Amazon.com Review

Square holes? No problem. Delta's industrial mortiser offers precision with a1/2-horsepower motor behind it. A rack-and-pinion system raises and lowers the head,and the mortising head column swings 180 degrees for off-table work. Clearly a step upfrom Delta's MM300 Shopmaster mortising machine, this one's made with theprofessional user in mind and includes an adjustable dovetail way on the mortising head,a tool and chisel tray, a gas-filled head stabilizer and multiposition feed lever. There'salso a generous 16-3/4-by-13-1/2-inch cast-iron base and 2-15/16-inch tall two-piecefence totaling 13-5/8 inches in length. Bit and chisel changing is easy with the chuckkey/hex wrench. Of course, we always want to use new tools right out of the box, andDelta's made sure you can get started right away with 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inchchisel and bit sets. Beats a drill and hand chisel any day! --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch chisel and bits to get you started right away
• 1/2-horsepower motor designed and engineered exclusively for mortising for greater accuracy and reliability
• handles work up tp 3-3/4 inches under hold down for a variety of applications
• Multi-position hand lever and rack and pinion lowering system for easy operation
• Large Cast-iron base with center through hole

Reviews (34)

Excellent machine
Assembly is straightforward, though compressing the hydraulic cylinder to mount it is not mentioned in the instructions. It takes some force, but you can do it by hand.

You do have to keep an eye on the depth of the drill relative to the chisel. If the drill bit isn't in REALLY tight, it can back out a bit when mortising dense hardwood. Then you'll get the chisel making premature contact, and that will probably shorten its life.

The instructions that come with the device could be better. I think Delta assumes that pros are buying these things, and underestimate the "New Yankee" factor.

Even given these relatively minor complaints, this tool rocks. It makes a difficult and time-consuming manual operation a simple and fast power operation. Well done. As long as the chisels hold up, I'll be happy.

buena herramienta
adquiri delta mortiser machine y la recomiendo como una estupenda herramienta hace el trabajo mas facil y limpio y rapido una buena herramienta a bajo precio
la recomiendo

Boo Hoo Hoo
I just received my Delta Mortiser and like others have reported, it was damaged. The packaging looked as if it had already been "around the block" a few times. After opening it, I found a crack in the cast iron motor bracket. (my heart fell to the floor... ;-(
Just finished packing it up for return. I was very suprised at the flimzy packaging from Delta. I own at least a half dozen or so Delta power tools and all of them where packaged as if they were ready to take a trip on the space shuttle. I've bragged to my wife several times about the way Delta tools are packaged. (She even keeps the boxes for storage) Even with the marginal shipping practices of UPS, this unit is truely packaged poorly. The fact that the unit is packaged with the head attached to the stand creates an accident waiting to happen. It seems that minimal shock can crack the dovetail. I guess Delta failed to do a drop test on this unit.
The styrofoam seems as if was not fitted for this tool. There is so many little cubby holes that don't seem to fit the parts that it took some time to figure out how to repackage it for return.
I guess I'll give it another try. Maybe next time I'll be able to talk about how much I love the tool.... dc

what service
i read all the reviews ,including the horror stories about broken parts and bad packing , but i ordered the 14-561 anyway.
i have always had good results with amazon. i placed my order on
may 31. tracking said i would receive items(i had other items in
this order) on june 7. well they all arived on june 8. only 8 days total. not bad! i really did not know what to expect because of all i had read. my delta 14-651 mortiser was in perfect condition.the box had one tear on a corner about 2in.long , no big deal.i set it up in about 20 min. and made my first mortise in some oak. THIS MACHINE WORKS GREAT! bits and chisles VERY sharp. machine has plenty of power. take your time and enjoy.

shipments cause concerns
this is an excellent piece of equipment if it is delivered without damage. from the reviews I read it appears that all the
damaged units were purchased from amazon.com. why? should I buy
a second unit for my son from a local merchent? ... 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 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 Review

Instead of throwing away old, dull bits, give them a checkup with the Drill Doctor and extend their life. Although drill-bit sharpening systems often fail to live up to our expectations, we're here to bear witness for the truth of the Drill Doctor's claims: it really does sharpen old bits in just a couple of minutes. The 750SP (also known as the Professional) works on conventional, split-point, and masonry bits from 3/32 to 3/4 inches in size. If you don't plan on sharpening anything larger than 1/2-inch bits, we recommend getting the 500SP instead; it's basically the same machine, minus the cost of the 3/4-inch chuck that comes with this model. Both models--the 500SP and the Professional 750SP--allow you to choose between a 118- and 135-degree sharpening angle. Operation is fairly simple, but to make sure no one has trouble figuring it out, the Drill Doctor comes with a how-to video. Anyone who frequently wears down drill bits is going to appreciate the savings this handy machine can offer. Using sharp bits instead of dull ones also increases the life of your drill, because sharper bits require less work to make the same hole. We only wish we'd found the Drill Doctor sooner. --Brian Trinen ... Read more

Features

• Sharpens conventional point, split point, and masonry drill bit at 118- or 135-degree angles
• Two chucks accept 3/32- to 1/2-inch and 1/2- to 3/4-inch bit shafts
• Long-lasting Diamond wheel sharpens carbide, high-speed steel, standard, cobalt, and more
• Comes with how-to video

Reviews (33)

Drill Doctor DD750PK Precision Drill Bit Sharpene
There are many good things about this product. When I called tech support with a problem (chuck sticking), I got a human being with a knowledgable answer (loosen a few overtorqued screws) in a matter of minutes. On standard drill bits, it works very well.

However, I got it mostly to sharpen hex-base drill bits, as I use these drill bits with a quick-change chuck all the time. And I basically destroyed several bits (well, they were dull anyway) finding out that the chuck supplied with this unit simply can't get a proper grip on hex-base drill bits. They will be out of alignment, which means it won't work, at all. You just grind off random bits of your drill bit at random angles, resulting in a useless bit. Well, I _was_ able to sharpen a few of the bigger hex bits, but the 1/16", 1/8", and 3/16" bits were trashed.

So for my main use--sharpening hex-base bits--this fails pretty badly. If I'd known this, I wouldn't have gotten it. (Of course none of the marketing information or tech support information mentions this--if they did, they might lose some sales.) So I'll keep it, but quite disappointed. And no, tech support didn't have any suggestions for how to fix the problem.

So, if you want to sharpen small hex bits, give this a pass. If you don't use hex bits, it is a good deal. And the video they supply is excellent for teaching you how to use it.

Your mileage may vary.

The BEST Drill Sharpening System
Over the years I have collected hundreds of drill bits that served me well when new. But with each project I found myself looking for a sharp bit to complete the task. I needed a repeatable way to sharpen my drill bits. After extensive research and product reviews I purchased the Drill Doctor 750. It did EVERYTHING it promised. It sharpened both small and large bits, it removed all nicks and restored the cuting edge perfectly. The actual process is simple and quick. The video gives good instructions, but practice makes perfect, and I actually enjoyed sharpening all my old bits. I highly recommend the Drill Doctor. It delivers on its promise every time.

Pays for itself quickly
Glad I FINALLY bought one!
With the price of drill bits rising every day this baby will pay for itself quickly. Sharpens bit as good as or better than new. If you think you doing a good job sharpening bits on a bench grinder, you'll be suprised. Don't know how the hail I ever got along without one of these. Will never have to use a dull bit again. An absolute NECESSITY for anyone working with steel. I would suggest getting an extra wheel upon purchase because once you sharpen about 250 of your dead/dull bits after it arrives, you'll most likely need a new wheel.

The Good, the bad, and the great
I just received my Drill Doctor 750SPK and was surprised to find that it came with a carrying case which was listed by Amazon.com as an accessory. The first time I used the Drill Doctor it performed perfectly and I was inclined to sharpen even drills that I had previously considered sharp. For normal drill sharpening, I would rate it as 5-star. The only problem I had was with split tips. The drill holder does not slide smoothly in and out of the guide. It requires unnecessay force as far as I am concerned, however with extra effort I can sharpen split tips adequately. I will keep the unit since most of my sharpening is for standard tips. When and if I want to do many split tips, I will bore the guide out a little and and install a "pop-out" spring to move the tip back off the grinding wheel.

Incidently, one reviewer said that he received screwdriver tips instead of drills with his unit. I did not find that to be the case. I received the drills.

NO MORE DULL Excuses!!
This is product is everything good all have said about it. Order fulfill by Amazon - excellent! Unit well packed, handy carry case is superb.
Set up and use - I watched the video 1 & 1 1/2 times. Getting the drill set up properly is the whole equation - and is easy. I have sharpened both angle configurations, and split a few points just to see how easy it is to do. SNAP!
I didn't realize how bad a shape I was in until I cleaned up every bit I owned. I mostly work wood and don't demand a lot of twist drills here, but a few metal things came up and I realized I had a sour batch of drills. Problems solved. Everyone needs one of these....or maybe I keep it a secret and make a few $$ fixing up my neighbors tools. It would almost be like stealing. Maybe I'll do demo's and sell units. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

If you're like us, you've crammed more tools into your workshop than can really fit. Luckily, an HTC universal mobile base (or two) can make a world of difference. The base is sturdy and easy to assemble, plus--unlike any other mobile base on the market--it adjusts to fit virtually any large woodworking machine, forming squares from 12 by 12 to 36 by 36 inches and rectangles as big as 20 by 52 inches. Holes at 1-inch increments let you choose any shape in between, and wheels at all four corners make it easy to maneuver. Roll one tool in; roll another tool out. Moving equipment around a crowded shop has never been this easy. --Jon Groebner ... Read more

Features

• Lifetime warranty
• Four wheels for well-balanced performance
• Side rails come with holes spaced every inch
• Can hold shop tools weighing over 400 pounds
• Easy to unlock and move

Reviews (94)

FIVE STARS FOR VALUE!
If a tool is to be judged on it's utility then this is a winner. What makes this base so great is that it does what it's supposed to do, does it well, and sells for around fifty bucks.

My shop is so small Hennie Youngman could do a whole routine around it. I don't have the luxury of thousands of square feet of space to plant work stations and production tools. So, I rely on putting everything on wheels to keep it out of the way untill I need it. I made my own untill I discovered the HTC2000 mobile base.

I ordered one for my jointer and another for my table saw. My jointer is now a dream come true! The large wheels track easily and smoothly and it sets down firmly. The only drawback was that the front was higher than the back but that is an easy fix with a spacer or adjusting up your machines leveling feet.

Oddly enough I did not have this problem on the second one I ordered for the table saw. That on is so level you could set grade with it. For the life of me I can't figure the difference but who cares? The only downside I noticed on the one for the table saw was that my saw may be a little heavy for it. I have an old, big Craftsman with a custom made T-Square fence. It rolls very nicely but the cam levers for raising and lowering seem to strain a little in the lift mode. If you are going to move larger machinery I would suggest contacting the company regarding their custom made program.

Overall, if you ever want a stationary machine to have any portability you can't go wrong with this product. And at this price, you can afford a little custom tuning to get exactly what you want.

HTC HTC2000 Universal Mobile Base Review
This is the third mobile base that I have purchased and it is the first one from HTC. My other two units are the Delta mobile base in which you must provide the hardwood cross members into their provided corners. These two units support my Jet Contractors saw and my Jet 14" CS Band Saw. The HTC unit is for my Jet 6" CS Jointer. Overall the unit assembled easily and holds the Jointer very well. My biggest complaint with the unit is that it does not provide the movement flexibility that my other units do. I have a small workshop and need to swing the units around easily. The Delta base has a single wheel centered on one side of the frame and it can pivot very easily. The HTC unit with its two pivot wheel design does not permit easy movement. As I continue to expand my workshop I would not purchase this style again with the two wheels.

Excellent product, easy assembly, great price...
So, who has the free wall space in either workshop or garage to just leave a bandsaw, drill press, table saw, or router table in one place without banging the materials from your project into a nearby cabinet or storage shelf? I sure didn't. Believe me, dragging the drill press or band saw into the middle of the garage was never as much fun as it seemed ;-) Sears has a mobile base exactly like this one, but for $20 more. I bought three, and they arrived super fast in great shape. All parts accounted for(!), and easy to assemble. I'd recommend attaching the base to the tool with some bolts, though (not included). Leveling is easy to do, the base is quite stable, and the rolling action is very smooth. I thought it would be hard to justify the cost, but after buying and mounting them, I wouldn't go back. Excellent product...a definite necessity for large shop tools.

HTC2000 Price Increase
July 13, 2004 I bought a HTC2000 at $43.00 from Amazon.com. July 17, 2004 (3 days later) Amazon.com increased the price by (28.3%) ($16.99) to $59.99 each. Ouch! The price increase of steel did not jump that high.

It's a troublsome erector set
Now I believe I'm in the minority based on these reviews I see. Let me tell you my experience and use your own judgement, it's fine to have a differing opinion.
I used this for my Jet contractor saw, not that time consuming to put together but more so than the one piece unit I replaced it with.
Trying to lock it steady on those rubber feet took more time to do than putting it together. Then, If I move the saw to use my router table I have to readajust it since my cement floor only looks completely smooth. so there's some back and forth issue with making the thing stable when it's moved and repositioned.
I'm not talking about cobblestone imperfection, it's subdle variations in concrete that make 4 wheels rock back and forth ever so slightly if they're not just right. Those 2 rubber feet have to take the weight of the saw and hold it steady or else if you push something heavy there's a chance the saw will move during your pushing. I don't want to have to follow my saw back and forth with shim stock. The nut and bolt type adjustment is tedious. I think Shop Fox has a heavier universal base that uses 2 feet but with large knob adjusters and also a thicker frame.
3 wheels always stay on the ground regardless of the slight imperfection which is what I've found on the one piece mobile base that's made specifically for individual equipment. I just put the one piece base on and forget it. Rolling circles to my hearts content around like a crazy merry-go-round. Stop and cut or route and back to where it once was, no problem. Cost twice as much, saved more than that cursing this univeral base.
I'm going to put this mobile base under my drill press which doesn't have to move, but only if it has too move, it will then be able too. I actually think the slight height increase would be worth it as well. ... 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

Features

• Extruded aluminum foot lever lets you lock the base in place
• Adjusts to fit a wide range of large woodworking tools
• Expands from 14 by 14 inches to 31 by 31 inches square
• Expands to 19 by 43 inches in a rectangular configuration
• The 14-inch rails have holes spaced every inch for maximum versitility

Reviews (13)

GREAT PRODUCT GREAT PRICE
I recently purchased this mobile base and I must say that for the price it can't be beat. The base is well built, easy to put together and performs as advertised. I was ready to buy craftsmans version ...untill I found this one. From what I've seen they appear to be the same except for the price. I highly recommend one for all non portable tools in your workshop.

Mr.
This universal mobile base is a real piece of work. It goes together easily and is a simple but functional design. Since it is a "universal" base, holes must be drilled to make it fit most equipment.
I mounted a Ridgid band saw on this base and I chose to drill new holes where the legs were bolted to the base. This required only 4 new holes. To adjust the side rails would have required more holes.
The only down side to this base is that user must have access to a drill press for the holes. The metal used is substantial.
I intend to purchase 2 more to use on a drill press and table saw.

Works fine, with modifications
I figured I'd have to drill a few holes to make it fit my craftsman table saw. I wasn't disappointed. If the unit you're going to put it on will need to be bolted to the base (and they all do), expect to drill holes in your unit, the corners of the base, or in the support beams. I decided to drill the support arms, and I only needed to do that in two of them. The other dimension worked out to be exactly the right length. Once I'd drilled the holes, the whole thing went together just fine. The saw moves around effortlessly and the whole unit is a LOT more stable now. I'm quite satisfied. Four stars because I had to drill it. But then, I don't believe there's a mobile base made that doesn't require some mods. Price was right, and it works like a charm.

Finished unit great - Assembly experience a pain
First, to be positive, I agree with the other reviews that the finished product is a nice mobile base. I ordered mine for my Jet 12" bandsaw and it is a good fit and plenty strong.

My issue is with the assembly experience. As others say in their reviews the assembly instructions leave something to be desired. I just don't see why companies don't take an hour and build one of their own products up while reading their own instructions. The problem is they know too much and assume things that aren't written. A minor annoyance was that the numbers of nuts, bolts, washers, etc. didn't match with the quantities listed in the parts list. In the end I had enough of everything but I'd like to have at least what is listed. But my BIG gripe is the fit of the side metal brackets into the corner brackets. Maybe I got unlucky and got some brackets that were out of tolerance but with the side brackets tight against the corner brackets the holes still didn't line up. I ended up having to drill some of the holes a bit larger to get the bolts through.

A good finished product and the price is right but not a particularly happy assembly experience.

Mystery with a happy ending
I love a good mystery as much as the next guy, but not when it comes to assembly instructions. As others have noted, the assembly instructions are somewhat limited, but the end result is worth a little trial and error. I put my six inch jointer on this base and will order another for my band saw. This unit is rock solid, rolls smothly and is nice and stable. ... Read more

Features

• Set includes metal index storage case
• Cobalt coated titanium, high speed tempered bits cut faster and smoother
• More durable than M2 high speed bits
• High speed 3/8-inch reduced shank for use in almost any drill
• 135-degree point for faster starts and less walking

Reviews (6)

I think the engineer is waving his flag to hard
I have this set from Amazon and It is an great set at a fair price. I noticed the engineer rated it poorly. I could have guesed that. He probally wants to buy a USA made set for the 69.00 dollars. Truth is that the days of cheap american goods were gone in the 50's. All this stuff now comes from overseas. Why because we wouldnt pay for expensive American Goods anymore. The Amazon quality is as good as anything for the price on the market. I did a little research on drill bits before bought this set and did you know that all of inexpensive drills set now come from off shore. Craftsman, Grizzly, Ryobi, Northern, Harbor, Woodstock, all of them. Where elese can you get 115 drill bits for that price?

Absolute C**P
I am a professional contractor & electrical engineer with more than 30 years experience. Usually, I buy American made tools and accessories ONLY. Thought I'd take a chance on these. BIG MISTAKE.

Drills arrived in POOR PACKAGING. Several had fallen out of CHEAP METAL BOX. The drills were BARELY SHARPENED & OFF-CENTER.
The drills are multi-colored - obviously from overheating in cheap oil to make them "LOOK" special.

There is no independent confirmation these are cobalt alloy. In fact, I used three of them just to drill slowly into dry oak base molding. BROKE THREE DRILLS INSIDE OAK!!! WTF!!! I will never buy tools again from the Tool Crib, or from Amazon. Stick with USA made such as Norseman, Tru-Cut or Triumph Twist. Sure, you pay two to three times more, but you'll never break one unless you use it for a chisel.

This is what happens when one try to savea few $$$ and buys product made by forced CHINESE PRISON LABOR.

Not worth $60
I had my set for couple weeks now and I have already broken a bit. The material is very brital. While drilling steel the bit broken in half. I also discover that the tip surface is not exactly even/symmetrical which results in your work piece wobbling on initial contact. Once the bit digs into the work piece the wobbling stops. I compare this wobbling affect with a USA made bit and there were zero wobble with the USA bit. These bits are sharp and will go through steel like butter. Overall I am not happy with the purchase. I would return it if I hadn't broken a bit. It was a waste of $60.

Great bit set for the $$$
Mine came liberally oiled but not excessively so. Bits seem to perform well, case is not a mega-$$$ item, but overall, is pretty nice with sizes nicely legible. Very good value, IMHO....

great tool buy from amazon.com
Amazon.com often doesn't have the lowest prices on tools. But shop around for a set of cobalt bits like I did, and you'll find that this set from amazon.com is the best price around.

These bits go through aluminum like butter, and are definitely up to the job for steel. I haven't had them long enough to comment on their durability, but so far I prefer them to a set of TiN-coated bits I've got.

4 stars because some of the bits seem a bit out of true when chucked. UPDATED: Some of them really are not straight, I verified this by rolling them on a granite surface plate.

If you're doing a lot of work with metal, do yourself a favor and get a set of these. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Features

• Converts drill press into accurate mortising machine
• Includes chisel holder, base, fence, hold down bracket, and four chisel and bit sets for a complete kit
• Allows the drilling of square and rectangular holes (mortises) for creating strong woodworking joints

Reviews (18)

Works great and a great tool for the price.
After reading all the previous reviews of this tool, I was a little hesitant but decided to purchase it anyway since I was not ready to buy a dedicated mortiser. I needed to make tenon and mortise joints (my first ever) in hard maple for a children's play table. As in the previous reviews, the case is clearly not meant for this tool (but I use it anyway to keep the tool "somewhere"). Set up was very easy on a Delta 11-990 drill press however with the adjustment of the table, fence, etc. I found it easiest to set up the chisel, then hold a straight edge on the tool to make the fence parallel (cutting and fine tuning the tenons later to match the mortises). The workpiece hold down worked well however the two arms to hold the workpiece to the fence would not clear the 2.25 square table legs requiring clamps (or strong fingers) to hold the piece to the fence. I've made about 150 1.25 inch deep plunges with the 1/4 inch chisel into the hard maple without any difficulty. Some tips (some of which I read elsewhere but probably have contributed to the ability to make so may cuts without a tool break): Drill speed was set slow (1100 RPM for 1/4 inch chisel); plunges were made "every other position" so the tool was always cutting 4 or 2 sides which is supposed to reduce the bending of the tool (and therefore the breaking of the tool); "pecking" was used to clear the chips (a small air nozzle would really be helpful); adjusting the hold down clamp as close to the workpiece as possible to keep from bending the tool during the retract. Based on the other reviews, I was expecting to have to purchase spare drills and the local store where I purchased the attachment carried them but 2 drills were nearly 50% the cost of the entire attachment! I didn't buy the spares and luckily, didn't need them. A great tool for the price!

Keep this attachment in perspective
I have mixed feelings about this tool. Here's my pros and cons:

Pro:
Cheap - compared to a dedicated mortiser.

Fits the drill press nicely - once it's set up, it works well

Cons:
Compared to a dedicated mortiser, this is junk. But it's also a fraction of the price. So for that reason, it's a good tool to start with

Some people complain about poor chisel quality and broken chisels. I havn't had that experience. I'm getting ready to cut a bunch of moritses in white oak though so maybe my opinion will change.

When it's set up, you can't use your drill press as a drill press. This is made worse because...

Setup is horrible. In order to cut a mortise (really a straight line of square holes) everything has to be square. This is tough because the chisel and fence need to be perpendicular and parallel. Tough because the table on the drill press moves side-to-side. Then the fence turns on the table. And the chisel rotates in the fixture. I'm planning on making a jig to help line everything up.

The bottom line is that it's good to start with. I like mine. I wish they had included a jig to help with the alignment.

fit???
i am still in iraq, i ordered this to go on my drill press, the dp-200 i know delta doesnt say that it fits, below some one said it did all in all ill just see if it doesnt someone let me know and i can send it to them for 10.00 less then amozon. i only gave it 3 stars for now but will update later

Good tool, but not worth buying
I bought this tool with my drill press a couple years ago and have hardly used it. There is nothing wrong with it, but I find that there are several things that stop me from using it more often. The first is the setup. It takes too long and is too awkward. Personally I'd rather pop in a forstener bit into my drill press and make several passes to achieve a very good mortise - although this doesn't work if you are doing a through mortise.

PROS:
* Does the job it states
* Much cheaper than a dedicated mortiser

CONS:
* Much too time consuming to set up
* Has a very hard time cutting through hardwoods
* Chisels seem to dull quickly

Fits 10" Benchtop Drill press too
I purchased this mortising attachment hoping it would fit an old Rockwell Delta drill press I just bought from an estate sale. Well, it didn't fit that but just for kicks I tried it on my previous drill press, a 10" Benchtop drill press from Delta model #DP200.

It fit like a charm and worked perfectly even though this is not one of the Delta models the instructions say that the mortising attachment fits. The chisels and bits are in perfect shape and sharp. I got clean, accurately spaced mortises on my first attempt.

The only reason I didn't give this product five stars is that one plastic handled threaded knob (used for fixing a workpiece holdown in place) was missing from the kit. I had another one the right size that fits my Delta Tenoning jig so it wasn't that much of a problem for me but still, it should have had all the parts when it was shipped. ... Read more

Features

• Gas cylinder controlled rack and pinion head raising and lowering system for smooth operation
• Sturdy cast iron construction for optimal stability and durability
• Quick position table mounted swiveling vise clamp for angled work pieces
• Feed lever features six positions for quick adjustments
• Table and fence tilt from 0 to 35 degrees for a wide variety of applications

Product Description

Incredible! Variable Speed Drill Press wired for single phase! This is an unmatched convenience and a great time saver, ideal for shops not having 3-phase. And this brute is built with enough beef to tackle the most challenging jobs you can throw at a drill press. Just take a look at these specs! This is a must have machine when time and ease of use is the issue. ... Read more

Features

• Approx. shipping weight: 786 lbs.
• Motor: 1-1/2 H.P., 110V/220V prewired to 220V
• Spindle Taper: MT#3
• Spindle Travel: 6-7/16"
• Swing: 19-1/4"

Features

• Includes Forstener Bit Set Part# 92-0017C
• 1/3 HP motor; 6 speeds, 500-3100 rpm
• Oversized operating levers; 2-3/8" quill travel; 1/2" ZJT33 chuck
• Quick change micro adjust depth stop
• Both head and table swing 360º

Reviews (2)

Thank you Tom!
I love this machine! I bought this DP soley on the basis of Tom Frederiksen's review and I am very happy I did. Just what I wanted - A well made bench drill press with 85lbs of substance and no plastic anything. I even think it looks good - manly not wimpy. I looked at the Delta's at Lowe's and there is no comparison. Easy to set up right out of the box with a few screws to attach things. Depth stop adjustment is solid and easy. Belt easy to adjust. Can't beat the price and even better there is no delivery charge with this monster. Buy it now and you even get $25 off.

Good tool for the money
I had a two hundred dollar Gift Certificate from Amazon sitting around and decided to get a new bench top drill press. Read all the reviews and quickly decided against Delta products. I happened on this one and said..."oh what the heck, I'm feeling lucky"...and lucky I was.

When I opened the box I noticed that it was made in China, (not such a bad thing anymore), I felt bad. Thinking of all those kids chained to benches making them, slaving away for peanuts. But I quickly got over that as I noticed how well packed it was!. I don't like to assemble things, but this was a snap, just a few things to do and clearly indicated on the instruction book. All pieces were oiled and wrapped for shipment....don't see that anymore.

I was looking for a heavy drill press without all the cheap plastic do-dads that Delta and others put on. I just want to make holes. This unit will do it. Easy belt adjustment for changing speeds. If looks are more important than function to you, don't buy this. This is just a well made heavy drill press. Nice oversize handles, great depth stop adjustment. One thing to mention. As it is metal and not plastic, the first 50 or so reps pulling down the handles you might experience some resistance. This worked itself away as I used the machine and the gears began to meld...considering the price...five stars. ... Read more

Features

• Capable of drilling heat-treated materials, stainless steel, and titanium
• 135-degree split point
• Abrasive and heat resistant

Reviews (1)

Worth the money
These are what drill bits should be, they are straight and sharp. I was using my drill press when tired them. First on wood, they started where I wanted, no skipping, cut clean, both entry and exit, true, with out deflection, and with such ease from the smallest to the largest in softwood or hardwood. This wasn't love but it was a thrill I was totally satisfied right then but I had to try metal. The same results I don't work with Stainless or Titanium. These bits are a real pleasure. These are the most expensive set of Drill Bits that I have ever purchased I'm sorry I spent so much money on cheaper bits. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

What a beauty. If Gustav Stickley had had Delta's MM300 Shopmastermortising machine, imagine how much more furniture he would have built! This unitrequires some assembly, but the instructions are concise and the photos are extremelyclear and helpful. You'll love this machine for its quiet 1/2-horsepower motor thatdelivers 1,725 rpm. We especially like this mortiser because the body swings 180degrees, allowing you to work on larger pieces off the table. A rack-and-pinionmechanism raises the head easily and smoothly, and the long lever handle plunges the bitlike a dream. It's heavy for a benchtop model, but we appreciate the way the weight addsto the tool's stability. It's always fun to be able to use a tool right out of the box, andDelta's made sure you can get started right away with 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inchchisel and bit sets. Beats a drill and hand chisel any day! Woodworkers looking for alarge cast-iron table and gas-filled head stabilizer should consider Delta's Industrialmodel 14-651. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• Includes 1/4-, 5/16-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch chisel and bits
• 1/2-horsepower TEFC motor for long-lasting, trouble free operation
• Designed and engineered exclusively for mortising for greater accuracy and reliability than drill press add-on kits offer
• Handles work up to 4 inches under hold down for a variety of applications
• Multi-position hand lever and rack and pinion lowering system for easy operation

Reviews (2)

Preliminary review....
I just last week received the mortiser, put it together. The instructions were clear, only took a few minutes to assemble. I was surprised at the quality. The quality of Delta products (and Jet) varies wildly. I got a good one, it seems. I punched a dozen holes with each of the chisels in some mahogany scrap I had lying around, all were quite satisfactory. I haven't tried it yet on any of the hard maple or oak I usually work with. I'll report back later if I have any problems. Menards wanted another [money]for their Jet model, without chisels. A set of 5 chisels is [money]. The Jet I checked out in the store wasn't fit for use, sloppy dovetail, sticky slide. Be sure to get the preservative grease off the dovetail and gears, and grease it all before you use it. So far, I'm having fun drilling square holes!

Gary

A great little machine.
If you've ever drilled and chiseled mortises by hand you'll love the MM300, it gets the job done, quickly. The Delta is solidly put together with plenty of power for deep mortises. Assembly is simple, no surprises, set up also without a hitch. If the MM300 has a weak spot it would be the fence. It doesn't hold as well at times as I would like for it to, a trait not uncommon in mortisers in this price range. Overall a great little machine for the money, one that I would recommend to anyone. ... 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

Features

• Soft-shift stop rotation
• Cuts faster
• Improved balance with reduced runout
• All ball and roller bearings
• Triple reduction gearing handles up to 4-5/8-inch self feed bits

Reviews (1)

Best Self Feeding Hole Saw Ever
I only have two of the Milwaukee Contractor's bits and I love them, I will buy this set soon. I use them for cutting the many holes required to run house electrical and plumbing. They are perfect for the hard to reach out of position holes that you can't push on a auger bit to cut through. They will eat their way though the center of a tree with a 3' extension.

Since they are self feeding they will not stop untill you let off the trigger and you need a reverse on the drillmotor to back them out of deep holes. Chips will back up and plug deep holes so use the reverse and clear out the chips on deep holes. ... Read more

Features

• Two-speed gear shift
• Cuts faster
• Improved balance with reduced runout
• Shanks have flat surfaces for secure chuck grip
• Selfeed bits have removable and replaceable feed screws

Reviews (2)

Great kit
Even though I do mostly electrical, buying this kit was beneficial because it includes all but one bit that I needed, which I purchased separately. Extra center self feed bits are included to replace the primary ones if you should somehow break or wear one done. Although that hasn't happened to me yet. The case is great to keep the bits organized, clean, and most importantly dry.

Best Self Feeding Hole Saw Ever
I only have two of the Milwaukee Contractor's bits and I love them, I will buy this set soon. I use them for cutting the many holes required to run house electrical and plumbing. They are perfect for the hard to reach out of position holes that you can't push on a auger bit to cut through. They will eat their way though the center of a tree with a 3' extension.

Since they are self feeding they will not stop untill you let off the trigger and you need a reverse on the drillmotor to back them out of deep holes. Chips will back up and plug deep holes so use the reverse and clear out the chips on deep holes. ... Read more

Features

• Fast-action hole saws feature new progressive tooth technology for fast and accurate cuts
• Matrix II teeth are manufactured with 8 percent cobalt for high performance in hard materials
• One mandrel accepts all hole saw sizes; no need for multiple mandrels and adapters

Reviews (1)

Excellent design and value
If you don't want to spend over $250 for a set of carbide hole saws, then this is as good as it gets at a fraction of a carbide set's price. The best feature about this Bosch set is the terrific quick-connect mandrel system. The hole saws, regardless of size, snaps in and out of the mandrel easily -- no tightening or screwing needed. The saws are sharp. I used the set to install locksets in two metal-clad wood doors without breaking into a sweat. Highly recommended. ... Read more