Best Drill Press?

I'm getting ready to purchase a new DP and would appreciate your input. I am considering 3 models at the moment all in the $700-$800 range. The models are the Delta 17-925, Delta 17-900X and the Delta 70-200. I believe the 17-925 and the 17-990X are identicle based on the spec sheets I've seen. Is this true. I contacted Tool King to ask them and got a lame and rude response from someone named Ron telling me to check they're website and it's spec sheets, end of conversation, click. (I've already done this extensively as well as the Delta Website, Amazon, etc.) I will probably still order from them but based on any warm and fuzzy feeling.

I'm following the axiom of buying the best I can afford. I realize the

17-925 and 17-900X are variable speed models and the 70-200 is not. I'm wondering if there is a significant difference in quality between these models. The 70-200 has a larger motor (1hp) vs 3/4 hp for the other 2 models, but has a slower top RPM 2250 vs 3200. Does one table work better than another, the chuck, etc.

I work predominantly in wood but have been known to fashion parts out of aluminum from time to time...on a friends old...very old machine.

I plan on doing a little bit of everything so flexibility is a plus.

Thanks for your help.

Reply to
Matisse
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If they were completely identical, I'm sure the would still have different part numbers, sure... :(

What the specific difference is, I don't know. If you can't tell, call Delta at their 800 number and ask.

Reply to
Duane Bozarth

For all reasonable arguments, the 17-900 is identical to the DP-400. The

17-900 and DP-400 have a larger chuck capacity than the 17-925 yet the 17-925 has more easily adjustable RPM rates...

Basically, they are about dead even. Personally, I'd choose the 17-925 because I HATE changing RPM rates every 10 minutes with belts and pulleys and I never use a shank larger than .500"

If you choose the 17-900, try to find a DP-400 instead. It will be newer.

Reply to
Joe AutoDrill

Reply to
Matisse

If you don't mind changing the pullies, I would think a floor model drill press in the 300-400 range would be more than adequate. I have the delta 17-900 (I think). but it's about 7 years old. I've drilled aluminum in it, no problem.

why do you need such a high end drill press? I'm all for buying the best, but that seems a lot to spend on a DP.

Reply to
bf

Matisse wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@news.diybanter.com:

Bummer. I think everytime I've been in the store (which is alot) the folks have been friendly and helpful. Busy as all get-out, but friendly.

Reply to
Patrick Conroy

Bummer. I think everytime I've been in the store (which is alot) the folks

have been friendly and helpful. Busy as all get-out, but friendly.

Well, I wasn't in the store, and I'm sure they're good people as most people are. I guess I just got this guy at the wrong time. I ended up contacting Delta directly today and asked them the difference between the

17-925 and 17-990X and it took two technicians and about 5 minutes for them to get the answer. With the exception of a couple of cosmetic differences they are the same machine but the 17-990X comes with a 5 year warranty and a $100.00 rebate which ends up making it cheaper than the 17-925. With that rebate the machine comes in at $699.00 at Tool King.
Reply to
Matisse

bf wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@g14g2000cwa.googlegroups.com:

I agree. I bought a Rigid DP a couple of years ago on sale for $215 and it works great. Save the other 5-600 towards something really useful like a bigger planer or a shaper or something.

Reply to
Michael Burton

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