Official Luthiers Forum!

I was in the market for a drill press anyway, any feedback on this. Seems like a really good deal.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00922901000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2


thanks,
John

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John Thiessen
http://www.iszacguitars.com

bump

After numerous problems with numerous tools. I am pretty skeptical of anything that says CRAFTSMAN on it. Our fathers and grandfathers bought Craftsman because not only did Sears stand behind the tools but the tools were solid and well made to begin with.

THESE ARE NOT YOUR GRANDFATHERS TOOLS!!

I figure anything coming from Sears, is a crap shoot these days. 50% chance it's crap, if not, 50% chance it will crap out in the first 2 years.

There are alot of other choices available for the money, from solid manufacturers.

I discussed the same subject a few weeks ago. Here's the thread. I ended up with a Ryobi, may not be for you but has so far turned out to be a solid purchase.
viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=28245&p=377670&hilit=drill#p377670

Also, check out toolcritic. Here's the link. They rate over 100 drill presses.
http://www.toolcritic.com/floor-drill-p ... l=25&rst=0

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Tim

I have been shopping for all the tools to replace my 1963 Shopsmith that is on its way out and it seems like no matter what brand I choose it is a crap shoot. I had just about decided on the Porter Cable 15" from Lowes mainly because I get a discount there but then I stumbled on this one. I haven't really followed who builds what tools, but it seems that they are all pretty much built in China and it doesn't really matter what brand you get, (in my price range anyway) it comes down the the model you end up getting. I have looked at Grizzly, and it seems some people love thier stuff, but then they have models that have problems. I would be all over their stuff if I didn't have to pay for freight.

I am all about bang for the buck, and I haven't seen another 17" for $300, might be worth it to give it a shot.

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John Thiessen
http://www.iszacguitars.com

If you're diligent in your research, you can find pretty good stuff labelled Craftsman but made by Orion, perhaps other sources too. But true, if you buy "real" Craftsman stuff, you'll probably get garbage.

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

How do you know if it is made by Orion?

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John Thiessen
http://www.iszacguitars.com

It's a similar color to the Steel City, but has a few notable differences. Not a split head design, shorter quill stroke, totally different table and base. The lamp and depth stop do look similar however, so it could be. Pretty decent price if the tolerances are reasonable. I'd want to check things out before making the plunge.

Thanks for all the replies. The sale ends today and I am still conflicted. I realize it probably isn't as good as other 17" presses especially at it's normal price. But, my other choices at this price are either the Porter Cable 15", or Grizzly 14". Do you guys think this is a better tool?

thanks
John

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John Thiessen
http://www.iszacguitars.com

I disagree with most of you. In this price range, you have to accept some compromises. Most of these tools come off factory lines in china, then are outfitted and badged according to who is ordering. That is why folks notice similiarity to other brands.

It is what it is. For that kind of money, I would try it. Look for bearing runout (wobble) on the chuck. If you can live with it.. then go for it.

Mike

Todd,

Even on a big 18" lower bout of an archtop, 14 inches would easily span it, granted you'd have to flip the body around.

I'm new to guitar building, but I'm wondering where a 14" drill press presents limitations? Thanks in advance!

-Ben

Well, I just tried to order it. I tried to pick it up in store, and apparently you can't do that when it is not in stock. All over the website they say that you can order it, and you will be notified when it is in stock and ready to pick up. But, when you actually add it to your cart to have it picked up in store it won't let you do it. What a crock! Oh well, I am not going to pay $70.00 for shipping and Tax. I guess I am back to the Porter Cable at Lowes.

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John Thiessen
http://www.iszacguitars.com

I ordered it with pickup at the store when it comes in. Play around with their order page, it took a while for me to get it all to go thru.

Joe

I just called Sears, it is out of stock in my part of the country. I can't even order it for home delivery if I wanted to pay the shipping. BTW, how did you know I was in MD? edit: nevermind its in my profile on the left

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John Thiessen
http://www.iszacguitars.com

The sale dissapeared for the weekend, but is now back on. Still completely out of stock in my part of the country. I think I am going to go to Lowes and get the Porter Cable 15" not as big but is 1hp as opposed to 3/4, and Sears is starting to piss me off.

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John Thiessen
http://www.iszacguitars.com

OH! I always thought that the size designation was the distance from the drill bit centerline to the post... essentially twice the swing! That explains a few things... thanks for cluing me in!

-Ben

You need to go talk to the folks at your local Sears in person. The right person can get it done for you.

As for electric motor horsepower, not sure I would base a decision on that!

Mike