A drill press is a perfect match for any bigger and bolder projects that you have planned around your home or job site. While a handheld power drill is primarily designed for smaller jobs, a drill press accommodates larger drill bits that can cut holes in thick materials such as wood, plastic, and metal.
As well as its powerful performance, a drill press offers you unparalleled accuracy for creating identical holes that have the same precise depth, angle, and width. One of the most functional machines, a drill press can be fitted with other tools like a rotary sanding disc or a mortising attachment that drills square holes.
The 7 Best Drill Presses
- WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press (Our Top Pick)
- WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press
- DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Inch Drill Press
- Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press
- JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
- BILT HARD 8-Inch Drill Press
- Dremel Drill Press Workstation
Our Top Pick for the Best Drill Press
Our top pick for the best drill press is the WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press. We highly recommend the WEN 4208 drill press machine for your next project.
Since 1951, WEN has equipped professional tradesmen and home DIY enthusiasts with reliable tools at an affordable price. Whether you work with wood, plastic, or metal, and whatever your skill level is, the ever-popular WEN 4208 delivers impressive power, consistent accuracy, and innovative features. You will not only love the final product, but you will also enjoy working with this drill press.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Drill Press
Finding the right drill press depends on your project and the type of materials you will be working with.
Some drill presses are specifically designed for working with metal, while others can be used with wood, plastic, and metal like the WEN 4208.
Types of Drill Presses
A drill press consists of three main parts: the base, column, worktable, and head. Depending on its design, the press usually has pre-drilled holes for fastening the drill press to the floor or a workbench.
Benchtop Drill Press
A benchtop or tabletop drill press is the home handyman’s best friend. It is a great tool for light-medium duty tasks. One of the highlights of a benchtop drill is that it is very compact and portable. You can use it on your worktop bench in your garage or mount it onto a table in your DIY workspace.
Floor Drill Press
For medium to heavy-duty drilling tasks, invest in a floor drill press. With an extra powerful motor and a sturdy design, this type of drill press is a great fit for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike. Just be aware that a floor press can be quite heavy and you may need adequate space to accommodate it.
Magnetic Drill Press
A magnetic drill press is highly favored by many construction workers and steel fabrication professionals as it is very portable and user-friendly. It can be quite time-consuming to work with a large piece of metal inside your workshop. But a magnetic drill press like the DEWALT DWE1622K, allows you to maneuver a metal workpiece and drill into it with complete ease.
To be able to find the right press for your project, consider these important features before buying your new power tool.
Important Drill Press Features
Drilling Capacity
If you plan to work with a large workpiece, a floor drill or high-powered benchtop drill press offers a wider swing and longer 3-1/8-inch or 4-3/8-inch spindle travel or stroke distance.
For small workpieces, a benchtop drill press or a mini drill press, like the Dremel Drill Press Workstation, usually have a smaller swing and a shorter 2-inch spindle travel distance which makes these drills better suited for light-DIY tasks and hobby projects.
Power
All power tools need a strong and efficient motor. The greater the horsepower or amperage of the motor will determine the overall drilling performance.
Speed
Speed is very important as it gives you the versatility to match the drill’s speed to a particular workpiece and also helps to stop the motor from overheating. A slower speed is ideal for small intricate pieces of wood and a faster speed for thick metal. While some models only have 2 drilling speeds for working with metal, other multi-material drill presses offer you 5 or 12 variable speeds.
Beveling Table
A 45° beveling table should be adjustable up and down, which makes drilling so much easier and more precise. Some models may even have a table that can swivel.
Drilling Accuracy
The accuracy of a drilling press is determined by different factors such as the motor’s design, ball bearings, and a sturdy base. A laser pointer system is an excellent feature, especially for newbie drill press users, and it helps you to maintain precise drilling accuracy every time.
7 Best Drill Presses – Reviews
1. WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
Powerful, versatile, and compact, the WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press is a great choice for cabinetmaking, DIY projects, or metalworking jobs.
The durable 1/3 HP induction motor provides ample power and torque for light to medium tasks. You will watch in amazement as the WEN drill press glides beautifully through wood and effortlessly drills into hard plastic and metal.
To ensure a smooth, balanced, and long-lasting performance, the motor has a ball-bearing construction and the cast iron base prevents any wobbling during operations. Perfect for a wide range of projects, you can tailor the machine to suit your drilling needs with the 5 variable speeds from 740-3140 RPM.
A height-adjustable beveling worktable tilts 45° in either direction for precise angled drilling operations and its slots can be used to mount clamps and vises. The 2-inch spindle can be tweaked easily with the easy-to-read locking depth adjustment gauge. The ½-inch chuck can be used with a variety of drill bits and it has its own onboard storage space.
If you have limited room in your garage, the 4208 has a compact space-saving design. Another bonus for new drill press users, the machine has an easy to assemble design.
WEN offers a 2-year warranty on the drill press.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Perfect for light-medium wood, plastic or metal tasks
- Durable motor provides ample power and torque
- Smooth, balanced, and long-lasting performance
- Consistent, accurate, and precise operation
- Five variable speeds from 740-3140 RPM
- Easy to read locking depth adjustment gauge
- Height adjustable work table bevels up to 45° left & right
- Onboard storage for the ½-inch keyed chuck
- Compact space-saving design
- Easy to assemble
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Nuts on the depth guide are hard to access with a wrench
2. WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press
If you are looking for a drill press that delivers loads of power for medium to heavy-duty tasks, the WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press is a great fit for you.
A sturdy cast iron base reduces any wobbling during use. If you mount the drill press onto a benchtop, you will have even more stability for longer workpieces. The durable 2/3 HP induction motor and a ball-bearing construction deliver ample power, torque, and ensure a smooth drilling performance. You can quickly select the right speed for any task with the mechanical variable 580-3200 RPM speed system.
Highly versatile, you can use the WEN 4214 to drill into wood, plastic, and thick cast iron. Drilling is so effortless with the drill’s 12-inch swing and 3-1/8-inch spindle travel. However, if you need to adjust the spindle, just tweak the depth adjustment knob.
The 4214 also comes equipped with a generous 9½ x 9½-inch cast iron work table that bevels 45° left and right. A 17-inch roller extension guide also increases surface support for longer workpieces.
High-tech user-friendly features include a digital LED screen that displays the current speed of the drill. The X-pattern laser guiding system helps you to achieve accurate depth and spacing of holes so there is no guesswork required. A work light also illuminates your workpiece for maximum visibility and precision. You can keep the chuck key handy with the onboard chuck key storage area.
WEN offers a 2-year warranty on the drill press.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Designed for wood, plastic, and metal
- Ideal for larger holes
- Strong motor delivers ample torque and power
- Ball-bearing construction ensures a smooth running performance
- Sturdy cast iron base can be mounted to a workbench
- Mechanical variable speeds from 580-3200 RPM
- Generous cast iron 45° beveling table
- Depth adjustment gauge
- LED speed readout display
- High precision laser guiding system
- Table roller extension
- Onboard storage for the 5/8-inch chuck
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Can vibrate with heavy-duty materials
- Chuck can be hard to tighten
3. DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Inch Drill Press
This incredibly versatile magnetic DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Inch Drill Press is a great choice for anyone who works with steel regularly.
Designed for tough applications, the DWE1622K offers you excellent drilling performance. It has a sturdy design and the ultra-powerful 10 amp motor has 2 highly responsive 300-450 RPM speeds. As the drill has 4-3/8-inch spindle travel, it can cut through the thickest of steel and other types of workpieces.
Featuring a convenient user-friendly design, the Quick-Change system allows for easy tool-free changes between a ¾-inch Weldon shank and ½-inch keyed chuck. The Quick Release feed handles can be mounted on either side of the machine which is ideal for working in confined spaces.
If you are a DIY beginner, you will appreciate how simple it is to use this machine. As well as the large green and red on/off buttons, the tool comes with an easy-to-understand user manual. There is no assembly required which is great news for absolute beginners. Extremely portable, the DWE1622K has a sleek lightweight and compact profile.
Safety features include a smart Overload Protection System. An LED light flashes red and yellow to warn you that the drill is heating up and the light glows bright red when the drill is too hot. The overload system will then turn the drill off until it has cooled down. You can also place a magnetic coolant bottle on either side of the tool. A safety chain helps you to stay tool-safe. The drill also has a motor height adjustment tool and a long 8-foot power cord.
DEWALT offers a 3-year limited warranty on the drill press.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Sturdy tool
- Ultra-powerful motor
- 4-3/8-inch spindle travel is ideal for heavy-duty steel materials
- Fast 300-450 RMP
- Smart magnetic design
- Overload protection
- Quick change chuck system
- Quick-release feed handles
- Lightweight, compact, and portable
- Magnetic coolant bottle can be placed on either side of tool or on a work surface
- Easy to use
- No assembly required
- Long 8-foot power cord
- Three-year limited warranty
Cons
- Only 2 speeds
- Expensive price tag
- May be too powerful for first-time users
- Quick-change system tends to become loose after a while
4. Shop Fox W1848 13-1/4-Inch Oscillating Floor Drill Press
Whether you are DIY’er or a professional carpenter, the Shop Fox W1848 13-1/4″ Oscillating Floor Drill Press is very adaptable and will help you get the job done right.
Powerful and efficient, the W1848 has a 3/4 HP motor that provides all the power you need for repetitive precision cutting in wood, plastic, or metal. It has 12 variable speeds from 250-3050 RPM, so you can match the right speed to any task.
Designed for application versatility, the durable cast iron worktable tilts 90° left and right and it can be height adjusted to suit your project. This drill press can also be converted from drilling operations to sanding operations in a matter of seconds with just a few easy tool-free steps. The 3¼-inch spindle travel and the 1/64″-5/8″ chuck give you more convenience and ease of use.
Smart features include Shop Fox’s unique oscillating spindle that reduces heat build-up and leaves a smooth finish when sanding. A safety switch prevents accidental tool starting, and the dust port keeps your workspace clean.
Shop Fox offers a 2-year limited warranty on the drill press. You can also choose a benchtop drill press.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Fantastic performance
- Powerful and efficient motor
- Ideal for repetitive precision cutting in materials such as wood, plastic, and metal
- Durable cast iron worktable tilts left and right and is height adjustable
- 12 operating speeds ranging from 250-3050 RPM
- Versatile design
- Can be converted from drilling operations to sanding operations in a matter of seconds with just a few tool-free steps
- Unique oscillating spindle for efficient contour sanding
- Oscillating design helps to reduce heat build-up and leaves a smooth finish when sanding
- Safety switch
- Dust port
- Easy to assemble
- Two-year limited warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Comes disassembled
5. JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
Featuring an advanced design, the JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press delivers superior accuracy, stability, and versatility for medium-duty jobs.
Ideal for professional and home use, the sturdy drill has a very powerful 1½ HP motor which gives you maximum drilling capacity into 1-inch cast-iron and ¾-inch mild steel workpieces. For a smooth running performance, the spindle is supported by high-quality ball bearings.
You will have great drilling versatility with this easy-to-use tool. The JET has 4-5/8-inch spindle and 12 different speeds ranging from 150-4200 RPM. A hinged metal belt and pulley cover coupled with a spindle return spring make it so easy to adjust the tension. All you have to do is open the metal lid, disengage the motor and slip the belt on the pulley to change the speed. The ½-inch external depth stop with a 3-nut locking feature allows for quick adjustment.
Its large smooth cast iron table can support up to 80lbs and you can tilt the table to 45° with the quick-release clamp.
If you have to drill in low light conditions, the drill press is equipped with a built-in work lamp (bulb is not included). For extra safety, the on/off switch is located on the front of the drill press head and there is a telescoping safety spindle guard. The drill press also comes with a drill chuck and key.
Jet offers a 2-year warranty on the drill press.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Sturdy design
- Powerful motor
- Smooth running performance
- Ideal for professional and home use
- Perfect for 1-inch cast iron and ¾-inch mild steel workpieces
- Adjustable smooth 45° table
- 12 spindle speeds ranging from 150-4200 RPM
- Easy to adjust ½-inch external depth stop
- Adjustable tension spindle return spring
- On/off switch located on the front of the drill press head
- Built-in work light
- Telescoping safety spindle guard
- Drill chuck and key included
- Two-year warranty
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- Light bulb is not included
6. BILT HARD 8-Inch Drill Press
The BILT HARD 8-Inch Drill Press is an excellent tool for home DIY enthusiasts who want greater precision for medium-scale projects.
Whether you need to work with wood, metal, or plastic, the powerful ⅓ HP 2.4 amp heavy-duty ball-bearing motor is powerful and has 5 variable speeds from 760-3070 RPM.
Designed for long-term durability, this well-made drill press has a sturdy stamped steel base and table. You have plenty of task versatility at your disposal as the 360° tilting bevelling worktable can be adjusted 45° left and right. You can also mount clamps and vises onto the slotted table.
User-friendly features include an easy-to-read locking depth stop, and the 2½-inch jaws open up to 2-1/10-inch. Lightweight and compact, you can easily move the drill press around and it is ideal for limited workspaces like a garage or basement. Also, the base has pre-drilled holes for mounting onto a workbench.
The drill press also comes with a 13 pcs drill bit set that includes 1/16-¼-inch bits. BILT HARD offers a 90-day free from defects in materials and workmanship guarantee and a 1-year limited warranty on the drill press.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Very affordable price
- Designed for wood, metal, and plastic
- Especially excels at drilling into wood
- Powerful motor
- ½-inch chuck accepts a variety of bits
- Durable stamped steel base and table
- 360° table tilts 45° left and right
- Clamps and vises can be mounted onto the slotted table
- Five variable speeds from 760-3070 RPM
- Easy-to-read locking depth stop ensures greater accuracy
- Lightweight and compact design
- Base has pre-drilled holes for mounting onto a workbench
- 13 pcs drill bit set
- 90-day free from defects in materials and workmanship guarantee
- One-year limited warranty
Cons
- It is quite loud and vibrates a lot when used for drilling into thick steel
7. Dremel Drill Press Workstation
Perfect for wood or metal hobbies, the Dremel Drill Press Workstation is a great multifunctional tool for any DIY enthusiast.
This corded-electric 3-in-1 tool works as a drill press, a rotary tool holder, and a flex-shaft tool stand. Its amazing functional design also means that the workstation can transform any Dremel corded rotary tool and some cordless rotary tools into a drill press. It has a strong motor and a sturdy metal base with 4 clamping points that can be securely mounted on a workbench or table.
There is a virtually innumerable number of tasks that can be done with the Dremel workstation, from simple drilling tasks to complex wood decoration carving and stone engraving. This articulating drill press has a drill depth of 2-inches and allows you to drill perpendicular and angled holes in 15° increments. If you need to polish different metal objects, sand different shapes, and grind metal pieces, the Dremel workstation can hold a tool at 90°. The flexible shaft tool stand can also be adjusted telescopically from 16-inches-29-inches.
Precise drilling is so easy to achieve as the assembly base is marked with inches and metric measurements.
You can use the top of the workstation to store accessories like drill bits and wrenches, and cord management clips allow for safe storage.
Extremely compact and lightweight, the mini-sized workstation can be easily transported around your workspace.
Dremel offers a 1-year warranty on the drill press.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Very good value for money
- Affordable price
- Perfect for wood and metal crafts and hobbies
- Amazingly functional
- Three-in-1 tool works as a drill press, a rotary tool holder, and a flex-shaft tool stand
- Strong motor
- Sturdy metal base with 4 clamping points
- Can be securely mounted on a workbench or table
- 2-inch drill depth
- Drills perpendicular and angled holes in 15° increments
- Holds a drill at 90°
- Flexible shaft tool stand can be adjusted telescopically from 16-inches-29-inches
- Can be used for polishing, sanding and grinding metal
- On-board storage
- Inch/metric markings on the base
- Cord management clips
- Compatible with a wide range of Dremel rotary tools
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Heavy-duty work can destabilize the unit
- Main clamping parts are made of ABS plastic
Our Top Pick for the Best Drill Press
Our top pick for the best drill press is the WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press. We highly recommend the WEN 4208 drill press machine for your next project.
Since 1951, WEN has equipped professional tradesmen and home DIY enthusiasts with reliable tools at an affordable price. Whether you work with wood, plastic, or metal, and whatever your skill level is, the ever-popular WEN 4208 delivers impressive power, consistent accuracy, and innovative features. You will not only love the final product, but you will also enjoy working with this drill press.
Check the price on Amazon
