Drill press?

[Greg]

I'm slowly gettin' the tools together to build the Chambers rifle kit I bought. My question is, should I get a drill press? Any input will be appreciated.

[Captchee]

you will do alot nicer job with one.
 even if it just a small one

[Hank in WV]

I couldn't get through life without one.

[pathfinder]

It does make life a lot easier. I use the bench top model,
easier to make supports when drilling tenons and such.

[FG1]

One of the small $50 benchtop models from Harbor Freight will work fine . And it can be fitted with buffing wheels for polishing too.
I started out with one in late '70's and wore it out before upgrading 15 years later.

[doulos]

just saw one a Tractor Supply for 59 bucks

[Three Hawks]

I just took a quick look at my usual suspects,  Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, and Grizzly.  All have a useful drill press in the $60 range.  I'm glad I got mine when they were in the $25 range for the same drill press.  Sears sells the identical press for quite a bit more, as usual.

Try Craigslist, often a good place for a good price if you know what you're looking for.

Three Hawks

[DCP64]

Be cautious of the cheap tools brands. Run out can be horrible. If you're going to buy a brill press, get a good one. You'll never regret having done so. The first time you have to drill or bore to exact specifications, and it has to be right, you'll be glad you bought quality.

[bluelake]

Whenever I visit the States, I use my dad's Shopsmith for whatever project(s) I'm working on.  It will get quite a workout this summer  

[wolfy]

I've never encountered a hole that a Grizzly or even a Harbor Freight 1/2" drill press would not drill accurately enough for our needs

I still shoot those rifles, BTW.....and they look a bunch better than some of the crap I see for sale, these days

[Greg]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm gonna get a small bench top model.

[Indiana]

It's a lot easier with one.  I got one when I first started building my first gun.  Well worht the money.  I think mine ran $100 at Lowes.  It's a benchtop style Taskforce brand.

[ridjrunr]

I think they are well worth the investment.But, when examining a potential purchase do yer self a favor and grab the chuck and make shure there is NO side to side movement in the spindle.If there is any,walk away from it as there are too many good ones available to settle on a poor quality one.Same goes for bench grinders,always check for side-play in the spindle.And like Three Hawks said,Craigslist is a good place to find one real reasonable.

[Greg]

Thanks for educatin' me ridjrunr. I wouldn't have thought to check the spindle.