Hi,
I have a Delta 17-959 L drill press. It is a tremendous improvement over the old, smaller, floor model Delta that I had. The old one is a good machine. The 17-959 L is a great machine.
Glenn looked it up. He has the top of the line 17 inch home version Delta drill press. He says it is a good machine. However, he is really sorry he did not get the 17-959 L. He said that the 17-959 is the low end of the professional line. The difference between the two is much greater than the price difference between the two.
Specs:
Speed Range 215 – 2,720
Large steel table designed for woodworking.
120volt or 240volt hook-up
Very smooth tilting table; locks in place very easily. However, I am with Vaughn; I prefer tilting the wood. Reasons: It is quicker. I have much better use of the fence---This is true of any drill press I have used.
The quill lock works with just a feather touch of the lever. I use it frequently, especially during set-ups.
The depth of drilling lock adjusts quickly---like a vise with quick adjust. Then there is a ring knob to turn for really fine adjustments.
The quality and weight of the castings is better than my father’s Delta DP from the late 1940s or early 1950s.
I have had the machine several years now. I still have not stopped to really adjust the laser guides. The width of the guide marks is greater than I am willing to accept for fine quality work. They are fine for construction, not for furniture, clocks, games, etc. I do like Vaughn says and set it up manually. I have a steel rod with a long fine taper that I use for precision hole location on things that count.
One of my sons paid over $1,000 for a DP. He ended up taking it back. He purchased the same machine I have (Less than $600 by a few pennies) and is very happy with it.
I hope this was helpful.
JimB