Editorial Review

A great fit in any serious home workshop, Delta's bench drill press combines safety and versatility with industrial-grade durability for long life. Featuring five speeds from 620 to 3,100 rpm, the 1/3-horsepower induction motor runs coolly and quietly off standard 115-volt outlets. With a 2-3/8-inch stroke length, a tilting cast-iron work plate, and an adjustable depth stop for repetitive drilling, this tool lends itself to a variety of applications. Its 34-inch total height makes this press welcome on tables and benchtops even where ceilings hang low. We were impressed Delta had the foresight to build a removable on/off switch to prevent injury to curious little hands. Though set on a sturdy cast-iron base, the entire press weighs only 78 pounds, so you can comfortably pick it up and move it out of the way if you ever have to rearrange your tool collection. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• Five speed option, 620 to 3100 rpm for drilling in a variety of materials
• Motor mount pivots for easy and fast speed changing
• Position locking depth stop for easy repetitive drilling operations
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (21)

Delta 11-990 12" Bench Drill Press
I purchased the Delta 11-990 drill press for small commercial shop use about two months ago because of very limited space and previous experience with a similar model. The newer model DP300 was temporarily out of stock and the distributor was offering a discount on the 11-990 because technically this model is two years old, even though both have exactly the same specifications. They are the low priced "Shopmaster" grade, manufactured in China, supposedly at Delta owned facilities. The drill press came with a tool tray and magnetic mount worklight.The tool tray was unnecessary for me, so it went in the recycle bin to be reincarnated. The worklight is much more useful when stuck to a 4-11/16" square junction box cover and hung from a hook on the pegboard at the edge of the workbench than on the drill press itself. I have this drill press mounted to a mobile base I made from a Makita 2703XL table saw stand, 3/4" plywood and 2" locking swivel casters. This works great because it gives the proper height and stability for safe operation and it doesn't take up valuable bench space.
The 11-990 was easy to assemble and even came with the bolts to mount it to a stand. The thick oily coating on the parts wiped off cleanly with a rag dipped in regular paint thinner.
I cleaned the spindle and chuck taper bore with acetone before mounting the fully opened chuck with a wood block and mallet and have had no problem with the chuck falling off while in use. The chuck is not a Jacobs or other name brand but the geared collar turns easily by hand without binding for initial bit insertion before tightening with the key. Runout is minimal and I have had no problem with bits slipping in the chuck jaws after tightening.
The drill press runs smoothly and quietly with no vibration or spindle chatter. The motor is a 1/3HP, 1720 RPM, capacitor start.
Delta says the maximum hole size in steel with an HSS bit is 3/8" but I have used it on several occasions to drill 1/2" holes in 3/8" thick mild steel plate in low speed [620 RPM] without stalling or any sign of motor overheating. It has also been used with a 1-1/2" spade bit to bore holes in 2X and a 3-1/2" hole saw in 1X and 3/4" plywood. Changing the five belt positions is simple and only requires loosening one thumbscrew. The speed range is 620-3100 RPM.
The table swivels 360-degrees and tilts somewhat easily by removing the locking pin and loosening a 3/4" hex bolt. Rockler sells a ratcheting handle for about five dollars that supposedly fits this table and replaces the bolt, eliminating the need for a 3/4" socket wrench. I think I will probably try it.
The 4" Delta 20-622 vise is also a nice accessory if you drill metal frequently. I have it permanently mounted to the table with 1/2" bolts at a slight angle to the chuck.
Overall, I feel the 11-990 is a good value. For less than two hundred dollars, it seems surprisingly well made and should be able to meet the demands of most small shop or home use.

You better check your manual
I am impressed with this drill press.I think it operates very well.It is quite and smooth during operation.I agree with one review that the light is a good idea, but it slides and won't stay in place.The others that commented and said that everything is loose, "You better check your manual" you must have done something wrong.

really disappointed, but only ($$$)
based on the reviews, there seems to be two completely different schools of thought on this product.My vote goes with "junk".Everything is very loose, the chuck is not true, so it turns in an eliptical motion (instead of a circle) and while I haven't had problems with the chuck falling off, the method of installation called for in the instructions "pound it in with a rubber mallet" --seriously!--makes me certain it is only a matter of time.Also, you have to tighten the chuck with the key extremely hard and the bits still slip nearly every time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Bench-Top Drill Presses    3. (Drils)    4. (Portable)   

Editorial Review

This model has more capacity and more weight than its little brother--Delta's DP115 8-inch benchtop drill press--but you're still not talking about a lot of shop space or a lot of money. We like this drill press because it can drill to the center of a 10-inch-wide board with a 2-1/4-inch stroke, its table tilts left and right to 45 degrees with a positive stop at 0, and it offers five drill speeds depending on your material and bit size. You don't even have to know what speed is the right one--there's a chart inside the pulley cover that dictates belt speed according to hole size and material. Changing speeds is as simple as adjusting the belt on the pulley. Have some repetitive drilling to do? The adjustable-position locking depth stop takes the trouble out of the job. We like the Shopmaster drill presses for their Delta precision and tight prices, but we have to admit that the rack-and-pinion table height adjustment and the built-in gooseneck lamp on this model win our hearts. The three-jaw chuck will accept bits up to 1/2 inch, and when you're done drilling, just pop out the removable safety switch to prevent unauthorized use. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste ... Read more

Features

• 2 year limited warranty on machines, parts and accessories
• Cast-iron table tilts 0-45 degrees left to right with a positive stop at 0 degrees for leveling
• Standard 3-jaw, 1/2-inch capacity Jacobs chuck grips a variety of drilling, cutting and sanding tools
• Adjustable depth stop locks for accurate measuring and repetitive drilling
• Five speeds for drilling woods, metals and plastics

Reviews (14)

Nice Beginner Drill Press, but More Power Please!
Seeing that my entire shop is Delta based, I bought this drill to go with the rest of my shop. The price was attractive and setup was straight forward. All in all its a great drill for the money. The power issue comes from using forestner bits. When using the larger of these bits, the machine tends to bog down a little. Not a big problem unless You bore a lot of big holes. I definitely reccomend this drill for a beginner or small shop.

The little drill that could...
I just started to learn cabinetry, and realized that I would need to use large Forstner bits.Due to the shear size there is no way I could ever mount them in a hand drill.Also, Forstner bits typically require low RPM which is hard to control with a hand drill.

Enter the drill press...

I did some on-line research and found this model Delta to be generally well-received.I was torn between buying a full floor model instead of a bench-top drill.After putting this unit through its paces, I do not regret my decision!

The setup only took me about 20 minutes, as noted by the other reviewers.I wiped off the anti-corrosive oil with some brush cleaner.It attacked the paint on the base a little, but not enough to worry about.

Some have said to save a few dollars by buying one of the lower models.However, after drilling holes for Blum hinges, I can honestly say that having the rack-and-pinion table lifter makes adjustments much easier.The light was very useful for locating the marks that I center-punched.I paid $97 at Lowe's for this drill press, and it has been worth every penny!

Changing speeds is quite simple.I have used variable systems like the DP350 has.While nice, I found them to be annoying because you really don't know exactly what speed the drill is set to.With belt-driven wheels, you set the exact speed that you need based on the material and bit.

The induction motor is whisper quiet.All you'll hear is a hum until the bit hits the wood.Then it's all business!

A good drill press for the cost
It took me about 40 minutes to set up, but I was meticulous. There was a lot of packing grease -- no problem.
The speed change is much easier than with most similar drill presses.
It runs very well and quite quietly.
I ran a 1-3/8 in Forstner bit through 5/8 in red oak. I could stall it, but running on the lowest speed and adjusting feed rate, it went quite well.
I'm quite pleased ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Bench-Top Drill Presses    3. (Drils)    4. (Portable)   

Features

• Bores multiple holes simultaneously to increase productivity
• Heavy Duty 3/4-hp induction motor for powerful drilling action
• Fully adjustable table and fence for quick and easy set up
• Big 16-by-29-3/4-inch table for ample work support
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Subjects:  1. Boring Machines   

Features

• 5 spindle speeds for drilling into a variety of materials
• 1/2-inch chuck for use with most larger drill bits
• Table tilts 45 degrees right and left for accurate angle drilling
• Simple depth stop adjustment for repetitive drilling operations
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (5)

Bought It - Returned It
The price seemed right and it appeared well built. But I found the table frustrating to use.
Pros
1. Solidly built
2. Relatively easy speed changes with speeds clearly marked
3. Good manual
Cons
1. Table too small
2. Awkward adjusting table height
3. Underneath of table is open and ribbed which makes clamping difficult
3. Depth guage on left side fell off during assembly
4. A little rattle at the higher speed. Just enough to be annoying. Never could pin it down.
Summary
5 stars for functionality and good construction
-2 stars for the table
-1 star for the depth guage
====
2 stars overall.
The frustration of working with the table may steer you to the 12 inch model. It appears to be the better product although at twice the price.

A Good Entry Level Drill Press
Have used this press for about a year and have drilled through metal, hard woods and soft woods with out any issues.It is easy to assemble and is small and light enough to barely make the "portable" grade.I utlimately ended up purchasing the 12" version because this version isn't compatible with the many Delta accessories, and if you have stock on the table thicker than 2 inches there isn't any clearance between the bit and the stock.If the drill had been compatible with the various Delta accessories I would have rated it a 5.

In response to a previous reviewer, changing speeds involves adjusting a belt in the upper housing.This is very easy, and takes less than a minute after dealing with it once.

I Like It
Obviously not intended for heavy work, but great for small weekend/hobbyjobs.Doesn't take much space.Changing speeds isn't bad if you're notchanging bits very often. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Bench-Top Drill Presses    3. (Drils)    4. (Portable)   

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• 5 spindle speeds--620, 1100, 1720, 2340, and 3100 rpm
• 1/2-inch chuck for use with most larger drill bits
• Table tilts 45 degrees right and left for accurate angle drilling
• Simple depth stop adjustment for repetitive drilling operations

Reviews (3)

Almost Satisfactory
First the bad points: Fine tuning the table height is very frustrating. The arm that you loosen then tighten is set akwardly on the left. Furthermore, you either have to rock the table back and fourth to get it lower, or it just drops down, so much for fine tuning. The table that you place your work on is small. If you're working on anything of any size, it's difficult to clamp. Finally, there's no mortising attachment available.

The good points: It's a solid machine that will make good holes for a long time. It's just the set up that's misery.

I should have spent the extra [money], and bought the Delta 12" Drill Press. The 12" model has a crank to adjust the table height, the table is bigger, and a mortising attachment is available.

A decent entry level drill press
I purchased this unit about a year ago.I haven't had a single problem with it, and have used it on several projects.Changing the speed of the drill involves messing around with the belt in the top housing, which is a little cumbersome until you get use to it.I have only two complants with it.1) The adjustable table doesn't utilize a rack-and-pinion system like the other Delta drill presses, which can make it cumbersome to adjust the table height, particularly if you are fine tuning.It also forces you to have to constantly make sure that the table "hole" is lined up correctly with the drill bit.2) Delta doesn't appear to make accessories to support the drill, such as clamps, mortising attachments, etc.I originally purchased this drill press because of its Delta name and its remarkable low price.Ultimately I will upgrade to the 12" drill press which has the features that this one lacks.

Drill Press
This little drill press is great for a young woodworker.So far, it has been a pleasure to work with.The spring loaded chuck prevents the chuckkey from staying in, thus preventing "chuck key flyout" when thedrill press is turned on.A great idea, this feature makes the drill a lotsafer to use, especially with kids.The pop out switch toggle preventsunauthorized use of drill press.The 5-speed feature is great for hard orsoft wood, metals, and plastic.The only thing I find indesirable is thatthe chuck could always go a little bit deeper.A nice little machine; justwhat you'd expect from Delta! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Bench-Top Drill Presses    3. (Drils)    4. (Portable)   

Editorial Review

If your projects require you to drill with big bits or if you find yourself attempting to drill with precision under questionable circumstances, this heavy-duty 16-1/2-inch drill press from Delta will help you get out of your, um, hole. Running off a 3/4-horsepower motor that can be wired for either 115 or 230 volts, it gives you an impressive deep plunge length of 3-3/8 inches and holds up to 5/8-inch-diameter bits. Solid cast-iron construction and a 3-1/8-inch column give it the industrial feel and durability we look for in this type of tool. You'll enjoy the rotating work base--which bevels, of course, 45 degrees each way for drilling angles--as well as the depth stop that can be set quickly and easily with microadjustments and a locking mechanism, great for repetitive drilling. While other models sometimes place hard-to-read speed and belt charts under the top cap, Delta uses a wide, clearly legible chart to explain how to configure the belts for each of 12 speeds (250 to 3,000 rpm). And, thanks to the smooth, cool-running induction motor inside, you're not likely to find yourself shopping for a drill press again for an extremely long time. --Justin Paul ... Read more

Features

• 0-5/8 inch chuck capacity for use with a variety of drill bits
• 3/4 hp induction motor for powerful, smooth drilling action
• 12 spindle speeds--250 to 3,000 rpm--for drilling a variety of materials
• Table tilts up to 45 degrees for accurate angle drilling
• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories

Reviews (13)

Great piece of woodworking machinery
I purchased this drill press over 2 years ago and have nothing but praise for it,its a workhorse.I've drilled treated 4x4 post,100's of boards and even metal plating all this without even a wimper its one solid machine.When i purchased this machine it came complete ,all parts and accessories were in box unlike some other tools and machines that i have purchased in past years and the ease of assembly it was a breeze.I had it set up and boring holes in wood in just under 30 minutes ,its a very well put together machine with alot of extra and helpful features that help you get the job done right.I've been a woodworker for over 20 years and have owned other brands that don't even standup to the quality and durability of the Delta 17-900 drill press.75 percent of my woodshop is setup with Delta machines and accessories the other 25 percent with another well known brand.I put my machines through their paces day in and day out and Delta products haven't let me down yet.The delta model 17-900 drill press is very worthy of the 5 star rating i gave it and i highly recommend it as well as other delta machines to anybody looking for quality and durability in woodworking machinery.

Good Unit
While this is my first and only drill press, the unit seems to be very nice.

I recieved this as a Chrismas present from my wife, we had looked at several units and this on had the best price for features....

First off the the instructions were very clear considering that alot of the parts came preassemblied. Took only about 1 hour to set up and every thing went very smooth. It did take 2 people to put the head onto the post but even this went very smooth!

Speed adjustments are very easy with the pop up cover and tension adjustments. The fact that the unit uses a Morris tapper for the chuck is great. The depth adjustment is very easy to use and quick to set!

Fit and finish seemed to be very good. There is some play in the table but from what we saw on other units they will also have the same problem due to the way the rack is held in place to the post!

I only gave 4 stars because this is my first and only drill press and it runs a little loud!

Delta drill press
When I recieved this baby, I thought it looked pretty good.
However The parts in the box were from two different models.
and the holes in the base did not fit the column base. five holes in the column and four in the base..Delta has not yet fixed this problem.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Stationary Drill Presses    3. (Drils)   

Features

• Two-year limited warranty on machines, parts, and accessories
• Five speeds from 620 to 3100 rpm for drilling a variety of materials
• Adjustable depth stop for repetitive drilling
• Cast iron table tilts 45 degrees left and right for angled drilling
• Rack and pinion table raising mechanism

Reviews (2)

Excellent for the avocational woodworker
I bought this for exactly the reasons Delta lists: I find their 8" drill press too small for any useful work, but the 12" is overpriced for what you get.So I bought the 10".I've owned it for a few months now and have used it extensively.It has plenty of power - all but the largest forstner bits in all but the hardest wood cut smoothly and cleanly with this press.My only real compaint is the difficulty of adjusting the angle of the table - it requires a wrench and is fairly rough.However, the depth-stop adjustment is smooth and elegant, the table height adjustment is adequate, and the speed changes (via belt changes) are quite simple once you've got the hang of it.Workmanship of the tool is excellent.

Pretty Good for the Money
I bought the 10 inch because it is significantly less money than the 12 inch.It does everything that the manufacturer claims, and is a good deal.Its sturdy, and easy to assemble and to set up.The tilting table requires a wrench, but works fine.One word of caution-- while the mortising attachment will fit, there is not a lot of extra room.If you plan on doing a lot of mortising, buy the 12 inch. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drill Presses    2. Stationary Drill Presses    3. (Drils)