HF tools are generally one step above junk. I have a 40-something year old Delta floor model drill press that I have modified with a second motor to have 24 speeds. I have fitted it with a 5/8" capacity chuck. It is adequate for all my drilling needs, up to and including stepped-shank drill bits over 1 inch in diameter through 3/4" steel plate. It also does light-duty milling with a cross slide table. The second motor has a 3:1 speed reduction and drives the high speed motor as an idler when running in low speed. I also have a Sprag clutch fitted to prevent overspeeding the low speed motor when the high speed unit is running. The total investment in the unit, including the purchase of the original used drill press, was under $250.00.
Jerry
