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 Tilting Vise, 4.25-Inch for Benchtops and Drill Presses, Black
Product Description4.25 by 1.75 in. jaws open up to 4.25 in. W
Constructed of industrial-strength powder-coated cast iron
Features 7 positive tilting stops; 1 every 15° from 0° to 90°
Five 1/2 in. mounting brackets allow for compatibility with the majority of drill press tables on the market
Compatible with the WEN 10-Inch, 12-inch, 15-Inch, and 17-Inch drill presses
Product Details| Brand: | WEN |
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| Model #: | TV434 |
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| Color: | Black |
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| Price: | $57.64 |
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WEN Tilting Vise, 4.25-Inch for Benchtops and Drill Presses, Black
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
WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424)
Product DescriptionGrip woods, metals, plastics and more
Cast iron construction provides stability to drilling
4 in. jaws open up to 4 in. with a 1 in. throat depth
Includes four onboard mounting slots to securely fasten the vise to a drill press table
Universal design compatible with the majority of drill presses on the market (see images for base dimensions)
Product Details| Brand: | WEN |
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| Model #: | DPA424 |
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| Color: | Silver |
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| Price: | $26.39 |
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WEN Drill Press Vise, 4-Inch (DPA424)
WEN 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press (4206T)
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: 750, 1100, 1500, 2100, or 3200 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 #: | 4206T |
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| Color: | Black,orange |
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| Dimensions: | 16.88 X 8.63 X 22.88 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $93.57 |
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WEN 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press (4206T)
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
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: | $39.99 |
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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 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
AMYAMY Floor Drill Press/Rotary Tool Workstation Drill Press Work Station/Stand Table for Drill Workbench Repair,drill Press Table,Table Top Drill Press90° Rotating Fixed Frame
Product Description★0~90 Degree rotable to drill slant hole.
★Copper plug readjustment to confirm the precision and durable. Precise graduation, transparent pointer, spacing function.
★Clamping range:(original) 44mm,( after adjusted) from 27.5mm to 43.6mm, there are 5 adapter sleeves that easy to fix the electric drill or grinder.
★Working stroke: 60mm, Down stroke: 60 mm
★Cast Iron Bottom Bracket,not aluminum.And it is 4 clamping points - to securely hold work piece
Product Details| Brand: | AMYAMY |
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| Model #: | . |
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| Color: | Transparent |
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| Price: | $47.99 |
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AMYAMY Floor Drill Press/Rotary Tool Workstation Drill Press Work Station/Stand Table for Drill Workbench Repair,drill Press Table,Table Top Drill Press90° Rotating Fixed Frame
WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed, Cast Iron with Laser and Work Light (4214T)
Product DescriptionFeatures a 5-amp induction motor, a 12-inch swing, and a 3-1/8-inch spindle travel
Adjust the mechanical variable speed anywhere from 580 to 3200 RPM
Digital speed readout displays current RPM of the machine for maximum precision
Includes a Class IIIA 2.5mW laser, overhead light, adjustable depth stop, table roller extension, beveling 9-1/2 by 9-1/2-inch work table, 5/8-inch capacity keyed chuck, a chuck key with onboard storage, and a two-year warranty
Measures in at 16.8 by 13.5 by 36.6 inches in size with a weight of 85 pounds
Product Details| Brand: | WEN |
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| Model #: | 4214T |
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| Size: | 5-Amp Motor |
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| Color: | Black Orange |
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| Dimensions: | 36.6 X 13.5 X 16.8 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $217.47 (Save 29%) |
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WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed, Cast Iron with Laser and Work Light (4214T)
Dremel Drill Press Rotary Tool Workstation Stand with Wrench - Mini Portable Press & Tool Holder - 2 Inch Depth- Ideal for Drilling Perpendicular and Angled Holes - 220-01
$44.97
@ Amazon.com (Save 41%)
Product DescriptionARTICULATING DRILL PRESS STAND: Drills perpendicular and angled holes in 15-degree increments, up to 90 degrees horizontal.
TOOL HOLDER: Holds rotary tool at 90 degrees horizontal for tasks such as polishing metal objects, sanding different shapes and grinding metal piece. Drill depth- 2 inches
COMPATIBILITY: Fits Dremel Rotary Tool Models: 4300, 4000, 3000,200, 100, 8250, 8240, and 8220.
FLEX SHAFT TOOL STAND: Allows Telescopic adjustment to any height between 16 and 29 inches.
CORD MANAGEMENT: Clips included for safe storage of power cords, inch/metric marking on base for accurate drilling of workpiece, depth markings with depth stop - for consistent depth, sturdy metal base with 4 clamping points - to securely hold the station.
CONSISTENT DEPTH ADJUSTMENT: Depth markings with depth stop.
Product Details| Brand: | Dremel |
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| Model #: | 220-01 |
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| Warranty: | Limited 1 Year Manufacturer Warranty |
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| Size: | No Size |
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| Color: | Silver |
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| Dimensions: | 5.9842519624 X 5.9842519624 X 11.81102361 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $44.97 (Save 41%) |
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Dremel Drill Press Rotary Tool Workstation Stand with Wrench - Mini Portable Press & Tool Holder - 2 Inch Depth- Ideal for Drilling Perpendicular and Angled Holes - 220-01
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: | $21.87 (Save 7%) |
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PONY Drill Press Vise, 4-inch
