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.
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
Product DescriptionHSS Steel Construction ----- High-speed steel construction for longer cutting edge life even at extreme temperatures.
Titanium Coating ----- Coated by titanium, this step drill set performs well in heat, corrosion and rust resistance.
Automatic Center Punch ----- Delivers an automatic, high-impact, spring-loaded strike when pressed against surface, adjustable cap regulates striking force.
50 Size In 5 ----- The bits set includes five standard step drill bits that can replace 50 individual drill bits.
A Must-have for Handyman or Professionals ----- Perfect for home repairs and light jobs such as drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper and many other types of sheet metal.
Product Details| Brand: | ZELCAN |
|---|
| Model #: | SDB-2017-06 |
|---|
| Size: | 50 Sizes, 1/8" to 1-3/8" |
|---|
| Color: | Step Drill Bit with Center Punch |
|---|
| Price: | $27.99 |
|---|
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
Product DescriptionDurable HSS Drill Bit ----- High-speed steel makes it last longer than others, titanium coating ensure easily cut through iron sheets, aluminum sheets, copper & plastic & wood board and many other types of sheet metal with ease, and it can automatically deburr holes while drilling to keep the drill bit clean.
Titanium Coating ----- Coated with titanium, this step drill set performs well in heat, corrosion and rust resistance.
Revolutionary Design ----- Tri-flatted shank fits into power tools chuck securely and eliminates slip; two-flute design clears chips faster and allows particles to escape easily.
Includes 10 Step Sizes ----- 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8".
A Must-Have for Handyman or Professionals ----- Perfect for home repairs and light jobs such as drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, iron and many other types of sheet metal (excluding steel or any other harder metal).
Product Details| Brand: | ZELCAN |
|---|
| Model #: | SDB-2017-01 |
|---|
| Size: | 10 Sizes, 1/4" to 1-3/8", Single |
|---|
| Price: | $9.99 |
|---|
ZELCAN 10 Sizes Titanium Step Drill Bit, 1/4 to 1-3/8 Inches High Speed Steel Drill Cone Bits for Sheet Metal Hole Drilling Cutting, HSS Multi Size Hole Stepped Up Unibit for DIY Lovers Electrician
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
Product DescriptionMULTI-FUNCTIONAL DRILL BIT SET: Step drill bit for metal feature 5 common sizes with step ranges from 6 to 13 steps, effortlessly meeting various drilling needs. The STD06A step drill can drill up to 50 different hole sizes, eliminating the hassle of changing drill bits.
EXTREMELY DURABLE: The step drill bit set is made from high-speed steel with a titanium coating, ensuring cutting hardness, reducing wear, and extending service life.
STABLE AND PRECISE DRILLING: Before drilling, you can use an Automatic Center Punch to mark the position. The 118° X-Shaped Split Tip design of the step bit improves drill accuracy and reduces slippage, allowing our step drill to perform quick and smooth drilling on metal, wood, and plastic surfaces.
HIGH-EFFICIENCY WORK: The two-blade design facilitates smooth cutting, allowing easy expulsion of material particles. This innovation promotes a cleaner and more precise drilling operation, ensuring optimal performance with each use.
SMART STORAGE SOLUTION: The step drill comes with a specially designed storage box featuring a size index. This inclusive design ensures easy organization, prevents debris from falling, and maintains a tidy workspace.
Product Details| Brand: | DOVAMAN |
|---|
| Model #: | STD06A-Imperial |
|---|
| Size: | Imperial |
|---|
| Dimensions: | 5.905511805 X 1.8897637776 X 6.299212592 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
|---|
| Price: | $19.97 ($3.99 / Count) |
|---|
DOVAMAN 5PCS Step Drill Bit, 50 Size HSS Step Drill, Automatic Center Punch, Titanium-Coated, 118° X-Shaped Split Tip, w/Aluminum Case, Step Drill Bit Set for Metal, Wood & Plastic - STD06A
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
Product DescriptionPOWERFUL DRILL ASSISTANTHolding the electric drill for a long time may cause hand soreness or unaccurate drilling. This floor drill press stand offers a great option. It can be put or fixed on the workbench, and hold the electric drill firmly to ease your fatigue and add a whole new level of accuracy. It is a great accessory for your powerful electric drill.
STRONG AND DURABLEMade of high-quality aluminium alloy, it can resist wear, corrosion, and deformation. The simple structure, complete accessories, and an English manual allow you to install it by a few simple steps. The smooth surface makes it easy to clean. You just need to wipe it with a wet cloth and dry it.
ERGONOMIC HANDLEYou don't need to manually hold the electric drill anymore with this product, The long handle (12 inch) is ergonomic and comfortable to hold, allowing for easy operation without hand soreness. It is lightweight, compact, and easy to carry to the workplace.
FIRM CLAMPINGThe clamping hole made of aluminium alloy, two plastic supplied reducing bushes with different sizes, and a fixture allow for firm clamping to ensure accurate drilling and high safety. The solid bar and larger base (8.8*5.9*0.9inch) that can be fixed on the workbench with screws ensure good stability without fear of shaking and tilting.
APPLICATIONThis stand is designed for electric drilling machines whose collar diameter is from 1.4in to 1.6in. The long groove on the base allows the installation of vice and die. If you have problems, please feel free to contact us. We will reply and solve the problem for you as soon as possible.
Product Details| Brand: | NOLANTISI |
|---|
| Model #: | KB1NBG-017 |
|---|
| Size: | With Drill Press Vise |
|---|
| Color: | Silver |
|---|
| Dimensions: | 16.6 X 6.8 X 2.9 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
|---|
| Price: | $28.85 |
|---|
NOLANTISI Drill Press Adapter For Hand Drill,Floor Drill Press Table,Portable Drill Guide,Aluminium Alloy Drill Stand (Silver)
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
Product DescriptionHigh-Quality Drill Press Stand: Our drill press stand is made of high-quality aluminum alloy, the main structure is sturdy and durable, small in size, light in weight, and easy to carry, so you can carry it with you as you need
Drill Guide Sizes: Drill diameter: 42.5mm / 1.6in; vertical stroke: 190mm / 7.5in; width: 140mm / 5.5in; total height: 297mm / 11.7in
Adjustable at 45 Degrees: Angle positions can go up to 45 degrees, the base has an angle scale, which can be used when adjusting the angle and rubber pads in the base hold the guide in place
Suitable For: This drill guide fits all 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch drills
Application: This multi-angle drill guide perfect for straight or angled drilling, drilling on the edge of a board or on round stock
Product Details| Brand: | CertBuy |
|---|
| Model #: | WWUS-Drillguide-1-Bk |
|---|
| Size: | 11.8 inch |
|---|
| Color: | Grey |
|---|
| Dimensions: | 29.7 X 5.5118 X 29.7 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
|---|
| Price: | $24.99 |
|---|
CertBuy Portable Drill Press for Hand Drill, Multi-Angle Drill Guide Attachment For 1/4 Inch and 3/8 Inch Adjustable Angle Drill Holder Guide, Portable Drill Guide with Chuck
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
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 |
|---|
| Model #: | DPA2513 |
|---|
| Color: | Black Orange |
|---|
| Dimensions: | 23.875 X 11.875 X 1 Inches (Length X Width X Height) |
|---|
| Price: | $47.43 |
|---|
WEN DPA2513 24-by-12-Inch Drill Press Table with an Adjustable Fence and Stop Block
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
Product Description【High Compatibility】IRONWALLS portable drill stand is designed with adjustable drill clamp to fit for most of electric drills or rotary tools whose collar diameter is from 1.48” to 1.7” (38mm to 43mm). Besides, the drill holder stand is supplied with 3 different collar inserts to suit smaller drills. Please note that the hand drill is not included in this product.
【90 Degree Rotating】The drill clamp of this tabletop drill press can be rotate from 0°to 90°, which can satisfy needs of different applications.
【High Precision】This drill press stand includes separate adjustments for limiting press depth (2.36”/60mm) and drill height (15.75”/400mm), so you can change drill position with minimal risk of over-drilling into the stand. Furthermore, there is a depth adjustment scale for more accurate press depth adjustment.
【Sturdy Cast Iron Base】Made by heavy duty cast iron and designed with 4 clamping points for mounting firmly with your worktable, this drill press work station stand has high stability which makes the working process more safe and accurate. Besides, there is slots for fitting a machine vice.
【Wide application】This versatile drill press stand can be used as a vertical drill stand, a drill holder when grinding, polishing or sanding and can work with dress press table. Just a few simple steps to turn your hand drill into a full drill press, saving money and easier to storage and carry out.
Product Details| Brand: | IRONWALLS |
|---|
| Color: | Black |
|---|
| Dimensions: | 19.291338563 X 8.661417314 X 6.299212592 Inches (Length X Width X Height) |
|---|
| Price: | $44.99 |
|---|
IRONWALLS Floor Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill, 90 Degree Rotating Adjustable Universal Bench Clamp Drill Holder Drill Press Adapter Workbench Repair Tool for Drill Press Table
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
$98.01
@ Amazon.com (Save 18%)
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 |
|---|
| Model #: | 4208T |
|---|
| Color: | Black/Orange |
|---|
| Dimensions: | 7.5 X 22.9 X 11 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
|---|
| Price: | $98.01 (Save 18%) |
|---|
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/Orange
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
Product DescriptionSpiral Grooved Design - The step drill bit for metal is designed with two-flute spiral. which can deburr chips faster and smooth drilling holes. The step drill bits have 118° split point tip, which can accelerate cutting speed and while preventing angled walking away from center. The step drill will long-lasting and efficient.
HSS Titanium Coating - Our step drill bit is made of high-speed steel material, coated by titanium nitride ensures the step drill bits has great sharpness and durability. With the coating the step bit is great for fast drilling hole on aluminum, wood, copper, stainless steel, plastic and other metal sheet.
Multiple Application - Our step drill bit set can process different diameter holes to meet your needs. Great for drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, iron, wood etc (Not recommended for stainless steel or any other harder metal). The 1/4-inch hex shank fits easily and securely into all power tools.
Multiple Size Include - Our step drill bit set come with 3 unibit step bits, 31 size include. 12 step drill (3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8 inch),6 step drill (3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 inch),13 step drill (1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 13/32, 7/16, 15/32, 1/2 inch). The step drill bit is suitable for home DIY, handyman, professionals.
Great Metal Step Bit - Two-Flute Design for smoother cutting, and the split point tip will accelerate cutting speed, drilling holes in metal is fast, efficient, and clean. We are confident with the quality of step drill bit. and we are sure you will love this multifunction drill bits, please feel free to contact us, if you are not satisfied with the cone drill bit, we will provide you a satisfactory solution, thanks.
Product Details| Brand: | Aleric |
|---|
| Price: | $8.29 |
|---|
Step Drill Bit Set - 3 Piece High Speed Steel Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit for Metal Sheet Aluminum Wood Hole Drilling, 1/4" Hex Shank Unibit Step Bit for Faster Drilling 31 Size Cone Step Drill Bits
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, 50 Sizes in 5 High Speed Multiple Hole Stepped Up Steel Bits for DIY Lovers
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 |
|---|
| Model #: | 4214T |
|---|
| Color: | Black Orange |
|---|
| Dimensions: | 36.6 X 13.5 X 16.8 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
|---|
| Price: | $217.47 (Save 29%) |
|---|
WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed, Cast Iron with Laser and Work Light (4214T)
