Bench vs Floor

[pilotpm]

Hello,

Being fairly new to wood working I am slowly building up my tool collection. I am trying to decide between a high quality bench model or a floor model. Other than price what are some of the pros and cons of each.

Thanks

[thintz]

A floor model drill press has a major advantage in the length (height) of the piece it can handle. This can be a big deal when making legs or spindles that need a correct hole in one or both ends.

Floor models also usually have more power and quil-to-column clearnance which lets you work with bigger bits and workpieces.

I say if you have the budget, get the floor model. It gives you many more options down the road when you discover more needs for it.

[wfahey]

I have a bench model drill press. If I had to do it over again, I would pony up the extra bucks and get a floor model. I have not found mine to be lacking in power just yet but no doubt that will come into play at some point.

[massey130]

i started out with the bench model and wound up making make-shift jigs to simulate a floor model when necessary. and necessary seemed to come up more than i figured. i recently bought a used floor model. i just got it cleaned up and put a 12 by 23 W table on it. it is cold in my shop right now, so i have not used it yet, but i am ready.

having both, i can say get the floor model. now i need to decide if i want to sell the bench model or keep it.

[Seamus]

I have a floor standing drill press and although I think it is probably the least used piece of equipment in my shop, when you really need it, little else will do. I would recommend spending the extra cash if you can and get the floor model.