Tradesman 12" Drill Press @ Lowes

[Stytooner]

Awww, you poor thang.

Lee
http://www.leestyron.com


PS. I might be interested in some of the cedar slices when you get around to it, Knothead. [8D]

[430752]

Tradesman 12" Drill Press @ Lowes

Just took a leap on the Tradesman 12" drill press at lowes. $126.xx with tax after the 20% thing. Wasn't in the market for a drill press, and don't know too much, but these sales got me on a frenzy and I know I'll need one soon enough. It is regularly $149.00. got interested after a recent post inquiring into the 10" gmc laser drill press at lowes for about $70 after 20%. (btw, the gmc felt nice, but seemed too small and largest opening betwen table and chuck couldn't have been more than 5" max., also see an asutralian review of the gmc via google search.)

Took a leap on the tradesman since it looked good on paper and felt solid in the store. rated at 2/3hp ball bearing induction motor, 6amp., generous space between chuck and table = approx 17", and chuck to base is like 20-21". quill travel is 2 3/8". Also has laser function (if that's your thing) which worked accurately in store through mutliple heights of table. Has the usual raise/lower table and 45degree tilt to the table. 12 speeds (250-3100rpm) via 3pullies/2belts on top. top comes off with a thumb latch, not a dopey bolt or screw. table seems pretty big (but by no means as big as the biggest) and has a "X" groove for bolting to the table. obviously couldn't measure the more important things such as runout, noise, etc.

the thing looks suspiciously like the ryobi 12" drill press, save for the laser and table (where ryobi's table is much nicer, round, etc.).

Anyway, anyone had much experience with this thing? I know some tradesman tools were rated well, but curious about this one. I'd give you all a tool review, but I'm not supposed to be buying this after recent purchases - so I'll have to hide it unpacked for a few weeks or more and then "purchase" it in connection with a project. then I'll give everyone else my findings if curious.

curt j.