04-17-2016, 09:33 AM
I have a delta X5 drill press that is both infuriating and delightful. Delightful in that it is true 'variable' speed. My son and I use that feature a great deal, and find it very convenient.
Infuriating in that the thing is of otherwise poor quality. Of the 'poor quality' the only part that is really irritating is the degree of runout the thing has. At one point the reeves drive almost blew apart, but I prior to disaster I rebuilt it with new components and it's fine now. During the rebuild, I wanted to go ahead and replace the quill mechanism but unfortunately the part with the poor runout is a part that Delta no longer offers as a spare.
What I would like to do is replace the tool. Problem is, with what? I want low-runout, I also want variable speed, and the RANGE of speed that is good for both using little bitty bits (like a #60) in metal and for use great big bits (like a 3" forstner) in hardwoods.
There is a Powermatic that looks on the surface like it's the ticket. But what I read says runout is still a problem on those. For about $600, I believe I can retrofit a 1hp 3ph 56c frame motor with a 120vac input VFD onto an existing drill press.
But which drill press? Should be floor standing, heavy, low runout, durable. It will, of course, have 'belts' but it's irrelevant if changing them is messy or kludgy. I can leave the belt set to whatever and let the drive do 98% of the speed changes.
Thoughts? Alternatives to the PM?
Infuriating in that the thing is of otherwise poor quality. Of the 'poor quality' the only part that is really irritating is the degree of runout the thing has. At one point the reeves drive almost blew apart, but I prior to disaster I rebuilt it with new components and it's fine now. During the rebuild, I wanted to go ahead and replace the quill mechanism but unfortunately the part with the poor runout is a part that Delta no longer offers as a spare.
What I would like to do is replace the tool. Problem is, with what? I want low-runout, I also want variable speed, and the RANGE of speed that is good for both using little bitty bits (like a #60) in metal and for use great big bits (like a 3" forstner) in hardwoods.
There is a Powermatic that looks on the surface like it's the ticket. But what I read says runout is still a problem on those. For about $600, I believe I can retrofit a 1hp 3ph 56c frame motor with a 120vac input VFD onto an existing drill press.
But which drill press? Should be floor standing, heavy, low runout, durable. It will, of course, have 'belts' but it's irrelevant if changing them is messy or kludgy. I can leave the belt set to whatever and let the drive do 98% of the speed changes.
Thoughts? Alternatives to the PM?
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