A Whole New Breed. Drill press design hasn’t changed much in the last 100 years, but now that’s changed with the all-new Laguna DP:20 model. It’s a stunning 20” drill press with industrial good looks rivaled only by the advanced features. Let’s dive in and learn all about this technological masterpiece, and how it will improve workflow in your shop.
A Table the Size of Texas. The rugged cast iron table is a generous 15” x 22” size, and offers features sorely lacking on other brands. First, there are three T-track slots built right into the table, as well as 10 dog holes to accept any clamping accessories imaginable. Next, there’s a sacrificial insert to prevent tearout on the bottom of your workpiece. These are table features woodworkers always wanted, but usually had to add as aftermarket accessories. Luckily, they’re all included with the all-new DP:20 model. When uncrating your new tool, you’ll notice the cast iron surfaces have a light oil treatment that easily cleans up with mineral spirits or paint thinner.
Heavy-Duty is the Name of the Game. Secure the large table height crank handle, which attaches with the included Allen wrench. Every component of this new Laguna offering feels robust and engineered to last a lifetime. The column, pinion assembly, and table support are massive and sturdy, and work together for smooth and effortless adjustments.
Game Changer. The digital variable speed means no more cumbersome belt and pulley swaps to change the speed on your drill press! With the DP:20, just turn the dial to select speed from 60 to 3600rpm. Plus, you’ll discover advanced amenities like the auto-start feature that, when selected, allows the user to activate the motor simply by pulling down on the sleek handle. That’s an incredibly useful feature for repetitive drilling or working in a production environment. Plus, an auto-reverse feature automatically reverses feed direction at the bottom of the quill stroke for tapping threads. The Red E-Stop button is the quickest way to shut the machine down in a hurry, but you’ll typically use the on/off button on the integrated touch screen display, which even works with gloved hands.
Clever Details. The full 6” quill travel is much appreciated over a typical drill press that might only extend 3-4 inches. Plus - the precision chuck is smooth and accurate for even the most demanding drilling operations in wood, metal, or composite materials. But the feature that hit me like a brick was the single telescoping handle. It has a large ergonomic grip that easily extends for maximum leverage, or shortens for maximum clearance. To top it all off – the handle can fully extend the quill in just a half revolution, making the tool much easier to use.
Digital Control. Select speed with the handy dial on the control panel to match the material being drilled. The 1.5hp Pulse Width Modulation (PMW) motor provides full torque across the RPM range. That’s a huge advantage if you need to drill metal, or large diameter holes in a variety of materials. Laguna has positioned itself as the most advanced power tool company with extensive use of PWM technology, including their popular line of lathes.
Full Tilt. Under the impressive cast iron table are four corner bolts and locknuts to easily level the sacrificial insert with the table. The casting accepts typical ½” or ¾” thick MDF inserts so you can easily make replacement inserts. The table-locking levers are equipped with substantial metal handles that provide superior leverage, instilling confidence in their secure locking mechanism. Plus, an alignment pin quickly registers the table back at 90 degrees to resume normal drilling operations.
Headstock Lockout. There’s a main power switch around the back of the headstock with a yellow lockout key. Like many Laguna power tools, just remove the key to prevent unauthorized use. Note that normal operations like starting and stopping the drill press are controlled on the touchscreen display. I was also pleased to see good ventilation to the circuitry that controls the motor. You might also notice four small mounting holes on both sides of the head for an optional Chameleon light. I doubt you’ll need one though, because the DP:20 comes shipped with an integral LED light.
X Marks the Spot. Two lasers form crosshairs to sight in your target. I like to turn the LED light off, and switch the laser crosshairs on to line up my work. Then I flip the light on again to proceed with drilling. Fortunately, both the left and right sided laser pods are adjustable two ways for ultimate precision and repeatability. So, if you’ve had a tool with laser sights in the past – forget everything you know, and prepare to love this new feature.
Digital Depth. Track your drilling depth with the bright and easy-to-read touchscreen display. Depth is displayed in positive numbers above the table, and negative numbers below the table. Select between fractional inch, decimal inch, or millimeter display, and zero out your depth with each new project. There’s also a traditional scale and sturdy depth stop that also work great.
Blazing New Trails. The DP:20 has set a new standard for feature-rich design with laser pods installed on both the left and right sides, complimented by a prominent integral LED light. The construction quality is exceptional across the board, and the tool is genuinely enjoyable to operate, as every feature has been meticulously designed. If you think a drill press is basic, it’s only because your current drill press is basic. Loaded with distinctive features, this advanced tool outshines the competition in every category.
Massive Base. The base and column support assembly is truly something to behold. It has the size and weight to keep this tall drill press solidly grounded in your shop, with four 8mm bolts anchoring the column. Three additional bolt holes offer a permanent mounting option to the floor, and the slotted ways can accept an aftermarket vise for vertical boring.
Power and Control. With full torque at low RPM, and speed control at your fingertips, the DP:20 can handle all your milling needs in ferrous and non-ferrous metals, hardwood, softwood, engineered materials, acrylics and more. Get the features you’ve always wanted, and find your next drill press at www.lagunatools.com
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Willie Sandry is a Freelance Writer for woodworking magazines, and enjoys talking shop and reviewing tools on his YouTube channel The Thoughtful Woodworker. |
