I'd go for the 959 for the longer stroke and bigger motor, two of the most important features in a drill press IMHO.

If you can save the extra cash for it, the delta 18-900L is the one I'd get. I have a ridgid 15" press and love it, but when I can afford it I want the delta.

 

That looks like a nice machine, but I sort of set a limit of around 700 bucks, maybe 750. Don't wanna break the bank! Yeah, I'm thinking of getting the 959, for the very reasons you state. Since I'm such a cheapskate,I usually try to buy a smaller machine, then expect it to perform like a larger one.

Which model Rigid do you have?

 

I have the DP1551; the same one they're selling now at the inflated price of $499.
I paid $219 for mine after a rebate and hf coupon.

The 18-900 would be a luxury for me, but I really like the design.

 

For what it's worth, I wound buying the Delta 18-900L last year. It's a big machine, alright! So far, I've only used it with a wire brush wheel, to clean up the rust off a lantern-type candleholder. I wrote a rather lengthy review on it at Amazon.com (where I bought it), and I posted a video there…I also have a longer, more complete video, that because of its size, I can't upload to Amazon, but would be willing to share with anyone who is interested.

 

I have a 900L myself… It replaced a 12" benchtop I used for ~ 15 years.

The two reasons I sprung for it were:
- 6" quill travel
- LOW slowest speed

In my eyes, for woodworking, a SLOOOOW lowest speed and the most quill travel I can get are why I have a drill press.

If I were limited to the other Delta's, I'd probably save money and get a Grizzly or Jet. In my eyes, there's nothing besides paint color that differentiates those machines from other imports.

 

Congrats! You got a great press.
I'd love to see the full video.

 

It sounds like an awesome DP…but does anyone know what the current status of Delta is? Are they shipping parts yet?
Mike

 

Moke, I needed some parts for my DP, and it took a couple of months, but the parts arrived. Unfortunately, they were the laser units for the wrong side of the drill press!! I didn't bother trying to go through the whole process again.

Here's the longer video I made of my drill press (that is, if I can figure out how to upload it).

Ok, I'll have to get back to this video thing, as I see it needs to be uploaded to an outside source.

 

I'm with Moke. I've been away from woodworking for quite a while and I'm trying to get back in was really shocked when I went to Delta's website to only find next to nothing. Are they restructuring, going out of business or what. I mean one lathe, one bandsaw, etc. I used to get their catalog every year and it was like over 1/2" thick 15-20 years ago.

 

I have a lot of Delta stuff and have attended the "sale" where the reps used to be….they do not come anymore and I hear lots of horror stories…and lots of opinions…I hope they get it back together soon.
While Delta has made klinker or two it was generally good stuff!!

I can't imagine a DP needing a lot of parts, but it is certainly something to consider
Mike

 

Well, I was trying to add the videos (finally!) of my drill press, but I can't figure out how to get a link posted in here. I've stashed the videos over on Flickr; there doesn't seem to be a way to link from there, to here. Or does Flickr allow 3rd-party hosting?