Best Drill Press | Reviews of Top Tools Compared

You could drill by hand. Portable drills are more powerful today than ever before.

Yet when there is a need for power and accuracy in woodworking projects that require drilling, the capabilities of a drill press cannot be ignored.

The best drill press reviews can show you that models can drill through the metal in addition to wood, offer you floor-based or bench-based models, and give you the finish that you need.

The Best Drill Presses Are…

Drill presses may all look pretty much the same, but this does not mean they have been built to the same quality standards. You might be investing several hundred dollars into this tool. You deserve the highest possible quality. These are the top-rated options that make the grade.

Product	Details
1. WEN 4208 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press	Top Pick	Speed: 5-Speed 740 - 3,140 RPM Spindle Travel: 2 Inches Power: 1/3 HP Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 30 pounds	Check Current Price
2. Dewalt DW1622K 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press, 2-Inch		Speed: 300/450 RPM Spindle Travel: 4-2/8 Inches Power: 10 Amps Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 47.6 pounds	Check Current Price
3. SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press		Speed: 5-Speed 570 – 3,050 RPM Spindle Travel: 10 Inches Power: 3.2 Amps Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 50.8 pounds	Check Current Price
4. JET J-2530 15-Inch ¾ HP Bench Model Drill Press		Speed: 16-Speed 200 – 3,630 RPM Spindle Travel: N/A Power: 3/4 HP Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 157 pounds	Check Current Price
5. Genesis GDP805P 5-Speed 2.6 Amp 8-Inch Drill Press		Speed: Not Specified Spindle Travel: 2 Inches Power: 2.6 Amps Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 30 pounds	Check Current Price
6. WEN 4210T 10-Inch Drill Press with Laser		Speed: 5-Speed 600 – 3,100 RPM Spindle Travel: 2 Inches Power: 3.2 Amps Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 51 pounds	Check Current Price
7. Dremel 220-01 Drill Press		Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 5.34 pounds	Check Current Price
8. WEN 4227 13-Amp 12-Speed Floor Standing 17-Inch Drill Press		Speed: 12-Speed 280 – 3,300 RPM Spindle Travel: 4-3/4 Inches Power: 13 Amps Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 214 pounds	Check Current Price
9. Jet JDP-17 3/4 HP Drill Press		Speed: 210 to 3,500 RPM Spindle Travel: 5 Inches Power: 3/4 HP Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 198 pounds	Check Current Price
10. WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press		Speed: 580 to 3,200 RPM Spindle Travel: 3-1/8Inches Power: 5 Amps Power Source: Electric-Powered Weight: 89 pounds	Check Current Price

1. WEN 4208 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press — Best Drill Press for Woodworking

The number one drill press on our list is the WEN 4208 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press. One of the most outstanding features of this tool is its 5-speed settings. With this feature, you get up to 5 different speed settings ranging from 740 RPM to 3,140 RPM. This allows you to adjust the speed of the tool to suit the material you are working with.

This unit also allows you to limit your spindle travel, thanks to its locking depth adjustment. This helps you to achieve more accurate and repeatable drilling operations. The spindle of this tool travels a maximum of 2 inches.

This press drill also comes with a spacious worktable that measures 6.5 inches by 6.5 inches. The worktable also allows for miter cuts, with a bevel capacity of up to 45 degrees in both directions. You can also use this machine to drill through the center of a circle that is two inches thick and up to 8 inches in diameter.

The five different speed settings of this unit are backed by a 1/3 HP motor. This highly durable induction motor delivers ample power and torque. The great performance and phenomenal build quality of this drill press will impress you. This unit is much cheaper and you can use it for a wide range of tasks.

It features an iron-cast construction, and there is no play in the handles also. This drill press is super lightweight, as it weighs only 30 pounds. It is also very easy to store, as it does not take up much space. It comes with onboard chuck storage, which is a great addition.

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2. Dewalt DW1622K 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press, 2-Inch

There is nothing flimsy about this magnetic drill press – not with its 10-amp motor power and 300/450 RPM speed. Great for heavy-duty applications, you can rely on its 4-3/8-inch of the drill to get your most rigorous jobs done.

It also has all the right safety features in place including overload protection to prolong the life of the motor. Changing chucks is a breeze with its Quick Change system that dispenses the need for extra tools. It is not cheap but if you are looking for something with power and quality, this is a good choice.

This unit is portable and lightweight. It also comes with a dedicated storage case and other useful features to make your work much easier. If you are a professional contractor or DIYer looking for a very powerful drill press, this is a great pick for you. It comes with a three-point grip handle that you can release with the press of a button.

This tool can also work with an annular cutter of 2 inches and up to ¾ inches in diameter. It comes with a magnetic coolant bottle that you can place on a work surface or either side of the tool, and this feature allows you to control the flow of cooling fluid. This 2-speed setting magnetic drill press is backed by a two-year warranty.

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3. SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press

If you are looking for the best drill press that delivers greater precision than handheld drills do, then you should consider this drill press from SKIL. This is a variable speed machine that gives you more control over the tool. It comes with a cast-iron base and a worktable for durability and longevity. The base also offers more stability when working on larger pieces.

The size of the table is 7-5/8 inches. You can use this tool to drill directly on the center of the material that measures 10 inches in diameter. This is one drill that you can rely on, and it comes with a 3-year warranty. Overall, however, there is no denying the consistent performance of this drill press.

This unit comes with a 3.2-amp motor that delivers great speed. It is a variable speed unit, with 5-speed settings. The speed range is from 570 RPM to 3,050 RPM. This drill press was also designed with safety in mind, as it comes with a Bump-off switch for added safety. The adjustable depth stop feature is there to provide you with accurate measurements and repetitive drilling.

This unit comes with a tilting work table, and the bevel capacity is from 0 to 45 degrees in both directions (left and right). To help you get precise hole alignments, this unit comes with X2 2-beam laser. The work surface is also large enough to accommodate larger pieces of material. This drill press is not overpowering or too fancy, and it is the best drill press to use around the home occasionally.

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4. JET J-2530 15-Inch ¾ HP Bench Model Drill Press — Best Bench Drill Press

This drill press has 16 speed settings that range from 200 to 3,630 RPM and a 115-volt 3/4 HP single-phase motor. It has a 15-inch swing, a 5/8-inch chuck size, and a head that can swivel a full 360 degrees for maximum versatility. The 3 1/8-inch vertical stroke is spot on, and handling is easy and smooth.

You can’t operate it in reverse, but the ability to lock the quill down is a nice feature that makes up for it.

This simple, yet powerful drill press comes with a cast iron head and large quill, this allows for accuracy. It is pretty heavy, as it weighs 157 pounds. This unit is highly durable and it is going to serve you for years. It also comes with a 2-year warranty.

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5. Genesis GDP805P 5-Speed 2.6 Amp 8-Inch Drill Press

This is another powerful drill press that you can use to handle a wide range of tasks. This unit features spindle travel of up to 2 inches. It also allows for drilling directly on the center of material that is up to 8 inches in diameter.

This is a lightweight tool and it delivers great, smooth, and quiet operation. This is the perfect tool for DIYers and hobbyists looking for a powerful, convenient, and affordable drill press.

The worktable is also spacious, and it measures 6.25 inches by 6.25 inches. It comes with a 0.5-inch chuck that accepts larger bits, making it a highly versatile drill press.

This unit offers five different speed settings for versatility. It comes with a 2.6-amp induction motor that delivers smooth, quiet performance. You can use it for long and achieve precise results. The speed of the machine is also very easy to change, thanks to its easily accessible pulley housing.

The versatility of this unit also extends to its worktable, as it tilts up to 45 degrees. If you are looking for the best drill press for your workshop or garage, then this is one of the best options to consider.

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6. WEN 4210T 10-Inch Drill Press with Laser

This drill press includes a laser, 0.5-inch keyed chuck and key, and the tools that you will need for assembly. Once installed, you will be able to adjust between 5 different speeds, ranging from 600-3100 RPM. The spindle travel is 2.5 inches and offers easy to read locking linear depth stops for accurate drilling operations that you can repeat.

The 3.2-amp motor gives you the right amount of torque and power, while the cast iron worktable can bevel up to 45 degrees in either direction. If you are ready to step up your game, try this drill press.

This unit comes with a pretty large cast-iron worktable, allowing you to drill larger pieces of material. The table also bevels up to 45 degrees in both directions and it features a rack and pinion height adjustment. It also comes with onboard key storage and .5-inch keyed chuck.

The five-speed settings of this drill press are 600, 1,100, 1,700, 2400, and 3,100 rotations per minute. It comes with a rigid frame that is made out of cast-iron to provide reliability and sturdiness. With this tool, you can bid farewell to guesswork, as it comes with an X-pattern laser that locks on to your drill points.

This provides more accuracy when drilling. For repeatable and accurate drilling operations, this unit allows you to limit your spindle travel by setting the depth adjustment lever.

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7. Dremel 220-01 Drill Press

This rotary tool station gives you the benefit of a drill press, but on a miniature scale. You will need to have a Dremel tool in order for this press to work.

Then you will be able to create angled holes in 15-degree increments, up to 90 degrees horizontal. This makes it a lot easier to polish metal objects, sand different shapes, or grind metal with your Dremel tool.

There is also storage for your bits, wrenches, and other accessories that you may need. With telescoping adjustments from 16-29 inches, you will love what this little press can do for your creative needs.

This electric-powered drill press comes with cord management clips to store the power cords safely. The depth markings with depth stop are also there to boost your drilling accuracy. With the onboard storage, your wrenches, drill bits, and other accessories will be safe and very easy to reach.

This unit also functions as a flex shaft stand, which is a very important tool for DIYers and hobbyists. The Dremel 220-01 is highly versatile, and it is ideal for several applications. However, this is just a workstation, which means you have to supply a rotary tool for it to function like other drill presses. It is only compatible with Dremel rotary tools.

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8. WEN 4227 13-Amp 12-Speed Floor Standing 17-Inch Drill Press

This drill press features a 4-inch stroke, giving you an easy way to drill through a 4×4 board with virtually no effort. The variable speeds allow for no-load options of 280-3300 RPM. You also get to take advantage of a built-in work light, precision laser guide, and a 5/8-inch chuck for added versatility.

The cast iron worktable, which is 12×12 inches in size, will pivot up to 45 degrees in either direction so you can customize your piece. It is a 15-inch model, powered by an 8.6-amp motor, and will let you affordably upgrade to a floor-standing model.

The spindle travel of this unit is 4-3/4 inches, and it delivers maximum cutting capacity. It comes with onboard storage to store your tools easily and safely. It also comes with a two-year warranty that gives you some sort of assurance when using the tool. The speed range of this tool accommodates softwood, hardwood, plastic, and more.

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9. Jet JDP-17 3/4 HP Drill Press

As one of the largest drill presses we got to take a look at, we found that the spindle travels a full 5 inches with one revolution of the handle. The table is also larger, at 14×19 inches, and you have twin T-slot grooves with four slots so that you can work on virtually any project with this floor-standing model.

One-handed belt tensioning is possible, creating rapid speed changes that you are going to love. The integrated depth stop also makes repetitive drilling fast and easier than ever before. If you want something that can handle anything, then this is the best drill press for you.

You can use this tool to work at any time of the day, even in poor lighting conditions, thanks to its built-in LED work light. This provides direct lighting and also helps to reduce shadows.

This 17-inch drill press is highly durable and it is the preferred choice of many professional contractors. The variable speed range of this unit is from 210 RPM to 3,500 RPM. It also comes with an impressive 5-year warranty.

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10. WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

This variable speed drill press offers users a table roller extension, fence, and laser guide for consistent performance. The speed range is infinitely variable between 580-3200 RPM, giving you another level of customization.

The mechanical speeds also deliver an equal amount of torque within that range, ensuring that you receive a consistent result. The LED display lets you know what your current speed happens to be as you take advantage of the 3 1/8-inch spindle travel.

It comes with a 9.5 by 9.5 inches cast-iron work table that is spacious enough to work on larger materials. The worktable also features a rack and pinion height adjustment with a bevel capacity of up to 45 degrees in both directions. The precision laser is also there to provide you with more accurate drilling operations.

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Why Every Woodworker Deserves A Drill Press

Drill presses are accurate. There is no better reason to own this tool than to improve the accuracy of your work. You can create precision-drilled holes of consistent depth with ease thanks to this tool.

You can also experience these additional benefits when you own one of the best drill presses on the market today:

Added Speed

A drill press allows you to quickly set specific angles and depths, allowing you to move through your work with added speed. You still need to exercise caution, but the tool will help to automate some of the processes that woodworking often requires.

Added Power

You can work longer thanks to a drill press. It will literally do all of the drilling work for you. All you need to do is engage the mechanism.

Versatility

Many of the best drill presses today can be equipped with sanders, grinders, and other discs in addition to the drill bits that are used to create holes.

They are functional. They are safe to use. In return, your creative work can go to the next level. That is why every woodworker deserves a drill press today.

How To Find The Best Drill Press For Me

The modern drill press has three primary parts that must be addressed: the table and head, the column, and the base.

When looking at the base of a drill press, it must be designed in such a way that the weight of the machine and your working piece are properly supported. The base of a drill press also has pre-drilled holes that allow you to mount it to the floor or your workbench.

The column of the drill press is what connects the base to the table and head. Most drill presses have a steel column, though magnesium and aluminum are options on higher-end models.

The column is typically hollow and the best drill press reviews will let you know the actual height of this feature. Workbench models may be up to 48 inches in length, while floor-based models can be up to 75 inches in length.

The table for a drill press will usually have drilling holes in it, but some models do allow the user to create their own holes instead. Look for models that allow you to tilt the table in different angles for the most versatility for your woodworking needs.

Then the head of the mechanism is the component that you use to drill. Most drill presses have gearing that must be moved downward to engage the mechanism. Then, when the gearing is released, the head returns to its starting position.

What Are The Features Of The Best Drill Presses?

There are several features that are worth looking at through the best drill press reviews. Each additional feature may add more to the final cost of the tool, but it is an investment that many woodworkers feel is worth the price.

Variable Spindle Speeds

Having several speeds available to you with your drill press will increase the number of tasks that you can complete with it. Metal components require slower speeds, while various types of wood may require medium or high speeds for a clean hole to be created.

Horsepower

You will want to purchase a drill press that comes equipped with a ¾ HP motor at minimum. Anything less than this will limit the number of woodworking projects that you will be able to complete.

Depth Stop

How far the quill is able to descend is another feature to think about. If you have repetitive drilling for your project, this feature will help you make sure that your work is consistent.

This will allow you to keep your working piece in place as you are using the tool. The best clamps for woodworking are not always a substitute for a drill press clamp, so keep this in mind as you shop for your drill press today.

What Will It Cost Me To Buy The Best Drill Presses?

The best drill press is going to set your budget back a little bit. Workbench drill presses tend to be the most affordable, with most models being priced at $250 or less.

You can sometimes find entry-level bench drill presses for less than $150. Your features and options may be somewhat limited with this type of drill press, but they can also be used in virtually any working space.

Floor-based drill presses are typically priced above $500, although there are some entry-level models priced below this. For this tool to work properly, it is often necessary to bolt the drill press to the floor.

Conclusion

These drill press reviews will help you find the floor or bench model that best meets your needs. Life is much easier in Woodwork Nation when you own a drill press.

Make sure to pick up yours today. We have decided that overall, the best drill press is the WEN 4208 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press for its ease of use and low price. It is also super lightweight and very powerful.