DELTA 17-968 3/4 Horsepower 16-1/2-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

by Delta

Product Description

Amazon.com

There's nothing not to love about this drill press. Longing for a variable speed drive system with a jack shaft for full torque at any speed? Got it. A hungry 3/4 HP induction motor won't bog down, and the generous 14-inch table travels like a dream with a rack-and-pinion system. Working on an intricate job or repetitive drilling? You'll love the micro-adjustable depth stop. To change speeds, you don't have to bother with wrestling belts onto spindles, because the variable speed drive system offers an infinite range of high and low speeds, from 200 to 2,500 rpm. For angled work, the table tilts 90 degrees both left and right and offers and impressive max of two feet from the chuck. At a hefty 230 pounds, you'll feel zero vibration and experience ultimate stability. And the crowning touch: a work lamp and tray, offering ease and safety.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

From the Manufacturer

DELTA 17-968 3/4 Horsepower 16-1/2-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 57.5 x 28.2 x 12 inches ; 246 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 246 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B0000CCXTF
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: 17-968
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #257,900 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars So far, So good., September 29, 2006

By 

Charles Enfield (State College, PA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DELTA 17-968 3/4 Horsepower 16-1/2-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press (Tools & Home Improvement)

I just upgraded from an old Rockwell benchtop drill press. The old tool is built great, but it only has 5 speeds and changing speeds takes about 10 minutes. As you may guess, I didn't do it nearly as often as I should. Given this experience, I was naturally attracted to the variable speed drill presses.

With models from other brands costing over $1000, I started looking at the Delta X5 model. Overall, the reviews seemed decent, but it was still a little more than I wanted to pay for a drill press. When I noticed the 968, I immediately downloaded both manuals to compare features. The mechanicals looked similar. The longer stroke, style of quill lock, and slightly lower minimum speed favored the X5. The head cover, light, accessory table, Morse #2 socket in the spindle, larger chuck, and much lower price favored this model. I decided that, even though some of my large hole saws may benefit from 50 fewer RPMs, the slightly lower speed and 1" longer stroke were not critical. Also, while I have no firm plans for it, the Morse 2 socket may prove useful someday.

Assembly was easy. The finish isn't pretty and the grind on the table is no work of art, but everything is functionally adequate. Runout is just over .001" and I couldn't get a .0015" feeler gauge (the thinnest one I own) under my Starrett rule anywhere on the table. The unit runs quietly with practically no vibration, though turning the speed control all the way to the stop in either direction results in a little too much slack in the belt and a corresponding noise. Backing off very slightly eliminates the problem. The quill lock looks cheap, but it does a fine job. Some reviewers of the X5 have criticized the depth stop bracket. You can make it deflect noticeably with very strong pressure on the handle, but you're not likely to overshoot by more than .01" before realizing you're against the stop. That seems like adequate depth control to me.

I just got the tool and can't vouch for how well it will hold up. Initial quality seems fine. I'll revise this review if I encounter any problems. Right now, it's hard to imagine how you could do better for the price.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hard to get excited about a drill press!, September 25, 2006

By 

AWH (St. Louis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DELTA 17-968 3/4 Horsepower 16-1/2-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press (Tools & Home Improvement)

Let's see... the Delta 17-968 has been available for a few years and not one review? Well, that's got to tell you something! Human nature says that people are more apt to voice their opinions (complain!) when something doesn't work properly, than when it functions flawlessly. I've had mine for a couple of years and it works like it should. The continuously variable speed control is a very nice asset... if there's a more convenient speed-control for a drill press, I don't know what it is! :) The drill press comes with flexible lamp, depth stop and has a quill lock... the only thing missing is a laser sight, but a quick trip to Woodcraft can rectify that. If I was forced to pick a problem area it would be the on/off switch (actually, a pretty minor complaint), it's the standard all-plastic power switch Delta uses on most of their low/mid-priced stationary power equipment and it take a bit of force to activate it... the on switch is slightly recessed and pushing it with your fingertips takes more effort than it really needs! The off switch isn't nearly as bad because it's not recessed and you can use your palm to push it... just thought you should know.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Solid Drill Press But Initial Woes, February 21, 2007

By 

Chad M. Schepel - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DELTA 17-968 3/4 Horsepower 16-1/2-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press (Tools & Home Improvement)

I just received and put together my Delta 17-968. It is a solid drill press and went together smooth. I fired it up and let it run for a minute. Then I slowly started to change speeds. After taking the speed down about half way it suddenly jumped back to full speed. To make a long story short I took it apart and found that a roller had come off. It took three hours to disassemble the head and reinstall the part. Not a serious flaw but a major pain. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come. I may up the rating after I have had a chance to use it and if I experience no additional workmanship issues.