I currently have a 17" Jet floor standing drill press. I had this for about 14 years and use it rarely. Not really high quality but it does what I need. I would like to gain some floor space by going with a bench top drill press that I can place on top of an existing cabinet.
In looking at current crop of bench top machines, I did not see one that appears to be high quality. Started looking at older, US made machines, and found a very clean looking Powermatic 1100, but it is missing the nuts on the depth adjustment rod. I am not sure if I can find those parts. Do you know if those parts can easily be sourced? If so, from where / who?
There are some other Walker Turner and Rockwell machines listed in CL around me, but most of them need some refurbishing that I am not willing to commit at this point. I found one very clean looking Walker Turner variable speed version. Convenience of VS is definitely attractive. However, after learning VS versions have vibration at low speeds (need for forstner bits), I decided to not go for it. How bad is the vibration at low speeds on these machines? Does it essentially eliminate comfortable usage with forstner bits? Am I overreacting, or are these really not the best option for woodworking?
I really like the new Nova Voyager, but it is also a floor standing machine. Would have gone for the bench top version if it were available.
Are there some new and high quality bench top machines at sub $1k price point that you recommend or or should I keep looking for old machines?
As a reference point, most of my machines & power tools are Minimax, Agazzani, Festool, etc. So, I really appreciate quality and don't mind paying for it within reason.
In looking at current crop of bench top machines, I did not see one that appears to be high quality. Started looking at older, US made machines, and found a very clean looking Powermatic 1100, but it is missing the nuts on the depth adjustment rod. I am not sure if I can find those parts. Do you know if those parts can easily be sourced? If so, from where / who?
There are some other Walker Turner and Rockwell machines listed in CL around me, but most of them need some refurbishing that I am not willing to commit at this point. I found one very clean looking Walker Turner variable speed version. Convenience of VS is definitely attractive. However, after learning VS versions have vibration at low speeds (need for forstner bits), I decided to not go for it. How bad is the vibration at low speeds on these machines? Does it essentially eliminate comfortable usage with forstner bits? Am I overreacting, or are these really not the best option for woodworking?
I really like the new Nova Voyager, but it is also a floor standing machine. Would have gone for the bench top version if it were available.
Are there some new and high quality bench top machines at sub $1k price point that you recommend or or should I keep looking for old machines?
As a reference point, most of my machines & power tools are Minimax, Agazzani, Festool, etc. So, I really appreciate quality and don't mind paying for it within reason.
![[Image: DSCN0104_zpsxpoo9zmg.jpg]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v89/daddo/DSCN0104_zpsxpoo9zmg.jpg)
