One of the most important machines that need to be included in your workshop is a drill press machine.
If you don't already have one, or are looking to upgrade but find the wide variety of products overwhelming, then do not worry.
Allow this article to serve as your buying guide to help you figure out what suits you the best.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Drill Press
- BEST OVERALL AND BEST FOR WOODWORKING: WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
- RUNNER-UP: WEN 4227
- BEST BENCHTOP DRILL PRESS: WEN 4214
Comparison of the Best Drill Presses
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What is Drill Press and What is it Used For?
The first question that may come to the readers' minds is 'what exactly is a drill press?' For those who are not very familiar with these machines, a drill press is basically a complex machine that has cutting edges at its points. If you're wondering about its uses, it is a machine that is used for drilling or enlarging a cylindrical hole in various workpieces or parts.
These machines, as the name implies, are mainly used for drilling but can also provide other functions, such as reaming, countersinking, counterboring, and even tapping. Such a machine is highly capable of cutting holes in or even through metals, wood, as well as other materials.
What to Look For in a Drill Press
A drill press machine is not one of those units that you simply pick randomly and go for. They have to be picked with great care to ensure that they provide you with all the features that you need. In case you are not sure about what to look for in a drill press, then do not worry. Here are some things you must consider carefully when opting for a drill press machine.
Your Own Needs
Before you go ahead and pick a drill press, you need to be sure that it is what you need. And for that, you need to have a clear picture of your own needs in your mind. From its intended use to the budget you're ready to spend, everything needs to be considered. Once that is done, pick a unit that appropriately fits these needs.
Type of Drill Press
This is another important factor that plays a huge role in your satisfaction with the machine. You need to evaluate which type of drill press is appropriate for your given use. You can choose between a bench drill press or a floor drill press. Both types have their own pros and cons.
Accuracy
The work that is needed from a drill press is often one that requires great accuracy. Investing in a unit that can provide you everything but accuracy would simply be a waste of money. Therefore, it is important that you see if the unit you are going for provides sufficient accuracy.
Review of the Best Drill Presses
And now, let's finally get to the point – looking at the top quality products. We all know we are looking for the best of the products to pick, then why go through the hassle of looking at all of them? We have made the job easier for you by listing out and reviewing some of the best units that the market has to offer.
Best Overall and Best for Woodworking:
WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Being the top-rated product is something that also reflects in the user reviews of this model. Those who recently invested in it have found it to be without any sort of flaw. With a mind-blowing functionality and an even more impressive design, users can't fathom why one wouldn't like it.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit is rated to be the top product for a number of reasons, but the one feature that really stands out to us is its ⅓ HP induction motor. This motor serves to be the very heart of the high functionality that it provides with all the torque and power that it produces for the drilling process.
Who Will Use This Most
Given the outstanding features that this unit provides its users with, it would be highly appropriate to say that it is perfect for about every other user that wants a drill press machine. But if we were asked to be more specific, we would say that it is even more ideal for individuals who are into woodworking.
Bottom Line
All in all, this product is one that we would call the ace of all. It provides functionality and design that is unmatched by all other units. If you're looking for a unit to help you with your woodworking, then rest assured that it is the perfect one for you.
Runner-up:
WEN 4227
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
According to recent users, this drill press machine is one of the best they have seen or use. Users have been highly impressed with the functionality of this product that they all agree gives it an upper hand over most of the other products in the market. That paired with the great handling makes this unit even better for them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This outstanding product has a great number of features to offer, but one, in particular, that had us sold was the speed control that it allows. With the twelve different speed options that range from 180 RPM to 2940 RPM, you can rest assured that your work will always lay precisely in your control.
Who Will Use This Most
The set of features that it has packed for its users would ideally make it a great deal for just about anyone looking for a drill press machine. But users that like being in greater control with their working speed would find it to be the perfect one for them since it provides just what they need.
Bottom Line
If for any reason, the top product doesn't sit well with you, then this is the best alternative you have that substitutes for all the features of a top-quality product. It has almost everything that you could ask for from the best drill press machine, and then some more. Needless to say, it won't disappoint you.
Best Benchtop Drill Press:
WEN 4214
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of people have recently invested in this unit and tried it out for themselves. Almost all of them had nothing bad to say about it. They all sang praises of this benchtop model that they claim worked as the perfect addition to their workbenches and provided them with ideal and smooth functionality.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What we love about this unit is not the infinite control over the speed or its additional laser feature. But what really stands out to us is the LED display. It is not a feature that you would commonly find in other units and one that is of great use when added to such a device.
Who Will Use This Most
A lot of people prefer a benchtop model over the floor type, and a lot of others are looking to switch to the former too. For all those that want to try their workshop functioning with a benchtop drill press, this model would serve to be the perfect unit. There is no other benchtop model that you would find to be better.
Bottom Line
Be it as a professional tool or one that is meant to aid a hobby; you will find it to be fitting for all purposes. Do not keep your workshop bench deprived of such an outstanding unit and invest in this model right away. With its design and functionality, you can rest assured that there will be no regrets.
Best Drill Press for Metal:
SKIL 3320-01
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users that have recently tried this unit for themselves will tell you why it is one of the absolute best amongst all drill press machines. The swiftness and the smoothness of this machine's operation are apparently what have won over all of its users, making it one of the best-reviewed products as well.
Why it Stands Out to Us
With this unit, one may find a lot to look forward to, but what really impressed up was the adjustable depth stop that was included in the design. The precision and repeatability that this feature adds to the machine are simply outstanding, and one of the reasons it is on this list.
Who Will Use This Most
Metals are known for their great strength and hardness to cut. But if you are looking for a tool that makes this job easier, then you are looking at the perfect product right now. This unit is designed to provide ideal working with metal, allowing you to cut through with great ease and no hassles at all.
Bottom Line
Make your metal cutting job considerably easier now with this drill press machine. It will work not only with metals but with a number of other materials, providing you the ideal cutting capability that you have been looking for to make your drilling job easier.
Best Floor Drill Press:
JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who have invested in this unit and tested out its functionality for themselves find it to be a unit worth investing in. Users have found it to be absolutely ideal with its functionality as well as design, making it one of the best floor drill press machines they’ve used.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This unit, as users report, has quite a lot to offer but the feature that really stood out to us was the positioning of the table. We all have our unique working angles and with the easy positioning of this unit, achieving that work angle becomes considerably easier than it is for any other unit.
Who Will Use This Most
Floor drill press machines are known for the high power design and efficiency that they provide. This unit provides that and a lot more for its users. With its great power functionality, we ensure you that no other floor press machine would work better in your workshop.
Bottom Line
The design of this outstanding product, paired with its easy and smooth functionality, will leave you stunned too. If a floor drill press machine is the type you are looking for, then we can assure you that this is the one that you want to invest in. It has never failed any of its users.
Best Small Drill Press:
SE 3-Speed Mini Drill Press Bench
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
To our recent buyers of this product, nothing has ever come as a bigger surprise. Users did not expect this much power and functionality from this drill press, given its compact size but they were pleasantly surprised when the product proved them wrong. Those who have used it assure to all others that they will never regret investing in this product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This compact unit, as we understand, has a lot to offer but what interests us the most is its motor. With such a small size and lightweight, it is equipped with a motor that is just as good as any other. It produces sufficient torque and power to get the job done and get it done well.
Who Will Use This Most
Who doesn’t like a bigger and more powerful unit that makes life easier with all the cutting jobs? But not everyone has space in their workshops for such a large-sized unit. For all those that are running short on space but would still love an efficient unit, there is no better alternative than this model.
Bottom Line
They say big surprises come in small packages. This unit right here is the perfect example. Don't let its compact size fool you. It may look considerably smaller than the standard drill presses, but it provides a functionality that is absolutely on par with all the other units.
Best Drill Press Under $200:
WEN 4212
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
What the buyers say about this unit may change your mind if you have already picked another drill press to invest in. After investing in this drill press machine, users have found that it surpasses most standard units, coming at par with the high-end products with its functionality and design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us what urged us to put this unit on this list, then we will tell you about the laser features. Many users find aiming lasers to be a tricky job, but not with this unit. Since it marks your target with an x pattern display, you can easily guess where your laser is aimed at.
Who Will Use This Most
A high functioning unit with suitable features is something all of us want in our workshops. Who wouldn’t want to invest in a high-end product, but only if it came without the heavy price tag? This model is absolutely perfect for all those that are looking for such a high-end product but cannot spare the budget to invest in one.
Bottom Line
Don’t let the tightness of your budget keep you from investing in a good quality item that would greatly enhance the working experience in your workshop. With this unit, you will find that shortness of features will never be a complaint, and the budget constraint will never be an issue.
Best Drill Press Under $500:
Shop Fox W1668
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users look for nothing but excellence in a unit, and that too in all regards. Those who have invested in this particular unit have found exactly what they were looking for. They have been greatly impressed by its high functionality that has worked perfectly over time without ever failing them.
Why it Stands Out to Us
From the set of outstanding features that this drill press provides, what seems to make this product different than others is the control and functionality it provides. In addition, the power it provides offers sufficient torque to make your work easier.
Who Will Use This Most
This drill press machine is one that comes packed with a wide range of features, embodied into a machine that provides the highest degree of functionality. Those that look for complete excellence in their workshops and a slightly higher budget to spare would find this to be the perfect unit.
Bottom Line
The final word on this unit would simply be that it is a ten. No matter what way you look at it, there is nothing about it that would keep you from investing in it. It has all the features that you would look for with the perfect kind of functionality. It is the kind of unit one would consider investing in right away.
9. ShopSeries RK7033
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Everyone that has recently used this product has been pleasantly surprised by how well it actually works. Given the low price point at which it is available, one would expect it to be of lower quality, but the users claim that it isn't. They guarantee that this model will stand tall on all the standards of drill press machines, regardless of its low price tag.
Why it Stands Out to Us
If you ask us why we put this unit on the list, it would definitely be for the great standard of customer support that is provided by the manufacturer. This unit comes with two years of warranty that is valid in case of any defects with the material of the workmanship of the product. What more can a user ask for?
Who Will Use This Most
This drill press machine is one that comes to provide you with a great set of features but at a lower price. So if you are someone that is just starting out with your workshop, and find yourself to be a beginner with drill press machines, then you would like to invest in something that is comparatively cheaper but provides excellent functionality. And for that purpose, no unit would serve better than this.
Bottom Line
Why pay a greater price when you can get more features for lesser? Save yourself the trouble of paying for fancy price tags that come with no worthy feature, and make this pocket-friendly unit your ultimate choice. With the low price that it comes at and the heavy features it offers, you too will be blown.
Types of Drill Press
If you too are the kind of person that thinks that all drill press machines are the same, then we would ask you to reconsider your thoughts. Drill press machines come with quite some variety, all of them offering different uses and functions. Most commonly, the drill press machines are divided into two types: bench type and floor type.
Bench Drill Press Machines
Bench drill press machines are designed to be smaller of the two types. Due to the decreased size, these units occupy a lot lesser amount of space and are also lighter than their counterparts. They are also considerably more affordable. The downside, however, is that they will eat up your desk space and are not as highly functional.
Floor Drill Press Machines
This type of drill press machine comes without the constraint of size, but without eating up desk space since it is placed on the floor. Their build and function are also designed to be of greater quality, making it a great versatile unit as well. But these units come with a heavier price tag and occupy quite some space in a room.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Drill Press?
Before you finally invest in a drill press machine, you need to know a few things about these drilling machines. These considerations will help you understand what to expect from your unit and further ensure that you get the perfect one for yourself.
Spacious Worktables
If you’re looking for a drill press machine that comes with the ease of use, then what you are looking for is a spacious worktable. This is a common feature that you would find in most of the good quality items; therefore, it must not be very hard to find.
Tilting of the Table
Most drill press machines come with variable degrees of desk tilting during use. This tilting makes a great impact on your work. The standard units tilt to about 45 degrees, while the more high-end productions allow tilting up to 90 degrees. Before you invest in a unit, you need to ensure that it tilts to your liking.
Consider the Overall Design
The basic footprint of your drill press machine and the overall design of its manufacturing also play a crucial role in its functionality. If your room size is medium, then you don’t want a large-sized unit crowding the place, making working with it harder. It is therefore important to pick a unit that is perfect for your own use.
Conclusion
A drill press can make all the difference when it comes to making work easier in your workshop. Therefore, buying the best one is essential. With the help of our reviews and our guide, you can surely find one which meets your needs.
People Also Ask
Drill press machines are not one of the most commonly used machines, nor are they the simplest ones. Therefore, it is only natural for a lot of people to have a number of questions in their minds regarding these machines. In order to ensure that you understand these units better, here are the answers to some questions that other users frequently ask.
What Does the Size of a Drill Press Mean?
When speaking of the size of a drill press, one may get confused. It may be tricky to understand the extremities of the given measurements. In general, when speaking of the size of a drill press, it is basically twice the throat distance, which is the distance from the center of the spindle to the closest edge of the post.
Can You Use a Router Bit in a Drill Press?
As a matter of fact, yes. You can use router bits on a drill press. But this compatibility is usually limited to the smaller router bits. Users should, however, bear in mind that different types of larger cutting bits, like raised panel bits, do not work well with drill press machines since these machines do not develop the speed required for efficient operation.
What is a Swing On Drill Press?
The swing on a drill press is yet another measurement that can often confuse the users who are not well familiar with these machines. A drill press swing is simply the double of the measurement of the distance from the center of the spindle, the point where the drill is to be inserted, to the support column which is the pole that holds up the drill press.
What is a Drill Press Quill?
When speaking of a drill press quill, one is usually referring to the hollow shaft that is seen surrounding the spindle. The spindle itself is the rotating shaft on which the chuck is mounted. The spindle itself turns with respect to the drill press housing, while the quill itself does not.
What is a Magnetic Drill Press?
If you are ever looking to cut metal on your own, then a magnetic drill press is what you need. It is usually made up of 4 main components which are a magnetic base, a drill stand, a motor, and an arbor or chuck. These drills are highly compatible with a large variety of tooling, such as annular cutter, taps, reamers, etc.
What is a Radial Drill Press?
A radial drill press refers to a geared drill head that is used with an arm assembly and is capable of being moved around to the extent of its arm reach. Such a drill press is capable of performing functions like boring holes, countersinking and grinding off small particles.
Drill Press Buyer Guides
Looking for all of our drill press buyer guides? You've come to the right place: