Whether you’re crafting intricate joinery or simply drilling holes for screws, having the right tool can make all the difference. That’s where the drill press comes into play. A good drill press not only ensures pinpoint accuracy but also provides the power and stability needed for a wide range of woodworking tasks.
We have compiled 8 of the best drill press for woodworking which are available in the market now to help you with an educated buying decision.
WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
Rating: 4.5/5
Specifications
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Speed: 3140 RPM
Features
- Dependable Power
If you are looking for a drill press that is not too pricey, the WEN 4208 model is a good alternative. It offers a 5-speed switch that extends up to a total of 3,140 RPM. It also comes with a 1/3-hp motor that will complete any task ranging from small to medium jobs, as well as common materials for construction, including extremely solid woods.
- Compact Size
This drill press is sturdy, with a size of 8 inches. When it is bolted on a level surface, it does not wobble even a bit. There is no issue with the handles also, thanks to the use of cast-iron construction. Despite its size, it has a weight of 30 pounds. It can be tucked away easily in an area for convenient storage after use.
- Speed Capacity
This swing features a 2-inch bore. The depth may be present for tasks that are repetitive. With this five-speed press, the speed ranges from 740 RPM to 3140 RPM. Even though adjusting its speed may be quite challenging because of the pulley system, it is still doable. It also comes with a ½-inch keyed JT33 chuck which can handle a wide range of bits of up to a ½-inch shank.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Ideal for DIYers
- Durable and reliable for hobby tasks
Cons
- Challenging to adjust the speed
Shop Fox W1848 Drill Press
Rating: 4.5/5
Specifications
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Speed: 3050 RPM
Features
- Floor Standing Style
This drill press comes in a floor-standing design. As such, it is ideal for woodworkers of different skill levels and backgrounds. Wit h this drill press, the accessories are very easy to detach and easy to attach the attachments to the sander. Since a benchtop drill press may not be suited for other drilling jobs, this floor-standing drill press may be the best option for you.
- Power and Performance
The motor on this drill press features ¾ hp with a voltage power of 110 Volts. It features a weight of 122 pounds. It comes with a 13-3/4-inch swing, along with a drill chuck size ranging between 1/64-5/8-inches.
- Speed Settings
This drill press comes with 12-speed settings which range between 250 and 3050 RPM, with the tilting table going as far as 90-degrees. This set of features give a wider angle breadth compared with most tables.
Pros
- Doubles as an oscillating sander
- 90-degree tilting table included
- 12-speed options
Cons
- Some issues with quality
BILT HARD Drill Press
Rating: 4.5/5
Specifications
- Power Source: Hardwire
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Speed: 3600 RPM
Features
- High Powered Drilling Capacity
This drill press features a 13-1/4-inch swing, 7/64-inch to 5/8-inch keyed chuck B16, 3-1/8-inch spindle travel, and a 6.6A induction motor. This drill press offers power that is mighty enough for drilling right through wood, metal, plastic, as well as other materials that can be used for both woodworking jobs and your garage.
- Compact Construction
As a worktable, this model has the capacity to bevel 45-degree both left and right to achieve angled drilling, with a diameter of 11.41 inches. Its base features predrilled holes that are useful in mounting on a work stand or bench. It also has a slotted table which allows for mounting vises and clamps, ensuring efficient work-holding.
- 16 Speed Operations
This drill press is equipped with 16 speeds for operation. It has an adjustable depth stop, as well as variable speeds ranging from 220 to 3600 RPM, thus enabling you to target the appropriate speed which works for your woodworking project. It is designed to perform the tasks more precisely and conveniently compared to that of a handheld drill.
Pros
- Dependable construction
- 16 options on speed for operation
- Complete package inclusions
Cons
- Issues with being wobbly and loud
Ogrmar Drilling Collet Drill Press
Rating: 4/5
Features
- Portable
Even though handheld power drills seem to be the automatic option if portability among professionals and hobbyists is what you are looking for, reality dictates that these tools usually lack the level of precision required for some jobs. When you are looking for an additional guide, considering a lightweight and portable model such as the one from Ogrmar can prove to be a handy option.
- Unique Drilling Method
Rather than pushing you to lug on a specific drill, this model enables you to secure existing power, turning it into a rotating, tight clamp. The clamp will then hold the drill through the metal rail, providing you with a finer and better level of precision that is needed even without the excess weight.
- Clamp Rotations
The clamp of this drill press offers a rotation range from 0 to 90 degrees. This means that this tool will allow you to do precision drilling even on vertical surfaces, especially if you are able to place the drill press in the right position.
Pros
- Portable and lightweight
- Allows drilling on vertical surfaces
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Lacks advanced features
JET JDP-20MF Drill Press
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 115 Volts
- Speed: 4200 RPM
Features
- High-Quality Model
If you are requiring a high-quality drill press unit without worrying about having the need to pay a lot of money, then this drill press from JET may just be the best choice for you to take into consideration. It offers amazing versatility, with a huge ground steel column that offers maximum support.
- Variable Speed
This drill press features a variable speed of the 1-1/2hp motor with 12 options on speed, ranging from 150 to 4,200 RPM. Repetition-wise, it also comes with a ½-inch diameter external depth stop, along with 3-nut locking features which enable fast adjustments.
- Accuracy and Versatility
The depth stop of this drill press features a quick-set bolt for accurate and fast adjustments. It also comes equipped with a built-in work light which offers an additional level of visibility. At the same time, it also features a quick-release, crank-operated worktable which has the capability of tilting +/- 45-degrees.
Pros
- Stable, accurate, and versatile
- Amazing worktable
- Height adjustment feature
Cons
- some issues with belt repositioning when adjusting speed
WEN 4214 Variable Speed Drill Press
Rating: 4.5/5
Specifications
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Speed: 3200 RPM
Features
- Spindle Travel
This drill press from WEN comes with a huge spindle journey. At the same time, it is also designed along with three strong and tall spindles. These spindles can help you in getting a wide range of speed settings while helping you to alter the speed depending on your need.
The spindle is not really that tight, giving you a smooth operation, which increases flexibility as you drill. This spindle travel helps you in making holes right through a 3-1/8 on board easily.
- Precision Laser
A precision laser is noticeable on the worktable. It is designed to ensure that you get effortless operations in drilling. At the same time, the laser light points you to the specific spot that will be traveled by the bit during drilling. On top of that, the laser pointer can be turned on to allow you in targeting center holes, determining the right spot for making holes.
- Mechanical Variable Speed
This drill press features a 5-amp motor. This motor offers strong power along with an intense capacity for work. It comes equipped with a full 5/8-inches stroke capacity. The motor offers dependable performance at variable speeds while allowing you to drill right through materials with thickness up to 1-inch. The motor is not prone to overheat and works well with softwood, hardwood, plastic, metal, and other materials.
Pros
- Easy to adjust
- Variable speeds included
- Durable and designed to last
Cons
- Consumes space
Powermatic PM2800B Drill Press
Rating: 4.5/5
Specifications
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 115 Volts
- Speed: 3000 RPM
Features
- Tall and Large Design
This drill press comes with dimensions of 58 x 26 x 15 inches, and a total weight of 246 pounds. As a premium quality floor drill press, you can easily say that this is a tall and large one. This also means that this unit is not that portable and that transferring it from one location to another may be challenging. However, this size offers an advantage. It has the capacity to absorb vibrations, making it stable and secure for heavy-duty tasks.
- Excellent Build
The overall construction of this press is excellent. It is constructed mainly out of lightweight aluminum, cast-iron, and ABS plastic. The unique combination of these different materials provides this press the needed capacity and durability to deal with the different challenges in woodworking and metalworking projects.
- Completely Adjustable Table and Fence
Another nice feature of this drill press is that both table and fence are adjustable. You can easily tilt the table up to 90 degrees, locking it right into place. This will give you the freedom to complete drilling tasks even at unsightly angles.
Pros
- Durable build quality
- Several handy features
- Variable speed control
Cons
- Quite noisy
- Pricey
EWANYO Mini Drill Press Bench
Rating: 4/5
Specifications
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Speed: 3-variable speeds
Features
- 3-Variable Speed Option
Despite being a mini-drill press by design, this unit offers three variable speeds per minute. The options range from 0-8000 RPM, 0-11000 RPM, and 0-16000 RPM. The clamp diameter of this model is also at 1 to 10 mm, with a drilling diameter at 0.6 to 6.5 mm.
- Amazing Speed
This drill press is primarily used on plastic plates, wood, resin plate, composite panels, as well as aluminum. This means that it is designed for non-hard drilling materials. It is also ideal for drilling holes and DIY tasks.
- Overall Performance
This unit offers high quality drilling, good stability, easy operation, with a speed regulating switch that can be easily adjusted.
Pros
- Dependable speed
- Low noise
- Low drill breakage rate
Cons
- Not for heavy-duty tasks
How to Choose the Best Drill Press for Woodworking
When it comes to buying the best drill press for woodworking, there are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration. Here are some of them:
Stroke Distance
This is also known as quill travel or spindle travel. It refers to the actual measurement of the depth of a hole that a drill press can make without the need to stop and adjust the table for the drill press, as well as the material that is being drilled.
Cheaper or smaller drill presses usually feature about 2.5-inch stroke distance, even less at times. Bigger ones and the heavy-duty models (floor-standing style) can also reach up to 6 or more stroke distance. General DIYers and most hobbyists will not need this performance level. Generally, a good spindle journey is at 4 inches, being more than enough for completing most tasks.
Swing
A drill press’ swing refers to the measurement (in terms of inches), starting from the chuck, or the clamp holding the bit right in place, into the column, referring to the thick metal pole that provides support to the head of the drill press, multiplied by two.
For example, if the measurement is 5 inches, then the swing of a drill press is at 10 inches. Swing determines the biggest piece of metal or wood that the drill press is able to accommodate when drilling a hole in the middle. The bigger the swing, the bigger materials a drill press can also handle. As such, it is important to note this feature when working with huge pieces of metal or wood.
Benchtop or Floor Design
A drill press comes with two general styles: benchtop and floor.
A benchtop drill press sits on top of a workbench. These machines are smaller, with a swing that generally ranges from 8 to 12 inches. They are also designed to handle some light to moderate tasks in drilling. In general, they are the ideal options for a hobbyist or average DIYer.
On the other hand, a floor drill press, as suggested by the name, stands on the floor. They are designed to feature a lot of power, producing a swing ranging from 13 to 20 inches. They are usually fit for heavy-duty or professional use.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it possible to use the same bits that are used for handheld power drills on a drill press?
As a rule of thumb, so long as the bit’s shank size is not bigger compared to the chuck of a drill press, the same bits of a power drill may be used on a drill press. The most typical chuck size used on a standard benchtop-style drill press is at ½ inch. Drill presses are designed to handle bigger diameter bits compared to an average power drill.
2. Aside from drilling holes, what else is the purpose of a drill press?
True, the main use of a drill press is drilling holes. This is especially true with huge-bore holes, or those holes which will not go away right into the wood. However, a drill press also comes with other uses. By using the right attachment orbit, the drill press may also be used in cleaning or sanding metal and wood, deburring metal or wood, drilling square holes, and buffing or polishing metal or wood surfaces.
3. Is there a way to utilize a regular drill as an alternative to a drill press?
If you only require the accuracy and precision of a drill press for a specific project, you may not want to spend a huge amount of money for a complete tool solely for this use. Similar results may be achieved, given that you do not want to drill extremely huge holes, or drilling into a very solid material by using a frame that is designed to handle either a corded or cordless drill right in place while using it. These frames move in a circular direction, allowing you to position the drill press right as needed, holding it far stiller while being in use, allowing you to manage using your hand alone.
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