I've owned a budget bench top drill press for a while, and while it usually gets the job done, I've recently found its travel distance a bit limiting. I'm considering upgrading to a used floor standing drill press, as they seem to occupy less space in my workshop and offer better capabilities. Is there any reason I might want to just invest in a high-quality bench top model instead?
3 Answers
Make sure to compare the travel distances between models. Some floor drill presses don't actually have a longer travel than bench tops, so you could be wasting your upgrade. It’s always a good idea to check specs before making a purchase!
Consider looking for quality bench top models from reputable brands. A well-rated bench drill, around 12 inches or larger, will typically offer a decent travel distance and sometimes even come with features like a hand crank for table adjustments. Brands like Jet or Grizzly are worth checking out if you're in the market for used options.
Great advice! But I’m leaning towards the used market to keep costs down.
If you don’t need the extra features of a floor drill press and are tight on space, it might be better to stick with a better bench top model. They can be easy to store and get out of the way when you're not using them. I personally find having tools accessible makes things easier, though!
I hear you! I like having my tools out and ready too, which is why I’m conflicted. I'm curious if any bench top models can match the more powerful floor drills.
Thanks for the tip! I've mainly used my old drill press and could use more insight on floor models. I have a space allocated for either type, so now I’m just trying to gather info.