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How the Speed Control Works
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
Something not mentioned in the instructions. The speed can only be changed while the drill is running. Also, the tension on the speed adjustment handle was a bit too stiff as sent. I loosened the nut that holds the speed control arm on slightly. It took a bit trial and error to find the right amount
of tension where the handle would hold a setting without being stiff to change, but nothing major. The speed is varied by a compressible/expandable pulley. The readout is electronic, but the speed control itself is not. I added a flat washer between the table raise/lower handle nut and the crank arm. As sent, the nut tightened against a hollow shoulder on the arm. Otherwise seems quite good.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2026 by Stanley Brookshier Jr.
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
This drill press arrived well protected in the box. No damage to any components. Straight forward assembly. All parts went together very well. Being a tool and die maker I used a dial indicator installed in the chuck with a Moore “frog leg” to tram the perpendicularity between the spindle and table.
Over a radius of approximately 4 inches I trammed a 360 degree rotation. It was within 0.002” total right out of the box. Very impressive for a drill press. Quite happy with the overall fit and finish. I got the “6 pole” motor. Ran it from approximately 380 to 2000 rpm. Very smooth and relatively quiet unit. I’d recommend this product.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 17, 2026 by Amazon Customer
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Appears so far to be good quality.
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
So far, I am happy with this drill press . Brings back memories when I was a machinist years ago . Thanks !
Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2025 by Michael Wharton
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
Item was as described. Arrived timely and in good condition.
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2025 by John K.
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
Great machine for the price! It’s a lot bigger than it looks.
Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2025 by Dave
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
So far, it's worked well. I attached a table press and been able to use it once. Worked well
Reviewed in the United States on September 24, 2025 by Clarence
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
Laser isn't lined up properly, when drilling down the shaft has give leading to bit movement. Holes can be off by up to 1/8 inch do you this. Highly dissatisfied
Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2025 by Andrew W. Plotner
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A Drill Press with Umph (and a Little Heartbreak in the Swap)
Size: 12 Inch, 6 Pole Motor, 3/4 HP, Low Speed
The media could not be loaded. Back in 1994, when we moved into our Seattle-area house, the very first power tool I bought was a Delta 11-990 benchtop drill press. That machine and I went through a lot together. I basically learned how to use a drill press on that Delta. I used it, maintained it, lea
ned on it for decades. It even survived a major remodel on that house and the move all the way down to Texas. Replacing it was kind of like replacing a part of me. But here’s the hard truth: while that old Delta was trusted, it had its limits. Forstner bits in hardwoods? You had to pamper it along. Metalworking? Forget it - I’d haul that job to another shop rather than risk hurting the Delta. It was dependable, but underpowered. Enter the Bucktool 12" variable-speed drill press. Compared to the Delta, it’s like trading in a four-cylinder commuter car for a V6 truck. The Delta ran a 1/3 HP motor; the Bucktool is packing 3/4 HP with a six-pole design, giving it more torque at lower RPMs. On paper that’s over double the horsepower, and in practice it shows. When I dropped a 1-1/4" Forstner bit into mahogany, the old Delta would have whimpered and begged me to slow down. The Bucktool just chewed right through, leaving smooth, clean holes. For the first time I can put my whole Forstner bit collection to real use. Setup was, for the most part, a breeze. The footprint fit right where the Delta sat, but the mounting holes didn’t line up, so I drilled fresh ones and added hardware. The taller motor location also interfered with a dust collection port, so that had to be moved. Nothing major, but worth noting. Otherwise, this was pretty much a drop-in replacement. I will admit: I had to climb up on the bench to wrestle the drill head into place. I managed solo, but I’d recommend a shop buddy unless you enjoy risking your back and your dignity. The tool itself? Well appointed. Variable speed adjustment with a digital readout - though the lever is stiffer than expected. Cast-iron (or steel) table, not aluminum, which Bucktool should brag about more. A work light and laser guides are built in. The LED light is handy, but too dim for my aging eyes. I slapped on a magnetic mount light for extra help. The red laser guides are dead-on accurate, but here comes my gripe: Sidebar: A Color-Blind Shop Note Color blindness is more common than folks realize - about 8% of men and 0.5% of women have it. The most common forms are red-green deficiencies, which make red laser lines nearly impossible to see. I fall into that camp, and for me, the Bucktool’s red laser might as well vanish unless I turn out most of the shop lights. A green laser is far easier to see, color-blind or not. Adding a green option (or dual lasers) wouldn’t cost much, and I’d happily pay extra for it. Now, about accuracy: at first I thought my Bucktool had a runout problem. I even shot a video and contacted Bucktool support. Their frontline team was professional and super helpful - they escalated my case to engineering, who came back with answers in under 24 hours. Turns out the drill’s runout spec is 0.25 mm, and mine measured 0.1 mm. In other words, my dial-reading skills were the culprit, not the drill. That kind of support gave me real confidence in the brand. Speaking of which - I’ll be honest. I’ve got a Bucktool disk/belt sander that’s never impressed me. Aluminum tables and a toy of a miter gauge kept it from earning a spot in my shop rotation. So I wasn’t expecting to be wowed here. But this drill press has absolutely improved my opinion of Bucktool. It’s more powerful than my old Delta, it’s got the creature comforts modern presses should have, and it feels like a proper shop-grade tool. Summary The Bucktool DP12VL is powerful, smooth, and stable. It fits easily into the footprint of older presses with only minor tweaks. It’s got some quirks - dim LED, stiff speed lever, and lasers I can’t see - but it delivers the kind of torque and accuracy that makes it feel like a serious upgrade. Pros: ✅ Considerably more powerful than older benchtop presses (3/4 HP vs 1/3 HP) ✅ Smooth low-speed torque for hardwoods and metalworking ✅ Cast-iron table for stability (not aluminum) ✅ Digital speed readout and variable adjustment ✅ Responsive and professional customer support ✅ Nearly drop-in replacement footprint Cons: ❌ Mounting holes didn’t line up with my old bench pattern ❌ Taller motor location interfered with my dust port ❌ Variable speed lever stiffer than expected ❌ LED light too dim for serious use ❌ Red laser guides invisible for the color-blind (and hard to see in bright light) 🏅 Verdict: If you’re upgrading from an older benchtop drill press, this Bucktool will feel like night and day. Plenty of umph, modern features, and real support behind it. I’m glad to say it changed my mind about Bucktool tools. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars (so far - with hopes it keeps proving itself)
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Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2025 by Daniel Patrick