Shop FoxM1039 20-Inch Drill Press

Just received my new drill press. It was shipped quickly and easy to put together. Didn't need any help to lift it up into place. It didn't seem as heavy as I thought it would be. I'm 57, so I guess that I still have some good years left in me. I mounted the drill press to a Shop Fox mobile base that I built up with some 2x4s and plywood. Now it's at a better working height for me as I'm 6'-4". Rewired it for 220vac and replaced the power cord with 25ft 12awg cord. Also ordered some 220vac light bulbs from Amazon.So far everything about this drill press is great. If something bad happens I'll update later.

I had to replace a large delta drill press, it had levers to adjust spindle speed but over the years I had issues with this feature and it ended up failing, could not get very specialized parts to repair so had to scrap it. I did a lot of comparing of drill presses and the shop fox is what I went with. I have to drill in many materials but mainly steel, my criteria was a simplified spindle speed adjustment, less to go wrong, a larger motor,1 1/2” hp and heavy duty, 350lbs. It’s been perfect so far, from prompt efficient delivery, easy assembly, Ive been using it daily since receiving it, lots of drilling power, smooth and efficient!!

Product showed up when I was not home. Wet soggy box rusty spots throughout. I am fine with the rest I can clean that. It is missing a bag of hardware to mount it together. I bought all new bolts not a problem. Here’s the problem it’s missing the chuck and key and Arbor. I Contact the seller and waiting to hear back. I’d love to get this thing a try out.

The drill press delivered after a 10 day wait. Things looked good upon unpacking and assembly was not difficult. The motor had an issue and customer service was polite and helped with the problem. The new motor was delivered a week later. Upon swapping out the motor I found an issue with the belt tension device ( Shifter ) and the light socket. At this time I decided to ship it back. They are going to return it but this is the Make it cheaper mentality. I am at this point very sorry I bought this machine. Customer service is good but should you rely on this on a new machine at this price? I am disappointed at the out the door quality.

After getting it set up and wired, turned it on and the motor is running backwards. Turned it off, verified the wiring and it is correct. Turned it back on, still running backwards. Called the help line, was told that isn't possible. Am not sure what to do next, but if it won't run, will probably begin process of returning it. Very unhappy

This machine is a beast. I have been impressed so far with the machine (I have owned it for 2 weeks). It does have a slight vibration at the mid-range speed, but remember, this is NOT the most expensive 20 inch machine out there. The torque and power is excellent. It is relatively quiet for a machine this size. It could use a chuck holder, but still I have been satisfied, and would recommend this machine to others.

I brought this drill the Shop Fox M1039 20-Inch Drill Press, with two other items which I'm planning on reviewing or did review.I would never buy more then one piece of big shop equipment again, if you have any issues you can times it by how many units you brought and then some. Poor me and poor customer service.Un like the other two reviews my drill unit is working just fine. This thing is super heavy, so if your just drilling holes in wood you probably won't need to anchor it to floor. With steel work you might if you plan on drill holes in long steel parts.I have not put a light in it, because I have a lot of shop lights, but probably will when I start doing finer work. The belt change are ok and a little more work when you need adjust both but easy putting the tension back on. This has been a good buy for me. I don't think it luck because one of the other units has been trouble from the start. And with all fairness I can't slam different piece of equipment with this one. I do know, that if I'll need any parts, Hope Not, I can count on some great customer service. I know, me too. Wish I never had to call customer service. But until we inform these companies I hope the faster we get better equipment.

This is a Made in China $6oo drill press. You get a lot of drill press for the money, however, being made in China you cannot expect greatness. I've been tweaking the press - on and off - for several weeks and ironed out most of the bugs, but I am still tracking down a low-speed vibration. Shop Fox replaced both drive belts (their Customer Service has been great) and that helped, but it didn't eliminate the problem. For now, I am on hold with the press and will provide a follow-up report in future.Stephen Brown