iron base, the entire press weighs only 78 pounds, so you can comfortably pick it up and move it out of the way if you ever have to rearrange your tool collection. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Five speed option, 620 to 3100 rpm for drilling in a variety of materials
• Motor mount pivots for easy and fast speed changing
• Position locking depth stop for easy repetitive drilling operations
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling

Reviews (21)

Another Quality Tool From Delta
I have been very pleased with my Delta 12" Bench Drill Press. All things considered: price, quality, warranty, ease of use and value---this is a GREAT BUY! There are (3) ways to mount this tool: bolt it to a bench-top; mount it on the optional universal stand (Delta model 50-330, which will adapt to a mobile base also) or keep it portable, by mounting it to a 16x20" piece of 3/4-inch plywood, the minimum the factory recommends. It IS pretty heavy (80 lbs.) for a "bench-top" model, but it's also designed to be rugged. So don't be afraid to lug it around.

The features, like adjustable depth stop, tilting work table, auto return after boring, etc., you would expect to find on a more expensive, bigger floor model, and are a pleasant surprise to get at this price. The speeds are pretty easy to change, with a chart built into the motor lid, showing types of material and recommended speeds. Delta's directions for using and assembling this tool are clear and correct, too---a big plus for me, since this is the first and only drill press I've owned.

The only curious thing about this was the factory-listed accessory vise, which Amazon included when I purchased mine. The instructions show it mounting up fine to the work tsble, with the slots provided mating the diagonal slots in the table...only trouble is, THIS drill press has PARALLEL slots, not DIAGONAL! ...And they're spaced a good two inches WIDER than the ones on the vise!! You can still use the vise okay with a pair of clamps, but you have to wonder what the designer was smoking when THIS one was drawn up....

Still, this drill press works like bigger, more expensive ones, and it's a terrific bargain for a weekend handyman like me!!

A wonderful addition with the power you need!
Just got this one for home and have already used put it to good use. So far, I've drilled holes ranging from 0.025" up to 1" and have loved the ease by which you can make adjustments. Table height is easy to set (wish they'd move that locking lever a little away from the shaft so that big hands can rotate it). Belts are easy to change around. Drill depth is easy to set (although the scale is confusing at first). Smooth feed with good drawback. Nice startup, and a quiet hum. The thing was also easy to put together. The chuck is not the best (not fully concentric or something, doesn't grab drill bits as tight as it should) and I will probably replace it at some point. And like all drill presses,(listen up Human Interface guys at Delta), this one lacks a place to handily keep the chuck key!!! Once out of the box, I immediately drilled a hole in the plastic cover and affixed a make-shift chuck-key holder. Also...the safety key (for the power switch) should have a home on the device (which it does not). Regardless....a fine, fine tool, well worth the money!

Delta 11-990 12" Bench Drill Press
I purchased the Delta 11-990 drill press for small commercial shop use about two months ago because of very limited space and previous experience with a similar model. The newer model DP300 was temporarily out of stock and the distributor was offering a discount on the 11-990 because technically this model is two years old, even though both have exactly the same specifications. They are the low priced "Shopmaster" grade, manufactured in China, supposedly at Delta owned facilities. The drill press came with a tool tray and magnetic mount worklight. The tool tray was unnecessary for me, so it went in the recycle bin to be reincarnated. The worklight is much more useful when stuck to a 4-11/16" square junction box cover and hung from a hook on the pegboard at the edge of the workbench than on the drill press itself. I have this drill press mounted to a mobile base I made from a Makita 2703XL table saw stand, 3/4" plywood and 2" locking swivel casters. This works great because it gives the proper height and stability for safe operation and it doesn't take up valuable bench space.
The 11-990 was easy to assemble and even came with the bolts to mount it to a stand. The thick oily coating on the parts wiped off cleanly with a rag dipped in regular paint thinner.
I cleaned the spindle and chuck taper bore with acetone before mounting the fully opened chuck with a wood block and mallet and have had no problem with the chuck falling off while in use. The chuck is not a Jacobs or other name brand but the geared collar turns easily by hand without binding for initial bit insertion before tightening with the key. Runout is minimal and I have had no problem with bits slipping in the chuck jaws after tightening.
The drill press runs smoothly and quietly with no vibration or spindle chatter. The motor is a 1/3HP, 1720 RPM, capacitor start.
Delta says the maximum hole size in steel with an HSS bit is 3/8" but I have used it on several occasions to drill 1/2" holes in 3/8" thick mild steel plate in low speed [620 RPM] without stalling or any sign of motor overheating. It has also been used with a 1-1/2" spade bit to bore holes in 2X and a 3-1/2" hole saw in 1X and 3/4" plywood. Changing the five belt positions is simple and only requires loosening one thumbscrew. The speed range is 620-3100 RPM.
The table swivels 360-degrees and tilts somewhat easily by removing the locking pin and loosening a 3/4" hex bolt. Rockler sells a ratcheting handle for about five dollars that supposedly fits this table and replaces the bolt, eliminating the need for a 3/4" socket wrench. I think I will probably try it.
The 4" Delta 20-622 vise is also a nice accessory if you drill metal frequently. I have it permanently mounted to the table with 1/2" bolts at a slight angle to the chuck.
Overall, I feel the 11-990 is a good value. For less than two hundred dollars, it seems surprisingly well made and should be able to meet the demands of most small shop or home use.

You better check your manual
I am impressed with this drill press. I think it operates very well. It is quite and smooth during operation. I agree with one review that the light is a good idea, but it slides and won't stay in place. The others that commented and said that everything is loose, "You better check your manual" you must have done something wrong.

really disappointed, but only ($$$)
based on the reviews, there seems to be two completely different schools of thought on this product. My vote goes with "junk". Everything is very loose, the chuck is not true, so it turns in an eliptical motion (instead of a circle) and while I haven't had problems with the chuck falling off, the method of installation called for in the instructions "pound it in with a rubber mallet" --seriously!-- makes me certain it is only a matter of time. Also, you have to tighten the chuck with the key extremely hard and the bits still slip nearly every time. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If your projects require you to drill with big bits or if you find yourself attempting to drill with precision under questionable circumstances, this heavy-duty 16-1/2-inch drill press from Delta will help you get out of your, um, hole. Running off a 3/4-horsepower motor that can be wired for either 115 or 230 volts, it gives you an impressive deep plunge length of 3-3/8 inches and holds up to 5/8-inch-diameter bits. Solid cast-iron construction and a 3-1/8-inch column give it the industrial feel and durability we look for in this type of tool. You'll enjoy the rotating work base--which bevels, of course, 45 degrees each way for drilling angles--as well as the depth stop that can be set quickly and easily with microadjustments and a locking mechanism, great for repetitive drilling. While other models sometimes place hard-to-read speed and belt charts under the top cap, Delta uses a wide, clearly legible chart to explain how to configure the belts for each of 12 speeds (250 to 3,000 rpm). And, thanks to the smooth, cool-running induction motor inside, you're not likely to find yourself shopping for a drill press again for an extremely long time. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 0-5/8 inch chuck capacity for use with a variety of drill bits
• 3/4 hp induction motor for powerful, smooth drilling action
• 12 spindle speeds--250 to 3,000 rpm--for drilling a variety of materials
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling

Reviews (12)

This Is Not A High Quality Machine - It's Functional
I purchased this drill press in 1999 and have used it about 12 months. It is functional. I have used this unit on wood (it's intended purpose) and metal (I know but I had to do it). I do not use this on even a weekly basis so I went for price when I bought the drill press.

It is worth it's price. It has poor fit and finish. It could be greatly improved. If you are not using a drill press everyday or are a weekender this is a good value - also consider a jet. They are both made on that little island.

Fine tool good value
I bought my drill press about 4 years ago. It's been a real "work horse" in my shop. I have not measured run out but it is trivial compared to the precision required for woodworking. Fit and finish are fine for my machine. I do not recall any difficulty with assembly.

Great piece of woodworking machinery
I purchased this drill press over 2 years ago and have nothing but praise for it,its a workhorse.I've drilled treated 4x4 post,100's of boards and even metal plating all this without even a wimper its one solid machine.When i purchased this machine it came complete ,all parts and accessories were in box unlike some other tools and machines that i have purchased in past years and the ease of assembly it was a breeze.I had it set up and boring holes in wood in just under 30 minutes ,its a very well put together machine with alot of extra and helpful features that help you get the job done right.I've been a woodworker for over 20 years and have owned other brands that don't even standup to the quality and durability of the Delta 17-900 drill press.75 percent of my woodshop is setup with Delta machines and accessories the other 25 percent with another well known brand.I put my machines through their paces day in and day out and Delta products haven't let me down yet.The delta model 17-900 drill press is very worthy of the 5 star rating i gave it and i highly recommend it as well as other delta machines to anybody looking for quality and durability in woodworking machinery.

Good Unit
While this is my first and only drill press, the unit seems to be very nice.

I recieved this as a Chrismas present from my wife, we had looked at several units and this on had the best price for features....

First off the the instructions were very clear considering that alot of the parts came preassemblied. Took only about 1 hour to set up and every thing went very smooth. It did take 2 people to put the head onto the post but even this went very smooth!

Speed adjustments are very easy with the pop up cover and tension adjustments. The fact that the unit uses a Morris tapper for the chuck is great. The depth adjustment is very easy to use and quick to set!

Fit and finish seemed to be very good. There is some play in the table but from what we saw on other units they will also have the same problem due to the way the rack is held in place to the post!

I only gave 4 stars because this is my first and only drill press and it runs a little loud!

Delta drill press
When I recieved this baby, I thought it looked pretty good.
However The parts in the box were from two different models.
and the holes in the base did not fit the column base. five holes in the column and four in the base..Delta has not yet fixed this problem.. ... Read more

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Bores multiple holes simultaneously to increase productivity
• Heavy Duty 3/4-hp induction motor for powerful drilling action
• Fully adjustable table and fence for quick and easy set up
• Big 16-by-29-3/4-inch table for ample work support

Amazon.com Product Description

Here's proof that you don't need a lot of shop space or a lot of money to drill like the pros. Delta's 8-inch Shopmaster offers five speeds for a wide range of drilling materials, and you don't even have to know what speed is the right one--there's a chart inside the pulley cover that dictates belt speed according to hole size and material. Changing speeds is as simple as adjusting the belt on the pulley. The drill head moves up and down a full 2 inches, and, in addition, the cast-iron table rides smoothly along the column with a secure locking mechanism to keep the table in place. The table tilts, too, for when you need to drill an angled hole. The three-jaw chuck will accept bits up to 1/2 inch, and when you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. It's a smooth-running machine just perfect for the smaller shop or beginner. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• 1/4-horsepower induction motor for long-lasting, smooth performance
• Adjustable position locking depth stop for accurate depth measurement and repetitive drilling
• Three-spoke pilot wheel for operator convenience
• Positive six-spline spindle drive for efficient torque transmission

Reviews (1)

Great Drill for the price
Compared to the DP200 which is 20% to 33% more expensive, this drill lacks only (1) a work light, (2) uses a clamp to adjust the table height instead of gear and hand-crank, and (3) has only about 8" of travel on the quill instead of the 10" on the DP200. For the money, this is the better deal. You can often find the DP115 on sale and at that price it is a great starter drill for wood, metal, and other hobby and other work. I've used mine with sanding drums to also avoid the cost of a standalone drum sander in my home shop. ... Read more