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.
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
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 |
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| Color: | Black |
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| Dimensions: | 19.291338563 X 8.661417314 X 6.299212592 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $44.99 |
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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
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
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 |
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| Model #: | SDB-2017-06 |
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| Size: | 50 Sizes, 1/8" to 1-3/8" |
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| Color: | Step Drill Bit with Center Punch |
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| Price: | $27.99 |
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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
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
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 |
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| Model #: | SDB-2017-01 |
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| Size: | 10 Sizes, 1/4" to 1-3/8", Single |
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| Price: | $9.99 |
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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
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
Product Description[M2 HSS]: Cuts A LOT MORE CLEAN holes and much EASIER than average step bits. In general, M2 has 50% more Tungsten and 150% more Molybdenum, both of which are key elements in improving durability. Our additional Vacuum heat treatment and Nitride surface hardening treatment make the performance even better.
[Non-stop]: Our Polished Steps and Size Highlights let you able to see target hole size during drilling. No need to stop in the middle of the drilling and check. Save you time and hassle.
[Easier | Faster | Cleaner]: With our high-accuracy CNC processing and several optimized design details over the years, our design cuts EASY, FAST and CLEAN, outperforming the average ones on the market.
[Heavy duty]: Cuts holes on Stainless steel, Hardened Metal, Mild steel, Galvanized steel, Aluminum, Copper, Plastic, Wood, or anything that has similar or lower hardness as these materials. Up to 12ga /2.7mm thickness for Stainless steel.
[Extra Thick]: Made for extra thick Material/Panel/Plate. Stepped cone head and 4 sprial flutes design makes the penetration and drilling much easier and faster.
[Multi Hole Sizes]: No need to buy a kit. This one step bit comes with 5 marked sizes so you can drill 5 different hole sizes, saving you time and efforts to change bits. Marked sizes including: 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4".
Product Details| Brand: | Jerax tools |
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| Size: | 1/4" - 3/4" (4 Spiral Flutes) |
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| Price: | $24.95 |
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Jerax tools 1/4 to 3/4 Inch Step Drill Bit, M2 High Speed Steel Drill bits for Hole Drilling in Extra Thick Material/Panel/Plate, Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic
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
Product DescriptionM35 Material: Our M35 cobalt step drill bits, fortified with a titanium coating that makes the drill bit harder than a typical HSS bit, can reduce the friction drill, and perform well in heat, corrosion, and rust resistance.
Spiral flute design: The spiral flute design prevents metal chips from flying and removes chips faster, allowing for smoother drilling without overheating. Promotes cleaner, more precise drilling operations.
Wide application: Our step drill bits can process holes of different diameters and can be used in heavy metal, iron, aluminum, brass, plastic, aluminum alloy, wood, plastic, etc., and can also be easily and securely installed into all power tools.
Size: Hex shank step drill sizes include 1/4-1-3/8, 3/16-7/8, 1/4-3/4, 1/8-1/2, 3/16-1/2 , with popular sizes needed for daily use, it can basically meet the needs in life and has greater convenience.
After-Sales Service: The Aluminum storage box for stepped drill bit is sturdy and easier to carry and store. If you are not fully satisfied with our product for any reason, please contact us.
Product Details| Brand: | AIMLENTOOL |
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| Model #: | AIMLENTOOL-CS-TITANIUM-5SIZESET |
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| Price: | $41.99 |
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AIMLENTOOL Cobalt Step Drill Bit Set, Hex Shank Step Drill Bit with Automatic Center Punch for Metal, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Wood, and Plastic, Storage in Aluminum Case for DIY Lovers, 50 Sizes
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
$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 |
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| Model #: | 4208T |
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| Color: | Black/Orange |
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| Dimensions: | 7.5 X 22.9 X 11 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $98.01 (Save 18%) |
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WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/Orange
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
Product DescriptionM35 HSS Cobalt Steel Material: The metal step drill is coated with advanced titanium coating, which has strong wear resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance and good impact resistance, and can improve the service life of the drill bit
M35 HSS Cobalt Steel Material: The metal step drill is coated with advanced titanium coating, which has strong wear resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance and good impact resistance, and can improve the service life of the drill bit
Size: 15 Steps size from 1/4" to 2-1/2",Cobalt step drills can make multiple holes of different diameters in materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, wood, plastic sheets, etc
Universal Handle: 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) hex handle fits securely on lithium-ion drills, hand drills and bench drills
Quality Services: If you have any questions or are not satisfied with our metric drill kits, please feel free to contact GRENPRO for assistance
Product Details| Brand: | GRENPRO |
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| Size: | 1/4" - 2-1/2" |
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| Price: | $58.99 |
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GRENPRO Gigantic Step Drill Bit,1/4" - 2-1/2"Large Step Drill Bit,M35 HSS Impact Tough Step Drill Bit Set,1/2" Shank Unibit Step Drill Bit for Metal, Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic
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
Product DescriptionPremium Quality: Made of High Speed Steel with Titanium Coating, ensures excellent durability and sharpness, provide longer cutting edge life.
Multi-hole Sizes: This Unibit Step Drill Bit Set contains 28 sizes in 3pcs: 1/4" to 3/4'' 9 Steps, 1/8" to 1/2" 13 Steps and 3/16" to 1/2" 6 Steps, Supplied with a portable fabric bag.
Craft Design: Two-flute design enables smoother drilling and allowing for clean and professional results. 118° Split Point Tip can increase cutting speed with self-centering and prevents slipping in the drill chuck.
1/4" Hex Shank: Quick change 1/4" (6.35mm) hex shank, which can be easily fit into power driver, drill and press drill.
Widely Application: Ideal for drilling holes in sheet metal, copper, wood, aluminum and plastic. They are perfect for DIY projects, furniture making, and professional metalworking applications.
Product Details| Brand: | TEWORDA |
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| Dimensions: | 5.12 X 3.54 X 0.73 inches (Length X Width X Height) |
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| Price: | $9.98 |
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Step Drill Bit Set, 3PCS HSS Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Step Bits Covering 28 Sizes (1/8"-3/4") for Wood, Plastic, Sheet Metal with Portable Bag, Nice Gift for DIY Lovers
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
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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| 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)
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
Product DescriptionM35 Cobalt HSS Step Drill - Enough sharp to drill into tough metals like stainless steel, alloy steel. Coating with TiAlN further enhances hardness and durability
4 Spiral Flutes - Faster and smoother cutting performance & more efficient swarf clearance
9 Step Sizes - 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4"
1/4" hex shank with quick release slot to eliminate slipping. Securely fits with most drills and impact ready power tools
Wide Application - Ideal for drilling holes into stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, plastic and laminates
Product Details| Brand: | Worture |
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| Model #: | M35 step-3/4 |
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| Size: | 1/4"-3/4" |
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| Price: | $17.99 |
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WORTURE M35 Step Drill Bit, 1/4" to 3/4"(9 Steps) Four Spiral Flutes Cobalt Unibit Step Drill Bit, Step Bit for Stainless Steel, Metal, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic
