Quote Originally Posted by Snapper View Post
Frequent reader but first post here so sorry if it's in the wrong place. I have a chinese 2.2kw gantry CNC with all the bells and whistles which is adequate for most work I need to do however there are some work pieces that are either too big to fit under or too tough for the spindle, so I have decided to upgrade my pathetic, seldom used NuTool drill press for something a bit more substantial.

I'm looking for something with enough Z axis travel and accuracy to use a tapping head such as a tapmatic for tapping threads in aluminium. My budget isn't massive, maybe £400/£500, but there's so much crap out there and I don't know what to look for. Ideally a bench top drill but I wouldn't rule out a floor drill if the price was right.

Used or new isn't an issue but the budget would have to include collecting/delivery and whatever is needed to get it running true. I drive a VW Scirocco (tiny boot) so I'm limited in what I can collect myself.

Thanks for any advice much appreciated.
I have been using this Warco drill press for a while now and it is very good (post #6). I don't use a TapMatic head but still very successfully tap threads in aluminum 'by hand' using the chuck to support the tap to get it started.

This drill press, in common with most, has a fraction of a mm side to side freeplay in the spindle, especially when extended, so don't know if this affects TapMatic operation or not?

http://www.mycncuk.com/threads/7699-...ht=drill+press

It is a solid well made unit, well within your budget and delivery is free. After sales is also very good.