A drill press is a great addition to your tool gear, offering a versatile amount of features that will make your life easier. Drill presses are used to bore evenly sized holes in wood, metal, and other materials, so that you can carry out your projects without hassle. And when you add attachments to your drill press, you can convert your simple press into a spindle sander, pocket hole device, grinder, buffer, and even a mortise unit.
There are several drill press options on the market, and that is why below I am going to give you a Drill Press reviews of the top 10 options available, in addition to providing you with a short buying guide. By the end of this in-depth Drill Press Reviews article you will be an expert on drill presses.
Enjoy!
1. WEN 4208-8 Inch 5 Speed Drill Press :
The WEN 4208 is a popular drill press option, which provides you with an 8 inch swing, and 5 variable drill press speeds (620, 1100, 1720, 2340, 3100 RPM). This compact drill press should not fool you, it has a powerful 1/3 HP induction motor that can drill through wood, metal, and plastic to name a few.
The induction motor is composed of efficient ball bearings which extend the life of the motor, while ensuring that the drill press performs smoothly even at high speeds. When it comes to the construction of the drill press, you will be glad to see a cast iron head, base, and table. This rugged design enhances accuracy, so that you can drill repeatable holes without losing out on precision.
The portable and convenient drill press also has a height adjustable worktable that measures 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches, and which bevels up to 45 degrees both left and right. This is extremely convenient when dealing with tricky/angled projects. The Wen 4208 also boasts of a 2 inch spindle travel, a 1/2 inch keyed chuck, and a base with pre-drilled holes.
2. Skill 3320-01 10 Inch Drill Press :
The Skil 3320 is the perfect drill press option for the weekend woodworker who is looking for precision and quality performance in their drill. This 10-inch press is made up of an X2 2-beam laser, which works to guarantee accurate hole alignment. When this is combined with the depth adjustment system, you have a drill press that can drill precise holes on a consistent basis.
Furthermore, the Skill drill press has a 5-speed system that can bore holes through metal, wood, as well as other materials. If you would like to carry out cutting and woodworking, then the drill press can accommodate large diameter bits for this purpose.
Additionally, the drill press has a work surface that can tilt up to 45 degrees left and right, so that you can achieve accurate angled drilling without any hassle. Last but not least, the Skil 10-inch has a 1/2 inch keyed chuck, which allows you to carry out the aforementioned woodworking and cutting.
3. Delta 18-900L 18 Inch Laser Drill Press :
The Delta 18-900L is an 18-inch laser drill press that boasts of a rugged construction and versatile function. In fact, this Delta press is good enough to be used on a professional basis. The press has been designed to improve the precision and accuracy of your holes, so that you can carry out your projects efficiently.
The first thing you will notice about the drill press its 16 variable speeds, which can precisely drill through a range of materials with ease. This press also uses a rack and pinion height adjustments, adjustable locking levers, and a bright Twin laser, which work to provide easy height adjustments, simple angle adjustments, and superior drilling accuracy each and every time.
Furthermore, the drill press comes with a robust 3/4 HP motor, that can tackle challenging applications for your convenience. Additionally, the drill press has an auto tensioning belt drive system for quick speed changes, a 6 inch quill stroke for deep drilling, and a worktable with up to 90 degrees in tilting abilities.
Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press is a real pleasure to have in your woodshop. This machine is a well-designed piece that guarantees accurate and high-quality wood work. If you are tired of drill presses that do not live up to their promise, then you should give this one a try. With Delta 18-900L Drill Press, it doesn’t matter whether you are a professional or casual wood worker. If you want to know more about this Great machine you have to read this nice delta 18-900l drill press review
It gives you the opportunity to turn your wood work into a fun and productive moment. Everything is simple about this drill press, from its easy speed changing options that come with guides to putting it together part by part. When I picked up my piece, it came in a few parts that I found very easy to assemble.
This Laser Drill Press has amazing specifications that give it the high level of accuracy and quality production.
Auto-Tension Belt Drive
This machine is entitled to easy speed changes with maximum transmission efficiency. The auto-tension belt is a time saver and guarantees quick and smooth speed shifts when drilling on different surfaces. Working with Delta 18-900L makes woodwork interesting and time efficient.
You can take on demanding contracts with this piece and deliver high-quality productions. This quick-adjusting tension belt makes it easier to shift to its 16-speed options. It has an efficient functioning that will impress you every time you pick it for any of your works.
Heavy-Duty Induction Motor
The Drill Press is running with a 3/4 horsepower heavy duty engine that makes it one of the most powerful machines on the market. This laser Drill Press is impressive in the wood-shop and drills through a wide variety of materials with ease. This machine transforms hard woods into soft and doesn’t fail in any assigned duty. For its power, the Drilling machine is not loud, which makes it environment-friendly and comfortable to work with. Every time you choose to work with this drill, you are guaranteed of an easy time and perfect results.
Full 6-inch Quill Stroke
The 6-inch option allows for deeper drilling and top capacity. You are able to handle industrial applications and drill up to any desired depth. You are not limited to shallow drilling because the quill stroke blends with its removable center to allow for up to through-the-table drilling.
Visibility LED Light and Laser
Working with this Drill Press guarantees you great accuracy. It has table calibrations that are made extra visible with its LED lights. It also has a laser pointer that assures extreme accuracy. Whether your wood-shop is located in your dark garage or your dim-light basement, you have nothing to worry about. The LED lights are very bright, able to make the workstation visible enough. This enhances great performances in your woodwork. If you are looking for pinpoint accuracy, then this is definitely your model.
Adjustable Table with Broader Surface
This Drill Press is built with huge work table that creates a wide surface for drilling material. Working with this machine is comfortable and easy. It is one of the most brand surfaced drills in the market. The table is also adjustable and has T-slots for clamping, which makes it a super-efficient machine.
Pros
- Accurate
- Very affordable
- Large and expandable work surface
- Has a variable-speed control
- Its heavy-duty motor makes it a powerful machine
- Can be used perfectly even at night
Cons
- Must be disassembled for easy transportation
4. Crafsman 12 Inch Drill Press :
The 12 inch Craftsman drill press can cut through wood, plastics, aluminum and steel with amazing ease and precision. This drill press has been constructed with a rigid steel and cast iron frame, which is guaranteed to perform at optimum levels for years to come.
Additionally, the press uses a powerful 1/2 HP motor, which can execute 12 spindle speeds between 355 and 3065 RPM. The combination of the powerful motor and the quick variable speeds means that the Craftsman can rip through anything in its way.
Furthermore, the drill press makes use of a laser and LED light, in order to move seamlessly from one project to another without defaulting on precision. This bench top press also has depth adjustment and X and Y axis pin point positioning, for excellent performance on a consistent basis.
5. JET JDP-15M 15 Inch Bench Drill Press :
The Jet JDP-15M is a 15-inch bench drill press that offers incredible versatility and ease of operation. This drill press provides up to 16 speeds between 200 and 3630 RPM, so that you have the option of choosing the perfect speed for the project you are working on.
The home shop drill press also boasts of a large 10 inch by 13 inch worktable, which is made up of X-Pattern Grooves for added flexibility. This table can take on a range of applications, and even has height adjustment options and a tilt options of between 45 degrees left and right.
Furthermore, the JET drill press has a powerful 3/4 HP and 115/230-volt motor, which allows for dependable power and variable speeds. This is complemented by a 15-inch swing and adjustable tension spindle return, for repetitive hole drilling at a consistent depth.
Lastly, the JET press has a hinged metal belt, as well as a pulley cover for swift spindle speed changes.
6. Shop Fox 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press :
The 13-inch Shop Fox is a drill press that also doubles as an oscillating sander, so that you can carry out your contour sanding with no trouble at all. This 12-speed drill press stands out from its predecessor by offering more power, more speed, and more capacity, ensuring that you can use it for heavy-duty applications.
The Shop Fox allows you to transition from a drilling press to an oscillating sander in just a matter of seconds, so that you can carry out your sanding applications without any stress. The oscillation feature on this press ensures that heat build-up is minimized, while guaranteeing a smooth finish to your sanding operation.
The press also has a three-piece spindle sander drum kit (1, 1.5, and 2 inch drums), as well as a mandrel and 80 grit sanding paper to fit the aforementioned drums. Lastly, the drill press has a tilting table that can tilt 90 degrees each way, so that you can carry out difficult drilling applications.
Anyone looking for a Bench-Top drilling machine should give this one a top priority. With all the materials it can drill through with its 16-speed variations, the Drill Press saves you the time and cost of purchasing sanding kit. The Shop Fox model is full of great specifications that make it fully convenient for your workshop.
110-Volt Motor
One of the things that make this shop fox w1668 Drill Press special its powerful motor that enables it to drill through a variety of materials. With its spindle speed that ranges from 250 to 3,050 RPM, the drilling machine is capable of performing amazing duties in your workshop. The 3/4 horsepower motor produces great drilling power making it able to punch holes through any material at a very high speed. It gives you an easy time handling tough tasks.
Tilting Table Rotating up to 90 Degrees
The round and wide worktable that tilts 45 degrees left and another 45 degrees right, Makes you able to drill the material you are working on at any angle. The worktable has a diameter of 12-3/8 inches that provides enough space for your work-piece. The table can also swing up to 360 degrees and is adjustable for flexible drilling material options. This Bench-Top drilling machine is comfortable to work with and doesn’t limit you at any point. You are guaranteed of high level of accuracy and production quality.
12 Drill Speeds
The Shop Fox 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press has spindle speeds ranging from 250 to 3050 RPM that makes it perfect for handling a variety of drilling materials. This machine has 12 adjustable drilling speeds that give it a high versatility rate. You won’t have to worry about anything on the performance of this piece of drill. In fact, once you have it in your garage, all your drilling problems will be solved satisfactorily.
3-Piece Spindle Sander
It has an oscillatory ability to handle both drilling and sanding of the material you are working on. This machine comes with a sanding kit that is equipped with 80 grit sanding paper. It is easy to use for both drilling and sanding jobs. This 3-piece spindle machine has shown growth in popularity among professionals due to its multitasking ability.
5/8 Drill Chuck
It has one of the largest chucks in the market. It allows for efficient quill travel and also making it easier for deep drillings. For a bench-top drilling machine, this piece is works perfectly well and therefore, can be trusted with any level of work. It has so much more reasons for leaving you impressed and wanting to use it all over again for all you wood and metal works.
Pros
- Drills both wood and metal
- Oscillates to a perfect sander
- The Drill Press is affordable
- Operates quietly
- It’s a durable and powerful machine
- Comes with direct instructions for easy assembling
Cons
- It can be too heavy for portability in case of station shifts or storage
7. Wen 4210 Drill Press with Laser, 10-Inch :
The Wen 4210 is a 10-inch drill press that is composed of a laser centering device that will astound you. This drill press is rich in features that are usually reserved for industrial presses, making it a great investment to own. The drill press has a 3.2 amp motor that delivers significant torque and power, and when this is combined with the 5 adjustable speeds (570, 900, 1390, 2050, 3050 RPM) you have a press that will power through all wood and metal in its path.
The Wen 4210 also has a sturdy and durable cast iron construction, as well as ball bearings that enhance the reliability and durability of the induction motor. Furthermore, the large worktable of the drill press bevels 45 degrees left and right, so that you can achieve precise right angles on the more difficult projects.
The 1/2 inch chuck also allows for a variety of bits so that you can have versatility in your work, while an X-pattern laser promotes accuracy when drilling.
3.2 Amp Motor
This is a very powerful motor that enables the machine to perform quality work all through. The motor has ball bearing features that make it durable and able to develop enough power and ample rotating force. Getting a balanced and smooth performance at the speed of your choice is easily achieved. The motor works perfectly quiet giving you a very cool working environment. The motor also allows you to make five-speed adjustments from 570 RPM to 3050 RPM for greater performances.
Cast Iron Worktable
It can bevel up to 40 degrees right or left and has a pinion and rack that enables you to adjust the height to your desired levels. The table has a large surface area that helps you to carry your drilling tasks to different materials. The iron is also very durable and this provides you a great service for a long period of time.
Weighs 54.4 Pounds
This makes it relatively light and you will not have problems placing it on a bench or moving from one place to another. It is also strong enough and very steady giving you stability when working. The bench top is compact meaning the drill cannot mess up your wood-shop hence transporting to different location is not a difficult task.
2 1/4 Spindle Travel and 1/2 Inch Chuck
You are able to perform repetitive drilling with ease and very accurate. The spindle travel comes with a locking linear depth stop that is easy to read hence contributing to better results. The chuck provides flexibility with different types of bits. The chuck key storage ensures that you do not spend a lot of time hunting for it.
X- Pattern Laser Guiding System
You can be guaranteed of very accurate results when using this piece of equipment. The laser guiding system ensures that there is no guess work being done by providing the desired drilling accuracy. The machine also has a working light that illuminates the work surface to increase visibility. This enables you to perform your drilling tasks effectively and exact as per the measurements. Targeting a specific drilling operation can be effectively marked using the X-pattern laser display.
Pros
- Comes with a one year warranty
- It is easy to assemble
- Smooth press operation
- The motor is very strong
- Very quiet
- Table roller rolls fast and it is easy to adjust
- Comes with an instruction manual
- Meets your drilling expectations
Cons
- Assembling the gear and the handle involves a lot of things
8. Rockwell Shop Series Drill Press , 10-Inch :
The Shop Series 10-inch is a Rockwell drill press innovation that is meant to take your home workshop to another level. This drill press comes with an exceptionally powerful 6.2 amp 2/3 HP motor, which provides dependable performance time after time. This powerful motor is also supplemented with a 5-speed gear box, which has multiple settings so that you can carry out great performance with wood, metal and plastic.
Additionally, the Rockwell 10-inch has a table that bevels 45 degrees left and right, so that you can drill angled holes with extreme ease. The rack and pinion table also has height adjustments for increased versatility as you work.
Furthermore, the 10-inch press has 2 inch spindle travel for convenience, and a keyed safety switch that will stop the drill press from accidentally starting.
6.2 Amp 2/3 Horsepower Motor
The 2/3 Horsepower motor gives it a dependable performance making this drilling machine one of the best on the market today. It is super powerful and strong enough to handle any kind of material. When working with this piece, you are able to drill various sizes of holes on even the toughest metals. At the same time, this Drill Press is still able to deliver fast and convenient production with industrial touch. Working with this machine can turn your small scale operations into industrial performances.
5-Speed Settings
The 5-speed setting allows this drill to be able to handle a wide variety of materials. All you have to do is adjust the speed according to the required standards and have your machine drilling holes into wood, metal or even plastics. This model works fast and flexibly without limiting your work to any specific material. The multi-speed gear box is a reason enough to trust in this drill for any type of project.
Rack and Pinion Table Height Adjustments
This Drill Press guarantees your smooth operations with its adjustable table height that allows for use on different types and sizes of materials. These rack and pinion adjustments are simple to move and don’t require any extreme professionalism. You have a lot of reasons for picking this Drill Press model for your purchase. In return you are assured of getting services worth what you paid for.
Table Bevels 45 Degrees Right and Left
A full 90 degrees tilting capability makes it easy to handle any angle of drilling. Then table is able to tilt up to 45 degrees left and the same degrees to the right. Working with this Shop Series Drill Press takes away all the worries and difficulties of tight angles. It has a perfect finish that makes working with it so interesting and free of disappointments.
Keyed Safety switch
This is a drilling machine built with key protected switch. This specification makes it very safe and secure to have the Shop Series Drill Press in your garage. Being that you can’t start the engine without the key, you are secure from incidents of accidental starts that can be so destructive. It might sound as a restriction but the keyed switch ensures that accidents occurrence is minimal in your workshop.
Pros
- rockwell rk7033 Best Drill for home shop
- Works well with wood, metal and plastic
- Convenient performance motor
- Adjustable rack and pinion height
- Safe and secure to work with
- Adaptable working surface
Cons
- It is delivered parts therefore needs to be assembled
- Won’t start without the key
9. Jet JBM-5 Inch Mortiser :
The Jet JBM-5 is a bench-top Mortiser drill press that is great for home woodworkers and professional furniture makers. This affordable and highly efficient drill press has a 1/2 HP motor, which guarantees smooth performance on a consistent basis.
The drill press is composed of heavy duty construction and a maneuverable base, making it both stable and durable. Furthermore, this drill press has a rack and pinion head adjustment for precise drilling, as well as a simple bit changing process that will take little to no time. This bit changing process is made up of a 3-jaw drill chuck, 2 hinged side doors, and a reversible column.
There is also an adjustable feed handle for optimum comfort, and a quick-adjust depth stop that allows for consistent mortise depths.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Drill Press
1. Bench-Top or Floor Model :
When shopping you have the option of choosing between a bench-top model or a floor model. Floor models have their own set of advantages, including the fact that they are composed of more power, more accessories, and more attachments. These models also have a long swing and stroke, making them perfect for heavy-duty and professional applications.
Bench-top units on the other hand are great for at home tasks, as they are designed for simple building and construction applications. A bench-top model is also cheaper and easier to store.
2. Specialty Versions :
You will also find that drill press manufacturer’s offer specialty press version, such as magnetic and radial drill presses. A magnetic drill press is perfect for drilling holes in metal forms and structural steel. This drill version also tends to be more powerful than its floor and bench top counterparts.
Alternatively we have radial drill presses, which are ideal for executing angled drill holes. This model also has more than twice the swing capabilities of a standard machine.
3. Horsepower and Quill Travel :
When buying a drill press you will come across motor sizes that vary from 1/4 HP to 1 HP. As you can imagine, the high horsepower versions can cut large holes in hard materials. Also consider quill travel, as it will determine the depth your press can achieve. A higher quill travel means deeper holes are created.
4. Variable Speed :
Most drill presses will offer between 5 and 12 speed options, and this will allow you to bore holes with varying diameters. Variable speeds also work to prevent damage from occurring to your drill bits and the material you are drilling. Additionally, variable speeds ensure versatility through unique speed settings.
5. Capacity :
The capacity of a drill press is determined through the distance between the center of the chuck and the front of the column. E.G. a 16.5 inch drill press can bore a hole through the center of a circular piece of stock that measures 16.5 inches in diameter.
If you are looking for versatility in your home workshop drill press, look for a capacity of 8 to 17 inches.
Final Verdict :
There it is; everything you need to know about drill presses. Using this information you can now begin to budget for your drill press, by applying the buying guide and the reviews detailed above.
Regardless of whether your press is slotted for light or heavy-duty applications, the information provided above will be tremendously useful.
