When you're outfitting a metalworking shop, the drill press can get overshadowed by lathes and mills, but it's often the first machine you reach for when a job needs a clean, repeatable hole. The JET IDP-17 is a 17-inch industrial floor drill press, and this unit is being offered as new open-box, so the condition is part of the buying decision from the start.
Quick verdict
The JET IDP-17 is listed at USD 1,299.97. That price covers a floor-model drill press with 1 HP, a 5/8-inch drilling capacity in steel, a 16-7/8-inch swing, and a 350-2,800 RPM spindle speed range. It runs on 115/230V single-phase and uses a keyed chuck. The machine also includes a power down feed. For someone weighing industrial drill press specs against an open-box unit, these are the core numbers to start from.
Who it suits
This machine fits a shop that has floor space and a steady stream of metal drilling work. The floor-standing design keeps the machine stable while you position workpieces, and the fixed belt-drive speed control fits a workflow where you don't mind changing speeds at the machine. If that sounds like your setup, the JET IDP-17 belongs on your short list.
What stands out
The machine's spindle-to-column distance is 8-3/8 inches, and spindle travel is 3-5/16 inches, giving you a clear sense of its reach and working stroke. The 115/230V single-phase wiring gives you flexibility for your shop's electrical setup, and the power down feed is a production-oriented feature for an industrial floor model. The heavy-duty feature set and black finish match the machine's place in a machining lineup.
Meaningful trade-offs
The biggest trade-off is the condition of this exact unit. The light is broken and will need replacing, and there are light scratches on the body. You're getting an open-box drill press, not a freshly unboxed machine, so plan for that repair. The fixed belt-drive speed control is also worth a thought: speed changes are mechanical rather than a variable-speed dial, so you'll work with the belt setup as part of the drilling process.
JET IDP-17 17-Inch Industrial Floor Drill Press
Choosing the JET IDP-17 means committing to a floor-model drill press with a 16-7/8-inch swing, a 1 HP motor, and a 5/8-inch drilling capacity in steel. What should give you pause is the condition: the unit's light is broken and needs replacement, and light scratches are already visible. If you're willing to take on that repair, the machine's core capabilities remain intact.
Bottom line
At USD 1,299.97, the JET IDP-17 offers a substantial industrial drill press specification set on a unit that needs a little attention before it's at full condition. If you want a floor-standing machine with serious capacity and you are prepared to handle the condition notes, this machine should be on your radar. The specs line up with the price; the condition is the part you have to own.
