There are a variety of different drill presses available on the market, which vary in their power, size, types, speed and price. To make your choice among them can be daunting. So, we recommend considering the below factors while analyzing the products.
Drill Size –
It is measured as the distance a drill press can move to drill holes in a given object/material. Since it affects the overall form factor of a drill press, you should get a drill that suits your requirement. Also, the distance from the chuck to column multiplied by two is a swing size. The larger swing will allow the drill press to handle larger materials.
Chuck Size –
Chuck size is used to hold the drill bit in place to drill in a given object with precision. Different drill presses have different chuck sizes (1/2-inch, 5/8-inch & 3/4-inch) to use for different applications. Here 1/2-inch is used for simpler applications and 3/4-inch chuck size is used for industrial applications. Also, check the type of chuck offered by the drill press – keyed or keyless, in which keyless is the better option.
Motor Power –
The motor power of a drill press will make it drill easily into hard objects or use it for heavy-duty applications. Based on your work requirement, you have to pick the drill press with a motor power rating. Horsepower (HP) is used to measure the motor power.
A small drill press with a 3/4 HP motor is a perfect option for occasional users or those drilling holes in lighter materials. A drill press with a 1/2 HP motor is ideal for professionals who use them daily.
Apart from these features, there are so many things to consider which are mentioned in our detailed “Buying Guide”. Also, to help you in selecting the best drill press, we enlisted 7 best-selling drill press models after thorough market research. Read on to choose the best one as per your work requirement.
Best Drill Press 2023
Top Drill Press Reviews
1. WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
Best hammer drills Best magnetic drill presses Best right angle drills Best rotary hammer drills Best Step Drill Bit
WEN is known to make a wide range of power tools for all kinds of applications. It even makes various drill press options, including the WEN 4208 drill press. The WEN 4208 drill press is present in the 1st position as it is the cheapest option when compared with other options in this article. Even then, it can offer an excellent drilling performance with this 8-inch drill size that provides a balance between form factor and drilling performance. This drill is powered by a decently powerful ⅓ HP motor. It offers 5 different motor speeds that range from 740 RPM to 3140 RPM as per the user’s requirement. Such high RPM speeds in an 8-inch drill press allow you to drill quite easily using various drill bits that can fit in its ½ inch keyed chuck. Unfortunately, this drill press only comes with a 1-year warranty against any issues with the drill press. Best Features:
8-inch drill size ⅓ HP motor ½ inch keyed chuck Up to 3140 RPM motor speed 1-year warranty 5 different motor speeds 6 feet cord length 45 degrees left and right bevel adjustment.
Components:
Drill Press Drill chuck and key User manual Warranty card
2. WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
We are here with another excellent drill press option from WEN in this article. This WEN 4214 drill press offers many things for its given price. As per its name, this drill press has a drill size of 12 inches. And this one provides a great balance between size and performance of this drill press. It is powered by a decent ⅔ HP motor that is quite decent for drilling even into hard materials with ease. This motor can offer a speed of 580 RPM to 3200 RPM as per the user’s needs. You get a ⅝ inch keyed chuck in this drill press that is quite good for the price. It offers a spindle travel of 3 ⅛ inch that is easy to adjust as per your requirement. But unlike the previous WEN drill press, this one comes with a 2-year warranty and a better build quality. In other words, it can last for a decent period of time without any issues. Best Features:
12-inch drill size ⅔ HP motor ⅝ inch keyed chuck Speed range of 580 RPM to 3200 RPM 2-year warranty Spindle round of 3 ⅛ inch Bevel angle of up to 45 degrees
Components:
Drill Press Drill chuck and key User manual Warranty card
3. Bilt Hard 2.3-Amp 8 Inch Drill Press
Bilt Hard is a relatively small brand. Nevertheless, the brand manufactures superior quality hardware equipment to help you get the job done. It has a large product portfolio of miscellaneous power tools for professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Bilt Hard’s drill press is equipped with a small 8-inch drill that is perfect for small drilling jobs. It has a 7/64-5/8 inch keyed chuck that supports a wide range of drill bits for the most versatile drilling experience. Plus, it has a 13-1/4 inch swing and a 3-1/8 inch spindle travel. The drill press can be used to drill through wood, metal, plastics, and other materials with relative ease. With 16 adjustable speeds, you can set the exact speed to drill through the material. It offers a variable speed between the range of 220 and 3600 RPM. Also, it has adjustable depth for precision depth drilling, irrespective of the material. The flexible work table has a 45-degree left and right bevel for angled drilling along with a 11.41-inch diameter. The metal part is made of steel or cast aluminum for maximum durability. The drill press is backed by only a 90-day warranty period which is quite less. Best Features
8-inch drill size 3/4 HP motor 7/64-5/8 inch keyed chuck Up to 3000 RPM motor speed 1 year warranty 16 adjustable motor speeds 45 degrees left and right bevel adjustment
Components
Drill Press Drill chuck and key User manual Warranty card
4. Dremel Drill Press
Dremel is one of the most popular brands of drills and related accessories out there. And it even makes a drill press that is quite different from most other options out there. Unlike other drill presses present in this article, this one uses a standard drill and clamps it in place. As a result, this allows you to use your existing drill as a drill press. Another great thing about this drill press is that it is quite compact and portable. This is possible due to the reason that it has a drill size or depth of just 2 inches. You can even use this drill press to make angled holes of up to 15 degrees as per your requirement. Since this drill press is made by Dremel, it is compatible with a wide range of Dremel rotary tool models out there. Unfortunately, you only get a 1-year warranty with this drill press that might be an issue for some users. Best Features:
2-inch drill size Uses your existing drill ⅛ inch chuck supported 1-year warranty Works with various Dremel rotary tools Compact and portable Angle drill adjustment of up to 15 degrees
Components:
Drill Press User manual Warranty card
5. Grizzly Industrial G0925 Benchtop Drill Press
Founded in 1983, Grizzly Industriall is one of the largest machinery companies in the U.S. It manufactures a wide range of products including woodworking equipment, metalworking tools, south bend tools, welding equipment, sanding belts, tool box, work benches, and other relevant accessories. Grizzly Industrial’s drill press runs on a ⅓ Hp motor that delivers up to 3140 RPM. It uses a compact 8-inch drill that is powerful enough to drill through wood, metal, and other materials. It has 5 variable speeds within the range of 740 to 3140 RPM for optimizing the speed depending on the material you want to drill through. With this drill press, you can drill through cast iron and mild steel up to ½ inches. The drill chuck supports 1/16 to 1/2 inch drill bits for wide applications. This benchtop model will suit your big floor press and offers greater precision than a cordless drill. The table and base are cut out of cast iron for maximum durability. Although it features a sturdy construction, the drill press is lightweight with just 34 lbs making it one of the best portable options out there. The table can be tilted up to 45 degrees on both left and right for making precision angled drills. The table features holes to accommodate drill clamps. Best Features
8-inch drill size 1/3 HP motor 1/16 to 1/2 inch keyed chuck Up to 3140 RPM motor speed 5 adjustable motor speeds 45 degrees left and right bevel adjustment Cushioned grip for comfort and precision Lightweight and portable
Components
Drill Press Drill chuck and key User manual Warranty card
6. Shop Fox W1668 ¾-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press
Shop Fox is another option that you can look out for if you want to buy power tools like a drill press. The W1668 drill press from Shop Fox offers various useful features to the user. As per its name, you get a drill size of 13 inches in this drill press. This 13-inch size offers a great balance between performance and the form factor of this drill. It uses a decently powerful ¾ HP motor to power this drill. And it can offer motor speeds of up to 1725 RPM along with a spindle speed range of 250 RPM to 3050 RPM. You get a ⅝ inch chuck in this drill press that is quite similar to other options out there. It also offers various useful accessories to the user that can come in handy while using this drill press. Just like various other drill presses, this one also comes with a 2-year warranty and a decent build quality. Best Features:
13-inch drill size ¾ HP motor ⅝ inch keyed chuck 1725 RPM motor speed Spindle speed of 250 RPM to 2050 RPM 2-year warranty Comes with various accessories Decent build quality Spindle travel of 3 ¼ inch
Components:
Drill Press Drill chuck and key 3 piece spindle sander drum kit Mandrel Sanding paper User manual Warranty card
7. JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
JET is a lesser-known brand of power tools when compared with other options out there. But you can find various high-performance drill press from JET out there. Jet’s 354170/JDP-20MF is one of the largest drill press options due to which it is present in the 2nd position. As per its name, it has a large 20-inch drill size that is much higher than other options out there. You also get a similarly large chuck size of ¾ inch that is always great to have in a drill press. It allows you to use almost any drill bit without any issues. This drill press comes with a highly powerful 1.5 HP motor to power its chuck. It can offer a total of 12 spindle speeds that range from 150 RPM to 4200 RPM. And this allows you to get clean and precise results while drilling using this drill press. You also get a decent build quality and a 2-year warranty with this drill press. Best Features:
20-inch drill size 5 HP motor ¾ inch keyed chuck 150 RPM to 4200 RPM spindle speed 2-year warranty 12 spindle speeds Weighs 288 pounds Inbuilt work light
Components:
Drill Press Drill chuck and key User manual Warranty card
Buying Guide for a Drill Press:
Either for woodworking or metalwork, one needs to have a perfect drill press. So, here we came up with a list of some must to consider features while shopping for a drill press. Let’s get into its details.
1. Types:
Benchtop drill press and floor drill presses are two main types of drill presses, in which a lot of overlay is found in the usage of the tools, and are quite interchangeable. As we already mentioned benchtop models sit on a workbench and floor models stand on the floor. While some precise differences let you know which type is suitable for your requirement. Let’s get into its details.
Benchtop Drill Press –
This type is found mostly in an average workshop. It is a bit smaller in size, lighter, affordable, and portable than floor-standing models, yet sturdy enough to handle large projects. However, its swing distance (around 8 inches) is substantial, but a bit short for large projects where a floor model (14 – 18 inches) is required. This drill press is attached directly to the workbench, instead of standing on the floor, which makes it an ideal option in most cases. Before picking the right benchtop model, you have to know the space availability by measuring the place where you want to install them. They are versatile and you’re your purchase worthwhile.
Floor Drill Press –
A floor drill press is a perfect option to use while working with large objects, especially for industrial-purpose. It is an excellent choice with its strong and rigid nature that can be bolted directly onto the floor of the workshop. However, its column will begin from much lower, which allows for an additional swing distance and thereby capable to handle bigger/larger workpieces. It is a heavier, expensive, and larger machine that has a static design. It let you do all those tasks comfortably which can be done with a benchtop, yet it is not convenient to install due to its large size.
2. Drill Size (or) Swing Size:
Before getting into its details, one has to know about the chuck and column of the drill press. Here the chuck is a clamp used to hold the drill bit in its place, whereas the column is a thick metal pole used to support the drill press head. The drill size/swing is the distance from the chuck to the column and then multiplied by two. It is measured in inches. Simply, it is defined as the distance a drill press can move to drill holes in a given object. For instance, if the distance from the chuck to the column of a drill press is 5 inches, then the press will have a 10-inch swing. So, the swing of a particular drill press will determine the largest wood or metal piece it can accommodate when drilling a center hole. A general rule is that a drill press with a larger swing can easily handle the larger materials. So, choose them based on your work requirement, especially, while dealing with large/bigger metal or wood pieces.
3. Stroke Distance (or Spindle Travel or Quilt Travel):
It is a distance used to measure how deep a drill press can make a hole without stopping or re-adjusting the material being drilled or the press table.
Smaller or affordable drill press models come with a stroke distance of 2.5 inches (or a little less). Larger or expensive or heavy-duty floor stand drill presses feature 6 inches (or more) of stroke distance. For DIYers or hobbyists, a drill press of around 4-inch spindle travel is enough to perform various tasks.
Always look for a drill press that has an adjustable depth stop, which ensures to drill holes to precise depth whenever you drill.
4. Power:
A drill press is a powerful tool that runs on an electric motor. Since it is often used to drill into hard objects for heavy-duty applications, you should pick a drill press with a powerful motor. The motor power rating is measured in horsepower (HP). You have to choose the motor power based on your work requirement.
A small drill press with a 3/4 HP motor is enough for occasional users (or) those looking to drill holes on lighter materials. A drill press with a 1/2 HP motor (or more) is required for daily users (or) professionals who plan to use it for business.
5. Drill Press Speed:
One can find drill presses with a wide range of motor speeds, and it is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). A drill press with a higher motor speed offers better drilling with cleaner drilled holes. So, based on your drilling material, you have to pick a drill press with either low RPM or high RPM speed. You can find options like 3000 RPM, 4000 RPM, or 5000 RPM (or more) while checking the motor speed of a drill press, in which a drill press of 5000 RPM motor will perform well compared to one with 3000 RPM. However, different spindle speed is ideal while dealing with different types of materials. Most models offer a variety of adjustable speed settings to work with various materials. Few drill press models feature 5 speeds, while others have 16-speed levels. These speed setting levels will let you choose the ideal speed required to drill the material properly. It is suggested to use a higher speed setting while boring holes on wood. Whereas, switch to a slower speed setting when working on metal or other thicker materials.
6. Chuck Capacity:
Chuck is used to hold the drill bit in place to drill through an object with precision. Different drill press models have different chuck sizes like 1/2-inch, 5/8-inch, or 3/4-inch, which are useful in different applications. The smallest chuck size of 1/2-inch is meant to use for simpler applications, while a 3/4-inch chuck size will let you use almost any drill bit with your drill press (larger or more industrial drill presses). A 5/8-inch chuck size is used for medium-duty applications. Choosing a higher chuck capacity will make the drill press handle more substantial drill bits and thereby increase the range of holes to drill. Apart from the chuck size, it is essential to check the type of chuck offered by the drill press. There are two main types of chucks available – keyed chuck and keyless chuck. For most users, a keyless chuck is a better option to use without needing a key for it to operate.
7. Drill Press Table Tilt:
A drill press table with a bed tilting to an angle of at least 45°, both right and left is essential for perfect functioning. Few tables tilt in all 4 directions for complex angles. So, a tilting table is quite useful to bore angled mortises, especially while making Windsor chairs.
8. Accessories:
Few benchtop drill press models offer accessories like laser guides and extendable arms, which make the drilling process easier. Here the laser guides pinpoint where to head a drill bit to ensure precision before the bit hitting the material/object. While extendable arms accommodate materials of different sizes to pull in or out depending on the material’s width.
9. Safety Features:
Mostly, we use a benchtop model in the open (drill press sit on the workbench). So, it is essential to be cautious while operating this model. Some benchtop models offer safety features, such as safety keys and bump-off switches that let users operate the drill press safely. However, the safety features are essential while operating the drill press around young children and pets.
10. Accuracy:
A drill press will let you drill precisely and accurately. Some models provide accuracy to the next level by using laser guiding systems. This feature helps to line up the hole easily. Also, check for other features like laser guides or LED lights that help to improve the accuracy while drilling.
11. Durability:
One has to choose and invest in a well-built drill press that is solid, durable, and robust to ensure long-lasting performance. Also, it operates in an accurate and precise functioning till its lifetime. Prefer drill presses made of cast iron are stronger, durable and last longer.
12. Adjustments:
If you are looking to make different sized holes while using a drill press to drill into a given object. So, most drill presses offer various adjustments, which makes them flexible for drilling into a material. One can find adjustment options like height adjustment, bevel adjustment, or tilt adjustment. All these adjustment ranges offered by the drill press will make it drill into the given object with high precision.
13. Price:
The floor-standing models are a bit expensive compared to benchtop models, as these floor standing are fit with high powered motors that offer a higher price tag. Usually, benchtop models come under $100, and the price of floor stand models will be $500 – $1500.
14. Warranty:
Avoid buying a power tool that won’t offer a warranty and prefer to purchase a product with at least a year warranty to have peace of mind. Most drill press options provide a 2-year, 3-year, or 5-year long warranty. So, buy options that last longer without any issues.
Safety Tips to Use Drill Press:
Here are some safety tips to be followed while using a drill press.
Wear safety goggles, and hand gloves while using a drill press, why because it may take a millisecond for wood or metal particle to shoot into eyes and thus causes permanent damage. It is essential to keep the safety guard in place when it is available. Always switch off or unplug at the plug when changing the drill bit or else a single mistake can result in much pain. Avoid touching the drill while in motion, as it is powerful and may cause serious damage in a fraction of a second.
Conclusion:
A drill press allows you to quickly and easily drill holes into any object with high precision. And thus, we have mentioned various drill press options in this article along with their features and differences. This article even has a detailed buying guide with various details related to drill presses. But if you are still not able to choose the perfect drill press for you, here are some of our recommendations:
If you want a large-sized drill press for your workshop, you can go with the JET 354170/JDP-20MF drill press. It is the largest option present in this article in terms of the drill size at 20 inches. You also get a large ¾ inch chuck with this JET drill press that allows you to use most drill bits without any issues easily. This drill press also comes with a decent build quality and a 2-year warranty. The WEN 4208 Drill Press is quite similar to the JET drill press in terms of its size. It has an 8-inch drill size along with a chuck size of ½ inches. But the best part about this drill press is that you get an excellent build quality in it. And since it even comes with a 5-year long warranty, it can last for a long time without any issues. This drill press offers a speed range of 740 to 3140 RPM that is quite high when compared with other options. Although, if you are on a budget, you can go with the Dremel Drill Press . Despite its affordable price tag, it offers a drill size of 12 inches along with a chuck size of ⅛ inch. And unlike other drill presses in is class, it provides a 1-year warranty that is quite great to have. It allows you to use this drill press for a long time without any issues.
Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
Comment * Name * Email * Website
Δ
