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Grizzly Drill Press VS

I am looking at a G7948 from Grizzly. I'd like something better than I have, but can't really justify the price of a big name. I've got three HF drill presses now. Two benchtops that are "ok" and a floor model that is not great and never was. For the most part I have learned how to get acceptable results out of the floor model, but I would like to have a better heavier floor model. The two benchtops are dedicated to tapping heads. Now I know Grizzly is just another importer, but my luck with stuff from them in the past has been decent. Better on average than HF. That being said I've never bought anything more than low priced from them in the past either. It looks similar to the HF 61484 or 39955, but costs about $200 more. Does anybody here have one? Is it just more a expensive version of the HF (probably won't buy another HF floor model) or is it better? I'm not planning to use it as a mill. I just want something that doesn't turn drill bits into an inverted blurry cone when its set for one of the higher speeds.

Sure I have a decent mill (KMB1) and a couple mill drills, but a floor standing decent drill press is sometimes the best most efficient tool for the job. Even the HF drill press I have is sometimes the best tool for the job. I'd just like a better one.

Reply to
Bob La Londe
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From past research I got the feeling that Grizzly items could be described as better than HF. Basically the same stuff but Grizzly seems to have better quality control and maybe some extras thrown in.

Like the 9x20 Lathe. The HF version I bought didn't come with the 4-jaw chuck that Grizzly included at the time. I spent around 40-60 hours (I'm slow :) going over it, aligning stuff, removing over-sprayed paint, grit... you get the picture. The 4-jaw chuck supplied with these is rather light duty, no big loss. It wasn't quite half the price of the Grizzly though and I'm a cheapskate :)

You might want to look through the Drill Presses offered by Wholesale Tool, see if they have anything of interest if you haven't already:

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They run deals, like 10% off every so often. The Cyber Monday has expired though...

Reply to
Leon Fisk

**From past research I got the feeling that Grizzly items could be **described as better than HF. Basically the same stuff but Grizzly seems **to have better quality control and maybe some extras thrown in.

That's what I have heard as well, but I was hoping to find that a couple people had them and could offer some feedback.

**Like the 9x20 Lathe.

As near as I can tell the biggest metal lathe HF offers now is the 8x14. Basically a mini lathe on steroids. Bigger, but not necessarily better.

**The HF version I bought didn't come with the 4-jaw **chuck that Grizzly included at the time. I spent around 40-60 hours (I'm **slow :) going over it, aligning stuff, removing over-sprayed paint, **grit... you get the picture. The 4-jaw chuck supplied with these is **rather light duty, no big loss. It wasn't quite half the price of the **Grizzly though and I'm a cheapskate :)

I've got an HF 7x10 (converted to 14) and an HF 8.5x18. Neither is anythign to write home about. The 7x10 does kind of hold a soft spot in my head though. It was my first real (sorta) machine tool.

**You might want to look through the Drill Presses offered by Wholesale **Tool, see if they have anything of interest if you haven't already:

**

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** They run deals, like 10% off every so often. The Cyber Monday has ** expired though...

I've looked at wtt a couple times. The only thing I notice is the do carry some of those with expensive labels. After my experience with a several thousand dollar Delta saw I don't trust big pricey labels like I once did.

Reply to
Bob La Londe

I've got a 16-1/2" Jet floor model, slightly smaller with round table. It works for me, but I'm a hobbyist. Liked it well enough to get one for my son. Replaced the chuck right off. Basically, it works.

I think of Griz as similar in quality and price. You'd probably be happy with it, especially if you put on a good chuck and smooth belts.

Good luck.

Pete Keillor

Reply to
Pete Keillor

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