Looking at buying a new General 34-01 Drill Press. I own their 650
table saw - love it. Can find very little feedback on the drill press
though. Anyone own one or know anything about it?

Appreciate the feedback,
KB

writes:

Looking at buying a new General 34-01 Drill Press. I own their 650
table saw - love it. Can find very little feedback on the drill press
though. Anyone own one or know anything about it?

I bought one brand new about two years ago. A very nice tool that is
built well. A few of the parts are pronme to rust even though my basement
has A/C.

It does lack some modern features such as a gear rack to lower and raise
the table. The manual was written in 1975!


I would only buy one if you very strongly support only North American
products and you need the absolute best in a drill press. The Delta and
Jet drill presses are a lot better deal at 1/2 the price.

Another option would be to buy an old Rockwell drill press and restore it
for 1/2 the price.

Brian Elfert

Thank you,

How is the table lowered and raised? I see an option exists for adding
motor and table lifts? Any thoughts? Do you consider the General to
be twice the build quality of, say, the Delta 968 Variable Speed?
Thanks.'
KB

writes:

Thank you,

How is the table lowered and raised? I see an option exists for adding
motor and table lifts? Any thoughts? Do you consider the General to
be twice the build quality of, say, the Delta 968 Variable Speed?
Thanks.'

The table just slides up and down on the column. There is a bolt with a
handle that locks the table to the column.

I've never looked at a Delta variable speed up close so I can't really
compare the two.

Brian Elfert