Drill press is one piece of amazing tool that has really wide applications. For professional woodworkers, handymen or hobbyists alike, finding the best drill press reviews will certainly help you accomplish the current goal in mind. First is to make the best informed purchase decision. And secondly is to start making efficient, productive and satisfactory use of this tool.
Whether you are intending to make replacement or buy a new one for the first time, this detailed drill press buying guide has great options to consider.
Beside clarifying the unique features of top rated models in this market, our drill press comparison is meant to bring you the best ones within your current budget. But wait! Do I even know what you are intending to spend? The answer is no. my intention is to bring into your awareness, the best drill machines under $1000.
To make it practically more useful, there are some specific ones that you can buy under $500. The key point is that I have covered varying price points for everyone.
Reading down below, you may want to skip some sections that or products that doesn’t have the top considerable feature or price point you have in mind. In possibly, doing this will save you great amount of useful time. But before that, let’s look at some of the top considerations.
While doing your comparison, this will enable you to understand what makes one product different from the other.
Types of Drill Press
There are different types of drill presses in the market. For veteran users, this part may not need much explanation. If you are merely looking for a drill press, understanding the available types is very important. For one thing, it could help you to narrow down your choices. But for people that have figured out the type that they need, please skip this section.
Sensitive Drill Press
This is a manual type of drill press differentiated by spindle head with a belt drive. Regarding its size, this type is typically smaller and it is used for small holes as well. Under this category, you’ll also find the bench and floor mounted drill press.
Upright Drill Press
Unlike the one mentioned above, the core differentiating factor is that this type of drill press makes use of gear drive. Moreover, you’ll have the option to choose between automatic and manual operation mode on this particular one. With this tool you can be able handle larger holes perfectly. As for this category, there Is also a classification of round column and box column section drill press.
Radial Drill Press
Combined with tilting table, pro skilled users manipulate and maneuver this one a lot of r large projects. Instead of table pivoting, this type is able to pivot from its head. Unlike some other types available in the market, this one has a feature called variable swing. The other important features include the sliding and tilting head. Here you’ll find the plain, universal and semi universal models.
Automatic Drill Press
For an interesting array of repetitive production tasks, automatic drill press is the best type to use. Because of the adjustable capabilities and swing mechanism, this machine is known to produce accurate and identical output. But you have to use similar pieces of materials. Based on its automatic features and capabilities this type of drill press can save a lot of time, money and human effort.
WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
Here is one of the best drill press under $100 on Amazon. At your local retail store, you may find it selling for a higher or price. For different levels of thickness and material types, this machine provides 5 variable speeds. The specific speed levels include 620, 1100, 1720, 2340 and 3100 RPM.
This machine provides effective and repeatable drilling operations with spindle travel of 2 inches. And you are sure of getting sufficient power with the 1/3HP induction motor.
Some of the people that make the most valuable use of the tool include woodworkers, mechanics, machinists and metal workers.
In order for users to control spacing and spindle movement in a better way, it has impressive locking depth adjustment. This ensures that your drilled holes are precise enough and evenly spaced. Another interesting thing is that you’ll have multitude of drill bits that can be shifted as required when doing your work. With that, you can apply the tool to different contexts of drilling applications.
The weight of the product itself is 38.1 pounds while it has a dimension of 7.5 x 23.9 x 11 inches. Voltage is 120 volts.
Pros
- Sufficiently spacious table
- Readable locking linear depth
- Eight inches swing
- Varying speed levels
Cons
- Very slow drilling on exceptionally hard wood
- Doesn’t index properly
DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press
If you are precisely interested in magnetic benchtop drill press, here is one great option you should consider. With the 10 AMP power capability, getting the optimum performance you want from it is to a very large extend guaranteed. Having just about 2 speed settings makes it very easy to use for beginners and veteran experts alike. However, if you need one that has higher speed levels this one is likely not the best for you.
The specific load speeds are 300 and 450 RPM. In case of any sudden voltage overflow or power outage, this drill press comes with built in protection system.
With this particular model, you get a cord that is 8ft in length.
During typical drill work, there is always the need to different positioning of the machine. For this specific purpose, its 33 lbs weight means you can easily move it around as you like. You’ll also get 2 inches angular cutter capacity.
For metal or wood drilling work that requires moving from one place to the other, there is a carrying case that comes with Dewalt DWE1622k 2-speed magnetic drill press. Regardless of the material you are working on, plastic, wood, metal or others, the spindle on this tool can travel up to 4 inches into the material.
Pros
- Magnetic cooling system
- Overload protection
Cons
- Weak chuck changing system
SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
Here is another great model among the top rated benchtop drill press under $100. Even though this one may not be a popular brand like Dewalt and others, you’ll still get a sturdy construction with proven features that provide great capabilities for your drilling work.
The major components of this tool is made with strong cast iron. In order to take as many drill bit as possible, this model makes use of ½-inch keyed chuck.
For some specific metal and wood drilling contexts, getting a high level precision is very much important. This is exactly what skil 3320-01 3.2 amp 10-inch drill press can do for you. With the adjustable depth stop, you are sure of getting precise drill at a high level of accuracy. And there is also X2 2-beam laser for perfect hole alignment.
Unlike the other drill press review you just read above, this one comes with five variable speed ranging from 570 – 3050 RPM. Some of the top competitors that provide the same level of performance includes Champion RotoBrute AC50 and Steel Dragon Magnetic drill press. However, these models priced higher above $400.
Depending on where you choose to buy, this one comes with 3-year warranty. But you really have to confirm this before making the actual purchase.
Pros
- 45 degree tilting workspace
- Integrated laser guide
- Variable five speed options
- 3-year warranty backing
Cons
- Laser makes use of separate batteries
Dremel 220-01 Rotary Tool Workstation Drill Press
Dremel is another popular brand that has been in the power and hand tools niche for a very long time. For professional wood work and DIY projects, this tool has been proven to work well in drilling perpendicular and angled holes on different types of materials. Before reading further, please note that the actual drill depth on this one is just about 2-inches only.
Basically, this model comes with three tools in one – the actual drill press, rotary tool holder and shaft holder. According to the manufacturer, this tool is compatible with Dremel Rotary Tool model 100, 200, 275, 285, 300, 395 and many more.
With the shaft tool stand, you can be able to adjust the tool to any height you like between 16 and 21 inches.
Dremel also provides users a sharp mini saw which makes it practically easy to cut different types of materials like wood, metal and plastic. Specifically, for wood related work there is a dust blower that make clear visibility of all materials stress free. Example, in terms of sanding, engraving and wood carving related projects, this particular feature becomes really important.
On this particular product, you’ll get just about 12-month warranty. Some major accessories and attachment that provide useful capabilities for other features include plunge router, flex shaft, sharpening kit, grout removal and circle cutter.
Pros
- Compatible with lots of related Dremel devices
- 1/8 inches drill bits
- Comparative more affordable below $100
Cons
- Not strong enough for drilling steel material
Shop Fox W1668 3/4 HP Bench-Top Oscillating Drill Press
Besides the professional users, there are other people that find these tools to work well for DIY home renovation projects. But we all know that pro users are the biggest buyers. If you have searched for benchtop drill press reviews before arriving on this page, this model assorted features that features that will suit those peculiar needs you have in mind.
In the case that you are one of those people that drills mainly on hard materials, Shop Fox W1668 has the capabilities to serve your needs without any slow down at all.
The 3/4HP motor power makes that possible. Here is one of the reasons why the machine can perform at varying spindle speed levels between 250 and 3050. In total, you’ll get 12 speed options. As for spindle travel depth, 3 – 1/4 inches what you can expect while the swing is about 13 – 3/4 inches.
Based on the fact that angle choice differs during drill tasks, this manufacturer made it easy to tilt the table up to 45 degrees.
For angled drilling jobs, the tilting table bevels up to 90 degrees on the right and left side. The actual weight on this one is about 127 lbs which makes it a bit heavier than other models reviews above.
In terms of warranty, 24 months is what you get on this one.
Pros
- High performing power
- Heavy but sturdy construction
- Good for deep holes and heavy materials
Cons
- Doesn’t have a work light
- No lever for easy front and back movement
Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press
Are you looking for the best budget drill press with advanced features? Delta 18-900L is worth giving some serious considerations. More than every other drill press reviewed in this buyer guide, this one offers its users 16 variable speed options. The maximum speed level obtainable is 3000 RPM.
Unlike the last one reviewed above, this tool comes with work light. This means that you’ll have sufficient visibility of the working surface through the LED light feature.
To provide sufficient power for all of its advanced features, 120 volts is where the voltage stands at. For deeper jobs, this machine is made with 6-inch quill stroke.
The amperage is about 10 amps. As a depiction of confidence in the tool’s high performance capacity, 5-year warranty is what you get.
Pros
- Auto tensioning belt drive system
- 16 optional speed settings
- Useful LED light
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Highly expensive
Craftsman 12 in. Drill Press
One of the key thing that make this model different from other competitors is the swivel knob which makes the machine extremely easy to turn into any direction you like. In addition to this there an adjustable LED light which makes it possible to have high level of visibility during your work.
Another impressive feature is the 12 speed setting options that are available to users of this tool. Specifically, real range is between 355 – 3065 RPM. Take note of the difference regarding where speed level on other models starts from. The table size is 10 -1/8’’ Dia (L X W).
Among other things, the 12’’ swing had been confirmed to work for drilling on heavy materials. To a very large extent, this drill press is likely to match the drill bits you have already.
However, you only 45 degrees right and left tilt inclination.
For its simple features and proven performance, it has earned itself a position as one of the best drill press under $100 in 2019.
Setup is very simple. Whether you are first time user or experienced expert, following the setup instructions guide will get you started in no time. If you have question about compatibility with other drill presses from the same or other manufacturers, consider doing proper confirmation with the manufacturer or retailer.
And please don’t forget to test everything immediately it arrives in your home or workshop. Assuming you want to buy Craftsman press drill on Amazon, take note of the return and replacement policy.
Pros
- Impressive speed options
- High power capacity
- Very much affordable
Cons
- Lower set of features
Grizzly G7945 Radial Drill Press
Most of the benchtop drill press reviews available online will carry only the popular models that come to mind whenever drill press is mentioned. However, we all know that popularity is not a perfect measure of high performance or value for money. Here is the reason I included this one in the list.
When making angle holes, the radial configuration eliminates the need to tilt your drill press table while working. For a whole variety of wood drilling project, Grizzly G7945 is just a perfect fit.
This tool comes with a shaft that works as the main drilling assembly axis. Depending on your need, this shaft can be pulled forward up to 17 inches.
Comparatively, this is more than what is obtainable from standard drill press models.
The five speed operation levels ranges between 550 – 3470 RPM (rotation per minute). If you observe very well, most of the other models reviews above starts at 250 RPM. In practical terms, this little variation could make a difference regarding speed of completing tasks and productivity. But most times, the prices are pretty much similar. The overall height is 31 – 1/2-inch.
With the spindle lock, you can adjust the depth of each cut. With the instruction manual provided at the point of purchase, assembling it is practically easy for beginners and pro users alike.
Some of the competing models that can be compared with this one in terms of price and performance are WEN 2414 and Skil 3320.
Pros
- Technically useful radial configuration
- High level speed options
- Good performing horsepower
- Not comparable to handheld drill
Cons
- Needs a little more space
JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
For some reasons, there are people looking specifically for floor drill press reviews. If you are one of these people, JET 354170/JDP-20MF is one great option that is probably within your reach right now. Like many other drill presses in its category, this one can be used for different drilling contexts.
If you are expecting versatility and accuracy at the same time from drilling machine, don’t go further. This model will give you that and more.
Perhaps, JET 354170/JDP-20MF is the best 19-amp floor drill press that will match all of your preferences. Obviously, this cannot be compared with 10 AMP models like the ones reviews earlier.
The actual dimension is 58 x 27 x 13 inches. But somehow, this is considered really heavy machine when you think about the 292.2-pounds weight. Deceptively, you may be tempted to say this big for nothing machine. Contrary to that, most of the verified user statements and reviews found during my research shows that the machine performs really well.
Unlike many other models reviewed so far, the speed level reaches up to 4200 RPM. During technical operations, 12 spindle speed options is will be available for you to select from. Table size is about 18 – ½-inches by 16 inches.
According to the manufacturer, the work table weight capacity is stipulated at 80 pounds.
Before you make the commitment to buy JET 354170/JDP-20MF on Amazon or anywhere, please note that the product was made in china. So if the country of origin is a big priority for you, be informed now. Finally, this one comes with 2-year warranty.
Pros
- High capacity amperage
- Comparatively higher spindle speed
- Has useful work light
- Stipulated 2-year warranty
Cons
- More expensive for many people
Other Relevant Buying Tips
Component And Construction
The major thinks to consider here include base, head, table and column. On certain level of granular detail, most machines are never the same. For example, the table size often differs a lot.
Horsepower
The motor, amperage and voltage are the core determinants here. So endeavor to check the differences before you click the buy button.
Speed Level
This is usually calculated as rotation speed per minute (RPM). But for each machine, there difference speed level options available for selection. In some cases, higher speed levels often result in higher prices. But if speed doesn’t matter as much, you don’t have to pay for a feature you won’t be using as much.
Functionality
This is where the question of actual drilling performance will be answered. Consider things like angle inclination, work light and capacity for precise measurements or output.
Conclusion
As we have been able to establish, there are different types of drill press available in the market. However, finding the best drill press with your current budget doesn’t have to require clicking from one page to the other. Right here on this page, you are certainly going to find one or two options that will match your preferences in all ramifications.
And please remember to test everything completely if you buy drill press online. This will give you an ample opportunity to return and possibly replace promptly if required.