83700 Viking DVR 16 in. Drill Press

I was swapping out my 20 year old Delta full height VS drill press and couldn't decide whether to get the benchtop or full height Viking. I looked at the Voyager, but it was just more drill press than I wanted to move around (i.e. one of the reasons I was getting away from the Delta). I ultimately went with the benchtop because it would be more mobile when placed on a Dewalt planer stand, which is a terrific base for the Viking. No regrets other than it precluded me from using Woodpeckers drawer mount for their drill press table. I'll survive and can create storage another way.Packaging and delivery were first rate. Everything was very well protected, and what little assembly is required is straightforward. Every large tool setup should be this easy.The drill press itself is nothing short of impressive. It's much much quieter and more stable than my Delta. The VS is super easy, and the self start and depth stop features are incredibly useful. I wondered if they would be gimmicks, but self start in particular makes me wonder how I used a drill press without it. The only comment on the depth stop is to make a test hole. Perhaps because I use brad point bits, the depth stop runs a smidge deep on mine. For example, if I set it to .5", the hole measures .565" deep. But if I drop the depth setting back, it's perfect. I was actually duplicating some holes that another shop had drilled and wondered why they had holes that were .565" deep. I think I know the answer.There is a lot of chatter about the accuracy of the included chuck. I'm not doubting anyone's experience, but here's mine. I purchased a 6" lathe test mandrel with runout of less than one micron (.0001). The runout measurement at the far end of the mandrel is slightly less than .0015. I wouldn't dream of buying a new chuck to try to improve on that. I've never longed for a keyless chuck on my drill presses, so that is not an issue for me.All told, this is a terrific drill press at any price, and an incredible value at this price.

I kept trying to decide between a smaller bench top drill press at a lower price point and the Viking. It seems that a lot of people who buy smaller presses eventually find that they need to upgrade to something larger. I also wanted the easy speed change as opposed to having to change belts like most older machines require.The drill press was sold by CPO Outlet on Amazon and there was a special during prime days. Delivery by UPS was flawless. Unpacking was easy and everything arrived intact.The machine weighs 154 pounds and is very top heavy so be careful when setting it up. Probably best to have a second person help. There was minimal assembly. It took longer to build a mobile table to secure it to. The instructions were simple and clear. Be sure to remove the sticker over the digital display or you’ll think it isn’t working.I’ve tested the press on soft and hardwood. The laser guide is spot on although I’m not sure I’ll really need it. Speed changes are instant and the rpm display makes it easy to know what speed you’re using.I’ll update the review once I put it through the paces but so far I am very pleased with the build quality. It arrived with a normal amount of shipping grease (I read a review complaining about this). Every large machine I’ve bought new had been packed this way as it helps protect surfaces.

It's a great drill press. It's very powerful, surprisingly quiet, no belts to mess when changing speeds - I really, really like it. It's one weakness is a marginal chuck. To reduce runout, get a good chuck like a Llambrich or Albrecht. I bought a Llamrich L31408B keyless chuck for mine. I would advocate buyit it off Amazon Prime to get free shipping. Other plates said shipping would be $150-200. UPS delivered it in great shape. Assembly is quick and easy. You'll either need a friend or a lift table to get the drill into position given it's weight and being top heavy. Again, great press - I'd very much recommend it.

Slight damage and too heavy to send back. Good product.

The chuck on this DB won't stay in, see photo. I have reinstalled it multiple times and it just won't stay in. I have ordered a 150 dollar keyless chuck for it so we'll see if that works better. I have a few more days to decide whether I am going to return it. This will be a deal breaker if it does not get resolved.Also the table mediocre, it is very difficult to set an accurate angle and yes, I realize drill press tables have a lot to be desired but the a little more thoughtful engineering would be good.I'll update my ranking after I see if the new chuck will resolve the issue.