No comments about Grizzly G0540 Single Spindle Boring Machine.

2 comments about Shop Fox H0625 Oscillating Drill Press.

1. I have purchased one other tool from Grizzly a couple of years back, and was not happy about the product nor the total lack of service from Grizzly. I bought this small seemly nice drill press from them under the name of Shop Fox, thinking things would be different. I am very disappointed at the lack of quality control. The motor housing was bent to the point that the machine would not work. But worse, a switch wire was hanging out of the switch housing. The wire was pinched down to the bare wire between the switch housing and the drill case, which would have cause a short to the drill press causing a potential shock or fire or both. I replaced the wire myself, because I didn't want to haggle with Grizzly. It isn't worth the frustration. This will be the last time I will ever buy anything from Grizzly (Shop Fox). I am surprised that Amazon will front a company that is so shabby.



2. I purchased this as an upgrade from my old (cheap) drill press. I was drawn to the secondary "oscillating" feature and the Grizzly name (as the selling vendor).
   
   The product arrived with a broken switch. I reported the issue (via email) to Shop Fox and Grizzly. Grizzly CS responded quickly and shipped a replacement part right away - all at their expense. I get the feeling that they would be willing to help if anything else was amiss.
   
   The H0625 Drill Press itself meets my expectations for quality and features based on the price paid. At some point I will upgrade again but, so far, this drill press has served me well.

3 comments about Grizzly G7946 5 Speed Floor Radial Drill Press.

1. Let me preface my comments by stating that I own and love many pieces of grizzly machinery. That being said, this is not one of them.

   The design of this drill press intrigued me to the point that I decided to purchase it. It has occupied a place in my shop for over a year now. It is a great idea, 34" swing,drill at compound angles on a flat table, how can you beat features like that, right? They fall short of the theory in the application.

   First and foremost the motor is way underpowered. It is not the 1/2 hp motor that they use on most of their heavier machines, it is a very poorly made import of about half the physical size you would expect. drilling holes with any sized forstner bit over about 1/2" will stop the motor, you must feed very slowly and back it off every 1/16" to let the motor regain momentum.

   I should have replaced the motor immediately, but figured I would use it until it burned up, which happened last weekend at the most inopportune time. Thick clouds of black smoke, whining, hissing, the smell of burning plastic, of course it happened 13 months after I purchased it, 1 month after the 12 month warranty expired, not that i would want another of those motors anyway.

   I replaced it with a 1/2 hp Dayton motor of corresponding specifications (would have used larger, but It was what I had immediately available). Talk about a night and day difference, it powered through drilling 2" holes with no problem whatsoever. I had used this underpowered drill press long enough that I forgot what a drill press was supposed to work like.

   The other main problem is the amount of flex in the main column and in the shaft for the radial head, it is acceptable for most tasks but can cause a little more deflection than desired for precision work. I still like the radial head idea. I wish the larger radial head drill press grizzly offers was mounted on a conventional main column with a conventional table.

   If you do buy this press, replace the motor immediately, it's not worth the aggravation or inefficiency to even bother with the original.




2. I purchased this machine because I needed to drill stepped holes in the middle of disks with forstner bits. I needed a floor model. And this is the only one available from anyone that I know of. I would have been happy to spend much more money and I didn't expect much for the price. My expectations were met.
   
   The motor is severely underpowered. I need to drill 1.125 holes in the middle of up to 25" sheet stock. I have to be very careful and just take small "baby steps" lowering the forstner bit in and then removing it to keep the motor spinning. I'm thinking of replacing the motor as soon as I can get around to it.
   
   The table is not square to the bit. I made a larger table and attached it to the stock table. I do this on all my drill presses anyway to prevent tearout on the back side of the piece. I had to shim significantly ( 1/4 of an inch) on one side to get it square to the bit.
   
   There is a stop which operates on both the up and down stroke which is a good idea. It's basically a bolt with nuts above and below a piece of cheap angle. The first time you use your stop, the angle will bend. You'll need to replace it with something more substantial.
   
   The handles on the clamps have a plastic cover which wants to come off every time you attempt to tighten or loosen any of the various settings. This really bothers me.
   
   The press will allow you to drill holes 18" from the support stand. This is very good. You can also rotate the head for angled holes. This is also very good for those awkward angled holes on furniture.
   
   The bottom line is this.... it's a machine that I love to hate. Don't plan on using it for the only press in your shop. But if you need to drill holes in wide stock or angles for chairs and such, buy it, fix it, and enjoy.



3. I read the previous reviews that mentioned the severely underpowered "1/2" horsepower motor, but when I saw the press, I just had to get it. The head swivels and telescopes - very cool! It's great for doing unusual drilling jobs.
   
   However, I would agree with the other reviews regarding the severely under-powered motor. By simply holding the chuck, I can keep the spindle from turning when geared to the LOW speed! I can keep the spindle from turning with my thumb and forefinger when it's geared to the fastest speed. There is NO WAY this is actually 1/2 horsepower. My cordless pistol drill is probably at least twice as strong. Next item on my list... a new motor!
   
   Don't be scared away from Grizzly products, though. I have purchased other Grizzly products, and this underpowered motor is not typical of their usual high quality (and fantastic prices). I would probably buy this drill again, underpowered motor and all, for $200. It's still worth it.

2 comments about Grizzly G7942 5 Speed Baby Drill Press.

1. This tool is adequate for those tasks in which a hand drill does not give sufficient positional control and you wish that you had a drill press. Now for very little money you can keep one on the back bench.



2. I am returning this drill press to Grizzy for a refund. I was told by their
   customer service today "you get what you pay for". I'd rather have a lousy drill press than a lousy reputation. At least I can return the drill press.
   Grizzly = never again!

No comments about Delta 32-325 3/4 Horsepower 13 Spindle Line Boring Machine.

5 comments about Grizzly G7943 12 Speed Heavy-Duty Bench-Top Drill Press.

1. When shopping for my first woodworking drill press for my shop, I wanted something that was solid, powerful, reliable, and something that I wouldn't outgrow. I've grown tired of buying cheap and low-end machines and later wishing I had sprung for something better. I've also been disappointed in Delta's quality lately (my second choice), so I decided to try another brand. Having used this drill press on a project of mine for about a week now, I'm convinced this is the machine.
   
   I received my drill press about a week after I ordered it. The box is too heavy to be handled by one person alone, but most people should be able to move it piece by piece once they've received it. Assembly is easy, but you will definitely need help mounting the head onto the column as the head is very heavy. This machine is quite a beast for a benchtop drill press -- be sure your workbench can handle the size and weight of this machine.
   
   At 3/4 hp, this drill has more than enough power to drill through wood. In fact, it's sometimes hard to tell if your bit has punched through the bottom of the wood since the motor never seems to strain when drilling. You'd think a motor like that would create a lot of noise, but it's much lower than I had expected.
   
   The only irritation I've had so far is Grizzly's addition of a depth stop gauge on the left side of the head. Now don't get me wrong, this is a fine addition, but they've removed the scale on the collar lock on the right side without removing any of the hardware. So essentially, you have two methods for a depth stop. The depth stop gauge on the left is easy to bend if you're not paying attention, so I'll be using the collar stop on the right after adding my own scale. (This change has not been incorporated into the manual yet.)
   
   One interesting thing I discovered is that this model and the G7944 (the floor model) are identical, including the manual and dataplate on the head, except for three column parts. So for about $65, you can order the three column parts from Grizzly and convert this machine to the G7944 floor model (and vise versa) if you decide that better fits your needs in the future.
   
   Overall, I've found this drill press to be an excellent machine and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.



2. Here's my story.
   
   After discovering that the very expensive Kohler lavatory sink I purchased from my local home center was the wrong part and that it only had a single faucet hole rather than three...and my home center couldn't/wouldn't take it back even with a restocking fee, I figured I was out of luck.
   
   Eventually, and after lots of web-based research and cost versus risk discussion with my wife, I decided to try to drill the missing holes in the sink, which is made of vitrous fireclay. On the web, I found a 1.375 inch diamond coring bit used for floor tile work as well as a set of guildlines for boring holes in ceramic materials. I needed a 150-200 rpm drill exerting 8-12 pounds force on the bit which must be immersed in water.
   
   Based on these guidlines, I looked at varous drill presses both in person and on the web. The criteria I used to select this particular model were: it had the lowest spindle speed; the lowest cost; and an adjustable spring-loaded spindle return which helped me control the downward force on the bit. Of all the drills I looked at, this was by far the cheapest that had all of the features I required.
   
   I'm pleased to report that I now have a very nice Kolher sink installed in my bathroom. It has three round holes spaced four inches apart, great faucet hardware with no cracks nor chips.
   
   This drill press is a great value for the money. It isn't perfect -- some of the castings were not quite compete, but all of the machined surfaces are flat, the motor is powerful enough for mortising 4x4's, and the spindle/chuck are straight and without play. The movement of the head is good. The most unsatisfactory part of the drill press is the rack on which the table is pinioned up and down -- it is not really mounted to the central post, but instead held in place by two rings. Really though, you get what you pay for, and this one problem doesn't negate the whole package.
   
   This drill press is a great value for the money. I'm very pleased with my purchase.



3. I just got this drill press and it is a huge improvement over my previous Delta, but I do have one suggestion. I use a drill press almost exclusively for woodwork, and that needs a larger work table with a fence. The table can be easily made to suit and attached to the existing table, but then the fence interferes with the crank handles when using a short drill bit. I have had to shorten the crank handles to provide clearance.



4. Before I start, woodworking is a fairly new hobby for me. Prior to my shoulder problems, I worked in a machine shop, so I'm used to working with steel and aluminum.
   Like others, I have suffered not having enough tool for the job at hand. So when I went shopping, I hit Sears, Harbor Freight, the big box stores, and last, went to the Bellingham,WA. showroom. Just because it's not that far away from us.
   The Grizzly was far and away the most drill press I saw for under $300. Setup was easy once I made a sturdy bench for it to be attached to. It runs smoothly, and has more than enough power for anything I can throw at it. It has the advantage of more low end speeds than most drill presses in the price range.
   It took me a few days to come up with a good drill press table for it, but it works well with it, although I have had to remove the handles more than once to get in close. Since then Grizzly offers a table that looks decent for $30
   I had one part break after 6 days, and had a discussion with customer support. They wanted to charge me until I pointed out it was darn near new. They sent the part, and I had it installed 2 days after the talk with customer service.
   Since then, I've had occasion to contact customer service (on another item), and they worked with me, and it took 2 tries for them to find a part that would do what it was supposed to. No problems with that issue.
   I've found customer service to be helpful, but I think it depends who answers the phone on the other end. I've had excellent results via email though.



5. I haven't had a chance to put it through the wringer yet, but, the few times I have used it thusfar show a lot of promise. Went together very easily, although a heavy unit. Speeds are easy to adjust with the belts. Not too noisy. I'm not sure I am thrilled with the table height adjustment mechanism, mainly the track on the side of the post but also the crank mechanism. Works OK so far though. All in all I would give it an 8 out 10 on quality and 10 out 10 for value. I highly recommend this unit if you are looking for a benchtop unit. Watch out on the shipping, I picked it up at the local shipping center, they say they would deliver to my house though, they did call to schedule. Not sure how the delivery to my house would have went, read the delivery terms and ask questions first.

5 comments about Grizzly G7948 12 Speed 20" Floor Drill Press.

1. After ordering $26,000 worth of Powermatic equipment from Amazon, I ordered this press. I was called on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and told I had to accept it the next day or agree to pay $50 per day "storage," or it would be returned and I would be charged for all shipping. I had never been given such a ransom demand from any shippers from Powermatic. Grizzly customer service was rude, demanding, and downright embarrassing to deal with. I simultaneously ordered $60 worth of Grizzly attachments, which are now worthless, and they won't accept a return. Lesson - DONT BUY GRIZZLY!!!!!!!



2. This is poorest quality "tool" I have in my shop. The Jacobs spindle wobbles, the table adjustments don't lock in place. The table moves while I'm drilling. The vertical shaft was rusted when I received it.
   
   The junk was all shipped in a single box and the 100+ pound motor smashed the shroud around the belts and put a big dent in the vertical shaft. Oh, Grizzly sent a new shroud, but I had to buy a pulley puller to replace it. I also had to buy a block and tackle to lift the humongous motor on top of the vertical shaft. It is one hunk of cast iron that was made in China. They hide the mistakes in casting by adding more iron.
   
   While Grizzly advertises that this drill is variable speed, you have to change two belts and three different variable sized pulleys for a total of 15 different settings.
   
   I will never, NEVER buy anything from Grizzly again.



3. I purchased one about a month ago. All the elements are there for a good product but detail is missing.
   1. Do not use the included manual, use the one on line to assemble the drill press. It is far to heavy to assemble without a hoist or a strong friend to move it from horizontal to vertical.
   2. Replace the drive belts on receipt. Measure the spindle belt since the recommended one will be too short.
   3. Mine would not drill a hole in thin wall square tubing without stalling the bit and spindle. The trouble shooting guide did not deal with the possibility that the large nut that holds the front pulley to the spindle might be loose. Mine was. There is no set screw on the front pulley. Tightening the front nut requires a very large wrench. Further, to tighten the nut requires immobilising the spindle. Using the taper wedge will probably work. No work torque specifications are in the manual.
   4. An incomplete manual and sloppy assembly, as delivered, make completing a usable machine a project that requires more that following the instructions.
   5. If you specify a truck with a lift gate to deliver the drill press, be sure and remind the trucking firm of the need for the lift gate when they call to schedule delivery. Maurice Bresenhan Jr.



4. I have purchased several large Grizzly machines in the past and will not be buying any more. The drill press manual is sketchy at best. Changing speeds is a hassle. The belts that came with the press were lousy as they caused much vibration, even in a unit as heavy as this press. The table isn't solid as is shifts no mater how tight I set it. Delivery was a chore. To true the table I had to purchase a 1 3/16 inch socket. I'll give it to one of my sons and probably get the new Powermatic that is coming out this month.



5. Great machine. Box had two holes, belt shield has small dent not in area of box damage, dent has no effect on operation. Very smooth running, runout is .002 on the spindel. This was checked by Griz before shipping at my request. Contract tolarence is .006 from the factory. Setup was not a problem as I have a small overhead winch. Belts are fine smooth and non slipping. Depth stop has been reinforced by Griz and is very sturdy.
   This is a very well built press comparable to others at nearly twice the price. It is big and heavy but does not occupy much more floor space than the 14 inch it replaced but is three times the press.
   If you need a really good drill press buy this one.
   I commend Griz for leaving the negative comments on line but some of these must be from some time ago as the problems mentioned have been delt with in a constructive mannor. Jan,28,o8

No comments about OTC 7402 Universal Outside Thread Chaser.

4 comments about Grizzly G7945 5 Speed Bench-Top Radial Drill Press.

1. Generally poorly made and inaccurate. The customer service is even worse.



2. This machine disappoints me each time I use it. Generally, poor quality. Not enough power, especially when drilling in positions other than vertical. Too many adjustments have to be made. I'm shopping for a new drill press to replace this.



3. I've had the G7945 for about a month now and it is quite possibly the worst money I've ever spent. I should've came here first for the reviews. The belt that came with it cause some serious vibration and it also caused unacceptable runout. Grizzly tech support was basically not helpful. I replaced the v-belt and it is now working better although I'm still getting quite a bit of vibration. I also noticed the 5 step cone motor pulley was wobbling; probably the cause of most of the vibration. I'm going to live with what I have now and when I decide to change the motor out, I'm going to put in machined pulleys taboot. Although this DP is a piece of junk, it does have some potential if the right equipment and replacement parts are put in it. Seeing that the higher end Radial DP that Grizzly puts out is $545, I could get a new motor and some machined pulleys and I'll probably break even.



4. I have a prior version of this machine, but appears identical in all non-cosmetic respects. Like others, it has a lot of runout in the chuck.
   
   I generally avoid cheap tools (because I'm always disappointed), but Grizzly has often received good reviews in the magazines, so I thought I'd give it a chance. I wish I hadn't.
   
   The coup-de-grace was that the table fell off when its single retaining bolt broke out three threads holding it in the column casting. Upon closer inspection, it was tapped at about a 10-degree angle to square. Bad enough, but when it appeared that I could simply get a standard bolt half an inch longer to catch the undamaged threads was I in for a surprise. It uses a very non-standard 1/2"-12 bolt. No one locally carries them, not even the industrial suppliers. So much for repairability using standardized components.
   
   Grizzly was happy to sell me one at $.75 but then wanted $7.70 for shipping and handling! And neither they nor I could guarantee that a longer bolt would even solve the problem. When I complained, they suggested I could add another $24 of accessories for the same shipping and handling charge. If I am truly a valued customer, as their e-mail states, they would have sent me one free of charge.

5 comments about Grizzly G7944 12 Speed Heavy-Duty 14" Floor Drill Press.

1. The first drill press that I received from Grizzly was defective: the adjustment lever for the belts was stuck and the drill made terrible noises when turned on. Grizzly was very slow in responding to my many inquiries (with no 1-800 number for customer service)and, after repackaging and returning the defective drill press and more than a month from my initial order, I received another drill press. Upon opening the box, however, I found a dent on the housing surrounding the belts. What a mess! If I knew then what I know now, I would never have ordered this drill press. Think twice before ordering this item.
   Buy something local.



2. I replaced a 10" bench top drill with this. It's solid and sturdy



3. I would have given 5 stars but I was missing the worm gear to adjust the table when it arrived. A quick call to customer service and that had the part out to me in 3 days. For the price you can't beat this drill press. A solid smooth running machine with plenty of power to get the job done. The added light is a blessing and I love the Delta/Jet type depth stop.



4. Great drill press. Easy assembly, low noise and almost zero vibration. Set screw for collar ring was missing but they sent me one within a week. This is a heavy unit so it must be very well mounted ( I used two 4 x 4 3/4 inch MDF mounted to the pallet the unit was delivered on ). Also used with sanding drum with no issues at all. Worm gear for the table is a little sloppy ( side to side movement ) but this has not been an operational issue. Threaded post and hub style depth stop included on unit. This is a great deal for the money.



5. As a professional woodworker moving to a new location, I was looking to save some money on a few tools when setting up my new shop. I purchased this drill press becasue the price was far cheaper than any other model with comparable features. Right out of the box the drill press had the typical flaws characteristic of most grizzly tools - pock-marked steel, imperfect threadings, loose pulleys, etc...
   I was expecting most of these defects so I overlooked them and set the press up in my shop. After two years of use I can say that the drill press does drill holes but it is a highly inaccurate machine that is not a joy to use. The table is tough to adjust with accuracy, the 1/2 inch chuck frequently sticks and has a slight wobble, and the belts and pulleys are very hard to adjust for proper speed on the machine. Recently, the handles on the press have stripped and come loose.
   I could go on and on with all the minor querks and defects of this machine but I will just say that if you a weekend handyman looking to drill a few holes now and then then this machine will do fine. If you, however, are looking for a serious tool that will help you raise your woodworking skills to the next level, spend the extra money now and get a JET, DELTA, or POWERMATIC. You will be happy you did.