Delta 8-Inch Drill Press: Which Models Qualify and What They Can Do
Search for a Delta 8-inch drill press and you’ll find one machine that earns that label clearly: the Delta 11-950. But you’ll also run into the older Delta 11-100, a different machine that sometimes shares search results. This article sorts out which is which, gives you confirmed specs for the 11-950, and explains why the 2-inch quill travel is the one number that should drive your decision.
What Does “8-Inch” Mean on a Drill Press?
“8-inch” refers to the machine’s swing, which is twice the distance from the column center to the spindle center. An 8-inch swing means the spindle sits 4 inches from the column, giving you a maximum center-drilling radius of 4 inches. In plain terms: an 8-inch drill press can drill dead-center through a piece of stock up to 8 inches wide.
The Delta 11-950: The True 8-Inch Machine
The Delta 11-950 is the model that actually carries the “8-inch bench drill press” designation. Confirmed specifications from the official 11-950 instruction manual (Part No. 900591):
- Swing: 8 inches
- Motor: 1/3 HP, 110-120V, 60 Hz
- Spindle speeds: 5 (620, 1,100, 1,720, 2,340, and 3,100 RPM)
- Quill travel: 2 inches
- Throat depth: 4 inches
- Table size: 6-1/2 inches x 6-1/2 inches
- Table tilt: 45 degrees left and right
Verdict: A compact, reliable benchtop press for light woodworking and occasional soft-metal drilling.
The Delta 11-100: A Different Machine
The Delta 11-100 is an older, vintage Delta benchtop press, generally a 4-speed machine with a 1/3 HP motor, built to different dimensions. If you find an 11-100, you are looking at a used or vintage machine, not a current production model. Treat it as a separate product and verify all specs on the specific unit before buying.
The Real Limitation: 2 Inches of Quill Travel
The 11-950’s dominant limitation is its 2-inch quill travel. Here’s what that means in practice:
- You can drill through 1-1/2-inch stock comfortably.
- Deep holes in thicker material require repositioning the workpiece between plunges.
- Forstner bits cutting to depth in 2-inch hardwood will push the limit.
- Any mortising or deep stopped-hole work requires planning around this constraint.
This is not a fixable problem. It’s built into the machine’s geometry.
Delta 11-950 vs. WEN 4208T
| Feature | Delta 11-950 | WEN 4208T |
|---|---|---|
| Swing | 8 inches | 8 inches |
| Motor | 1/3 HP | 1/3 HP |
| Speeds | 5 | 8 |
| Speed range | 620-3,100 RPM | 740-3,140 RPM |
| Quill travel | 2 inches | 3-1/8 inches |
| Table | 6-1/2” x 6-1/2” | Larger |
The WEN 4208T is available here: WEN 4208T on Amazon
The quill travel gap is significant. The WEN 4208T gives you 3-1/8 inches of quill travel and more speed steps to fine-tune RPM for different materials.
Who Should Skip the Delta 11-950
Skip it if you’re doing anything that pushes quill depth. Deep holes in thick stock, production drilling of multiple passes, or any work where you regularly hit the 2-inch limit will frustrate you fast. The 11-950 also has a small table (6-1/2 by 6-1/2 inches).
Safety Notes
OSHA and CCOHS both stress that drill press work requires a properly clamped workpiece. Secure the work, keep your fingers clear of the quill path, and make sure the machine is bolted to the bench.
Conclusion
- The Delta 11-950 is the genuine 8-inch Delta bench drill press: 5 speeds, 1/3 HP, and 2 inches of quill travel.
- The Delta 11-100 is a different, older machine, not an 8-inch press.
- Two inches of quill travel is the 11-950’s hard ceiling: plan your work accordingly.
- The WEN 4208T matches the 8-inch swing but delivers 3-1/8 inches of quill travel and 8 speeds.
FAQ
What does 8-inch mean on the Delta 11-950? It refers to the swing: the maximum width of stock you can center-drill is 8 inches.
What are the five speeds on the Delta 11-950? 620, 1,100, 1,720, 2,340, and 3,100 RPM.
Is the Delta 11-950 still in production? The 11-950 is an older model. Check Delta’s current product pages for their present benchtop offerings.
Can I drill metal with the Delta 11-950? Yes, for light soft-metal work. Use cutting fluid on steel and reduce speed to the lower end of the range.
What is the quill travel on the Delta 11-950? 2 inches. This is the most cited limitation of the machine.
How does the Delta 11-950 compare to the WEN 4208T? Same 8-inch swing and 1/3 HP motor, but the WEN offers 3-1/8 inches of quill travel and 8 speeds versus 5.
What is the Delta 11-100? An older, vintage Delta benchtop drill press. It is not an 8-inch machine and is not current production.
Can the Delta 11-950 table be tilted? Yes, 45 degrees left and right for angled drilling.
References
- Delta 11-950 Instruction Manual, Part No. 900591: mikestools.com
- WEN Products Drill Press FAQ: wenproducts.com
- OSHA: Drill Press Safety: osha.gov
- CCOHS: Drill Press Hazards and Controls: ccohs.ca
