Customer Reviews

DELTA 20-950 20-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Finally available! (2009)

REAL variable-speed! Instant continuous speed changes using cast iron handwheel.

Drill presses that require a belt change for speed adjustment always end up being left on some 'middle' setting. Even though it's the wrong speed for nearly every operation, changing belts is just too much of a hassle. A USABLE variable speed system (like this one) is very important, but in the past you had to spend a few thousand dollars on a higher-end metalworking drill press to get it. This tool is an easy decision at this price. Every time I reach for the handwheel, I'm happy to be cutting holes instead of fussing with belts.

In my opinion this tool easily beats the more expensive Powermatic PM2800. Fit and finish are about equal, but I find this tool to be more versatile. Beyond the obvious differences--longer quill travel (6 inches vs. 4 3/8) and larger swing (20 inches vs. 18), the Delta has slots in the table for affixing a vise or milling table. The Powermatic would require the use of clamps or T-bolts to attach a vice. That's rather clumsy in my opinion. Yes, Powermatic is a woodworking company, but even woodworkers use vises and often they drill holes in metal.

On the topic of drilling metal, the spindle speed on the Delta can be slowed all the way down to 200 RPM (vs 400 on the Powermatic). 200 RPM vs 400 may not seem like a big difference, but in reality it is. The proper way to think of it is that the Delta has DOUBLE the low end capacity. In practical terms, the slower speed will preserve your drill bits when cutting steel. 400 RPM is too fast. 200 RPM is acceptable, although slower (150 RPM) would be welcome.

The table on this tool is flat and the height adjustment is smooth. The compound tilt feature of the table is very important: Obviously you could use it to drill a compound angle but more importantly, it allows you to set up the table to be PERFECTLY square to the spindle. Sadly on many (or most) drill presses, the spindle and the table are out-of-square and there's nothing you can do about it. With this drill press the table is completely adjustable, so you can make it PERFECTLY square at setup. I use a dial indicator (on an L shaped rod in the chuck) and rotate it by hand around the table.

For the price, the tool is a bargain. It was an easy decision over comparable products, but it was also an easy decision when considering the small incremental cost over lesser drill presses that don't have the feature set of this tool.

I'm a remodeling contractor who builds cabinets, furniture and other woodworking items for fun & business. I'd been considering a new drill press for some time, but I'm the type who waits until I can justify (rationalize) a new machine. I was making a wine rack out of birdseye maple when I destroyed my benchtop machine (Sunday). I ordered the Delta and it arrived from CPO on Thursday. On time, no damage to boxes or contents. Note: I'm 45 and 250lbs and lift heavy objects daily...DON'T try to lift this alone.

Assembly went smoothly. Parts were well packaged and organized logically. The assembly instructions were easy to follow. I took my time and it was together easily within 90 minutes. I used the packaging to hold the head sideways, tipped the base and post over, pushed the post into the head and got a friend to help me lift it upright. We "walked" it into place and were in business.

The first project was to finish drilling (13) 3-1/2" holes through 1-1/2" thick birdseye maple with a forstner bit. Doesn't get much tougher than that. The slow speed was a big plus here. The Delta pushed cleanly right through, no burns, no problem. Then I switched to a spindle sander and upped the speed to max. The quill lock and work light were very handy here. With the quill extended, a heavy spindle sander and me reefing around from every direction it worked smoothly and without any slippage, visible runout or vibration through its full speed range. I figure those are the two extremes, everything else should be a breeze.

Once you experience the variable speed option, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it. Having lived without it until now, it is a pleasure to just dial in the perfect speed for the application and go to work.

I am completely satisfied with the machine as well as with the entire purchase experience.

Well They are finally selling this beast and I think the wait was worth it. As a drill press it has all you will ever need. It is built like a tank and it weighs the same amount. In the instructions they warn you not to try and put the head on yourself. I am a spry 62 and can lift just about anything. I was afraid to lift this with 2 other guys. We put the head on laying down and tilted it up. Yes it still took two of us and then some. THIS WILL PROBABY BE THE ONLY NEGATIVE ABOUT THIS DRILL. ONCE ITS TOGETHER YOUR HOME FREE.

I have had several e-mails back and forth with both Delta and a vendor I was able to find that still has a few 20-950s for sale, still packed in original packing. Here are quotes from e-mails I have.

Delta says: "Unfortunately, since the product you are looking to buy has be [been] discontinued some time ago, the warranty would no longer be in effect." And, "The reason why the model 20-950 was discontinued was related to the variable speed control mechanism and that service parts are not available for this particular model. We are working on improving the quality of this machine for when we do re-introduce this machine. As soon as we can improve the quality to a level that our customers expect from the DELTA brand we will re-introduce." And, "It is in our plans to discuss bringing back the 20-950 Drill Press, but that will most likely not happen for at least a year. We are not sure exactly when it will be available."

Vendor says: "When Delta decided to discontinue this machine we purchased all the inventory that was left in stock as this was and still is a very popular machine. We have less than 5 left." And, "We do have a few unit[s] left in stock, that are still in the original boxes from Delta. When Delta decided to discontinue this machine we purchased all the inventory that was left in stock as this was and still is a very popular machine." And, regarding Delta's written assertion that it will NOT honor the warrantee, "... Delta should be honoring it. It should not matter [whether] it would be purchased through a[n] authorized dealer that still has inventory. Warranty starts from date of purchase to customer." And, regarding parts, "The new Delta company does not offer parts for older machines [;] they are offered from Dewalt the original company that owned them before the take over."

In summary, the vendor has a few original machines. They are for sale at full price, despite being discontinued several years ago, and despite Delta saying the warrantee is void. I have not checked whether Dewalt has a good inventory or parts. I am not an attorney; I do not know whether Delta should be honoring the warrantee; I only know that it says it is not doing so.

The stats on the machine are wonderful, as we all know. Am wondering how folks have been doing with the ones they have been using the past few years. And, given what they know and have now read (above), were they in the market for a drill press right now, would they buy one of these last few remaining available machines??

FYI - Delta's website now says this won't be available until August.

but I wouldn't know since I ordered it Feb 8, 2007 and still don't have it. Amazon now says I won't receive it until May 4, 2007. That's a nearly 12 week delay - ridiculous. I included the year 2007 on the dates because the way it's going it might change to 2008. Be very prepared to wait and don't expect much explanation from Amazon.