Bought a liddle 10" Ryobi drill press fer $89. Never opened the box thinking there just wasn't enough clearance from the base to the chuck for component boxes and stuff. There's a Harbor Freight retail store near Speakerman and I had been intending to look there for some time. Did so yesterday. They have a spotty reputation going back over 20 years. Good prices but some stuff crudely made. I spotted a 3/4 horse 13" benchtop drill press marked $189 with a little tag that said "SALE", $139. Okay! Independent adjustments for table tilt and height, 5/8 chuck, great big motor and a Jacobs-type chuck. Depth stop is kinda crude but there's no plastic anywhere. It's a Beast! Ryobi, go home!
colinhester Messages: 1349 Registered: May 2009 Location: NE Arkansas
Illuminati (3rd Degree)
I have a couple of Ryobi tools (table saw and router w/table) that are marginal build quality. They are good for the occasional use. This is pretty much the same opinion I have of Harbor Freight, except with HF I know what I'm getting. I have a number of HF tools and they are perfect for the one-time or infrequent use. I bought a drill bit counter sink set and a drum sander attachment from HF that I swear are the same as Rockler sells......Colin