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We decided to do a review of a popular band saw this week instead of our usual drill press review. Band saws are a great power tool to own, especially if you are a woodworking hobbyist. But even if you need to cut other types of materials, including metal and plexiglass, band saws are more than able to handle the job. If you are looking for an affordable solution that has many great features, then the POWERTEC BS9000 band saw may be the best choice for you. Here are just a few of the features that make this particular band saw so popular.

½ HP Induction Motor

To ensure that you have more than enough power to complete any job that you may take on, the BS9000 uses a ½ HP induction motor that is able to move the blade at 1725 RPM. This powerful 2.5 amp motor will allow you to make smooth and accurate cuts whether you are cutting wood, metal, or any other type of material that you may be working with.

Large Aluminum Die Casting Table

The more table surface that you have available to work on, the better. With the BS9000, you will have plenty of surface space available to you which will greatly expand the type of projects that you can take on. It comes with a table size of 11 ¾ inch x 11 ¾ inches and its aluminum die cast design makes it very lightweight but durable all at the same time. Another cool feature of this table is that it uses a rack and pinion adjustment system that will allow you to easily tilt the table to a 45 degree angle. This will help to increase the cutting range that will be available to you and gives you plenty of control over your cuts.

Various Cutting Features

When it comes to being able to make a wide variety of different cuts, the POWERTEC BS9000 has some great features that will allow you to do just that. First, it provides you with a blade width range of 1/8 inch to 3/8 inch. This wide range of movement makes this band saw the ideal tool especially when it comes to resawing and scroll cutting projects. At 3 5/8 inches, you have a maximum cut depth of 90 degrees and at 2 inches, you have a maximum cut depth of 45 degrees. It also features a throat depth of 9 inches, so regardless of what type of cut that you may need to make, you will have more than enough range available to do so. Click here to see current price

If you ever need to change the blade due to maintenance reasons or because of the materials that you are working with, the BS9000 features two different blade changing features that will make changing the blade on this unit a piece of pie. These features include a quick release tension lever and the patented blade guard adjustment system which is unique to the POWERTEC BS9000.

Additional Features Include:

• 2 inch Dust Port
• Blade Tracking Window
• Blade Size- 62 inches x 1/8 inch x 3/8 inch
• Weighs 50 lbs

Click Here For Additional Features

What You Will Like About the POWERTEC BS9000 Band Saw

Users of the BS9000 band saw love its versatility and its ability to cut accurately through many different types of materials. Its also very easy to setup, usually taking less than 20 minutes, and the blade tracking/alignment system will give you the ability to make the perfect cut every time. Click Here For Buyer Reviews

What You May Not Like About the POWERTEC BS9000 Band Saw

Some users of this band saw have claimed that they have had trouble when it comes to the blade holding a straight line. They claim that this is due to not being able to put enough tension on the blade and this has even caused the motor to stall at times also.

Value For The Money

The POWERTEC BS9000 Band Saw is an excellent band saw to own especially if you are a hobbyist who is looking for a very affordable tool of this kind. It has the ability to handle steep curves and finer cuts with ease, and its smaller size will allow it to fit easily into your home shop with no problem. Click For Current Price

Where to Buy

If you want to find the best deal on the POWERTEC BS9000 Band Saw, be sure to check Amazon. They have many great deals on this particular band saw and some of them even include free shipping. To check out their latest deals on the BS9000, just click on this link.

Ordinary drill presses work well for general use, but if you are working with small materials and making precision holes, a more specialized drill press, such as the Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine will likely provide you with better results. This press is small, but with three speeds and a 110-120v/85W motor, it’s no toy.

What We Liked About The Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine

• Light – Because the Proxxon 38128 TBM Drill Machine is only 8.4 pounds, it is easy to unbox, set up, and move about — this is in stark contrast to most drill presses that are hundreds of pounds. However, because it is so light, this is one drill press you’ll definitely want to mount to a worktable to keep it steady.
• Well-built – Don’t let its small size fool you, this machine is solid, built almost entirely of metal, and made to last. Granted, it’s designed for very light duty jobs, but Proxxon didn’t skimp on quality.
• Spindle – The Proxxon advertises that its three high quality ball bearing assembly keeps the spindle free of play, and this is appears to be true. The spindle is spot-on and able to take Micromot steel collets or drill chucks with 3/8-inch thread.
• Ideal for Small Applications – When you’re drilling small or only occasional holes, you don’t really need a huge press. The Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine is the perfect solution for such light-duty work, and with its simple, straight-forward design, you may find that you prefer using it over your mega-drill presses.
• 3 Speeds – Even though it is small, it has an impressive three speeds (1800, 4700, 8500 rpm), and the powerful motor makes it capable of drilling through hard woods and metal.
• Adjustable Fence with Scale – This is pretty standard on most higher-end presses, but it is no less handy to have, and the Proxxon’s fence works well and is easy to adjust.

Click Here To Read Customer Reviews…

What We Didn’t Like About The Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine

• Vise – This is an optional item (Click To See Price), and it is not designed to nearly the same standard as the press itself. It locks in place, which keeps it from moving up and down, but there seems to be no way to stop it from moving side to side (besides holding it there). Instead of spending your money on this item, you’d probably be better off fashioning your own vise.
• Need Extra Chuck for Best Performance – The Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine  comes with an assortment of collets, but without the optional extra chuck, it can take some tinkering to get the right drill bit in place. The extra check works much better, but again, this costs more money. Click To See Chuck Information

Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine Conclusion

To put it simply — it works! Obviously, the Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine wasn’t designed for heavy use or deep drilling, but it handles small jobs with finesse and ease. If you work exclusively on smaller items, this machine could serve as your only drill, otherwise it is as a great supplement to larger drill presses.

Click Here To Buy The Proxxon 38128 TBM Bench Drill Machine

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Highlights of Jet JBM-5

• Has 1/2-inch chisel capacity
• 1/2 horsepower
• 4-3/4- inch head stroke
• Easy-change bits
• 4-inch chuck key
• Quick-setting depth-stop
• Removable toggle switch
• Adjustable feed-handle

Click to see more features

What We Liked About The Jet JBM-5

• Change Depth Stop without Tools – This is a nice feature to have when you need to make a lot of adjustments and don’t want to be slowed down.
• Can Reverse Unit on Base – With the ability to reverse the Jet 708580, you can mortise extra long or wide pieces of wood.
• Nice Bits – The chisels that come with the Jet are extremely sharp and of high quality. This saves you from having to go out and buy replacement bits right from the get-go (as with some other machines).
• Good Build – The mortiser is solidly built (cast iron and steel) and has a nice fit and finish. Also, small touches such as the steel chuck doors (not plastic) let you know this is a quality piece of machinery.
• Easy Setup and Operation – Once you open the box, you are ready to begin mortising in about fifteen minutes or less, and with such easy access to the chuck and the extra long key, switching out bits is a snap. The instructions and operation are all straightforward as Jet understands that high-quality doesn’t have to mean complicated.
• Variable Speeds – With the ability to work at fast and slow speeds, the Jet can drill through virtually any type of wood. The slow speeds (1750 RPMs) mean you can drill through hard woods like red oak without risk of burning.

Click to see customer reviews

What We Didn’t Like About The Jet JBM-5

• Fence Design – The fence on the Jet JBM-5 benchtop mortiser requires extreme concentration to achieve a precise depth, and it is not quite parallel to the chisel. Of course, you can shim and adjust this until everything is square, but for the price should you really have to?
• Hold-down – As with most mortises in this price range, the hold-down leaves something to be desired. When working with smaller pieces, you may find that you have to find something to “boost” it up to get a strong hold.

Jet JBM-5 Conclusion

If you’re someone who makes mortises on a fairly regular basis, we think you’ll love what the Jet can offer you: convenience, clean mortises, and a lot of saved time. Admittedly, the fence and hold-down aren’t perfect, but if you’re willing to spend some time making a few of your own alterations then you shouldn’t have any problems. Whether you’re lucky enough to come across a Jet JBM-5 sale or you pay full price, this machine ought to satisfy beginners and experts with its simple yet powerful operation.

Click here to buy the Jet JBM 5 Mortiser

Effort – It doesn’t take as much effort to place the drill on the material. A lever controls the movement of the spindle and chuck. This lever works on a pinion and rack, which allows the operator to have some advantage of the mechanical parts of the device.

Power – Drill presses are, for the most part, equipped with more powerful motors than the handheld drills. Thus, large drill bits can be used and drilling can be increased with smaller bits.

Precision – The spindle’s angle is fixed comparative to the table, which allows for holes to be drilled in a precise and consistent manner.

Stability – The table allows for a clamp or vise to be used in the arranging and restraining of materials, which makes the whole operation better secured.

A Look At The Drill Press: Its Importance On The Carpentry and Woodworking World

Why is it that most professionals in the carpentry and woodworking world choose the drill press to do their projects? The drill, which is commonly known as the bench drill, is highly capable of drilling perfectly spaced holes at certain widths, depths and straightness.

Drill presses are generally used for an assortment of workshop tasks such as:

- Honing

- Sanding

- Polishing

The above tasks can be done by honing wheels, sanding drums and numerous other things.

What Does It Look Like?

The drill press is made up of a drill head, spindle, column and base, which can be on a tabletop or be built-in legs comprised of metal. Each press has a table or some type of surface that materials can rest upon. It’s situated under the drill spindle and head, which whirl and grip the bit. While the bench drill is far more portable and smaller, the floor model has more power behind it and has many more accessories to choose from.

The drill press has got a three-armed handle, which is affixed to the head to increase and decrease the bit. Thanks to the arms, the user has more control over the bit’s movement and makes it easier to use. A depth stop could be used to stop the bit from moving beyond a particular point. This would allow the user to create similar depth holes in several locations, no matter what material is being drilled.

Sizing

The drill press size will be determined by measuring the distance between the drill head to the column. The measurement is then doubled to figure out what the size of the drill press is. For instance, if a measurement from the column to the center of the chuck is eight inches, the drill press is thought to be a 16-inch drill press. Why? It’s because the press is able to drill an eight inch hole on the side of a straight board but it can also drill a 16-inch circle in the center.

The Speed Of The Drill Press

This tool is usually motor driven and has variable speeds, which allows the user to put less effort in using it than they would with a hand drill. This adjustable speed option gives the user the ability to complete various tasks such as drilling holes or sanding materials. It also gives the user control over the amount of friction and force on the bit, preventing any superfluous wear and tear and breakage. When it comes to accurately locating and orientating the hole, more folks tend to prefer the drill press over the handheld drill.

JET JDP-17DX Drill Press Highlights

• Floor- standing, heavy-duty woodworking drill press
• 115/230-volt, vibration free motor (16 speeds)
• 14” x 18” table with dual T-slot grooves
• Head-mounted twin laser guides
• Electric work light mounted in head
• Quick-access motor and poly V-belt drive system
• 16.5” Swing
  Click here to learn more details

What We Liked About The JET JDP-17DX Drill Press 

• Sturdy – At over 250 lbs, this drill press isn’t moving anywhere unless you want it to. It easily handles heavy wood and rigorous drilling without a hint of movement. Just be sure to have someone help you with assembly, because it is heavy!
• Belt System – Although the belt system is manual, it’s very simple to change speeds; just loosen the tension, switch out your belts, and re-tighten the tension. Done.
• Quality Chuck – Bits secure nicely to the chuck and are just as easily removed. There is some run-out (about a few thousandths of an inch), but is shouldn’t be an issue unless you are doing super-precise woodworking.
• Large Work Table –  The size of the table is one of the main, non-mechanical features that woodworkers look at when reading drill press reviews, and the JET is sure to impress with its generous 14” x 18” tiltable work table. This is great for large projects, and it definitely stands out from other, non-woodworking-specific presses which often have inadequate work areas.
• Drill Stop – The drill stop handles smoothly, which makes it easy to pre-set drill depths and achieve uniform holes when performing repeated boring. This feature, along with the wood drill press laser, makes it possible to achieve a high level of accuracy.
• Powerful Motor- The JET has a strong, 3/4 HP motor with speeds ranging from 200 -3620 RPMs (it doesn’t get much faster than that), which means you can drill through even the hardest woods.
  Click Here To Buy The JET JDP-17DX Drill Press

What We Didn’t Like About The JET JDP-17DX Drill Press 

• Table Lock – The table lock seems a little bit too small and is difficult to maneuver.
• Slow Spin-Down – You may not notice unless you are accustomed to working with other drill presses, but the spin-down on the Jet is a tad sluggish. This is not a huge deal, but it can slow you down a bit between adjustments.
• Laser Light Takes a While to Adjust – It’s rare for a laser light to be perfectly aligned straight out of the box, but even so, it takes a good amount of time to get the Jet’s laser configured. However, if you take the time to do it, it is worth it in the end.
  Jet Jdp-17DX Drill Press Manual Now Available

JET JDP-17DX Drill Press Conclusion

The Jet JDP-17DX is being discounted at a wood drill press sale, click here to see the current price. We think this is a great deal considering all the professional-grade elements you are getting (powerful motor, deep drilling, drill stop, etc.). No, it’s not a perfect machine, but it’s ideal for novices (not too complicated), those who want to upgrade, and even for the experienced. We’d venture to say the average, home woodworker will not need any further capabilities and can get years of use out of this drill press.

Click here to Buy The Jet JDP-17DX Drill Press

Delta 18-900L Drill Press Highlights

• 3/4 HP motor, floor standing drill press
• 16 speeds capable of drilling through an assortment of materials
• Auto-tension belt system
• 6-inch quill stroke
• Tilts up to 90 degrees left and right and up to 48 degrees forward
• Has LED light for viewing and twin lasers for precise drilling
  (Click for more details)

What We Liked About The Delta 18-900L Drill Press

• Depth Stop – This drill press controls the depth stop with two push-button nuts. One of them keeps the quill’s position for return, and the other marks the spot for maximum depth. This elegantly simple feature allows you to drill repeated identical holes — great for woodworking.
• Keyed Chuck – The Delta 18-900L comes with a keyed chuck, which allows for a tight grip on the bit and doesn’t loosen with a lot of torque (unlike some keyless chucks).
• 6 ” Quill Stroke – One of the deciding factors when reading drill press reviews is the quill stroke. Anyone who has ever struggled with a too-thick piece of wood or fumbled with constantly changing the table height during multi-stage holes knows the importance of adequate stroke. Luckily, the Delta has a 6″ capacity, which is capable of handling almost any job.
• Solid Build – For a drill press in $1,000 range you expect to get a well-built piece of equipment, and that’s definitely what the Delta provides. It’s constructed with solid metal, and the tight fittings result in minimal vibration and noise. Not to mention, the wide base and extra large table provide an ample, sturdy workspace.
• Easy Speed Changes – The belts on some presses are a struggle to change, but the Delta makes quick work of the process: just move a lever, slide the belts where you like, and use the auto-tensioning system for tightening. Not only is it easy, but it ensures you have consistent belt tension every time — this is by far one of the best features mentioned in this Delta 18-900L drill press review.

What We Didn’t Like About The Delta 18-900L Drill Press

• Questionable Runout – Although we’ve found that many users have had absolutely no problems with this drill’s runout, there’s enough instances of complaint to call this feature into question. Some have remedied the situation through tightening and tweaking while others have simply purchased a totally new chuck.
• Laser light – The laser light is a welcome addition, but it does require some adjustments to make it work properly.
  Delta 18-900L Manual Now Available 

Delta 18-900L Drill Press Conclusion

If you’re used to working with a lower-end model of drill press, you will be thoroughly satisfied with how the Delta 18-900L is able to improve your efficiency. The auto-tensioning and depth stop systems will especially give your work a professional look; not to mention it has a load of features that we didn’t even delve into (16 speeds, easy height adjustment, tilting, LED light, locking levers, user-friendliness, etc.). Whether you truly need such a versatile drill press for sale or if you just want to say you have the best drill press on the market, this Delta will deliver. Click here to learn more about the Delta 18-900L

Jet JDP-15M Drill Press Highlights

• 16 Speed (200 to 3,630 RPM)
•  3/4 HP, 115/230 volt motor
• 15″ swing with tension and return spindle
• Built-in work light
• Quick-set bolt depth stop
• Can fit the Jet mortising attachment
• Click here for more details

What We Liked About The Jet JDP-15M Drill Press

• Heavy-Duty Build – As soon as you try and lift the 156 pound JET you’ll realize just how solidly constructed it is — no flimsy metal on this press. Although the weight makes it a little difficult to maneuver, it does provide a stable, non-yielding work surface.
• Little Runout – If you’ve read other drill press reviews, they you know it’s difficult to find a consumer-grade drill press that doesn’t have any runout, but the Jet comes pretty close. If you take the time to set it up properly and adjust it to your specifications, you should never have to bother with it again.
• Large Tabletop – The tabletop is 16.5″ x 13″, which makes it one of the largest tops in this class of machine.
• Easy Speed Change – Unless you buy a variable speed press, you’re going to deal with changing drive belts. Fortunately, the Jet makes this task as simple as possible as the motor is able to slide towards the drill head, which allows slack in the belts for easy removal and application.
• Impressive Specs – What impresses us most in this Jet JDP-15M drill press review is simply the overall specs of the product. With a 3/4 HP motor, 16 speeds, 15″ swing, spindle return, and a host of other features, this machine is comparable to much more expensive models.
• Versatile Three-Spoke Hand Wheel – The hand wheel, positioned on the side of the head, is just the right size for the times when you want to increase power, yet is equally effective for delicate jobs when you need more precision.
• (See User Reviews Here)

What We Didn’t Like About The Jet JDP-15M Drill Press

• Height – The Jet has the power of a floor-model press (which we like), but the dimensions don’t seem downsized enough for a typical 36″ workbench. Unless you’re taller than average, we think most people will feel more comfortable using it on a shorter table (just make sure it’s sturdy).
• Table tilt – Adjusting the tilt of the table involves accessing a nut located in a difficult-to-access location under the table.
  JDP-15M Manual Now Available 

Jet JDP-15M Drill Press Summary

Overall, this is a top-notch machine that works well in a busy home workshop or for light-duty professional work. Its powerful motor makes it capable of cutting through a variety of woods and metals, and its durable construction will hold up for years to come. If you’re looking for the best drill press in a tabletop design, the Jet won’t let you down. Click here to check out the Jet JDP-15M

Powermatic 1791310 PM701 Highlights

• 3/4 HP, 115-volt motor with up to 1725 RPM
• 1/2″ chuck and in-line depth stop
• 5 1/2″ head stroke capacity
• Handle can be positioned on left or right

What We Liked About The Powermatic 1791310 PM701

• Solid Construction – The Powermatic has sturdy cast iron parts, a sturdy motor and ram, brawny gears and stop collar, and a well-built chuck. Even on first inspection, you can tell this machine is built to last.
• The Extras – This mortiser not only gets the job done, but gets it done with ease and style. It’s equipped with a useful tool caddy, a chisel sharpener, reversible handle, and even an extra long power cord — it seems they thought of everything.
• Fence – The fence is solid metal and easily slides side to side in the built-in guiding slots. Once locked down, it does not budge, which ensures you get a straight cut every time.
• Easy Setup – If you’ve read other drill press reviews then you know assembly of mortises and drill presses can often take hours. However, the Powermatic comes almost completely put together and is ready to use within minutes of opening the box.
• Powerful Motor – The strong 3/4 horsepower motor provides enough power to drill through virtually any wood without hiccups.
• Accessible Chuck – Unlike other mortisers in this price range, the chuck is easy to get to via the one-piece cowl. It opens fully and provides enough room to make any needed adjustments.
  Check Out The Powermatic 1791310 PM701 

What We Didn’t Like About The Powermatic 1791310 PM701

• Manual Lacks Info – Although the manual has sufficient installation directions, it’s somewhat vague on operating instructions. Especially on what size bits and chisels to use and how to make cuts.
• Handle Rotation – One of the oddest things mentioned in this Powermatic pm701 benchtop mortiser review is the awkward handle rotation. The lowest point of the handle is actually past the plane of the workbench, which means you end up hitting your work table when trying to press the handle all the way down. You can reposition it, but that puts the starting point well behind the machine.
• Table Not Smooth – The table appears as though it is fresh from the mill (no shine and full of swirls). A good coat of oil or wax will make things smoother and prevent rust.

Powermatic 1791310 PM701 Summary

If you love owning quality tools that will help you finish your projects without headaches, then this Powermatic may be the best drill press/mortiser for you. Although you might have to make some minor adjustments to the handle and table, once you’re all setup, this machine does what it’s supposed to do — drill perfect squares and rectangles. If you need to make angled mortise and tenon joints, then you may want to consider something more expensive, but for basic mortises, this machine will get the job done. Definitely something to consider during a drill press sale.

Click here to learn more about the Powermatic 1791310 PM701

Shop Fox W1668 Drill Press Highlights

• Has 12 speed oscillating sander
• 110 volt electric, 3/4 Horsepower
• 2 1/4″ Dust Port
• Has speed 12 speeds ranging from 250 – 3,050 RPM
• Round table with 12 3/8″ diameter
• Table swings 360 degrees and tilts 45 degrees (both left and right)
• Dust port
• Drill chuck handles 1/8″ to 5/8″
• Spindle travel 3 1/4″ and has a total 13 1/4″ swing

What we liked About the Shop Fox W1668 Drill Press

• Easy Setup – The press comes in pieces, so it requires assembly, but anyone who is handy around the shop should have it put together in around an hour (two at the most).
• Sanding Kit – The included sanding kit attaches easily and is a huge selling point over less expensive drills. It reciprocates up and down, comes with several types of sanding cylinders and works just as advertised. It will definitely make quick work out of regular, contour sanding jobs.
• Good Power – Anyone reading this Shop Fox W1668 drill press review is undoubtedly curious about the drill’s power. We are happy to report that, considering the price, there’s a great amount of power in the Shop Fox. It will handle any home/hobbyist job with ease and can even tackle heavy-duty drilling from time to time.
• Simple Operation – This press has a straightforward operation and easily switches between speeds and other features, and the solid build allows for both the height and swing to adjust smoothly.
• Accurate – The Shop Fox W1668 drill press makes straight and true holes; even when angling they are always spot-on. Those who are upgrading directly from a handheld drill should be thoroughly impressed.
  Check Out The Shop Fox W1668-(Shop Fox W1668 Manual now available)

What we didn’t like about the Shop Fox W1668 Drill Press

• Must Remove Handles when Oscillating – The instruction manual suggestions, for safety reasons, removing the handle when using the oscillating feature. This is a minor inconvenience especially if you go back and forth a lot between tasks.
• A Little Noisy – The noise isn’t terrible — certainly not as bad as many other power tools, but those who have worked with higher-range drill presses will notice the sound difference.

Shop Fox W1668 Drill Press Conclusion

If you read enough drill press reviews you may become totally confused about what to purchase; it seems everyone has a different opinion. However, we think the Shop Fox W1668 will impress even the most serious hobbyist looking to buy drill press models. It has good build quality and handles much more than casual use. In fact, its specs are more comparable to many floor-standing drills, yet at a much lower price.

Click Here To Learn More About The Shop Fox W1668