I'm searching for a new drill press. I am not interested in buying a used one at the moment. My budget goes up to $1400 out to door, but that is top dollar and less is better. It must be floor standing. The trouble is that I see rave reviews about models ranging anywhere from $350 all the way up to my $1400 maximum. I need some help to understand how models compare to each other and what I'm really getting for the extra money. Here are a few models I have researched, any other info you can provide about them would be great.
1. Porter Cable 8-amp 12-speed (PCB660DP) - $320 at Lowes
Reviewers are acting like this drill press is the best kept secret in power tools and claiming it compares to models three-four times its price. Is it really that good? I have actually used this press before, at a workshop in college, but it was very poorly maintained and couldn't drill a straight hole to save its life. Also depth adjustment was hard to use and sloppy (again probably because it wasn't cared for). How is it holding up for others in more "loving" environments? I prioritize quality and long-term durability over low price.
2. Jet 17" Drill Presses (JDP-17DX and JDP-17) - $599 and $740 approx.
I have some confusion over these two presses. The model numbers are nearly the same and the specs are nearly identical (I'm sure there are differences I'm not noticing)... but the design is wildly different. I would assume that the alien-looking JDP-17 is a newer model, but Jet still lists both on their website. Both of these presses are well reviewed. I really like the big woodworking-style tables. I like the price point... but are they high quality machines or are they about the same as the Porter Cable and being sold at a premium for the name? Also which one of the two do you like better?
3. Delta 18" Drill press (18-900L) - $1050 approx.
I am extremely impressed by the features of this press. On paper it seriously looks too good to be true. The table is big, it's extremely adjustable, the belt change system is easy, really long spindle travel, lots of different speeds, gooseneck light, quick depth-stop adjustments etc. My concern is that everywhere it is reviewed, people complain about quality control. This scares me a little... the most concerning was an Amazon review talking about the foot of the press snapping off the column (complete with photos). Although the features and specs look amazing, I don't want it unless it lasts for a LONG time... and I don't want to devote tons of effort into fixing defects that should have been corrected before it left the factory. I haven't seen this press in person so i don't know how sturdy it actually is. Has anyone on here had this press for a while and able to vouch for it?
4. Powermatic (PM2800B) - $1400 approx.
I don't have much experience with Powermatic tools, but I know they have held a good reputation in the past and they are a premium brand. I'm also pretty sure this drill press is made in China (presumably all the others are imported as well). So this press has me concerned that I would be overpaying just for the name. One thing I like is that you can adjust the speed with the lever on the side, but I'm also concerned that it overcomplicates a simple mechanism and would be more prone to issues. It does have a powerful motor and 6" of travel like the Delta, but the table seems kind of gimmicky and the expanding 'wings?' are supported by a plastic mechanism, which seems cheap for a tool that costs this much. I would have just preferred a larger table. Do you all think it's worth the price?
Sorry for writing a novel about this... I spend a lot of time researching everything I buy and the creek has always been a valuable and trusted source of knowledge. Also I would love to know of any other good drill presses that I may have looked over.