Tom Brown
Epsilon contributor
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- Sep 20, 2007
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Machinists will undoubtedly roll their eyes at this drill press but I like it. It's a 1/3hp benchtop drill press of mid range quality. Actually, it's probably top quality, by today's standards, but it's midrange by the standard of old machines. I have a fantastic old DP that kicks ass at the lake shop but I was using a lower quality offshore DP in my city shop, until a week ago.
The Jet JDP-12 has been reviewed quite a bit and is a popular DP. The reason I am chiming in with my own comment is I came to learn the Masterforce (Menard's house brand) 12" variable speed DP is the same DP as the JET JDP-12. Identical. The Jet seems to retail around $375. The Masterforce retails at $230 but I picked it up for $200 and it frequently goes on sale for $180.
It's worth pointing out, I don't get the claimed speed range. The slowest unloaded speed I can get is 860 RPM. The fastest unloaded speed I can get is 2820. The spec is, "Mechanical Variable Speed 530-3100 RPM".
This DP is a rock star on the woodworking forums. Almost everyone seems to like it. There are a few reports of few failed units but it's a small ratio and let's not pretend this is a top quality item.
Also worth pointing out, drill presses featuring mechanical variable speed tend to wear out belts much faster than the old stepped pully multi-speed units. I think that's a small price to pay to have a knob that will adjust the speed at will, though.
Here's a review of the Jet, complete with the plastic switch lock popping off when the host gave it a smack. I think this is representative of the quality of the drill, however, I would point out this DP will power a 6" hole saw through 3/4" plywood where my other Chinese DP will not swing it without stalling and smoking. Of course, my old 1hp benchtop DP at the lake will swing whatever I want... but without laser guides, work light, work rest, fence system, etc.
[video=youtube;ycqLshVHwUs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycqLshVHwUs[/video]
Just thought I'd mention this unit can be had for around $200 from Menards. Pretty sure they will ship, too.
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...masterforce-drill-press/p-1498047-c-10086.htm
The Jet JDP-12 has been reviewed quite a bit and is a popular DP. The reason I am chiming in with my own comment is I came to learn the Masterforce (Menard's house brand) 12" variable speed DP is the same DP as the JET JDP-12. Identical. The Jet seems to retail around $375. The Masterforce retails at $230 but I picked it up for $200 and it frequently goes on sale for $180.
It's worth pointing out, I don't get the claimed speed range. The slowest unloaded speed I can get is 860 RPM. The fastest unloaded speed I can get is 2820. The spec is, "Mechanical Variable Speed 530-3100 RPM".
This DP is a rock star on the woodworking forums. Almost everyone seems to like it. There are a few reports of few failed units but it's a small ratio and let's not pretend this is a top quality item.
Also worth pointing out, drill presses featuring mechanical variable speed tend to wear out belts much faster than the old stepped pully multi-speed units. I think that's a small price to pay to have a knob that will adjust the speed at will, though.
Here's a review of the Jet, complete with the plastic switch lock popping off when the host gave it a smack. I think this is representative of the quality of the drill, however, I would point out this DP will power a 6" hole saw through 3/4" plywood where my other Chinese DP will not swing it without stalling and smoking. Of course, my old 1hp benchtop DP at the lake will swing whatever I want... but without laser guides, work light, work rest, fence system, etc.
[video=youtube;ycqLshVHwUs]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycqLshVHwUs[/video]
Just thought I'd mention this unit can be had for around $200 from Menards. Pretty sure they will ship, too.
http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...masterforce-drill-press/p-1498047-c-10086.htm
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