Am I missing any valid reasons to opt for a traditional drill press instead?

[HaroldWade]

Recently, I constructed the folding, tilting, self-raising outfeed tables demonstrated by Nick in one of the Sawdust Sessions. It functions wonderfully, and I find it highly useful, which is why I use it frequently. However, the fact that it is installed on my Mark V means I have to remove it whenever I want to switch to drill press mode. Consequently, I've decided to purchase a dedicated drill press. Upon exploring the available options, it seems like a no-brainer to acquire a 10er and build a compact pedestal base for it. I have a fondness for vintage tools, and in my area, old models like Delta/Rockwell, Walker-Turner, or Craftsman 150 drill presses are either similarly priced or even double the cost of a well-maintained 10er that comes with a speed changer. Am I missing any valid reasons to opt for a traditional drill press instead?

[DLB]

I keep a traditional DP around mainly because I prefer it for metal work over a Mark. The main virtues are slow rotational speed and a relatively solid table surface. There are downsides, of course, and the Mark is much better for woodworking.

- David

[edma194]

I turned a Greenie into a dedicated drill press using the legs for a stand as seen in this thread. Pictures of other Shopsmiths converted to drill presses are shown and there are other threads on the subject. I now have a PowerPro head on it for lower speeds and continue to add modifications for more flexibility.

[DarrenDD]

A model 10 makes a fantastic dedicated drill press as well as a dedicated sanding station.

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[JPG]

YEP! All one needs is a couple of very rare spt adapters for a M10.

OR

Make one a sanding station from a very short M5/V

[chapmanruss]

HaroldWade,

There were around 150,000 Model 10E and 10ER Shopsmith's made beginning in 1947 through 1953. They and parts are still easily found. I don't think you can say that about other company's tools. As you said

I have a fondness for vintage tools, and in my area, old models like Delta/Rockwell, Walker-Turner, or Craftsman 150 drill presses are either similarly priced or even double the cost of a well-maintained 10er that comes with a speed changer.

If you find one in your area as you described, I would say go for it. Model 10's make a great Drill Press.

As for DarrenDD's Sanding Station it is a beautiful looking tool but as JPG said

YEP! All one needs is a couple of very rare spt adapters for a M10.

JPG is referring to the green mounting bracket aka the Power Mount Adapter "A" and the special Headstock Pulley with the Power Coupler Hub molded on. As noted, these are rare items for the Model 10's actually made for them after they were out of production to use the SPT made for the Mark 5.

EDIT:

DarrenDD is actually using two of the Power Mount Adapter "A" brackets. The second one is for the Extension Table.

[RFGuy]

That is a beautiful sanding station!!! I tried to find a 10E/ER in my area for a while but could never find one either for the right price to fix up and/or in decent condition. I really wanted to have one as a dedicated, mounted on the wall drill press, but I must say that dedicated sanding station is impressive. If only I had more floor space in my small shop to accommodate one...

IF you can get a 10E/ER in your area that is of appropriate quality/condition, I would NOT hesitate to go for it.

[rlkeeney]

I have two dedicated drill presses. My first one was purchased for drilling steel. I don't use my Shopsmith for drilling metal. The second one was purchased, used, refurbished, and set up to drill tiny holes for scroll saw projects. My Shopsmith is used for horizontal drilling in wood only. I don't recall the last time I had my Shopsmith in the vertical position.