Bosch PBD 40 Bench drill

[Gassy]

...
One other thing - is there any indication in the manual about the torque rating? (I think I know the answer). The reason I ask is that I don't use a DP as such, but a reasonably high torque power drill in a Wabeco unit.

This is the unit in the "as delivered" set up before I added drill decks, DE etc. IIRC the drill has 65Nm of torque in low gear, and will do a tolerable job with a 57mm Forstner bit in MDF.

Hmm, that setup would suit my needs exactly. Where did you get the bits for it (sans drill)?

[FenceFurniture]

Direct from Wabeco in Germany. Freight was an issue (they wouldn't do what I wanted, so it cost a bloody fortune).

[Baddabing]

Sounds like the Bosch will do me fine. I must say, for some reason I just hate changing belts. I get lazy and end up drilling at the wrong speeds. Thanks for the reviews & pictures...I am off the Bunnings as my old DP has just died on me. May it R.I.P

[Xanthorrhoeas]

I hope it is working out well for you. I’m still very happy with mine.

[Treecycle]

I find it surprising that the manufacturers of mainstream drill presses haven't converted to variable speed yet as it is such common place in other machinery such as lathes. It would be so much more convenient and encourage users to select an appropriate speed instead of compromising like most of us do.

[FenceFurniture]

Dallas I think you'll find that they only respond to being whacked about the head (read wallet).
Sales will eventually drop and they'll ask each other around the lunch table "Why? We didn't change anything."
Yeah mate, that's exactly the problem.....you won't change anything.

[fletty]

Note specifically to FF....
I’m having a senior’s moment, what was the brand of the pedestal and bench drill that we saw at Major Woodworking when we picked up my Chopstick maker? From memory, it had many of the Bosch features but, then again, I was SO excited by my new Chopstick maker that I may have missed the point ?
I haven’t seen that unit come to market..... yet?
fletty

[FenceFurniture]

I can't remember either.....

Here is their drill selection:
https://www.majorwoodworking.com.au/...ines/?limit=30

Was it this one? I can't even remember the features we thought were good.
https://www.majorwoodworking.com.au/...ill-press-415/

[Chris Parks]

I find it surprising that the manufacturers of mainstream drill presses haven't converted to variable speed yet as it is such common place in other machinery such as lathes. It would be so much more convenient and encourage users to select an appropriate speed instead of compromising like most of us do.

There are some available in the US but sadly the brands are not marketed here or have very poor representation.

This one has variable speed and is POA. https://www.majorwoodworking.com.au/...dp-2800vs-509/

[FenceFurniture]

It's a pretty good drill by all accounts Chris, and $1700 at Carbatec currently.

[P.W.H.]

I got this Bosch drill press just over a year ago, specifically to drill hinge cups for my new kitchen. Some youtube reviews
were slightly dismissive of the machine, so I went in with some trepidation.

However, I must say that my fears were unfounded. The laser crosshairs are fantastic for initial positioning
with a 32mm forstner bit (it works best if the bit is actually spinning, so the laser beams are not occluded by the bit).
The digital depth gauge is fantastic, and very accurate. To wit, I had to drill some hinge cups 11.5mm into 12mm ply - and I got it sorted. No break-through.
Best method I found is to zero the depth gauge on the surface of the workpiece, then lower the drill gradually with the wheel until the gauge shows the desired depth, then set the depth stop. But doing it while drilling works just as well.
The wheel for lowering the drill takes some getting used to - I fitted a 'wheel-spinner' like some truckers use and it's come in handy a time or two, but mostly I don't even need that.
Unlike some of the video reviewers, I have no slack (wobble) in the spindle bearings - I read some place that Bosch have improved the design. The chuck with the quick release is great, so long as you are aware of just how quick it lets go and catch your precious forstner bits before they fall on the base.
The only thing about it that I do not like is the column mounted clamping mechanism for the workpiece. It's awkward to engage and even more awkward to release. Actually had to tap it with a hammer to make it let go on one occasion. I just don't use it any more.

I've built a large-ish chipboard extension for the base so a 600x600 cabinet door is well supported and won't slither around on the slightly rough surface.
All up, I am very satisfied with this tool.

[P.W.H.]

There are some available in the US but sadly the brands are not marketed here or have very poor representation.

This one has variable speed and is POA. https://www.majorwoodworking.com.au/...dp-2800vs-509/

Sadly, the link has gone bad. They probably fiddled with the web site.

[Xanthorrhoeas]

Not much drill press work lately (enjoying playing on the lathe and some learner/level carving) but had to do some precision drilling for an artwork my partner (wife) was making. The laser cross hairs made it so easy. Apart from the clunky chuck this unit remains perfect for me (and I can live with the chuck).

[Baddabing]

I also bought one. The first lasted about 2 months before it started playing up, started stopping and starting when running. Seemed almost like a DC motor with sticky brushes. Bunnings did replace it, at first they wanted to send it back for repair, after a heated discussion, the manager agreed to replace with a new one. 6 months down the track, all good. Apart from the issue with the first one, I'm happy with it.

like most of you, I don't do a lot of drill press work, and mostly timber when I do. I bought one and it lasted about 9 months before it too started to stick and it eventually just stopped entirely. Bunnings exchanged, no questions asked which was great.

PROs: light, easy to move, vice works well, variable speed beats belt changes any day, laser spot on, light is helpful, depth stop works well too, 3 year warranty

Cons: Not a fan of the wheel, installed a steering wheel knob which makes it better to use, definitely not a trade quality unit. DIY only I would suggest. Not cheap I suppose.
Overall, really like it and would buy another

[labrat]

I know the safety officer police will come after me but that safety shield was the first thing I removed as the first few times I used the drill it really annoyed me. I am of the belief that too much safety guarding can make many operations more difficult and as a result more dangerous. I am safety conscious to the point of being obsessive, but not all guarding adds to the safety of a process. It is only me using it in a home shop and if I ever decide to give the drill press away I still have the shield. All the best. All the best.