This article will help you be aware of some important issues before you spend that money. The first two points are concerned with choosing the main specs of the drill presses. The last point is to guide you through some of the smaller features you should look for in your purchase.
1. Job Material Vs. Motor
The first thing you need to know is the amount of horsepower (hp) that you need. One hp is overkill for most beginners and amateurs. If you are looking at remodeling furniture and mainly working with wood, 1/3 hp will work just fine. If you are looking to work with heavier materials like steel but medium-sized workpieces, 2/3 hp will be more than enough.
However, if you are consistently going to be drilling 2″ holes in thick steel pieces, then maybe one hp will not be a bad investment.
The size of your workpieces is also an important point to consider. Suppose you are looking to work with furniture, cabinetry, treehouses, and similar jobs. In that case, honestly, you might even be okay with a minimal 3.5″ travel. But still, I would recommend getting at least 5.5″ travel to remain flexible.
Speaking from personal experience, if you are working on unique prototypes of any kind or love to experiment, don’t go below 5.5″ travel.
2. Work Frequency Vs. Motor
The other important consideration is the amount of work and daily use you expect from the drill press. The power of the motor is also a good indicator of its longevity. If you are looking to work on one or two small projects, a $75 small drill press with 1/3 hp is fine.
Maybe you are looking to buy a drill press that is going to get a lot of use. Maybe you want to train youngsters on it, or you expect to use it in a busy workshop indefinitely, that motor will not last long enough. It is all about the number of hours of work you expect in the day. In this situation, even if you will be specifically working with wood, go for a higher horsepower like 2/3 hp.
3. Quality of Life Features
Quality of life features go beyond the main specifications of specs. What quality of life features might you want? Let me explain.
Dealing with Play
Drill presses develop play and wobble after some use. Once the play gets too much, you will have to manage it. Older drill presses usually have split quill castings. They allow you to manage any play easily and in a few minutes. You will be able to control any wobble without too much hassle. Try to find a split quill casting for your specs, but it won’t be easy, so you might have to compromise on this one.
Depth Stop
Depth stop mechanisms are good for training purposes and also unique and complex workpieces. If you are looking at working with simple workpieces, then it is not necessary, and you can pass it. But if you imagine a scenario where you will be making many shallow holes, make sure you have a good depth stop mechanism. Otherwise, you will have to make a depth stop yourself.
Variable Speed
Most drill presses you will find will have variable speed settings. The question is, how often will you need to change speeds? If you are working in a professional setting where time is really important and the jobs are unique, you want a drill press. This continuously variable speed system uses buttons or wheels to control it.
For most beginners, you will only work with similar-sized and similar material workpieces and drill sizes. Most amateurs don’t have to change speed settings for weeks or months on end. If you identify with that, don’t splurge on continuous variable speed and automatic control.
Pulley Material
Beginner drill presses often save costs by installing aluminum pulleys for the speed system. Don’t do that. Spend $10 more and get a drill press with steel pulleys. For minimal use, aluminum pulleys might work for you, but if the drill press has used aluminum pulleys to cut costs, who knows what other expense they skimped out on.
Sound Reducer
To know a good drill press, look for ways to reduce the machine’s noise and vibration. Open the top box with the pulleys and inspect if there are rubber pieces installed. If you don’t see those rubbers, you should know the manufacturers did not pay attention to reducing noise.
If you are working in your home, you need to look into how the manufacturer minimized the machine’s noise and buy the drill press that cares about that.
Final Thoughts
Most likely, no store-bought drill press is going to be perfect for you. Everyone has their preferences, styles, and needs. Buy the drill press that gets you the closest to your goals, and then create modifications to make your drill press the perfect machine.
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/Orange
Product DescriptionFeatures a 2.3A induction motor, an 8-inch swing, and a 2-inch spindle travel
Includes a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage
Operates at 5 different speeds: 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, or 3140 RPM
6.5 by 6.5 inch height adjustable worktable bevels up to 45 degrees in each direction
Measures in at 23 inches tall with a 7 by 11-inch base
Product Details| Brand: | WEN |
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| Model #: | 4208T |
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| Size: | 2.3-Amp, 8-Inch |
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| Color: | Black/Orange |
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| Dimensions: | 22.99999997654 X 10.99999998878 X 22.99999997654 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $98.01 |
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WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/Orange
Milescraft 1318 DrillMate Portable Drillling Guide – Precision Drilling Jig Attachment for Drilling Angled or Straight Holes, Adjustable Drill Guide Attachment, Portable Drill Press with 3/8” Chuck
$39.82
@ Amazon.com (Save 20%)
Product DescriptionPremium Home Improvement Tools: Perfect for straight or angled drilling; drilling on the edge of a board or on round stock
Sturdy Woodworking Tools: Attaches to all 3/8" & 1/2" cordless drills; it also includes a 3/8" capacity chuck with key
Multiple Angle Settings: Angle readout for setting drilling angles to 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°
Versatile Carpentry Tools: Centering channels built into the bottom of the base, to accommodate drilling any round stock up to 3 inches in diameter
Premium Milescraft Tools: We offer products that help woodworkers and do-it-yourselfers to complete projects quickly, accurately, and easily.
Product Details| Brand: | Milescraft |
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| Model #: | 1318 |
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| Warranty: | Warranty |
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| Size: | 1 PACK |
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| Color: | Black Red Grey |
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| Dimensions: | 16 X 5.5 X 18 Inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $39.82 (Save 20%) |
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Milescraft 1318 DrillMate Portable Drillling Guide – Precision Drilling Jig Attachment for Drilling Angled or Straight Holes, Adjustable Drill Guide Attachment, Portable Drill Press with 3/8” Chuck
WEN DPA2412T 24 in. x 12 in. Drill Press Table with an Adjustable Fence and Stop Block
$41.96
@ Amazon.com (Save 16%)
Product DescriptionExpand your workspace by 275 square inches (23-7/8 inch width, 11-7/8 inch depth)
Spacious table measures in at 23-7/8 x 11-7/8 x 1 inches
Fits any drill press table between 5 and 16 inches in width
Designed to fit the entire WEN Drill Press Series
Product Details| Brand: | WEN |
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| Model #: | DPA2412T |
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| Color: | Metallic |
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| Dimensions: | 11.88 X 23.88 X 1 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $41.96 (Save 16%) |
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WEN DPA2412T 24 in. x 12 in. Drill Press Table with an Adjustable Fence and Stop Block
WEN DPA2513 24-by-12-Inch Drill Press Table with an Adjustable Fence and Stop Block
Product DescriptionExpand your drill press workspace; compatible with the entire WEN Drill Press series
Spacious table measures in at 23-7/8 x 11-7/8 x 1 inches
Unique design provides clearance for the drill press’ table height adjustment crank
Adjustable fence and stop block paired with the onboard rulers allow for precise and uniform drilling
Product Details| Brand: | WEN |
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| Model #: | DPA2513 |
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| Color: | Black Orange |
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| Dimensions: | 23.875 X 11.875 X 1 Inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $49.20 |
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WEN DPA2513 24-by-12-Inch Drill Press Table with an Adjustable Fence and Stop Block
Elsjoy 2 Pack 9 inch Drill Press Clamp, Drill Press Locking Fix Clamp Welding Table Hold Down Clamp, Heavy-Duty Drill Press Accessories for Locking, Gripping, Woodworking
Product DescriptionElsjoy 2 pack drill press clamps measure 9 inch. Maximum jaw opening: 2" ,Throat depth: 3". Designed to attach directly to drill press slots, this clamp provides quick and easy operation for a variety of tasks.
Solid Steel: Drill press clamp tool is constructed of 1045 steel and plated with titanium, making it corrosion resistant and durable. In order to ensure smooth operation, this surface has been oiled. It is designed to be clamped repeatedly.
Strong Gripping: The bench press locking clamp's strong metal spring provides heavy-duty gripping capability, locking weighty objects securely without slipping. It protects the operator's hands from the drilling area while holding the workpiece firmly.
Easy to Use: The ergonomic design handle can fit your hands greatly and offer you a comfortable touch. Flat swivel pads protect workpieces and ensure uniform clamping. The tension adjustment knob can change the clamp grip strength.
Practical: With our drill press locking clamp, you can easily fasten the clamp onto the drill press slot tightly. The quick release lever allows you to separate it easily, enhancing your productivity and convenience.
Versatile: Bench press hold down clamps can be adjusted according to your preferences. Compatible with T tracks, clamping tables, and ideal for general clamping, drilling, routing, cutting, etc.
Product Details| Brand: | Elsjoy |
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| Model #: | Elsjoy-DPC-001 |
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| Size: | 9 inch |
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| Color: | Silver |
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| Price: | $19.99 ($10.00 / Count) |
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Elsjoy 2 Pack 9 inch Drill Press Clamp, Drill Press Locking Fix Clamp Welding Table Hold Down Clamp, Heavy-Duty Drill Press Accessories for Locking, Gripping, Woodworking
AeKeatDa Floor Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill, 90 Degree Rotating Adjustable Universal Bench Clamp Drill Holder Drill Press Adapter Workbench Repair Tool for Benchtop Repair
Product Description90° Rotation: The drill clamp of this benchtop drill press can rotate from 0° to 90°, meeting the needs of different applications.
High Compatibility: The drill stand features an adjustable drill clamp, making it compatible with most electric drills or rotary tools with collet diameters ranging from 25mm/(1〞) to 40mm(1-47/64〞)
Sturdy Cast Iron Base: Made of durable cast iron, this drill press workstation stand is designed with four clamping points to secure it firmly to the workbench, ensuring high stability for safer and more precise operation.
Adjustable and Versatile: Features separate adjustments for press depth and drill height, minimizing the risk of over-drilling. Includes three collar inserts to fit smaller drills and supports a variety of tools.
Versatile Applications:Suitable for vertical drilling, grinding, polishing, and sanding, allowing you to convert a handheld drill into a full drill press.
Product Details| Brand: | AeKeatDa |
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| Model #: | SAAKDSA102 |
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| Dimensions: | 6.2 X 8.9 X 15.7 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $39.99 |
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AeKeatDa Floor Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill, 90 Degree Rotating Adjustable Universal Bench Clamp Drill Holder Drill Press Adapter Workbench Repair Tool for Benchtop Repair
VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 1450W Motor 2 in Boring Diameter, 2878 lbf Portable Electric Mag Drill Press, with 6 Coring Bits, Variable Speed, Drilling Machine for Metal Surface, Home Improvement Industry
Product DescriptionTop-level Magnet: Get ready for unstoppable power! Our electric mag drill generates exceptionally powerful driving force with its 1450W copper motor. It is capable of drilling into the toughest material at 0-800 RPM. Max. Boring Diameter (Coring Drill): Φ2 in / Φ50 mm; Max. Coring Depth: 2 in / 50 mm
Understand the Power: 2878 lbf / 12800N of robust force is created by the electromagnetic thickened base, featuring pure iron anchors the mag drill press solidly works at any angle stably during the drilling process. Adjustable 10-speed gears achieve accurate and efficient operation according to different drilling diameter
Security and Durability: Your security comes first! That is why the combined overload protection features are in place. The cooling system features fast heat dissipation to protect operators from being hurt by instantaneous overpowering and high temperatures during drilling Besides, the titanium magnesium alloy guide rail has anti-corrosion and wear resistance characteristics, significantly improving the device's service life
User-friendly design: A scale has been added to the machine's frame to help users pinpoint the distance between the drill bit and the drilled material in millimeters. Even a novice can bore accurate and neat holes. In addition, the ergonomically designed handle and 3 extended cranks provide a comfortable grip during handling and moving, saving great effort
Wide Applications: This versatile magnetic drill plays a vitally important role in home improvement, equipment installation, industrial and steel fabrication, ship and bridge building, railway manufacture, windmill & power-plant construction, and many other fields. Note: Ensure optimal use by adhering to a steel plate thickness of ≥ 0.39 in / 10 mm. Not suitable for stainless steel or cast iron. Please use a safety rope for inverted and horizontal drilling
Product Details| Brand: | VEVOR |
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| Model #: | MDP-50 |
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| Dimensions: | 11 X 7.3 X 14.2 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $246.99 (Save 35%) |
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VEVOR Magnetic Drill, 1450W Motor 2 in Boring Diameter, 2878 lbf Portable Electric Mag Drill Press, with 6 Coring Bits, Variable Speed, Drilling Machine for Metal Surface, Home Improvement Industry
Drill Press Machines Parts, Bench drill Handle Base and 211mm Feed Hub Wheel Handle Bar Set, Metalworking Tool, Drill Press Machines Parts, CNC Drill Press Press Machines Parts
Product DescriptionDrill press machines parts includes Complete handle base and 195mm handle bar set
The handle bar of this metalworking tool is 211mm
Handle Base: Outer diameter 70mm; 22mm inner diameter
Standard handle rod threaded holes M12, stud screw hole M6.
Handle Base Thickness 30mm
Product Details| Brand: | Mefape |
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| Model #: | NKJB8732 |
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| Dimensions: | 2.75 X 2.75 X 8.3 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $22.99 (Save 5%) |
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Drill Press Machines Parts, Bench drill Handle Base and 211mm Feed Hub Wheel Handle Bar Set, Metalworking Tool, Drill Press Machines Parts, CNC Drill Press Press Machines Parts
VEVOR Benchtop Drill Press, 3.2 Amp and 5-Speed Adjustable Drill Press with 10 in Swing, Cast Iron Frame, Worktable Tilts 0-45°, Ideal for Drilling Wood & Metal
Product DescriptionHigh-performance Drill Press: Equipped with a 10-inch swing arm and a 3.2A induction motor, the benchtop drill press delivers powerful performance, making it ideal for drilling materials like metal and wood. It’s perfect for a wide range of machining tasks and DIY projects.
High-precision Drilling Function: The bench drill press ensures accurate positioning and drilling, with a strong locking effect and sturdy construction, supporting precise drilling of small holes up to φ13mm.
Multi-speed Control: The drill press offers a speed range from 610 to 2800 RPM with five adjustable settings, is easy to operate, and has an LED display that provides accurate speed readings.
Multiple Ventilation Holes: Featuring a quick-cooling design, the desktop drill press can handle extended use, enhancing its longevity and durability.
Standard Accessories: The workbench drill press includes 1 x Drill Press, 3 x Handle Bar Assemblies, 1 x Speed Control Handle, 1 x Up/Down Handle Assembly, 1 x Wedge Block, 2 x Worktable Fixing Handles, 1 x Chuck Connection Rod, 1 x Fork Wrench, 2 x Hex Wrenches, 4 x M10*25 Hex Head Bolts, 1 x Chuck Key, 1 x Machine Column Assembly, 1 x Worktable Assembly, 1 x Base Assembly.
Product Details| Brand: | VEVOR |
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| Model #: | DP1006L |
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| Dimensions: | 17.5 X 9.3 X 28.7 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $109.99 (Save 17%) |
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VEVOR Benchtop Drill Press, 3.2 Amp and 5-Speed Adjustable Drill Press with 10 in Swing, Cast Iron Frame, Worktable Tilts 0-45°, Ideal for Drilling Wood & Metal
PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch
Product DescriptionMounts to any drill press
4 inch opening capacity
4 inch jaw width
1/2 inch throat depth
Malleable cast iron with orange powered coated finish
Product Details| Brand: | Pony Jorgensen |
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| Model #: | 29058 |
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| Warranty: | All devices manufactured by PONY TOOLS INC. ( formerly known as ADJUSTABLE CLAMP COMPANY) are intended solely for use by a consumer as hand tools and are designed to accept such reasonable load as may be applied by hand. They are warranted against faulty workmanship or material for a period of one year from the date of purchase. |
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| Color: | Orange |
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| Dimensions: | 7 X 2.375 X 9.25 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $22.70 |
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PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch
