Delta Reviews

I have used this unit for over a year. It was purchased as an upgrade from the commonly available Multi-speed floor units. With those units, I found myself too lazy to continually change the belts to get the correct speed. I knew using the correct speed was important to hole quality and cutting tool life, but it made a bigger difference than I had expected. The vibration and quill runout is fine. I like the extra long quill length. The depth stop and quill lock are convenient and easy to use. So much so, that I use them. The base is larger than most units and provides stability. The table is larger than most, and the underside, once past the rim, provides adequate flat surfaces for clamping. There are some things I would add/change. It should come with a light. I purchased a Delta magnetic base unit. There is an optional light available. Either way, you end up with two power cords/plugs. All the handles could be of better quaility. As a direct user-interface, the handle plastic with sharp seams just does not do it for me. I replaced mine with 2" hardwood balls. Softer to the touch and I like the look. A chuck key holder should also be a standard feature. I have mine on a retractable key holder, attached with doublestick tape to the side of the machine. Finally, the feel of the on/off switch is less positive than I would expect. It is like the push buttons for the presets on an old American car radio. They worked, but thinking back, they just never did feel like the most well-engineered design. Bottom Line: I do like the machine and am happy with my buying decision.

It was too much trouble to move belts to adjust speed on my previous drill presses, but I knew the right speed did a better job and made the bit last longer.

Delta appears to own the market for reasonably priced variable-speed drill presses. The 17-925 has an incredibly long (6 inches) quill travel, plus a very wide speed range of 150-3200 RPM. Adjusting speed is very easy B first, select the speed range (low or high) with the rear handle; and then dial in the speed you want with the front handle. The machine must be running to change speeds, or internal parts could be damaged. In fact, it's so easy, and quick (a few seconds), you get used to setting a reasonable speed for each cut. I even change speeds while drilling/cutting, as necessary.

Run-out on my machine is practically nil, regardless of the quill location. There was minor belt-cover vibration, which was fixed with some stick-on felt. The quill depth stop is quick and easy to adjust, as is the spindle lock. At 74 inches tall, this is a large, top heavy, machine. Bolting it to the floor offers maximum stability, but mine is on a mobile base to conserve shop floor space.

I made several modifications to an HTC mobile base (HPJ-6) to accommodate the drill press: - Bolted a double layer of 11-ply 3/4" plywood onto the support shelves of the base to raise the press (I'm tall); bolted the drill press base to the plywood; bolted two 50 lb. weight-lifting plates to the drill press base to reduce any tendency of the press to tip over. - Installed a heavy-duty adjustable cabinet leveler at each corner of the base, to preclude tip overs. (Item number 937-023 from woodworker dot com.) Set each leveler to 1/16" off the floor.

The large cast iron metalworking table also works just fine for woodworking - It's easy to clamp work down since the table has many flat areas underneath. It can rotate 360 degrees, but has a large screw-handle to lock it in place. If you use lots of oil for metal cutting, there is a threaded drain-hole in the table for runoff.

The spindle handle knobs are hard and small for comfortable use, so I bought a can of liquid rubber and coated each handle. Although this was an improvement, Delta should really improve these knobs. Also, there was no obvious place to store the chuck. I fixed it to a small chain and connected one end to the lower column tightener, so it's handy.

The 110V motor is amply powered for everything I've thrown at it. For example, it will cut 3 3/16" rosettes in hardwood with ease, with no motor issues. Although more power is unnecessary, a simple motor wiring change to 220V does just that.
No lamp is included, but that is easily fixed with the addition of a Delta 25-858 Lamp bolted to the press's (left side) lamp lug. I installed two more lamps -- a 24 goose-neck magnetic lamp stuck to the top plate, and a 30 watt mini-flood mounted inside the hollow area behind the quill, aimed to below the chuck location. I wound up using smaller bulbs than each lamp could hold because otherwise, the light was blinding! All three lamps operate on a single switch. (Click on customer photos.)

Installing a 26 lb. cross-vice on the table significantly increased the effort required to crank the table upward. Worse, moving the table around the column made the raising-rack (that long column gear-piece) bind in its bottom channel B to the point damage might have occurred. To counteract that, I had to pull up hard on the table whenever raising or turning it. I probably should have rated the press at four stars because of this. (On the other hand, without a vise, this won't be a problem, and this is probably an issue on most drill presses.) My fix was a [Rube-Goldberg] counter-weight apparatus using three (garage door) springs (a 160 lb. & two 120 lb. rated), four pulleys, and 3/16" steel cable. This set-up exerts a constant upward pull on the table of about 50 lbs. It's now slightly easier to crank the table up, than it is to crank it down! It took a good deal of experimentation using varying spring strengths to get it just right; and while it looks a bit bizarre, it works wonderfully. Click on customer photos.

The principal features of this press are the terrific variable speed mechanism and the extra-long quill travel. Considering that comparable [variable speed] drill presses cost over twice as much (e.g., the Grizzly G9749 or the Palmgren 80202), the 17-925 is a good value. Everything works as advertised - I'd buy the same press again.

Jan '06 update: Installed an 82 lb. Palmgren CV80 cross vise on the drill press table. (Click on customer photos.) Could barely crank the table upward, even with the spring assist. Concerned that the plastic crank handle would break under the strain, I changed to three very strong (160 pound rated) garage door springs. All's well now. See my review of the CV80 for additional information.

I have wanted a variable speed drill press for some time, as I was tired of changing the belts every time I needed to adjust the speed. I was hesitant about buying the Delta, as most good variable speed drill presses are twice as expensive. Having given up on trying to locate a used commercial machine, I took the plunge and purchased the Delta.

As soon as I put it together the first thing I checked was run-out. I was pleasantly surprised when I found I had only .001. The run-out did not change even when I extended the quill. As you can imagine I was beaming at that point. Next test was vibration. Again, surprised, I had little vibration. I am sure with a heaver castings, I would have less; but I could not complain about what I had, it was nominal.

All in all, I was very pleased/surprised with my purchase as I think Delta in some cases has sacrificed quality to bring it's product in at a lower price point.

I have used this on shaper and table saw. It works great on both of them. Though It took some time to get used to in using the feeder, got used to it after some time. I think there is an opportunity to provide better documentation. I have cut 10' long hardwood with consistant results, which is not possible with out this power feeder. In addition to quality cuts I appreciate the safty it provides using both table saw and the shaper.

This was an excellent safety addition to any shaper. When swinging carbide that fast, the further I can keep my hands from it the happier I am. The power feeder came with a peel off template that made drilling and tapping for mounting bolts a piece of cake. Take the time to read the instructions, and get familair with the device. The fact it keeps constant speed has made all my door styles/rails and mouldings picture perfect whether they are 12" long or are 12' long. As usual, Delta provides a good product for the money.
Plan on spending 1 hour to mount the power feeder. I chose to grind off the front portion of the wheel guard so I could get it tighter to the feence for smaller moulding. Leave enough guard to prevent damage to the wheels, but it 1'4 from the side, and 12" wide mae a huge difference for tightness to the fence. I recommend purchasing a drill and tap set and tapping the table top. Much easier than trying to fish under, get through any reinforcement webbing and locate nuts.

Over the years I've seen and heard of some horrible accidents in wood shops. Although it's not a standard piece of equipment in most shops, the shaper remains one of the most common culprits for accidents. I myself once had a piece of 3/4 x 3/4 trim fire like an arrow out of a shaper (the finger boards holding the stock had vibrated loose) narrowly missing a guy jointing lumber and bursting into toothpicks when it hit a block wall 15 feet away. I'm sure it would have gone right through him had he been standing 2 feet to the left. That and a couple of other shaper incidents have brought me to the conclusion that one of the best safety devices you can put on a shaper is a stock feeder. Nothing will ever replace common sense or care in using a shaper, but a stock feeder keeps your hands and fingers well away from the cutter head and they provide accurate feeding, positioning and control of material as it is fed against the cutter. Finger boards, hold-downs and positioning jigs are important, but ultimately it's the feeder that ensures constant feed speed and total control. I bought my feeder with my shaper (Delta 3 HP model) and would never consider running the shaper without it. I do everything in my power to avoid using the shaper "free-hand"; on cuts where the use of a feeder is impossible (such as the rails on frame and panel doors) I have jigs with integrated hold downs that achieve the control and positioning of stock while keeping my digits where they belong... as far away from that cutter head as possible.

This model from Delta is a very versatile performer, can be positioned in virtually any position or configuration you can think of, and the ability to run it in reverse is very useful in certain situations. Mine is somewhat older and it appears that there have been some design changes and a few components have been changed over to plastic. However, overall it appears to be the same device. Everything is very solidly built and absolutely rigid when locked down. However, if care is not taken during set-up a feeder can also pull pieces directly into or away from the cutter head and it will drag unsecured items such as fence plates into the cutter head too. Check everything prior to turning anything on and then check it again... it could save you more than a ruined piece of wood. The only criticism I have of Delta shapers is the fact that you have to drill the holes in the cast iron table yourself. I can understand why they don't drill holes in a table saw top by default, but a shaper? It's not too arduous to do this, but really this should be something that is done right in the factory even if you don't get a feeder with your shaper (the holes would not interfere or effect the use of the shaper in anyway). If your buying a shaper put a feeder in your budget, you will never regret the decision.

I purchased this machine with the idea that I would give up my router table. I have and use both the shaper and the router table. The shaper I use for heavy cutting application with 4/4 and above projects. It eats wood - and in doing so cuts time required for any project. As a furniture maker my projects normally require some shaping. Under 4/4 wood the router table is the primary shaping power tool I use usless we are making repeated cuts as in machining flooring - then the shaper is the tool of choice. I have run about 4,000 brd feet through the shaper. If I had the need and was looking for another shaper I would purchase this one again.

I am an amateur woodworker - handyman and have been looking for a router table for some time. I decided that a shaper would do everything that a router table could and then some. My tool buying philosophy is "buy it once, buy it right." This Delta shaper is exactly what I needed. It has the router bit spindle included - both 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets are supplied.

This is a solid, heavy piece of woodworking machinery. The fence assembly is cast iron, and the spindle adjustment has a heavy hand wheel that allows for extremely precise height control. With the exception of the fine adjustment dials on the fence, everything is overbuilt. (Yes!) It has plenty of power to spin up large cutters for panel raising and making rail and stile doors. It is very smooth, almost no vibration.

The fence and safety system take a little getting used to, but are quite effective. (Okay, I don't use all the safety shields because they sometimes get in the way.)

I have only two complaints about this machine:

One of my extension wings is not perfectly straight. (Can't get that thing level with the main table to save my life!)

The overload switch on my machine was set wrong. It stopped working on the third use. All that was required was opening the power switch assembly and turning a screw - not a big deal fortunately.

Overall I am very happy with this machine and would recommend it to anyone looking for a bit more than a simple router table.

(Oh yeah, hope you are handy with electrical wiring because you will need a 240V outlet to run this beast.)

This machine is an upgrade from my previous shaper which was a Jet JWS-22CS. It cost me several hundred dollars to make the change but it was well worth it. I have been a woodworker since I was a child. My father was a master carpenter and he introduced me to woodworking at a very young age. I have always had access to quality machines which makes me very critical of quality issues.

I was very disappointed with the JWS-22CS from the beginning but to speak fairly, I was expecting too much for the price range of the machine. I have discovered no significant quality issues with the Delta shaper. I set it up in about an hour and everything worked right the first time. The fence is the best I have ever used. It is accurate and easy to move and adjust. I must admit that with all of the safety guards and shields included with the fence in place it is very difficult to use the machine and I removed most of them. The machine has excellent power and runs very smooth and quiet. With dust collector connected and the canopy adjusted properly virtually no chips escape being collected. It is easy to make adjustments, change cutters, and change spindles. The mobile base precisely fits the machine and is adequately built to easily handle the weight of the machine.

I am digging very deep to find anything negative to say about this machine but here goes: For the price of the machine I think the 1/2 inch spindle accessory should have been included and the table extension surfaces are not finished to the same quality as the main table but the finish is satisfactory.

In summary, this is an excellent professional quality machine and would be a fine addition to any wood shop. I have several American made Delta machines and am extremely satisfied with all. If you are looking for a quality shaper at a fair price this machine is probably the best choice you could make.

I needed to shim one corner of my jointer because one of the mobile base corners was not level with the others. After that was done I had no problems, and it is quite sturdy.

Well, I got it free with a Delta promotion.........

But I'd actually pay for it now that I have it. It works well.

It moves the Delta 37-275X around like it weighs nothing. I highly recommend it.

The Delta AP200 Shopmaster air filter is an excellent product, however Delta brand filters, at more than $12 each, are way too expensive! I ordered a box standard 12x24x1 furnace filters, 10 for around $32. When the filters arrived they were of equal or better quality then the Delta filters, HOWEVER, they are just slightly too large! Seems like Delta forces you to use their off-size filter, rather than an industry standard. I assume they see consumables as a high margin business.

I suggest you consider another other brand air filter system, like Jet, and determine if they can use standard sized filters. If yes, DO NOT buy the Delta air filter system. In the longrun, you will save a ton of money if you can use a standard filter.

I do quit a bit of woodworking in my garage, with the inevitable result that everything gets covered with dust. This unit has made a huge difference.

It can be mounted on the ceiling, wall, or used on the floor.
It is heavy so I mounted 4 casters on it and built a small lipped top for it (screwed on both with metal screws). I can pull it where needed and have it serve a small table to hold tools.

It is somewhat noisy, but has all but elinnated the dust problem and makes the workspace much more productive.

I specialize in business remodels and presently am remodeling individual labs in a water testing laboratory. Dust is always a problem and not easy to control. After reading about the Shopmaster, I decided to give one a try. I bolted the Shopmaster to an inexpensive handtruck with the intake end positioned at the handles. This keeps the filters from falling out when moving the unit. Removing a few screws allows you to remove the internal fan unit, allowing easy access for attaching the bolts. Now all I have to do is roll the Shopmaster into a lab, position it so the exhaust blows into the hallway, plug it in and turn it on. Covering up the return air vents in the work area will keep dust from getting into the heating/cooling system and allow the Shopmaster to filter all the dust. It works great and I am pleased with the results.

For the price of this tool I expected it to be a little more finished looking, instead of a import tool with the Delta name pasted on it. Does it work, yes. However, as I found out too late, I could have ordered a 1" belt sander from Grizzly without the 5" disk for $49.00 and would have had an import tool that was green and worked, for $40.00 less.

The fine tool comes equiped with two exhaust ports that "should" connect to a shop vac, but in Delta's wisdom, these ports do not match any standard Vacuum size hose and there is no adapter Accessory to allow you to do so. Silly way to design a tool that makes a mess but it does work fine as a sander.

I really like this sander. I am a hobbyist knife maker and use it for handle shaping. It is perfect. The only thing I might change on it is the disk, could be bigger. It fits neatly in the conrer of my work bench and is light enough to move around as needed. Replacment belts and disks are easily obtained from woodworking stores.

This base does hold the saw and extension table fine. Set up was a snap. My only complaint is the swivel wheel. When locked, it will not roll, but is still can spin! An errant hip check or feed snag can produce a few inches of movement. The brake design of the roller wheels is good. Just make sure the swivel wheel really is secure.

This base was a snap to assemble and its very stable. I'd like it better if they'd added a lock on the third wheel.

A must have for the Delta saw with the 30" fence. Particularly in a limited space. Out of the box setup, well built. 3 snaps up!

Most original band saw fences are lousy at best, unless you buy more expensive saws. This is definitely a great improvement over my original Delta 14" band saw fence which came with the saw. It was easy to install and it works fine for what it is designed to do. Be prepared for a lot of adjustments to get it almost perfect though.

This fence didn't fit on my 18" delta band saw. I would be nice if the product literature would mention that.

The quality of some of the materials was disappointing. Kreg could at least have used stainless steel bolts and screws, and sturdier knobs.

The adjustment mechanism for drift was not as easy to use as it could be. One could make a drift fence in about the same time as it takes to adjust the fence.

The microadjuster would have a better feel if it was constructed of higher grade materials.

I give Kreg 4 stars for making an effort.
3 stars for the quality of the product.

I bought the Kreg fence from a local store as an upgrade to my existing 14 inch bandsaw. It installed on my saw very easily using the ample hardware supplied by Kreg, and is a well made and accurate device. It's well worth the few extra dollars over the standard Taiwanese fences sold as accessories by the major manufacturers.
Among the many things to like about this fance is the ease with which it can be removed and replaced in case you need the extra depth on the table. By way of explanation; you loose about 2 inches (a 14 inch saw becomes a 12 inch saw) if you leave the fence in place and just push it back to the frame. If you need those few inches though, they are easy to recover because of Kreg's mounting system. Drift is easily accomodated for, but I (surprisingly) find that with my saw well adjusted and a good blade in place, I can cut remarkably straight using the fence alone. A pleasant surprise! Kreg also put thought into placing T slots that make adding sub fences and a resaw attachment very easy, and also allow the fence to be turned on it's side if you need to lower the upper guides for cutting thin stock. Even the rule, which adjusts for zero offset and is easy to read is well designed. Everything about this fence is well thought-out, and it does it's main job of providing a stable and solid cutting guide just about perfectly.
The only real criticism I have is of the micro adjuster, which I find cumbersome and redundant, as does one of the other reviewers here. Maybe I'd find it useful if I was resawing a lot of veneer, but my saw isn't set up for that. Instead, save your money, buy just the fence, and you can't go wrong. I give the fence five stars because I feel
it looks good, installs easily and does it's job without a hitch, but the micro adjuster almost caused me to downgrade it to four. Just skip that piece, and you have the perfect small band saw fence.

This lamp is very expensive compared to other lights that look like they do the same thing. This is worth the money however. I have several goose neck style lamps that I've gotten for much less money over the years, but this is a much nicer piece of gear. The neck is so solid that it's almost difficult to move - but in a good way. The light housing is solid and looks like it can take a lot of vibration and bumping. I just got one from Amazon today and after putting it on my band saw - I'm back to order another two. The price is high - but this is a quality piece.

Edit:
By the way, when I first wrote this review the price was almost $20 less than it is now so, shop around.

You know how sometimes once you get something in your hands you know it is quality through out - this is one of those items. It is beefy - nearly all metal and surprisingly heavy. It bolted directly to my trusty Delta 14" bandsaw and you can direct the light directly to the front of the blade. It is extremely well made and I would consider it a 5 star tool accessory despite the high price. I wish I had checked the carton before I pitched it but I'd bet my wife's life this is made in the usa. I'm also thinking it is going to be "old new stock" and these will not be around too much longer. Kind of like their 34-172 Tenoning Attachment that Delta should have never stopped making. If it fit any other tools I have I would buy it again in a heartbeat.

Three of my Delta tools have this lamp installed. The 17-925 drill press, a 14" band saw (older version of the 28-475), and a (now discontinued) scroll saw. In each case, the lamp is just what the doctor ordered. The bracket easily attaches to many Delta tools, the goose-neck is about the right length and stays put when you move it into position, the switch works flawlessly with a nice click, and the shade completely covers the bulb. To keep the lamp shade cool, I use 30 or 50 watt mini flood bulbs, but standard bulbs up to 50 watts work OK. (Delta's similar 28-857 lamp has a longer goose-neck section, but has a "universal" bracket.)

This lamp isn't cheap, but it's well made.

I agree with another reviewer...seems the price on this and another Delta saw increased by about $30. I saw the 255L for 297 a week or so ago around 3/15 now its $329?

I have been watching this item, considering buying it. What happen, it was $199 on 3/15, and on 3/16 it now sells for $239. Is it made of oil? Very high price increase, just found it on another site referring it back to Amazon at $199, but when you go back to the site guess what, it is $239.

I bought this saw after being totally confused from viewing so many models at Home Depot and other retail outlets. But could I really buy a heavy woodworking machine over the internet?! Would I do that?!

Well, I did.

I am totally a happy camper as a result. It didn't even have to be calibrated -- it was right on the money at 90 degrees right out of the box.

The posting by the other reviewer really influenced my decision. Thanks to you (who ever you are).