New Equipment advice

[Dirtytires]

The time has come for me to upgrade the shop with some new equipment and I need a little advice. I am looking to add a horizontal/ vertical mitering bandsaw (somewhere in the 8-12inch range) and replace a worn out floor mount drill press (16-20 inch).

My shop is just to support my welding habit and is not for business use but I now have a fair amount of time to weld since I am no longer working. I demand that a piece is equipment do its job without constant fiddling and adjusting just to work properly---that instantly rules out Harbor Freight and used machines (no desire to have a 40 year old 15,000 lb drill press ---it's too big even if it will last forever.)

I think I have the bandsaw narrowed down to either an Ellis 1600 or a "jet 10". Everything else seems like it is just a clone of the same machine but all have terrible reviews. The drill press is up in the air. I'm considering a jet jdp-20mf but again, everything on the market gets horrible reviews so I was hoping some real world recommendations from you all would help.

I am looking at JET mainly because they appear to have good customer service and have spare parts available...something many of the importers can't claim. I have never used their machines so comments on them would be helpful as well.

Thanks to all in advance!

[Gibbnal]

Ellis 1600 for sure. This was a purchase that I have zero regrets about. Rock solid performance, accurate and simple to adjust. Made thousands of cuts on 3/16 and 1/4” angle this year without a problem. Clamping mechanism is pretty solid also.


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[Dirtytires]

Thanks for the vote of confidence..I was pretty set on the Ellis as well. It has great reviews and appears to be a solid investment. I looked at their drill press however and had sticker shock.

Anybody have a drill press they like?

[mp4]

Anybody have a drill press they like?

I bought a used Jet a few years ago and it would be OK except I didn't notice the arbor was slightly bent when I bought it. When I was researching I seem to recall someone saying that most of the imports (including Jet) were made from the same manufacturer. Overall, I'm happy with the press but it most certainly isn't up to any repeated industrial task.


Too much is just right!

[Dirtytires]

Good feedback. I have no experience with any of them. Jet seems to have replacement parts available tho and has a decent chance of being in business in 10-15 years if I need them.

On the other hand....my wife just "recommended" I go to Ellis for everything. Who am I to argue?

[ajfoxy]

Dirtytires said:

On the other hand....my wife just "recommended" I go to Ellis for everything. Who am I to argue?

Mate, that is like getting a blank check from she who reads all the statements. Go for it...

[temurf]

[Rodcrafter]

I have had a smaller Ellis for 30 years, with the 1" blade you will be very happy. And if not I will help you out of it.

[Dirtytires]

i appreciate that Rodcrafter. You have always given me great advice and have helped me out of a bind more than once. I just my be crazy enough to drive it on out to you!

The bandsaw is pretty much settled....anyone have any good advice on a (new) drillpress?

[Frank_Cox]

I have seen the Jet brand tools. some look perty ok to me. I have not owned any tho... we got a bridgeport... ain't hooked up yet, but we sure got one hahaha!
anyway our drill press that is operational is a porter cable cheapie... it works fine for light stuff.
we also have a mag drill we use quite a bit. and a plasma table.

[Rodcrafter]

DT you just let me know when you’re coming and I will make some goodies for us to snack on.


Making memories!