The Best Drill Presses on the Market in 2022

A drill press is an easy-to-use and multipurpose tool that is used to drill holes into various materials. Different forms of drill presses are structured for specific duties. Originally, the drill press was structured for metalworking tasks.

However, due to various cutting tools’ obtainability, the drill press has turned out to be one of the most all-around tools in the workshop. If you are working on getting the best drill press, you must know the vital aspects of this essential workshop tool. Below are top drill presses that you can go for:

Comparison of 10 Best Drill Presses in 2022

Top 10 Best Drill Press Reviews in 2022

1. WEN 4208 Drill Press

The Wen 4208 drill press gets its power from a 1/3 HP induction motor, and it can produce spindle speeds of 3140 RPM. The induction motor does not have a direct effect on the rotation of the spindle. Rather, the rotary motion is impacted by a set of pulleys that can be adjusted to get the five diverse speed settings. (740RPM, 1100RPM, 1530RPM, 2100RPM, 3140RPM)

This top rated best drill press’s comes with a heavy-duty frame that primarily comprises a big cast iron base and a firm metal pillar. The table and the head are made from cast iron, which ensures its durability. When using the Wen 4208, you need to understand the settings because different drilling materials need distinct drill bits using different speeds.

2. Milescraft 1318 Drillmate Drill Guide

One of the beautiful features that this Milescraft drill guide gives is a wide range of flexibility when cutting. This drill guide provides accurate cuts irrespective of the angle’s position, which is between 45-90 degrees. Also, this drill guide comes with centering channels, which helps to achieve the ideal alignment.

With this alignment, it is easier to drill any work-piece with a maximum diameter of 3 inches. Lots of buyers are attracted to this drill guide because of the full-metal base construct that it possesses. And this is an indication of its durability.

More so, this drill guide comes with an adjustable depth stop and a head control that prevents you from drilling beyond the expected depth. These features prevent you from making expensive mistakes. When using this product, it is vital to exercise care because it is quite bulky and delicate.

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3. WEN 4214 Variable Speed Drill Press

If you’re frustrated by the limited range of speeds that most drill presses offer, this WEN drill press would be perfect for you. It has infinitely variable speeds that range from 580-3200 RPMs. The Mechanical variable speed allows you to target the exact rpm for your project.

Despite the various possible speeds, this machine maintains equal torque throughout the range. You’ll be able to keep track easily because the LED read-out displays the current speed as you’re working. Other features include a cast iron worktable, a height-adjustable rack and pinion, and a two-year warranty.

4. SKIL 3320-01 Drill Press

The SKIL 3320-01 is a portable, multifaceted drill press ideal for all small workshops, and it comes in handy for drilling through metal, wood, and other materials. And this is due to the 5-speed settings (570RPM, 900RPM, 1390RPM, 2050RPM, 3050RPM), which it comes with.

The speed settings of the SKIL drill press can be adjusted manually by opening the pulley compartment, then switching the belt from pulley to pulley. Also, this drill press’s has a strong column that keeps the other components in one piece.

The base and the worktable are attached to the column, and collectively, they were made from cast iron. When you are setting up this quality drill press’s, you have to exercise some patience because the process is quite complicated.

5. DEWALT Drill Press

One of the major reasons why the DEWALT Speed Magnetic Drill Press has an optimum performance is because it comes with a 10 Amp motor. This drill presses is effortless and seamless to use, and with the 2-speed settings, it makes your work easier and faster.

It would amaze you to know that the 2-speed settings enable you to take on several drilling projects without any hitch. Also, this drill press comes with protection that prevents unexpected voltage overflow. This implies that the accessories that come with the package are protected from any form of a power outage or voltage overflow.

This item is one of the best drill presses, and it’s not like the conventional drill press that gets hot after drilling for hours. This drill presses has a magnetic cooling tank that supplies a cooling effect without disrupting the ongoing task.

6. Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment

The Shop Fox D4088 Lathe Attachment performs like a vertical spindle. It can be easily installed and promptly switched from turning mode to drilling mode and vice-versa. The Shop Fox Lathe attachment comes with a base plate and a live center that allows for effortless turning operations.

This lathe attachment enables the turning of wooden work pieces on a drill press like a wood lathe. The only difference is, it is done vertically instead of horizontally. This lathe attachment is used to produce items like legs, candle holders, handles, dowels, and the likes. The Shop Fox D4088 Lathe attachment is structured to use alongside drill presses that give numerous speeds.

7. YEEZUGO Floor Drill Press Stand Table

The YEEZUGO Floor Drill Press Stand Table is structured for power drills that their collar diameter is between 38mm-43mm. When you use this drill stand to drill at surfaces, you can expect perfect precision. Also, this Floor drill press is more cost-effective than getting a complete drill press’s set.

And the reason for this is, it contains all the needed features you would need in a complete drill presses set. Also, it contains various adjustments that help to modify the press depth and drill height settings. With this, you can reduce the prospects of over-drilling, which can ruin your project.

More so, you can adjust the drill collar to match various tools. Then, the stand comes with three separate-sized collar inserts that can accommodate smaller drills.

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8. BILT HARD Drill Press

For high-powered drilling, this BILT HARD drill press would be perfect for you. It comes with 12 operating speeds ranging from 300-2900 RPMs. The manufacturer claims that this drill press does the job more conveniently and precisely than a handheld drill, and that’s pretty good for the price point.

This drill press boasts a compact cast-iron frame. The adjustable work table locks in place and can rotate a full 360 degrees, and can bevel 45 degrees right and left for your convenience. The base also contains pre-drilled holes, so you can mount it wherever you want. Other attractive features of this drill press include:

9. Ogrmar Drilling Collet Drill Press Table

One of the first things you will notice about the Ogrmar drill press table is, it offers easy assemblage. Also, it allows for effortless attachment via clamping on areas where the side handle can grip. Interestingly, the Ogrmar drill press table functions suitably with several other drills because the stand has a clamp adapter that fits various sizes.

More so, you can use the Ogrmar drill press table to drill through metal, wood, and plastic, giving you good precision. To prolong its efficiency and lifespan, it is advised you apply lubricant periodically and clean with a cleaning degreaser.

10. Proxxon 38128 Bench Drill Press

The Proxxon 38128 is a suitable light-duty drill press you can come across due to its swing size and average power yield. This Bench drill presses has a motor with a rating of 0.12hp that churns out a speed range of 1800-8500 RPM. The Proxxon 38128 is best suited for drilling pliable materials like soft boards, plastics, and the likes.

This top-rated best drill press’s swing size is around 5.5 inches, which is ideal for mini drill projects, particularly on items that come with a small diameter. You can be assured of firm support for your work piece because this bench drill presses was designed with ribbed-die cast aluminum that gives a sturdy grip.

Types of Drill Press

1. Floor Drill Press

If you want to undertake a heavyweight task, it would be preferable to use a floor drill press instead of other drill press types. With a floor drill press, you are provided with bigger drilling platforms, and your vertical mobility ranges increase than when you are using a tabletop drill press.

Usually, floor drill presses are pricier than bench-top drills. And the reason for this is the raw power and the extra features it comes with.

2. Bench-Top and Table-Top Presses

Several people prefer the bench-top model because they do not consume much space like other drill presses. Also, bench-top drill presses are quite affordable, and they give you good value for your money. With bench-top and table-top presses, you can drill accurate and straight holes on metal, wood, and any material.

The bench-top and table-top presses give horizontal and vertical adjustability that provides precise and accurate measurement. However, height adjustment might not efficiently contain colossal pieces.

3. Portable Drill Presses

If you do not have a workstation of your own, a portable drill press would be suitable for you. Portable drill presses come with mounting mechanisms that are either a magnetic plate or a clamp. With these mounting mechanisms, you can attach it to any worktable. Portable drill presses might not have the powerful and formidable motors; they are very affordable.

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Factors to Consider When Buying Drill Presses

Parts of a Drilling Machine

The process of buying a drill press might be challenging for you because there are several products in the market, including the top-rated drill press’s. However, with the points in this drill press reviews, you will know what features to consider so that you can get the right drill press.

Portability

One of the primary factors that you need to consider is the portability of the drill presses. This consideration would come in handy, particularly when much space is not available for storage. The floor-mounted drill press is bigger and more challenging to carry from one place to another.

If you will be using a drill press in a place with limited space, then the drill press’s best choice would be the bench-top drill press. On the other hand, if you have enough space to spare, you can go for larger drill presses.

The Power of the Motor

When purchasing a drill press, it is crucial to consider the power of the motor or motor power. The motor power affects the size of the hole and the types of materials you use.

Smaller bits with low-density materials do not need much power, like bits having bigger diameters and rugged materials. There are drill presses that offer 1hp, ½hp, and 2/3hp; these are heavy-duty presses that are sufficient for daily and conventional drilling.

Drilling Capacity

Before you buy a drill press, you must ascertain the amount of drilling capacity needed. You must have a good projection of this so that you will not end up buying the one with a smaller capacity. If you are taking on big projects, you need a floor drill press because they are ideal due to greater stroke and swing distance features.

Also, the distance between the chuck and the base is bigger than other forms of drill presses. In comparison, the bench-top drill press does not have a big capacity like the floor drill press. However, it would come in handy for delicate projects such as woodcrafts.

Drilling Accuracy and Precision

If you need the drill press that gives the best precision and accuracy, you need to search for the drill press that supports minor modifications like feed rate and output speed. The floor drill press and bench-top drill press can support minor modifications and changes.

So, it is best to look out for them. On the other hand, if you plan to work on minor projects and woodcrafts, you need a smaller drill press because it offers optimal accuracy and precision.

Type of Chuck

Generally, there are two major types of chuck: The keyed and keyless chuck. The keyed chuck is inexpensive; however, you can easily misplace the tiny key. Hence, you need to exercise caution when you are storing it. For the keyless chuck, it is more easy-to-use and faster. You do not have to look for keys when you are inserting and taking out bits.

The Speed of Drilling

Typically, using a standard drill press provides you with varying speed deliverables. Although, drill presses with broader speed outputs are generally more expensive than the regular ones. Before you buy a drill press, it is important to know how flexible each project would be when you start working.

It is equally important to search drill presses models that you can easily change the speed when it is needed. Drill presses that offer single speed are very affordable. Still, they are not recommended if you will be working on various projects that demand a wide range of speed and flexibility.

Reviews of Customers

Before you buy any drill press, you need to know what people are saying about the product. When you see what people are saying, you will be able to tell if the product is great for your needs or not. Always pay attention to the specific details or comments that people have about the product. This would help you in making the right choice.

The Capacity of the Chuck

The size of the chuck determines the accessories’ shank size and bits that can be used. Usually, drill presses that have a colossal motor power come with a larger chuck size. And these drill presses can generate much torque that turns into larger bits. The common chuck size for most of the drill presses on the market today is 5/8 inches and ½ inches.

Size of the Table

Another vital factor you must put into consideration is your drill press’s table size. If it comes with a bigger table, it is more suitable because it would be easy for you to hold and grip any material effortlessly, irrespective of the size. It would interest you to know that sometimes, customer reviews are more enlightening than the product’s description from the manufacturers.

Price of the Drill Presser

Ultimately, you need to consider the price of the drill press before you take the bold step into securing yours. If the drill press will make you break the bank, then it is advisable to get the best budget drill press that would still serve your needs. If you can commit yourself to extensive research after reading through our guide, you will get the best drill presses for your projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are All Drill Presses Effective on Harder Materials?

A: No, not all of them are good for harder materials. Even though the best drill press on the market allows you to work with metals and some types of woods, some are best for lighter materials and surfaces. Hence, before you buy a drill press, you need to be sure if it is ideal for the type of surface you want to work on.

Q: What Safety Measures Should I Implement When Using a Drill Press?

A: When using a drill press, you need to make sure it comes with a start and stop switch that can be easily accessible. Similarly, it should also come with an emergency button to easily tap when needed. During using your drill press, you should put on safety glasses and take out clothes and jewelry. And lastly, use a drill vise or clamp to secure the material.

Q: Which of the Speeds Is Appropriate for Drilling, Slower or Higher Speeds?

A: If you are using smaller bits and softer materials, you can use higher speeds of around 4000 RPM. In comparison, if you are using larger bits for boring through materials like cast iron, you can use lower speeds of about 200 RPM.

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Conclusion

If you are intentional about doing metalwork, woodwork, or any form of drilling, a drill press is a quintessential tool. A drill press gives a level of power, accuracy, and precision that hand-drilling cannot provide. If you want to drill through metal or wood and need straight and precise holes, a drill press is your best bet.

Having read this best drill presses review, we hope you are better informed on the type of drill press to get and the necessary factors to consider. If you are considering the best drill press for the money, there are affordable ones you can opt for without breaking the bank.

To wrap it up, you need to check the warranty that comes with each product. You should also confirm if dysfunctional products can be returned immediately after purchase. Even the best models on the market occasionally have defects. So, you need to know your limits and capabilities when you buy any drill presses on the market.