....think all the popular cheap machines are the same other than color. I
had the Delta 16" floor model and now have the Delta 17" floor model. Hate
the latter (threaded rod depth stop that is worthless), loved the former
(dial depth stop). Doesn't take much pressure to bypass the threads on the
threaded rod thing whereas when you locked in the dial on the other one, it
was set. For woodworking throat depth on either machine was more than I
ever needed, usually drilling to within 1-3 inches from the edge and both
provided enough table to clamp a rear fence to get the job done. Other than
that they machines are pretty much the same...speed change via re-arranging
the pulleys is not that big a deal...chart on the wall with speed
suggestions depending on the type/size of bit, speed chart on the inside
cover of the DP with the pulley arrangement to get close to that
speed...literally seconds such that I don't see the big deal with the newer
variable speed machines driven by dial.


"Tattooed and Dusty" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi All,
I am thinking of buying a drill press sometime soon and was hoping to
poll the wreck on size. I primarily am a woodworker, though a year ago
I would have said that I was primarily a metal worker so something
powerful enough for both is helpful, as is speed adjustment. Mainly I
see myself using the drill press for small applications where I want to
have holes perfectly aligned, perpendicular to the work piece etc.

I am basically wondering about the size of the throat or reach or
whatever the distance from the spindle to the pole is. Is bigger always
better? Or is this one of the few chances where I can save some money
and get a 60B sooner rather than later.

Thanks