Delta drill press - Woodworking Talk

BobbyfromHouston · 03-03-2009, 04:42 PM

I have been looking at a larger drill press for some time now. I wanted the Delta 20-959 LX, but they had problems with it. I have been seeing the 20-959, without the electronics on some websites. I also have seen the Delta 20-950 available. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Bobby

BobbyfromHouston · 03-06-2009, 02:14 AM

Does anyone have any knowledge or info about the 20" drill press from Delta?

firehawkmph · 03-06-2009, 09:53 AM

Bobby,
I googled the model number you listed and came up with this link:
http://www.cpowoodworking.com/drilli...lta%2020%20950

Looks like a very nice drill press, 1 hp, tilting table, replaceable inserts, variable speed. The price seems very reasonable for a drill press this big with that many features. Normally a 16" floor model drill press (brand name) will go for around 300.00. So if this price is legit on the linked site, it sounds like a good deal.
Mike Hawkins

BobbyfromHouston · 03-06-2009, 11:38 AM

Mike,
Thanks for the reply. That is the link that I have looked at. I think it is an excellent buy/privce. It is cheaper than the Powermatic 2800. I like the low rpm and 1 hp motor. The 20" capacity and 6" quill stroke will definitely come in handy. My concern is that it doesn't have the laser, however, I have heard that on all drill presses you have to adjust the laster every time you raise or lower the table. Is this true guys. I would love to know. A laser is not a big issue but I would hate to order one and then one be available with extras like those that were supposed to be on the 20-959 lx that never came to market. I really like the variable speed option on this model and I can't believe it is cheaper than the 18" Powermatic 2800.
Thanks again. I would appreciate any feedback from anyone with knowledge a laser on a drill press.
Thanks,
Bobby

gregL · 03-06-2009, 02:11 PM

Hello Bobby
I have the Delta Model 17-950L and have been very satisfied with it. This has the tilting square table, laser, replaceable inserts and a very good price. I bought it at Lowes for $279. You do have to change speeds by changing belt position but this is what I grew up doing on a drill press over many years.

BobbyfromHouston · 03-06-2009, 03:50 PM

Thanks Greg,
Does it have a laser and does it require adjusting. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Bobby

firehawkmph · 03-06-2009, 10:37 PM

Bobby,
I have drilled a lot of holes and cut a lot of molding in my lifetime. Never used a laser. I only put lasers on my evil mutant sea bass.
(Austin Powers)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bh7bYNAHXxw
Trust me, you don't need a laser, it's the whole reason they put points on drill bits.

If you centerpunch your work, the drill bit will go where you want it to.
Mike Hawkins

BobbyfromHouston · 03-08-2009, 03:23 AM

I know you are right Mike.
Gonna go with the barebones model. Less stuff to go wrong.
Bobby

Kenbo · 03-08-2009, 11:08 AM

Just throwing in my two cents about the lasers. I have a drill press that has a laser on it. I didn't even know that it had one until I unpacked it. PITA.

I don't use it.

The laser has to be set for each set up. Table heights, drill bit lengths etc change the point of impact of the laser which means that for the most part, the laser is a useless accersory. Kind of like a laser on a jigsaw

Anyway, looked at the link for the Delta, looks like a nice press. Good luck.
Ken

mmtools · 03-08-2009, 12:59 PM

I agree... the laser on a drill press is really not necessary

aggreX · 03-08-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BobbyfromHouston

I know you are right Mike.
Gonna go with the barebones model. Less stuff to go wrong.
Bobby

I got the Delta Model 17-950L drill press last month at Lowes (short sale 258) and I do not use the laser that was included except for a demo for the LOML. Its not Delta's top-of-the-line model but it has a lot of important features that are worth considering for the price.