I have been doing quite a bit of metal fabrication lately, prototyping my ideas, working on projects and what not. About 3 months ago, it became apparent that I needed a drill press. I searched high and low for a used 12 to 16 inch floor drill press at a reasonable cost. One would think, with all the talk of recession and what not, somebody would want to be parting with some excess equipment. And they were, but for nowhere near the price that I was expecting.
Ridgid DP1550 15 inch drill press
After the holiday, I finally broke down and bought a one new from the Home Depot. The Ridgid DP1550 drill press cost $300.00 plus tax, which is less than half of a used Delta or Rockwell drill press on Ebay or Craig’s List. Further, it is new! I have several Ridgid tools and always found them to be solid reliable units. I would not want to use this machine in a manufacturing plant, or other heavy use application, but for my purposes, it is perfect. Also, it is a medium sized floor unit, with a good sized hand truck, one person can easily move it.
It took about an hour to put together. I have used it for two projects so far, both relatively easy. I can say that the drill press made the template set up easy and repetitive drilling accurate (better repeatability), thus saving time and making a better prototype. It has a pulley/belt drive system that allows different drill speeds to be generated. It has a 1/2 HP motor, so it should drill through just about anything that will fit under it. I also found a chain for the chuck key to keep in from wondering away. I have a habit of putting those things in my pocket, then spending a half an hour looking for it later on.
I have it set on the lowest speed right now because I am mostly drilling aluminum angle and flat bar. When machining aluminum, it is best to use lower speeds and tools designed to work with that type metal. Aluminum has a tendency to clump to a cutting surface. A little bit of penetrating oil, such as WD-40 on the cutting surface helps prevent this.
All in all, this is an inexpensive, medium sized drill press. It has done everything I have needed it to do with ease. I would recommend it to someone looking for a home shop drill press.
Good tool, good brand. I too have come to respect the RIGID brand. I have had good luck with them. I probably can’t even count the number of times I have needed a drill press like this. There’s nothing like trying to drill through a piece of angle iron on the garage floor and have it rip out of your hand because the drill bit got caught. Yes, I would agree that if you are building things, like you are, this is a very valuable too.
Jay, so right you are. I have been very impressed with all of my RIDGID power and hand tools. I see you have bought a 4 gallon RIDGID shop vac, good choice.
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