Drill press suggestions please

Need advise, My dad gave me a drill press for Christmas, but I need to pick it out. I want a counter top size and not a floor model because of space. What do you all have or suggest. I read about the Delta models and I am leary of the adjustable speed version it sounds troublesome. I am open to any make or model, just needs to st on a  counter. Thanks

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  • Don't sweat the adjustable speed.  You'll find it to be very helpful.  I use a cheap harbor freight one and it's still really simple to change speeds.  

    • Thanks for the advise,l i ended up with a Porter cable floor model from Lowes.  It works well and has drilled hundreds of holes by now. No speed adjustment except for the belt and pullies which are very easy to change.

      Extra note, I got a jointer for x-mas from Grizzly and am very pleased with there quality and price.

  • I like my Delta but I have a friend who has a Grizzly and it's certainly a very good tool.

  • One thing to consider is how it will be used. If you are going to be doing small diameter drilling only, a 1/2 HP 3750 RPM motor would probably be okay. But if you are going to be drilling larger holes, or using big hole saws (like for sound holes), or drilling in metal over 1/4" thick and over 1/2" diameter, you'd do well to look for one with a 3/4 HP 1725 RPM motor. You need big power at low speeds to make big holes, and higher speeds for small holes.
  • Grizzly sells some nice equipment. I have owned several big tools from them in the past. Biggest thing is shipping cost. I own a floor model drill press from Harbor Freight and it's been a great tool No complaints. They sell a bench model for around 100 bucks. I'm lucky enough to have a store in town so I don't have to have things shipped.
  • Thanks for the suggestions, has anyone used Grizzly tools? I am leaning towards there drill press, my dad seems to like heavy tools ( old school) and this seems heavy duty and heavy weight. How is there quality?
  • i have the skil as well..no complaints. 110 bucks at lowe's
  • Skil makes a fantastic bench drill for about $100 with a reliable depth stop. I have the very same model and it is excellent.
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