DELTA Drill Press Review:
A drill press is a versatile and functional tool for any workshop. A drill press is designed to drill precise holes or bore holes to exact depths, consistency being the key.
There are 2 standard models to choose from: bench-top and floor models.
When you think of drill presses there’s not much to them, right? I mean not much has really changed over the years to make them exciting. That’s what I thought recently until DELTA introduced their new 18-inch Laser Drill Press, Model 18-900L.
The DELTA 18-900L 18-inch Laser Drill Press:
I was very excited when the folks at DELTA sent me their 18-900L Laser Drill Press to review. I recently posted on setting this drill press up in my shop.
Setting Up The Delta 18″ Drill Press.
At first I thought the set up would be difficult but I was wrong. The DELTA 18-900L set up in about an hour but a second set of hands is definitely recommended.
First Impression:
The DELTA 18-900L looks and feels like quality. From the handles to the housing this is a professional, industrial grade tool. The DELTA 18-900L is a powerful drill press that features sixteen speeds for drilling a variety woods, plastics, and metals. It comes ready to run off of 120 v and is powered by a 3/4-horsepower induction motor which is more than adequate for all woodworking applications.
Speed control on a drill press is important because drill bits come in different sizes and sometimes need to be operated at different speeds for efficiency. Generally, the larger the bit, the slower the speed. The DELTA 18-900L has 16 speeds and is belt driven. An Auto-Tensioning Belt Drive System [lever] which I found easy to operate and use made changing drill speeds through all sixteen speed choices super easy. [170 to 3,000 rotations per minute]
The DELTA 18-900 also provides a handy chart detailing recommended drilling speeds. To change speed, slip a pair of belts onto the appropriate pulleys, and then release the tension lever, which automatically re-tensions the belts.
The DELTA 18-900L has a 6-Inch Quill Stroke which provides excellent opportunities for deeper drilling which is a huge improvement over older and other models. Most other drills provide almost 2″ less depth which then requires you to reset the table depth. this was always a pet peeve of mine ~ not anymore!
Two features I immediately noticed and will be handy in my shop were the laser and the large sized work table with T- slots. Those t-slots allowed me to easily use my woodworking F-clamps to hold work pieces or metal pipe when performing drilling operations. On my old drill press I had to clamp an auxiliary plywood table onto the puny table to give me adequate work support.
A flat area on the table bottom better accepts the jaws of my woodworking clamps. The table bevels 0°-90° left and right, tilts forward 0°-48 °, and also features a removable center insert for through-table drilling.
The DELTA 18-900L measures 20″ wide x 70″ high by 28″ deep and weighs a sturdy 240 pounds.
DELTA 18-900 Drill Press Features:
- Auto-Tensioning Belt Drive System allows for fast and easy speed changes while maximizing transmission efficiency with consistent belt tension and motor alignment.
- Micro-Adjustable Depth Stops and Independent Depth Scale allows the user to zero the scale and set up for repetitive drilling, quickly and easily.
- Fully Adjustable TWINLASER projects a bright red cross hair on the work piece at the point of bit contact.
- Over sized table tilts forward 0-45° and rotates left/right 0-90°
- T-slots on table for auxiliary back fence or shop built jigs.
- Replaceable plunge plate on table for through drilling.
- 3/4 Horsepower motor provides plenty of power.
- Auto tension belt drive system makes speed changes easy.
- Depth stop with micro adjustment and independent depth scale.
- Auto belt tension keeps motor and pulley in alignment for less vibration.
- 6″ Quill stroke provides extended depth of cut.
- LED work lamp of flexible goose neck.
- Large non-tip base with flat machined surface and attachment slots.
Using The DELTA 18-900L Drill Press:
Since setting up the DELTA 18-900L I’ve used it to repair my lawyers broken desk legs by drilling for and installing hanger bolts, I drilled numerous holes in wood and metal pipe and also used it to sand some curved patterns with a sander drum accessory.
I used the drill press to plow into several different species of wood. The DELTA 18-900L easily powered through these functions and never bogged down. The holes were also accurate to the table settings. [tested at 22.5, 45 and 90 degrees]For fun, I tested the DELTA 18-900L with a few new spade bits.
One of the features that I found handy when drilling mahogany screw plugs was the micro-adjustable depth stops and depth scale. This features allowed me to easily zero the scale and set up for repetitive wood plug drilling.
The DELTA 18-900L has a built in laser which indicates the center point of the bit
regardless of table position or thickness of material. I tested its accuracy and was impressed that it did not need adjusting out of the box. The laser was also accurate when the table was tilted on angled. I tested 22.5, 45 and 90 degree angles.
I found the LED light put serious task light directly where needed. The durable goose neck design allows you to position it precisely to eliminate shadows and provide outstanding task lighting. Well done DELTA!
All of the controls and features on the DELTA 18-900L were well designed, durable, easy to use and fun to operate.
Overall Impression:
The DELTA 18-900L is a Cadillac of drill presses. If you’re looking to purchase a drill press that will do everything you need to do in the shop and last you a lifetime then look no further. Its clearly durable and versatile enough for professional duty as well. DELTA is known for their durability and this drill press demonstrates that “‘the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”
Warranty and Where To Buy:
The DELTA 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press is backed by a five-year warranty.
The new DELTA 18-900L 18-inch Laser Drill Press is backed by a five-year warranty and is available now at specialty woodworking dealers and online for for $829.00 here:
Delta-18-900L-18-Inch-Laser-Drill
This review contains my opinion of a product. I take pride in providing my readers with honest and objective information as well as a practical approach to using a product. I never accept payment in exchange for a positive review. Many of the tools and products are provided to for free by a manufacturer for review.
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