When tackling larger projects, a drill press is an ideal tool to have in your arsenal. Unlike handheld power drills, which are best suited for smaller tasks, a drill press is designed to handle bigger jobs with ease. Its ability to accommodate larger drill bits makes it perfect for cutting holes in thick materials like wood, plastic, and metal.
But its versatility doesn’t stop there – the drill press also offers unparalleled accuracy when creating identical holes with precise depth, angle, and width. And with the option to fit it with attachments like rotary sanding discs or mortising attachments that drill square holes, this machine is a true workhorse for any project.
The 7 Best Drill Presses
When it comes to drill presses, there are many options available on the market. Our top pick is the WEN 4208T 8-inch 5-speed drill press, which offers a great balance of precision and power. However, other notable mentions include the WEN 4214 12-inch drill press, DEWALT DWE1622K 2-inch drill press, Shop Fox W1848 oscillating floor drill press, JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-inch floor drill press, BILT HARD 8-inch drill press, and the Dremel drill press workstation.
Each of these options has its own unique features and benefits that make it suitable for different applications.
Our Top Pick for the Best Drill Press
The WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press is our top recommendation for achieving precision and power in your projects. Since its inception in 1951, WEN has built a reputation for delivering reliable tools at an affordable price point. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a DIY enthusiast, the WEN 4208T drill press offers impressive performance, consistent accuracy, and innovative features that cater to woodworkers, metalworkers, and plastic craftsmen alike.
With its ability to deliver high-quality results and provide a seamless user experience, it’s no wonder why this drill press has become a staple in many workshops. To explore the WEN 4208T further and discover its value for yourself, check out the current pricing on Amazon.
How to Choose the Best Drill Press
When selecting a drill press, it’s crucial to consider the specific requirements of your project and the materials you’ll be working with. Different drill presses cater to distinct applications, such as those designed for precision work with metal or those that can handle various materials like wood, plastic, and metal, exemplified by the WEN 4208.
Types of Drill Presses
A drill press is comprised of four primary components: the foundation (base), vertical support (column), working surface (worktable), and drilling mechanism (head). The construction of the drill press typically involves pre-drilled holes for securing it to a floor or workbench, allowing for stable operation and precise control.
Benchtop Drill Press
In many ways, a benchtop drill press is the ultimate companion for home handymen. Its versatility and portability make it an invaluable tool for tackling light to medium-duty projects. One of its greatest strengths lies in its compact design, allowing users to easily place it on their workbench or mount it onto a table in their DIY workspace, providing unparalleled flexibility.
Floor Drill Press
When tackling demanding drilling projects, consider investing in a robust floor drill press. Its powerful motor and durable construction make it an excellent choice for both amateur DIY enthusiasts and professionals seeking precision and reliability. While these machines are often substantial in weight and size, ensuring you have sufficient space to accommodate them is crucial.
Magnetic Drill Press
Many construction workers and steel fabrication professionals swear by magnetic drill presses due to their portability and user-friendliness. Drilling into a large metal workpiece within a workshop can be a tedious task, but a magnetic drill press like DEWALT’s DWE1622K makes the process remarkably effortless by allowing for smooth maneuvering and drilling. When selecting the right press for your project, it’s crucial to consider the following key features before making a purchase.
Important Drill Press Features
Drilling Capacity
When tackling larger workpieces, a floor drill or high-powered benchtop drill press is often the best choice. These drills offer a wider swing and greater spindle travel distances of up to 3-1/8 inches or 4-3/8 inches, making them ideal for heavy-duty projects that require more room to maneuver. In contrast, smaller workpieces are better suited for benchtop drill presses or mini drill presses, like the Dremel Drill Press Workstation.
These compact drills typically have a narrower swing and shorter spindle travel distance of around 2 inches, making them well-suited for lighter DIY tasks and hobby projects.
Power
At the heart of every power tool lies a robust motor, crucial for delivering efficient and reliable performance. While various metrics can be used to measure a motor’s strength, such as horsepower or amperage, the key takeaway is that a more powerful motor will typically translate to better drilling results.
Speed
When it comes to drilling, speed plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of your project. Having control over the drill’s pace allows you to tailor it to the specific characteristics of the material you’re working with, be it wood, metal, or something else. A slower speed is often preferred for delicate and intricate workpieces, whereas faster speeds are better suited for thicker materials like metal. Interestingly, not all drill presses offer equal control over speed.
Some models may only provide 2 drilling speeds, which can be limiting when working with multiple materials. In contrast, more advanced multi-material drill presses can boast an impressive range of variable speeds, often numbering 5 or even 12 distinct settings.
Beveling Table
When it comes to achieving optimal results with a 45° beveling table, adjustability is key. Specifically, the ability to raise or lower the table by up to 45 degrees enables precise drilling and eliminates any potential for error. Moreover, some high-end models may offer an additional level of flexibility with a swiveling table feature.
Drilling Accuracy
A drilling press’s precision is influenced by various aspects, including the motor’s configuration, high-quality ball bearings, and a robust foundation. One notable feature that can significantly enhance accuracy is a laser guidance system, which proves particularly beneficial for novice users, allowing them to consistently achieve precise drilling results.
7 Best Drill Presses – Reviews
WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
The WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press is a powerful and versatile tool that excels in cabinetmaking, DIY projects, or metalworking applications. Its robust 1/3 HP induction motor provides sufficient power and torque for light to medium tasks, effortlessly drilling through wood, plastic, and metal with ease. The machine’s performance is further enhanced by its ball-bearing construction and sturdy cast iron base, which prevents any wobbling during operations.
With five variable speeds ranging from 740-3140 RPM, users can tailor the drill press to suit their specific drilling needs. Additionally, the height-adjustable beveling worktable tilts 45° in either direction for precise angled drilling operations, and its slots allow for easy mounting of clamps and vises. The 2-inch spindle features an easy-to-read locking depth adjustment gauge, while the 1/4-inch chuck offers onboard storage space.
Despite its compact design, the drill press is surprisingly easy to assemble, making it an excellent choice for new users. WEN stands behind their product with a comprehensive two-year warranty. While not ideal for heavy-duty tasks, this drill press excels in its intended use cases and offers numerous benefits, including high quality, great value, and a very affordable price.
WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press
The WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press is an exceptional choice for medium to heavy-duty tasks, offering a robust 2/3 HP induction motor and ball-bearing construction that delivers ample power, torque, and smooth drilling performance. The mechanical variable speed system allows for quick selection of the right speed for any task, with a range of 580-3200 RPM.
This drill press is highly versatile, suitable for drilling into wood, plastic, and thick cast iron, with a 12-inch swing and 3-1/8-inch spindle travel making it effortless to work with various materials. The depth adjustment knob allows for easy adjustment of the spindle, while the generous 9½ x 9½-inch cast iron work table bevels 45° left and right, providing ample surface support for longer workpieces.
Additionally, the drill press features a digital LED screen displaying the current speed, an X-pattern laser guiding system for accurate depth and spacing of holes, and a work light for maximum visibility and precision. With onboard storage for the chuck key and a sturdy cast iron base that can be mounted to a workbench, this drill press is designed for reliability and ease of use.
While some users may find it expensive, the WEN 4214’s strong motor, smooth operation, and generous features make it an excellent value for its price. Some minor drawbacks include potential vibration with heavy-duty materials and difficulty tightening the chuck, but these are relatively minor concerns given the drill press’s many strengths. Overall, the WEN 4214 is a top-notch drill press that offers exceptional performance and value.
DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Inch Drill Press
The DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Inch Drill Press is an incredibly versatile and reliable tool that’s perfect for anyone who works with steel regularly. Its sturdy design and ultra-powerful 10 amp motor, featuring two highly responsive speed settings of 300-450 RPM, make it ideal for tackling tough applications. The drill’s 4-3/8-inch spindle travel allows it to cut through even the thickest steel and other workpieces with ease.
One of its most notable features is the Quick-Change system, which enables tool-free changes between a ¾-inch Weldon shank and ½-inch keyed chuck, making it easy to switch between different bits and accessories. The Quick Release feed handles can be mounted on either side of the machine, allowing for greater flexibility when working in confined spaces. The drill is also incredibly easy to use, even for DIY beginners.
The large green and red on/off buttons are simple to understand, and the included user manual provides clear instructions. Plus, there’s no assembly required, making it perfect for those who want to start using their new tool right away. Safety features include a smart Overload Protection System that warns you when the drill is heating up or getting too hot with flashing red and yellow lights. The system will automatically turn off the drill until it has cooled down, ensuring your safety.
You can also place a magnetic coolant bottle on either side of the tool or on a work surface to keep the area cool. Additional features include a motor height adjustment tool and an 8-foot long power cord, making it easy to move around and get into tight spaces. DEWALT also offers a 3-year limited warranty on the drill press, providing peace of mind in case anything goes wrong.
Overall, this drill press is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a high-quality, reliable tool that’s easy to use and provides great value for money.
Shop Fox W1848 13-1/4-Inch Oscillating Floor Drill Press
The Shop Fox W1848 13-1/4″ Oscillating Floor Drill Press is an incredibly versatile tool that can help both DIY enthusiasts and professional carpenters achieve precision cutting in a variety of materials. Its powerful 3/4 HP motor ensures efficient performance, while the 12 variable speeds ranging from 250-3050 RPM allow for precise control over any task. The durable cast iron worktable tilts a full 90° left and right, making it ideal for projects that require flexibility.
Additionally, the worktable can be easily adjusted to suit your specific needs. One of the most impressive features of this drill press is its ability to quickly convert from drilling operations to sanding operations with just a few simple steps. The oscillating spindle design reduces heat build-up and leaves a smooth finish when sanding, making it an excellent choice for any project that requires precision contour sanding.
A safety switch prevents accidental tool starting, while the dust port keeps your workspace clean. With its high-quality construction, powerful motor, and versatility, this drill press is a fantastic value. Shop Fox also offers a benchtop drill press option, providing even more flexibility for users.
Some of the key benefits of this product include its ability to handle repetitive precision cutting in materials such as wood, plastic, and metal, as well as its durable design that can withstand heavy use. While some users may find the price point to be a bit higher than they would like, the Shop Fox W1848 13-1/4″ Oscillating Floor Drill Press is ultimately an excellent investment for anyone looking to take their projects to the next level.
JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
The JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press boasts an advanced design, providing exceptional accuracy, stability, and versatility for medium-duty applications. Its robust construction makes it suitable for both professional and home use. A powerful 1½ HP motor enables maximum drilling capacity into 1-inch cast iron and ¾-inch mild steel workpieces, backed by high-quality ball bearings supporting the spindle for smooth performance.
This drill press offers great versatility with its easy-to-use design, featuring a 4-5/8-inch spindle, 12 speeds ranging from 150 to 4200 RPM, and adjustable tension controlled by a hinged metal belt and pulley cover with a spindle return spring. The ½-inch external depth stop with a three-nut locking feature enables quick adjustments. A large, smooth cast iron table supports up to 80lbs, and can be tilted to 45° using the quick-release clamp.
For low-light conditions, the drill press features a built-in work lamp (bulb not included). Additional safety features include an on/off switch located on the front of the drill press head and a telescoping safety spindle guard. The package also includes a drill chuck and key. Jet offers a 2-year warranty on this drill press. With its high-quality construction, powerful motor, and smooth performance, it’s no wonder that this drill press is praised for its great value and sturdy design.
BILT HARD 8-Inch Drill Press
The BILT HARD 8-Inch Drill Press is an exceptional tool for home DIY enthusiasts seeking precise results for medium-scale projects. With its powerful ⅓ HP 2.4 amp heavy-duty ball-bearing motor, this drill press offers five variable speeds ranging from 760-3070 RPM, making it suitable for working with wood, metal, or plastic. The robust design features a sturdy stamped steel base and table, allowing for long-term durability and reliability.
Notably, the 360° tilting beveling worktable can be adjusted 45° left and right, providing ample versatility for various tasks. Additionally, you can mount clamps and vises onto the slotted table, enhancing its usability. The drill press also boasts user-friendly features such as an easy-to-read locking depth stop and a 2½-inch jaw that opens up to 2-1/10-inch.
Weighing in at a lightweight and compact design, this drill press is ideal for limited workspaces like garages or basements, with pre-drilled holes on the base for mounting onto a workbench. The package includes a comprehensive 13-piece drill bit set ranging from 1/16-¼-inch bits. BILT HARD stands behind its product with a 90-day free from defects in materials and workmanship guarantee and a one-year limited warranty.
While it may not be perfect, the pros outweigh the cons, which include some noise and vibration when drilling into thick steel. Overall, this drill press is an excellent value for money, offering high-quality performance at an affordable price.
Dremel Drill Press Workstation
The Dremel Drill Press Workstation is an incredibly versatile tool that’s perfect for DIY enthusiasts, woodworkers, and metal craftsmen. This corded-electric workstation serves as a drill press, rotary tool holder, and flex-shaft tool stand, allowing users to transform any Dremel corded or some cordless rotary tools into a drill press. Its robust motor is backed by a sturdy metal base with four secure clamping points that can be mounted on a workbench or table.
The workstation’s articulating design enables precise drilling with a depth of 2 inches, and it drills perpendicular and angled holes in 15-degree increments. Additionally, the unit holds a tool at 90 degrees for tasks like polishing, sanding, and grinding metal. The flexible shaft tool stand can be adjusted telescopically from 16 to 29 inches. With marked measurements in both inches and metrics, the workstation’s base offers precise control.
Storage space is available on top for accessories like drill bits and wrenches, while cord management clips ensure safe storage. Weighing only a few pounds, this compact workstation is easy to transport around your workspace. Dremel backs its product with a one-year warranty. Some users have noted that the unit can be destabilized by heavy-duty work, but overall, it’s an excellent value for the price.
Our Top Pick for the Best Drill Press
We’re impressed by the WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press, our top pick for delivering exceptional performance and value. For over six decades, WEN has been a trusted brand among professional tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts alike, providing reliable tools at an affordable price point. Whether you’re working with wood, plastic, or metal, this drill press is designed to impress, boasting powerful precision and innovative features that make it a joy to use.
With its consistent accuracy and impressive power, you’ll not only be thrilled with the final product but also enjoy the process of creating it. Check out the latest price on Amazon.
