Customer Reviews

Grizzly G7944 12 Speed Heavy-Duty 14" Floor Drill Press

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I got this drill press as a Christmas gift but this weekend was the first chance I had to really put it to use in a big project. I used nearly every kind of drill bit imaginable, including forstners, spade bits, hole saws, brad points, and of course regular twist bits. The drill handled all the bits I used without any trouble, and changing the speeds to compensate for different bits was easy because all you have to do to access the pulleys is flip open the lid on top. I also had to drill a lot of angles, which was a cinch because of the adjustable table. All I had to do was dial the right angle, clamp down the wood, and go to town on it. Another handy feature is the light, which uses a standard size light bulb and does a great job of illuminating the work area. But perhaps the best thing about this drill press is the price. For $199 this is a steal (but see my update below). You can definitely pay a lot more for a drill press and not get any more features or performance than you'll find in this one. This was my first Grizzly power tool but I will definitely buy more Grizzly products in the future.

Update: When I purchased this drill press it was only $199. Now it's up to $265, which is pushing it a bit. I guess I should say that it's a great drill press for $199. At this point I would start looking at other options.

As a professional woodworker moving to a new location, I was looking to save some money on a few tools when setting up my new shop. I purchased this drill press becasue the price was far cheaper than any other model with comparable features. Right out of the box the drill press had the typical flaws characteristic of most grizzly tools - pock-marked steel, imperfect threadings, loose pulleys, etc...
I was expecting most of these defects so I overlooked them and set the press up in my shop. After two years of use I can say that the drill press does drill holes but it is a highly inaccurate machine that is not a joy to use. The table is tough to adjust with accuracy, the 1/2 inch chuck frequently sticks and has a slight wobble, and the belts and pulleys are very hard to adjust for proper speed on the machine. Recently, the handles on the press have stripped and come loose.
I could go on and on with all the minor querks and defects of this machine but I will just say that if you a weekend handyman looking to drill a few holes now and then then this machine will do fine. If you, however, are looking for a serious tool that will help you raise your woodworking skills to the next level, spend the extra money now and get a JET, DELTA, or POWERMATIC. You will be happy you did.

Well, I haven't gotten the drill via freight yet, but I did get a bit of a surprise...when Grizzly sent me a shipping confirmation, I also got a confirmation that my 6" Drill Press vise had also shipped. What vise I asked, I never ordered a vice. Apparently Grizzly is including a 5" drill press vice, for free(at least as of 15 June 04)! I'm liking this press more and more, and I haven't even seen it yet.
Added: I finally got the press. As previous reviewers said, it's quite beefy. It's a little rough around the edges, though. There's a bit of Grizzly Green paint on some of the milled steel parts, and most of the edges on the casting are a bit sharp. Also, the base is a bit warped, and needed to be shimmed about 1/16 inch to sit flat. Other than that, assembly and operation is easy. After adjusting the chuck in the press, I was able to get the runnout down to about .002" or so...not bad for $199. Another interesting note: it took LESS time for the 172# drill press to get here by freight truck than it takes for a UPS package mailed the same day to get here (ordered on Sunday, drill arrived Wednesday AM, around 1030).

****** hehe
I keep looking at this burly, 170 pound iron monster and I can't figure out how Grizzly can sell this unit for such a low price. Its construction is so tough I am able to hammer down metals on its table with no problems. This machine has everything I need, form an encapsulated induction motor to all around sealed-ball bearing construction. Also, the lowest speed setting is good for machining metals. And not to worry, the motor is also quite powerful. The drill chuck does require installation and some adjustment. After installing the chuck I loaded a drill bit and then placed piece of wood on the side of the chuck and tapped it with a hammer until the drill bit spun in perfect center. I hope this review helps...good luck.

After doing research and reading this site's reviews I purchased the Model 7944. While doing my research... the question of just what type depth stop was actually on the drill press, became apparent. I emailed the customer service dept at Grizzly. They responed that the drill press had a hub style depth stop and then referred me to their "online" spec and service manual. The online sources also showed the #7944 having a hub style depth stop. (This was a small concession for me.)
When I received the press it had both, a threaded post depth stop and a hub style (minus a measurement scale). It's appears that Grizzly has decided most woodworkers prefer the threaded post style and have moved production to that style. Actually, it's nice having both depth stop styles available for use. If only the table was a woodworker's style too. I've already made a aux. table for my woodworking requirements. I also received a free drill press vise!! A nice touch.
What bothers me is that Grizzly's customer service doesn't know their own product, throughly. That could cause problems, if breakdowns should occur in the future...and I call for help.
Otherwise, I find the #7944 a good machine, thusfar. The first Grizzly Tool in my shop. Time will tell how well it holds up to the rigors of my woodworking shop drilling activity.

I am a retired product development engineer and during my career, had use of my company's shop. Now I am putting together a woodworking shop in my garage. This is the first drill press I have owned and I must say, it is a great machine for such a reasonable price. It works like a champ, as well as the drill press in my old company's shop that cost about a thousand dollars.

Assembly was easy. It came FedEx Green in a lift gate truck and the driver wheeled it to my garage.

I purchased this drill press to see the quality of Grizzly machinery. After using this drill press, I think Grizzly makes a pretty good product. The quality appears better and the item is beefier than the Delta and Jet equivalents I saw at a recent woodworking show. The only complaint is the depth stop is made from pretty thin steel.

Based on my experience with the G7944 drill press, a Grizzly band saw, jointer and planer are next on my list of woodworking equipment purchases.

A very smooth and powerful drill press that found many other uses in my shop. It takes everything I throw at it and keeps on humming along. I am not crazy about the use of belts for speed changes but it is a necessary evil and a small price to pay. The machine is heavy but can be moved and setup by one person.

I would have given 5 stars but I was missing the worm gear to adjust the table when it arrived. A quick call to customer service and that had the part out to me in 3 days. For the price you can't beat this drill press. A solid smooth running machine with plenty of power to get the job done. The added light is a blessing and I love the Delta/Jet type depth stop.

The first drill press that I received from Grizzly was defective: the adjustment lever for the belts was stuck and the drill made terrible noises when turned on. Grizzly was very slow in responding to my many inquiries (with no 1-800 number for customer service)and, after repackaging and returning the defective drill press and more than a month from my initial order, I received another drill press. Upon opening the box, however, I found a dent on the housing surrounding the belts. What a mess! If I knew then what I know now, I would never have ordered this drill press. Think twice before ordering this item.
Buy something local.

Great drill press. Easy assembly, low noise and almost zero vibration. Set screw for collar ring was missing but they sent me one within a week. This is a heavy unit so it must be very well mounted ( I used two 4 x 4 3/4 inch MDF mounted to the pallet the unit was delivered on ). Also used with sanding drum with no issues at all. Worm gear for the table is a little sloppy ( side to side movement ) but this has not been an operational issue. Threaded post and hub style depth stop included on unit. This is a great deal for the money.