3 Important Things to Consider When Looking For a Drill Press

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.

know about drilling process

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.

important steps for drilling

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.

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SAMXY HSS Step Drill Bits 3 Piece Titanium Coated Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit 1/4" Hex Shank Drill bit for Plastic, Wood, Metal Multi-Hole Taper Drill bit Set for DIY Lovers 31 Step Sizes in One Kit


SAMXY HSS Step Drill Bits 3 Piece Titanium Coated Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit 1/4" Hex Shank Drill bit for Plastic, Wood, Metal Multi-Hole Taper Drill bit Set for DIY Lovers 31 Step Sizes in One Kit

$11.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

【HSS Titanium Coating】HSS 4241 & high speed steel with titanium coating for strength and longevity. Coated by titanium,this step drill set performs well in heat,corrosion and rust resistance.

【Two-flute Spiral Grooved Design】The two-flute spiral grooved design deburrs chip, dust and debris for clearance and smooth cutting. With 31 step sizes, each hole made with these step bits will be precise.

【QUICK-CHANGE】The 1/4-inch hex shank makes for easy, convenient, and quick stepper bit switches and is compatible with impact ready power tools.

【Multipurpose】Perfect for home DIY, and general building/ engineering use such as drilling holes in wood,plastic, aluminum, copper,iron sheet and many other types of sheet metal.

【31 Step Sizes】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) 6 step drill (3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2-inch) and 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)

Product Details
Brand: SAMXY
Dimensions: 3.54 X 3.54 X 0.5 inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $11.99
SAMXY HSS Step Drill Bits 3 Piece Titanium Coated Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit 1/4" Hex Shank Drill bit for Plastic, Wood, Metal Multi-Hole Taper Drill bit Set for DIY Lovers 31 Step Sizes in One Kit

NEIKO 10197A Step Drill Bit Set, 5 Pc Step Bit for Metal, 50 SAE Sizes Total, 1/8” – 1-3/8”, SAE Titanium High Speed Steel Unibit, Stepper Cone Drill Bit, Two Flute Step Down Bits, Step Up Drill Bits


NEIKO 10197A Step Drill Bit Set, 5 Pc Step Bit for Metal, 50 SAE Sizes Total, 1/8” – 1-3/8”, SAE Titanium High Speed Steel Unibit, Stepper Cone Drill Bit, Two Flute Step Down Bits, Step Up Drill Bits

$25.97 @ Amazon.com (Save 7%)

Product Description

HSS STEP BIT: Classic step drill bit set constructed of high-speed steel for drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, stainless steel, and many other types of sheet metal. Also doubles as a hole expander.

TWO FLUTE & TRI SHANK: Two-flute design deburrs during drilling, clearing chips faster and allowing particles to escape for clean cut holes. Each step drill bit features a tri-flatted shank for a secure fit into power tool chucks, eliminating slip.

MULTIPLE HOLE DRILL BIT: This versatile unibit step drill bit cone bit can replace 50 individual drill bits for metal with just 5 pieces in one box. Drill a range of different sizes and holes with a single bit without needing to change between bits.

STEP DRILL BIT SET INCLUDES: Four multipurpose metal dill bit in 1/4-inch shank and 3/8-inch shank and a red blow mold carrying case for easy convenience and storage in your car, garage or shop.

50 SIZES IN 1: 5 stepper bits included. 1 x 6 step bit (1/4” shank; 3/16” - 1/2”), 1 x 13 step bit (1/4” shank; 1/8” – 1/2"), 1 x 9 step bit (3/8” shank; 1/4" to 3/4"), 1 x 10 step bit (3/8” shank; 1/4” – 1-3/8”), and 1 x 12 step bit (3/8” shank; 3/16” – 7/8”).

Product Details
Brand: Neiko
Model #: 10197A
Size: 1/8 to 1-3/8", 5 bits
Dimensions: 7.95 X 4.72 X 1.574803148 inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $25.97 (Save 7%)
NEIKO 10197A Step Drill Bit Set, 5 Pc Step Bit for Metal, 50 SAE Sizes Total, 1/8” – 1-3/8”, SAE Titanium High Speed Steel Unibit, Stepper Cone Drill Bit, Two Flute Step Down Bits, Step Up Drill Bits

Knoweasy Titanium Step Drill Bit - 10 Step Sizes, High-Speed Steel 1/4 to 1-3/8 Inch - Perfect for Drilling Multiple Hole Sizes


Knoweasy Titanium Step Drill Bit - 10 Step Sizes, High-Speed Steel 1/4 to 1-3/8 Inch - Perfect for Drilling Multiple Hole Sizes

$10.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

✅【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"

✅【Application:】Perfect for home repairs and light jobs such as drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, iron sheet and many other types of sheet metal

✅【High Quality Material:】Made of strong high speed steel with titanium coating, the bits have strong durability

✅【Unique Design:】Two-fluted design provides faster,smoother cutting,provided with small pressure and the sets

✅【What you get:】Knoweasy Step drill with safe plastic case,12 month wmonths warranty

Product Details
Brand: knoweasy
Size: Step Drill Bits 8
Price: $10.99
Knoweasy Titanium Step Drill Bit - 10 Step Sizes, High-Speed Steel 1/4 to 1-3/8 Inch - Perfect for Drilling Multiple Hole Sizes

How to Learn to Do a Handstand Forward Roll - Gymnastics Tutorial


How to Learn to Do a Handstand Forward Roll - Gymnastics Tutorial

$1.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Product Details
Brand:
Price: $1.99
How to Learn to Do a Handstand Forward Roll - Gymnastics Tutorial

JIALEEY Wholesale Bulk Lots Jewelry Making Silver Charms Mixed Smooth Tibetan Silver Metal Charms Pendants DIY for Necklace Bracelet Jewelry Making and Crafting, 100 PCS


JIALEEY Wholesale Bulk Lots Jewelry Making Silver Charms Mixed Smooth Tibetan Silver Metal Charms Pendants DIY for Necklace Bracelet Jewelry Making and Crafting, 100 PCS

$5.72 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Material: Alloy, Metal.

Package including: 100 pieces.

Size: 0.28-0.98 inch (0.7-2.5 cm).

Exquisite and classical design charms.It can be used in all kinds of decoration.

Perfect for necklace, bracelet, dangle, scrapbooking project, keychain, keyring, sweater chain, anklet, cellphone decorative accessories, etc. Best choice for jewelry DIY.

Product Details
Brand: JIALEEY
Model #: 4336819416
Color: silver
Dimensions: 3.5 X 3.5 X 0.39 inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $5.72
JIALEEY Wholesale Bulk Lots Jewelry Making Silver Charms Mixed Smooth Tibetan Silver Metal Charms Pendants DIY for Necklace Bracelet Jewelry Making and Crafting, 100 PCS

Yougfin Step Drill, 10 Steps Titanium Coating High Speed Steel Drill Bit with Dual Flute Straight Grooved, 1/4" to 1-3/8", 1 Piece


Yougfin Step Drill, 10 Steps Titanium Coating High Speed Steel Drill Bit with Dual Flute Straight Grooved, 1/4" to 1-3/8", 1 Piece

$8.99 @ Amazon.com (Save 10%)

Product Description

【High Quality Material】: High-speed steel, also known as HSS, is the most common drill bit for metal applications. It incorporates an element with titanium that makes the drill bit harder than a typical HSS bit and thus suitable for precision drilling in stainless steel and other hard materials

【10-Step Sizes】: This cone-shaped bit has steps of increasing diameter marked along its cutting head. High-visibility size marks for primary hole sizes will really save your time during drilling! 10-step sizes include 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 5/8", 3/4", 7/8", 1", 1-1/8", 1-1/4", 1-3/8"

【118° Split Point】: This step drill has a small point angle of 118° and requires less pressure when centering in the material. The point starts drilling at contact, reducing friction, pressure, and heat. The larger the point angle, the higher the contact pressure and the centering in the material requires more pressure

【Double Flutes & Tri-Flatted】: This drill bit features a special dual flute straight design for dependable performance and durability. And the shank on this step drill bit has three flats that help prevent the bit from slipping in the drill chuck during drilling

【Application & Tip】:Step drills are ideal for sheet metal working and are suitable for cutting non-ferrous metals, plastic,etc. ***Tip***:Please keep the bit perpendicular to the mateial during operation to prevent it from breakage. If you have any questions about Yougfin products, please feel free to contact us

Product Details
Brand: Yougfin
Model #: step-1
Price: $8.99 (Save 10%)
Yougfin Step Drill, 10 Steps Titanium Coating High Speed Steel Drill Bit with Dual Flute Straight Grooved, 1/4" to 1-3/8", 1 Piece

BalanceFrom RS 60 Multifunctional Workout Station Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench with Squat Rack, Leg Extension, Preacher Curl, and Weight Storage, 800-Pound Capacity, Gray


BalanceFrom RS 60 Multifunctional Workout Station Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench with Squat Rack, Leg Extension, Preacher Curl, and Weight Storage, 800-Pound Capacity, Gray

$294.09 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Adjustable - Both Olympic Bench and Squat Rack are adjustable. Bench can be easily adjustable to incline, flat and decline chest press positions, while the rack can be adjusted to different heights

Two-piece Design - The Olympic Bench and Squat Rack can be used together or separately or even moved out of the way, allowing you to perform squats and other exercises without obstruction

Heavy Duty - Made from high quality steel, designed to support a maximum user weight of 400 lbs. and a maximum total weight of 800 lbs. Adjustable spotting arms prevent unnecessary injury while working out

Additional Features - This set comes with a Preacher Curl pad and arm handle that allow you to isolate your arm movement for proper form. Leg developer is designed to target hamstrings, quadriceps and flute muscles. Weight plates holders let you store you

Dimensions - 73" L x 46 W x (50"-65") H (Squat Rack adjustable from 50" to 65"). Product Weight: 90 Pounds (Full Station), 52 Pounds (Bench Only), 38 Pounds (Rack Only)

Product Details
Brand: BalanceFrom
Model #: NEW RS60
Warranty: 2-Year Warranty
Color: Gray
Dimensions: 30 X 15 X 48 Inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $294.09
BalanceFrom RS 60 Multifunctional Workout Station Adjustable Olympic Workout Bench with Squat Rack, Leg Extension, Preacher Curl, and Weight Storage, 800-Pound Capacity, Gray

DRILI Paddles for PS4 Controller, Back Button Attachment for PS4 Controller, TURBO Function/Memory Function/Plug And Play, PS4 controller accessories


DRILI Paddles for PS4 Controller, Back Button Attachment for PS4 Controller, TURBO Function/Memory Function/Plug And Play, PS4 controller accessories

$16.93 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

[ WIRELESS DESIGN ]: Exquisite design, gets rid of the troubles of wired, making the game more interesting.

[ GREAT GIFT ]: Controller back button attachment can help small players to use the controller more conveniently and make the game more enjoyable.

[ EXTENSIVE ADAPTABILITY ]: Controller paddles current products are compatible with 80% of the handles on the market (part of the customized handles are not applicable, if you find that it is not applicable, please contact customer service to solve it)

[ EASY TO USE ]: Paddle attachment is easy to map the buttons on the handle to the back button, with TURBO burst function (quick continuous click, suitable for F.P.S games).

[HIGH-QUALITY SERVICE ]: If you have any questions, please contact customer service, and your worries will be resolved within 24 hours

Product Details
Brand: DRILI
Dimensions: 2 X 4 X 3 inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $16.93
DRILI Paddles for PS4 Controller, Back Button Attachment for PS4 Controller, TURBO Function/Memory Function/Plug And Play, PS4 controller accessories

4 Pack A5 Diamond Painting Notebook Leather Cover with Special Shaped Diamond Drill 50 Sheets DIY Diamond Art 5D Cross Stitch Journal Book Blank Paper(Flowers Series)


4 Pack A5 Diamond Painting Notebook Leather Cover with Special Shaped Diamond Drill 50 Sheets DIY Diamond Art 5D Cross Stitch Journal Book Blank Paper(Flowers Series)

$25.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

POPULAR DIY :Notebook Sketchbook Drawing Diary Book Rhinestone Craft is ingenious, using resin to make lacquer, the unique luster of resin sequins is dazzling, shining in the light, it is the most popular DIY decoration at present

DIY DIAMOND PAINTING NOTEBOOK WITH UNFINISHED COVER:Dimensions: 8.3*5.9*0.59 inches,Weight:180g lightweight, A5; 100 Pages (50 Sheets); Page Layout: Plain/Blank;Cover:Hard and Strong Leather Cover Material

WHAT A GREAT GIFT:Diamond painting journal notebook The creative combination of diamond drawing and notebook brings a nice diamond drawing journal notebook. DIY paint and Notebook both bring fun to us.

WIDE APPLICATIONS: This notebook is used to be blank sketch book pad, memo notepad sketchbook, students office business diary spiral book journal, meeting your multiple needs. It is lightweight, easy to carry and offers great convenience to your life.

IT’S ADVANTAGES:Soft cover and curved corners design, simple and durable, perfect for all ages of kids and adults

Product Details
Brand: Generic
Model #: AT-FTBJ-NJ-13
Dimensions: 8.267716527 X 5.905511805 X 0.787401574 inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $25.99
4 Pack A5 Diamond Painting Notebook Leather Cover with Special Shaped Diamond Drill 50 Sheets DIY Diamond Art 5D Cross Stitch Journal Book Blank Paper(Flowers Series)

Step Drill Bit for Metal, Step Drill Bit, CORTOOL Titanium High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit Set, Unibit Step Drill Bit, Heavy Duty Step Bit, HSS Drill Bit Set (1/4" to 1-3/8" Step Bit)


Step Drill Bit for Metal, Step Drill Bit, CORTOOL Titanium High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit Set, Unibit Step Drill Bit, Heavy Duty Step Bit, HSS Drill Bit Set (1/4" to 1-3/8" Step Bit)

$8.79 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Two-fluted design provides faster,smoother cutting,provided with small pressure and the sets.

The 3-flat shank titanium drill uses a doubleedged design to make cutting smoother and smoother;Increases cutting speed with self-centering and prevents walking.

Perfect for home repairs and light jobs such as drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, iron sheet and many other types of sheet metal (excluding steel or any other harder metal).

Perfect for home repairs and light jobs such as drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, iron sheet and many other types of sheet metal (excluding steel or any other harder metal).

Your customer satisfaction and 30-day warranty of step drill bit can be guaranteed.

Product Details
Brand: Cortool
Model #: 13000001
Size: #1: 1/4" to 1-3/8"; #2: 3/16" to 7/8
Price: $8.79
Step Drill Bit for Metal, Step Drill Bit, CORTOOL Titanium High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit Set, Unibit Step Drill Bit, Heavy Duty Step Bit, HSS Drill Bit Set (1/4" to 1-3/8" Step Bit)

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