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Heard some rumors about Steel City having problems. Not the Drill Press, the Company. Might want to check them a little closer. Personally, I would be a little hesitant to purchase a modern machine that had shaky support from the company. It's not like they're built as well as the old iron used to be. Just my opinion.
I don't know about the company, but I have the drillpress and LOVE it. It is not a top-of-the line unit by any stretch, and it has its strengths and weaknesses. If you are fairly handy you should be able to set it up and have a pretty accurate drillpress. I like the long quill stroke and the two piece head casting should let me keep it running true for a long time. It has plenty of power and runs smooth and quiet. My only gripe - and most drillpresses in this class are no different - is the cheap table height adjuster.
Mike---I own a SC drill press and have been pleased with it. I also own their table saw and shaper---I had issues with the extension wings for both of those but the company shipped new wings with no hassle at no charge to me. They were very easy to talk to.
Jerry
Mike,
I own the drill press, table saw and 18" bandsaw. The equipment is rock solid. Customer support has been top notch as well.
On the drill press specifically, I wish the table were larger and could tilt forward but none of the "woodworking" drill presses in this class have the Steel City's 6" quill stroke which was a must for me. I added an aftermarket table to mine.
George
I own the drill press, table saw and 18" bandsaw. The equipment is rock solid. Customer support has been top notch as well.
On the drill press specifically, I wish the table were larger and could tilt forward but none of the "woodworking" drill presses in this class have the Steel City's 6" quill stroke which was a must for me. I added an aftermarket table to mine.
George
Hi Mike.
The model # in your post is actually for the Jet 17". Our own, Tom Hintz did a review of the Jet (JDP-17DX) back in September 08. Here....
http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/jetjdp17dxrvu.html
I have had the Steel city 17" drill press for about six months and think that it is great machine. I did have an issue that they resolved for me. (When I unpacked it, it was missing the column capture ring for the raise/lower rack assembly. I called them and they agreed to ship me one. It took about 7 weeks to get it. They told me that they were in the precess of moving their warehouse from Tenn to Hayward Cal.. In speaking with their CS rep manager in Canada, they said they would send me a laser kit for the drillpress for my inconvenience.)
I really wrestled with buying either the Jet or SC. I settled on the SC due to the long quill travel (6") and the split head.
It has been a great drillpress. I too am hoping that their CS doesn't go down hill as I think their products are pretty good value for the money.
HTH
Wayne
The model # in your post is actually for the Jet 17". Our own, Tom Hintz did a review of the Jet (JDP-17DX) back in September 08. Here....
http://www.newwoodworker.com/reviews/jetjdp17dxrvu.html
I have had the Steel city 17" drill press for about six months and think that it is great machine. I did have an issue that they resolved for me. (When I unpacked it, it was missing the column capture ring for the raise/lower rack assembly. I called them and they agreed to ship me one. It took about 7 weeks to get it. They told me that they were in the precess of moving their warehouse from Tenn to Hayward Cal.. In speaking with their CS rep manager in Canada, they said they would send me a laser kit for the drillpress for my inconvenience.)
I really wrestled with buying either the Jet or SC. I settled on the SC due to the long quill travel (6") and the split head.
It has been a great drillpress. I too am hoping that their CS doesn't go down hill as I think their products are pretty good value for the money.
HTH
Wayne
Just to add to this look at this one. it is the the Delta 20-950. It has the tilt forward table, 6" quill stroke and variable speed. I got mine earlier this year and am extremely happy.
I've seen a few posts on SMC about Steel City having some customer support issues, i.e. not answering the phone. Hope it's a temporary thing.
Mike,
I found the roughness in the table lift mechanism can be eliminated by not over-loosening the lock lever. In other words, just barely crack the lock lever loose and the table rises and lowers as smooth as silk.
George
Steve,
That is the drill press I wanted to buy but it wasn't available when I was in the market so my 2nd choice was the Steel City.
George
Like Steve, I would like to throw this one out there for consideration. http://www.cpowoodworking.com/drilling_machines/drill_presses/laser_drill_presses/17-950l.html It is the one sold at Lowe's and has done everything that I have asked of it. I especially like the table with the t-slots and insert, they make it very friendly for woodworking and holding workpieces. The 4" quill travel had not been a hindrance so far and the price is friendly. MTCW
James
James
I did look at the Delta. I started the process with the intent of buying a Delta but there are some pretty disappointing reviews out there. I have not made a final decision as I have not had time to take a good, hands-on, look at each.
Again, thanks much for the comments.
Again, thanks much for the comments.
I know it is a haul up here from Pittsboro, but you are welcome to come up and put mine through it's paces if you want to see how it handles.
James
James
george, I waited for over a year for them to release another production. Was getting very annoyed and almost gave up. But the wait was worth it.:thumbs_up
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