Originally Posted By: Propflux01
I have a bench drill press from Harbor fright. Yes, I know its Harbor fright... I wasn't expecting too much from it, however, it has been problem free and satisfies a number of my needs except for one major issue.: Runout at the chuck is excessive. I would like to replace this with a better quality bench model (Or some kind of fix for the runout). I use it mostly for light metal drilling and carbon fiber and fibreglass. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? All IO see are WEN, which looks like my HF does, and other models whose names I have never heard of, jet, Genesis, buck, etc. Thanx in advance.
Old used one purchased locally. Because you use it for metal and need low rpm that makes it a bit more difficult. Old Craftsmans, Atlas, etc had optional low speed gearing but those are pretty rare and command a premium. You can fabricate your own pulley set up to slow it down but that is rather advanced for a DIYer.
Modern ones are going to be lower quality and have run out as you know. It is either refurbished old, or an industrial which is probably going to be three phase. You will need a VFD to control that but that's not that big of a deal. I think you can also control the speed of a single phase motor using some sort of drive but I am no expert.
I have a 1954 Craftman King Seely in mint condition.