The Best Drill Presses of 2024

Guide for buying – Finding the Best Drill Press Guide

A hand drill operates through the user’s hand and arm. Therefore, human error can create a slightly off-center hole. The drill press produces precisely parallel holes of identical size all the time, varying from one model to the other. In fact, there are several drill presses models among them, the floor or magnetic ones, as well as mountable or benchtop units. 

In order to choose the best drill press, consider the thickness of the material, the average drilling depth is about 2 to 6 inches, and the type of material you’re working with, dense wood and metals require more power to drill than softwoods and plastic.

Which factors are important when choosing the best drill press?

When seeking the best drill press to meet your requirements, you should first determine if you have sufficient space to install the drill press at a workbench, or whether a standing drill press is more appropriate for you. All the drill presses function according to the same standard rules, but they differ in terms of performance and extra characteristics. 

 It is essential to know if your drill press will be suitable for the job you are considering. Before you go ahead and choose the power tool you think is best, you should keep the following in mind.  

The materials you will be drilling 

It’s important to keep in mind that not all drill presses are capable of handling all types of workpieces. A five-speed drill press should suffice if most of your projects are wood, but if you’re looking for something that can handle metal, you may want to look for a drill press with a wider speed range. The harder the material, the lower the rotations per minute with drill presses. 

With those considerations in mind, explore the best drill press options for various needs and skill levels. The following models were selected based on brand reputation, build quality, power, and ease of operation.

This JET drill press is equipped with a 1.5 HP motor, allowing it to tackle the heaviest tasks and materials. It has a 0.75-inch chuck with a wrench and 12-speed settings ranging from 150 to 4,200 rpm. It also has a tilting work light and base table and features a depth stop with a double locking screw function for quicker adjustments.

This SHOP FOX W1670 model has a stroke of 32.5 inches, which eclipses any other drill press in this review. That said, this model only has a 0.50 horsepower motor, so while it will increase the size of your projects, it may not be suitable for heavy-duty work. The other unique aspect of this drill press is that the drill head tilts the table.

The WEN 4214 drill press is quite powerful. It has a ⅔-HP inductive motor rated at 5 amps. The WEN 4214’s motor has a variable speed that allows you to adapt to the needs of the material you are drilling. Materials such as metal require low speeds while wood requires high speeds.

This Shop Fox W1848 oscillating drill press not only rotates but also moves back and forth in a rocking motion. This drill press can convert to an oscillating sander to make the holes you drill smoother than other drill presses. It comes with a 0.75 horsepower motor, which is slightly small, therefore perfect for woodworking, and its chuck size is 0.625 inches.

Delta 18-900L features twin lasers to locate the exact drill point, eliminating guesswork. It is a useful feature, especially if you’re a beginner. It is equipped with a 0.75 HP motor, a workspace lamp, and an extra table that rotates 90 degrees to the left and right and tilts upward by 45 degrees.

The Shop Fox W1680 1-HP Drill Press is a 17-inch model with a maximum speed of 1,720 rpm, which means it operates at a slower rate. When working with metal, it’s best to use slower speeds to create higher torque levels. This model also has a tilting table that measures 14 inches in diameter and can rotate to a 90-degree angle for more cutting options.

Powermatic’s PM2800B boasts a 1 HP, 7.5 Amp motor with a 250 to 3,000 speed capacity to enable users to work on a broad array of projects. The PM2800B has an easy-to-use design and a host of features that facilitate faster, smoother operations. First of all, you have a mechanical speed change that allows you to adjust the speed without changing a belt. Another feature is the LCD that shows the number of revolutions per minute. It tilts up to 90 degrees allowing a wide array of angles to be worked on, enhancing flexibility substantially.

The Sunex 5000A has a wide range of 16 different speeds from 200 to 3,850 rpm. Easy to use, it features a convenient belt tension lever for quick and easy speed transitions. In addition, it features a relatively large table that can rotate 360 degrees and up to 45 degrees on each side to allow you to work on a wide range of materials at different angles. Weighing 138 pounds, this unit should be easy to move around when needed. The reliability of the Sunex 5000A is questionable, however.

The WEN 4208 drill press offers variable speeds ranging from 740 to 3,140 RPM with 5 speeds to choose from so you can have great control over how the drill performs. The ⅓ HP motor features ample strength and torque. This drill has a 45-degree left and right tilted worktable.

The Proxxon 38128 benchtop drill is lightweight and compact. It features 9 inches high and 10 inches wide and weighs only 17 pounds. The spindle of this unit has a feed of only 1 3/16 inches with a maximum distance of 5.5 inches between the work table and the spindle. It is ideal for jewelry and other small items. The lowest speed is 1,800 rpm, and it can go up to 8,500 rpm with a three-speed range.

RIKON 30-120 Column Drill With 16 speeds to choose from, you have a lot of control over this machine, which is capable of speeds from 200 to 3,630 rpm. This machine is equipped with a heavy-duty ½ HP motor, making it one of the power drills presses. It also has one of the longest grooves, at 6.5 inches, which allows you to drill a hole through the center of a 13-inch disc.

The Genesis GDP1005A drill press offers a ⅝-inch chuck to use wide drills and achieve higher torque output. At only 52 pounds, this machine remains lightweight and portable, though it’s stable enough that it doesn’t vibrate too much while working. The worktable tilts 45 degrees in both directions for angled holes, and 5 speeds let you control the operation of the drill.

The DRL 300 is the exact item you need if you are looking for a drilling tool for home DIY projects. Even though it is small in size, it is anything but flimsy. And it’s capable of drilling holes in many types of plastic, metal, and wood objects.

The DRL 300 spins at a maximum speed of 8,500 rpm with a 3-speed range total and is powered by a small, high-quality 110-volt electric motor. This little unit may not be perfect for all your drilling projects, but it’s ideal for you if you’re a woodworker looking for a reliable tool for your projects.

The Ogrmar BG-6117 drill press is an innovative concept; however, it is very inexpensive. This unit is perhaps the cheapest way to have a drill press in your workshop.

This tool allows you to attach your existing drill and convert it to a drill press. Of course, it is not as accurate as a regular drill press, as you need to use additional tools and adjustments. As far as adjustments go, they are all made with hex screws, which is not very convenient.

The JET J-2530 mini drill is the ideal choice for professionals with years of experience who need a superior model. If you’re looking for the ultimate in precision, stability, and versatility, we recommend the JET J-2530. It has a more powerful motor and a wide range of spindle speeds than other machines in its class, not to mention superb build quality. The JET J-2530 mini drill is the right choice for professionals with years of experience who need a superior model.

The JET J-2530 offers a heavy, solid base for drilling. In addition, the entire enclosed spindle is supported by four permanently lubricated ball bearings, which is necessary to reduce friction.
This type of quality construction not only provides you with a safe and accurate drilling station but also ensures that you can continue to work with your Jet for years to come.
The JET J-2530 is built to provide a solid foundation for drilling.

With the JET J-2530, you’ll have unmatched control and versatility for every possible jewelry task. The JET J-2530 offers 16 impressive spindle speeds ranging from 200 to 3,630 prm.

Jet JDP-17 comes with one of the largest spindle ranges of any drill press; therefore, you will find it easy to get the depth you need for your tasks, especially with a quick turn of the handle. You will need a tool to adjust the speed of this wood lathe, which is a drawback to the gap.
Additionally, the table makes this tool very easy to use, it is large enough to accommodate large projects, and most importantly, it has grooves. These grooves make it quick and easy to align your project and center your holes.

Jet JDP-17 comes with one of the largest spindle ranges of any drill press; therefore, you will find it easy to get the depth you need for your tasks, especially with a quick turn of the handle. You will need a tool to adjust the speed of this wood lathe, which is a drawback to the gap.
Additionally, the table makes this tool very easy to use, it is large enough to accommodate large projects, and most importantly, it has grooves. These grooves make it quick and easy to align your project and center your holes.

Grizzly Industrial G0925 design is top-notch, with polycarbonate and cast-iron frame that is easy to grip and ready to take a beating. The on/off switch is located on the bulkhead for easy operation. It has a ¾ HP motor with 5-speed settings. The tilting work table does wonders for productivity, and for easy lubrication, it has two cutouts. For better quality, an integrated LED light is also present. The speed can reach 3050 RPM. Also, the manufacturers have included a depth stop for repeated drilling needs.

Fox W1667 has a ½ HP motor, which in tandem with the variable and 8 ½ swing speeds makes for a convenient and flexible drilling experience. The chuck accepts bits ranging from 1/64 to 1.2 inches, which means you can use even wider bits this time. The cast iron base is adequate.

As for the sander, the precision-ground sanding shaft can be used with sanding drums from 1 to 2 inches in diameter and up to 4-1/4 inches long. The oscillating design ensures a clean finish.

The 4210T has pre-drilled holes that help you mount it on a bench or at your workstation. It is powered by a 1/3 HP, 3.2-amp induction motor for excellent performance. This Wen drill press is a five-speed press, with a low speed of 600 rpm and a high speed of 3100 rpm.

Shop Fox W1668 features a sophisticated design with a built-in dust port ensuring mess-free standing. It features a 3/4-inch piercing depth to tackle practically any drilling task. The W1668 gives you the ability to tilt the table 90 degrees to the left and right.
As previously mentioned, this tool is versatile, so you can convert it from a drill to a sander in seconds, just by following a few tool-less procedures.

Dremel is a rotary tool station with the benefits of a drill press. This tool allows you to create angled holes in 15-degree increments and up to 90 degrees horizontally. So you can easily polish metal objects and sand different shapes.

In addition, this tool also gives you a storage space where you can keep your bits, wrenches, and accessories that you may need from time to time for related projects.
Plus, this unit functions as flexible shaft support, an essential tool for DIYers and hobbyists.

Mophorn 1200W Magnetic Drill features 23mm bore diameter. A rocking lifting rod with a non-slip rubber sleeve on the surface makes the whole operation hassle-free and less time-consuming, and although you are a novice user, you won’t get stuck in the process.
Finally, the 50.6-pound Mophorn has a 500-rpm spin speed, and the good news is that you get all these features at an affordable price.

With its 8-inch orientation and 22-pound total weight, BILT HARD is a highly portable drill press compatible with a wide variety of materials, including wood, plastic, metal, and other low to medium density materials.

It is made possible by the 1/3 hp motor that the machine is equipped with, which operates at 5 different speeds to give you total control over your workpiece. A 1/2-inch wrench chuck accepts any drill bit from 1/16 to 1/2 inch in diameter.

A Benchtop drill press:  

It is generally supported on the workbench by screws to hold it firmly during operation. When mounted on the workbench, the top of a benchtop model reaches about 60 inches in height. Bench models are built for the home shop rather than heavy-duty professional usage. A standard workbench drill press features 1/3 to 3/4 power and up to 4 inches of cutting depth. 

A Floor drill press:

It can be bolted to the floor or weighted down with something heavy, such as sandbags. A floor-mounted model is larger, with a maximum height of about 60 inches, and is widely available in professional shops for its accuracy. Featuring a cutting depth of 13 to 20 inches and a speed of 300 to 3,000 rpm.

Magnetic drills:

 Also called “magnetic drills” or “mag drills,” are designed to drill through metal. A sturdy magnetic base rest directly on the metal you want to cut, ensuring the stability and accuracy of the drilling. Most mag drills have a power rating between 6 and 12 amps and a cutting depth between 1 and 3 inches.  

All the models listed above are basically stationary power tools after choosing a location, however, the floor and benchtop versions may be moveable, with a bit of effort, to another shop space. 

Drill press head

The drill press head is crucial in determining what type of material you can work with. The two key measurements you need to be aware of are the swing and the stroke.

Swing is the distance between the chuck and the metal column that supports the drill. This feature limits the depth of the workpiece you can drill. Stroke is the distance the spindle on which the drill machine stands can travel. It is what will determine the depth of the holes you will drill.

Performance and Speed

Motor power (horsepower) determines how long the drill press can run without undue stress on the motor. Stronger horsepower motors can stand heavy use without overheating, although, in most domestic workshops, a drill press with a 1/4 to 3/4 HP motor is typically adequate. In commercial shops, it is not uncommon to find drill presses with one horsepower motor or high.

Most drill presses include a variable speed control that allows the user to increase the speed to about 3,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) or decrease it to about 250 rpm. Slower rates are preferable when drilling certain materials, such as steel, to prevent the drill bit from heating up and breaking.

Drill Chuck Size

The chuck is the set that secures the drill bit. An average benchtop drill press usually features a 1/2-inch chuck. This means that the chuck will accept any bit up to 1/2 inch in diameter, including a 1/4-inch bit, 3/8-inch bit, etc.

Certain floor models also include 1/2-inch chucks, however, plenty of drill presses offer 3/4-inch and 1-inch chucks to accommodate the bigger drill bits. Most bits have a diameter of 1/2 inch or less, so unless you plan to use large bits, a drill press with a 1/2-inch chuck will be sufficient.

 Weight and Size 

Drill presses are sized in accordance with the throat clearance of the drill. The throat clearance is the gap between the core of the spindle – the section supporting the bit – and the forward of the tool’s stand pipe. This distance doubles to indicate the “size” of the drill. Thus, if the throat distance of a particular press is six inches, it is said to be a size 12 machine. The throat distance, sometimes called the “swing” distance, indicates how far the user can drill a hole from the edge of the material.

For example, a 10-inch drill press can drill a hole within 5 inches of the edge of the material, and a 12-inch drill press can drill a hole within 6 inches of the edge of the material. Although the average drill press is 10 or 12 inches long, the larger ones are for heavy-duty applications and smaller ones for light-duty applications.

Mini drills, which are used more by craft workers than mechanics or carpenters, can weigh up to 2.5 pounds, while benchtop models weigh 35 to 65 pounds, and floor models can weigh 130 pounds or more.  

Portability 

One of the most important factors to consider when buying a drill press is its portability. So the reason you might want to buy a portable drill press is you require a drill that you can pack in your bag and carry with you anywhere you work. Since it is assumed that you already have many other tools to work with, you don’t want to add another heavy tool to your already heavy bag. 

The most portable drill presses are those that have holes for multiple drill sizes and do not attach to your drill. Any of these types of drills are easy to carry and put in your car. The downside of these models of drill guides is that they are less accurate and harder to secure in place. 

Safety Requirements

Drill presses lack many additional protective measures, though some include a clear plastic guard that surrounds the drill bit and prevents wood and metal chips from blowing around in any direction. In many cases, clear safety guards are sold separately and are attachable to most models.

Before using any power tool, study the owner’s manual and follow the safety instructions. A drill press is one of the safest power tools, but never wear gloves, dangling jewelry, or loose clothing that could get caught in the rotating bit. Also, if having long hair, tie it back and pin it up so, it doesn’t obstruct you. It’s also essential to wear safety glasses to prevent wood chips or metal shards from reaching your eyes.

The drill presses come with a few extra features that can be useful.

LED Light: 

The ability to direct a bright light where you need to drill can be very helpful, especially in shops where lighting is not very good.

Oscillation: 

Certain drill presses can perform rotary motion besides the drilling. This enables the machine to sander and smooth, while drilling jobs, especially when using a sander or polisher attachment in the drill press.

Accessories: 

Some drill presses may come with optional accessories, such as clamps to secure the material while drilling. These accessories are also available for separate purchases.

The proper drill press can help you cut your wood or metal quickly and safely. The drill presses above are available in different types, power ratings, chuck sizes, speeds, as well as special features and extra safety features for your small and large tasks.

We investigated the most highly prized drill presses across all categories and find that workbench picks rank high due to their convenience, portability and powerful performance cuts. The magnetic drill presses and floor drill presses also feature prominently in the list. Whereas the magnetic one is suitable for metal and softwood, the floor models offer more precision.

Although different in performance, each of the above presses has powerful rotational speeds ranging from 210 to 3,200 rpm. Power is also not an issue with these models, as many have sufficient volts, amps, or horsepower while in use. Both ½ inch and ⅝ inch chucks belong to the more popular sizes in leading drill presses, while there are also models with adjustable worktables, dust ports, and variable speed.  

If you are looking for the best drill press on the market, be sure to check out the features we mentioned of any model you are considering. Factoring in these factors will lead you to the best drill press for you.