Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Given the number of bearings used in this drill press It is a very well engineered, solid and stable machine with almost zero runout. Comparing this Jet bench top drill press to that rattling POS 12" Ryobi, which I bought initially and returned right away, is like comparing a Rolls-Royce and Ugo. However, given that sad fact that this Jet drill press was assembled in China, and in my professional experience Chinese generally don't give a damn about quality, my new drill press came with the following flaws:
1. Depth gauge lock collar (part JDP12-35) was broken and its pan head screw and hex nut were missing.
2. Tilt scale indicator (part JDP12-135) was cracked.
3. Left laser (part JDP12-47) has a beam three times wider than the right one.
4. Support roller (part JDP12-25) is deformed and out of cylindrical shape on one end.
When I pay a good money for something, I demand quality and nothing but the quality!!!
I'm going to order replacement for these defective parts from WMH Tool Group, Inc which manufactures these drill presses.
I used this Jet drill press continuously for two days and it has been proven to be a very solid performer, besides these QC flaws listed above. The variety of tasks I have accomplished without a hitch speaks for itself. Drilling precisely positioned holes to install threaded inserts in network conduit pull boxes. Drilling 0.5mm component mounting holes on circuit boards. Drilling precisely spaced and positioned holes on the rifle receiver to install a new rear sight. I could not have accomplished these tasks with any drill presses sold in big box stores locally, especially with that POS Ryobi for which I developed a strong disgust for the rest of my life. Needless to say it was assembled in China as well.
The chuck which came with this Jet drill press is a very high quality, tight and precise piece, which I never seen on any comparable bench top drill presses before. It doesn't wobble or rattles loosely even when it's spinning in open position. The machined surfaces of the base and support table are much smoother and better quality than those I saw on other bench top drill presses namely POS Ryobi, Central Machinery, Rigid and Delta. Quality of the metal cast parts is not perfect but does not have any visible voids, under and over casts that I saw on drill presses named above.
I wish I had an option to buy un-assembled Jet drill press kit to put it properly together by myself without reliance on foreign sweat shop assembly slaves.
The bottom line. If you need a heavy duty reliable, stable and relatively inexpensive bench top drill press the Jet is the way to go. I wish that some day such machinery will be again manufactured in USA to the highest quality standards we used to be known for. But it's up to us to make it a reality. Screw Chinese buy American products is the best recipe for it. For now I'm giving this Jet four stars, but I may review it later again with the lower scoring if it falls apart or does not perform as good as it is now.
Update 19-Oct-2009
I received and installed all the replacement parts sent me by Jet Customer service. The drill press still functioning admirably. However, due to the "corner cutting" in its manufacturing process and Chinese "quality" of its original assembly, I had to make the following improvements:
1. Completely disassembled all mechanical parts and washed out all original crappy cosmoline grease. Re-assembled and lubricated everything with Super Lube Synthetic grease. [...]
2. Installed flat 1.5mm thick copper washer between Pinion Shaft (part JDP12-56) and Coil Spring (part JDP12-81). The washer is roughly equal in its outer diameter to the inner diameter of plastic Spring Retainer (part JDP12-83). This improvement prevents coil spring from rubbing and scorching the side of the head base, thus reduces noise and friction dramatically.
3. Installed flat 0.5mm bronze-oil bushing between Hex Jam Nut (part JDP12-79) and Spring Cap (part JDP12-81). This improvement completely eliminates Pinion Shaft side play, and also eliminates coil spring vibration and noise as well.
4. Installed flat 1.5mm thick copper washer between speed adjustment Hub (part JDP12-95) and Shaft Plate (part JDP12-70). The washer has the same outer diameter as in case 2, and it is a little bit beveled with the file to fit into the hub's beveled inner round cavity. Installed flat 0.3mm copper washer between elevation Shaft (part JDP12-69) and Shaft Plate (part JDP12-70). The washer's outer diameter matches to the outer diameter of the elevation shaft. This eliminates an excessive friction and grinding in speed changing hub assembly. Due to this improvement speed changing now is much more easier and smoother.
5. Reshaped Set Screw (part JDP12-84) quill groove mating surfaces to the true rectangular shape and polished them. This improvement ensures very smooth vertical quill movement without any side play and runout.
Now my inexpensive drill press runs like a $1,000 piece of truly professional machinery. The total cost of improvement was no more than $15.00 for parts and grease, plus four hours of my non-sweat shop manual labor.
Hope you can do the same to improve your JET drill press quality and precision as well.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Jet JDP-12 12 Inch Drill Press with Digital Readout
Product Description:
Combining the power of a large model with the compact design of a portable, space-saving tool, the Jet JDP-12 12-Inch Drill Press with Digital Readout is the ideal choice for use in your home shop or on-the-go. The JDP-12 features a robust 1/3 HP induction motor, spindle travel at over 3-1/8 inch for maximum depth cutting, and an innovative X-shaped XACTA laser to ensure drilling accuracy.
The JET JDP-12 12-Inch
Drill Press offers:
The XACTA laser system for precise drilling
A heavy-duty 1/3 HP induction motor for dependability
Digital readout and LED worklight for convenience
Oversized, ergonomic knobs for improved control
The LEDworklight is positioned so that it does not glare in the operator's eyes.
The JDP-12 is a compact yet powerful drill press. View larger.
The XACTA laser system acts as a guide while you drill.
A digital display helps you maintain quality.Compact Benchtop Design for Easy Portability
If you crave the power of a big floor model but have little storage space, the JDP-12 is for you. This drill press features a compact benchtop design that won't clutter up your shop and can be easily transported to different locations.
The 11.5 x 16.5-inch cast iron base also fits neatly on work benches with limited space, giving you more flexibility while on a job site. At the same time, the stable base design allows for easy re-positioning on the work bench.
1/3 HP Motor and Variable Speed Drive System for Versatility
Powered by a heavy-duty 1/3 HP induction motor, the JDP-12 can tackle various drilling applications. It also boasts a mechanical variable speed drive system for fast and easy speed changes and an industrial 5/8-inch drill chuck for flexibility and versatility.
XACTA Laser System and Linear Scale for Accuracy
The JDP-12 comes equipped with the innovative XACTA laser system, which works by using an easy-to-see X-shaped laser to guide you as you drill, thereby ensuring accurate results. For improved consistency, there's also a clear linear scale with depth stop.
Oversized Ergonomic Knobs
For safe, secure operation, the JDP-12 gives you easy access to the controls you need while working. In fact, the oversized, ergonomic knobs are extremely user friendly, helping you avoid errors caused by a slippery grip and preventing you from wasting time hunting for hard-to-see buttons or switches. Instead, these easy-to-see, stable knobs provide you with maximum control at every stage in your job.
Digital Readout and LED Work Light for Precision
With the help of several advanced features, the JDP-12 simplifies the drilling process for better quality results. First, a digital readout displays the spindle speed for various drilling applications. There's also a built-in LED work light to increase visibility--especially important for intricate applications or while working in dim conditions.
Retractable Roller Extension and Paddle Switch for Stability and Safety
The retractable roller extension provides support and quick work piece adjustment to help ensure your workspace is always stable and secure. At the same time, a large paddle switch provides easy shut off and lockout protection to help prevent accidents or errors.
The JDP-12 is backed by a three-year warranty.
About JET: A History of Sharing New, Feature-Rich Products
Opened in 1958 after the founder of the company, Leslie P. Sussman, took the first Boeing Jet Airplane trip from Seattle, Washington to Japan, JET began as a small dealer that sold air hoists and trolleys out of a single hardware store in Seattle. Over the years, JET has carried everything from snowmobiles, transmitter radios, and forklifts to nylon stockings, but by the early 1970s, metalworking had become the base of their business line. And by the 1980s, JET had expanded into the realm of woodworking. Today, you'll find that JET offers a wide range of popular woodworking tools that are backed with best-in-class features and excellent service.
What's in the Box
JDP-12 12-Inch Drill Press
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