Delta offers the SM300 Shopmaster Bench 10 inch drill press as a cost effective alternative for those in need of a large drill press without the high cost of a 12 inch press. Constructed with industry leading features, including a cast-iron tilting table with the ability to tilt up to 45 degrees for angled drilling, the SM300 offers innovative components and easy assembly for user convenience. Constructed with a standard three jaw, 1/2 inch capacity chuck which easily locks onto a range of drill press cutting tools. This convenient chuck works with bits with up to 1/2 inch shanks so even larger wood boring bits may be used. With five speeds ranging from 620 to 3,100 rpm, the SM300 induction motor provides enduring, flawless results while the swiveling mount for the motor keeps correct belt tension and executes speed changes. The tilting table also features slots designed for speedy clamping, mounting, and attaching various accessories. Other handy features include: a three spoke pilot wheel, an adjustable locking depth stop for precise measurements and constant drilling, rack and pinion raising mechanism for simple adjustments, and a removable on/off switch so unauthorized use is prevented.
Delta sm300 drill press I just received my Delta sm300 drill press. The instructions were simple and assembly took around 1 hr, incliding opening up the box. It works like a charm and really looks good. Paul in Huntsville For the price, this drill press is everything that it was cracked up to be. For the price... it is GREAT I bought a Delta SM300 unit from Amazon in March 2008. It was just $99 with free SuperSaving shipping, and no sales tax, a great price for a solid bench drill press. Most of the parts are cast iron or machined steel. The unit runs smoothly with very minimal vibration. Nice accurate holes every time. I have only two minor complaints. The cardboard shipping box is not really strong enough for this drill press. The heavy parts shifted in transit and broke a small 1/4 piece of plastic off of the back of the pulley cover. I just glued it back on, but still it was an annoyance. The other complaint is that the motor seems to have a very slight "hot oil" smell after 20 minutes of continuance use. Overall, I am very pleased with this drill press. I have a larger floor model at work, but for my home use, this bench top unit is great. You get what you pay for This is my first (but won't be my last)drill press. On the plus side, it's easy to assemble, easy to use, doesn't take up much space and does accurate work. Once it was set up, the machine did exactly what I needed it to do - at first.
The drill press hasn't broken or had any critical adjustments slip, it's just that after I'd used it on a few projects, I began to realize how handy a drill press can be. That's when I started running up against the SM300's limitations. Number one - it's seriously under-powered, something I noticed the first time I chucked up a forsner bit. Number two - it's seriously under-powered. Number three - The manual lists recommended speeds for various operations. Under forsner bits (hardwood), instead of saying not applicable or not recommended, the table lists a speed setting that isn't available on the machine.
Adjusting the belt in order to change speed settings is, although it's a minor concern, a bit of a hassle. Nothing serious, just a pain.
Someone having more experience with drill presses would have probably understood the machine's limitations better than I did. Having now learned, I hope to replace my SM300 in the near future.
If you don't anticipate a need to use forsner bits and/or solely work with softwood, the SM300 is a nice, solid, dependable little machine. If you plan on doing genreal woodworking (My primary use for the machine) go for something that has a bit more muscle. Delta SM 300 Drill press The delta SM300 drill press can be purchased for$99.99 new at most of your hometown hardwares. I just purchased one. Lewis Baker
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