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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Knoweasy Step Drill Kit - 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill with Automatic Center Punch and 50 Sizes of High-Speed Steel Step Drills for Multiple Hole Drilling


Knoweasy Step Drill Kit - 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill with Automatic Center Punch and 50 Sizes of High-Speed Steel Step Drills for Multiple Hole Drilling

$19.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

✅【What you get:】Includes five standard step drill bits with center punch,which can replace 50 individual drill bits, you can process 50 different kinds of diameter holes with the five pieces.

✅【Product Feature:】The center punch delivers an automatic,high-impact,spring-loaded strike through adjusting the cap; its brass body has a deeply knurled surface for nonslip control; and the carbide tipped bit makes the center punch 10 times stronger than normal one;protective aluminum case makes the drills not easy to dull.

✅【HSS Titanium Coating:】High speed steel along with titanium coating ensures outstanding durability and sharpness,can reduces the friction,runs cooler.

✅【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 (excluding steel or any other harder metal

✅【Product Guarantee】Your customer satisfaction and 12 months warranty of step drills can be guaranteed.

Product Details
Brand: knoweasy
Size: Step Drill Bits 9
Price: $19.99
Knoweasy Step Drill Kit - 5PCS HSS Titanium Step Drill with Automatic Center Punch and 50 Sizes of High-Speed Steel Step Drills for Multiple Hole Drilling

ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set, 5PCS Four Spiral Flute Step Bits for Metal, 50 Sizes Titanium-Coated HSS Drill Bits with 1/4" Hex Shank for Stainless Steel Aluminum Wood Plastic


ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set, 5PCS Four Spiral Flute Step Bits for Metal, 50 Sizes Titanium-Coated HSS Drill Bits with 1/4" Hex Shank for Stainless Steel Aluminum Wood Plastic

$39.99 @ Amazon.com (Save 33%)

Product Description

Handle Drilling Tasks with Ease: With four sharp cutting blades, ZELCAN's step drill bit set ensures swift, smooth drilling, effortlessly cutting through steel, aluminum, copper, and other tough materials like a hot knife through butter!

Titanium-Coated HSS Build: Crafted from robust high-speed steel with a titanium coating, our drill bits ensure superior hardness for faster cutting through harder materials while withstanding high temperatures and cutting forces, ensuring lasting performance.

50 Sizes Comprehensive Drill Bit Set: Our 5-piece step bit set caters to diverse drilling needs, with diameters ranging from 3/16" to 1/2" (6 steps), 1/8" to 1/2" (13 steps), 1/4" to 3/4" (9 steps), 3/16" to 7/8" (12 steps), and 1/4" to 1-3/8" (10 steps).

Quick Release & Tapered Edge Design: The 1/4" hex shank and quick-release slot ensure secure connections and easy changes. The four-spiral flute design effectively evacuates chips from the hole, reducing the likelihood of clogging and improving drilling efficiency.

Easy Organization & Identification: Our step drill bits for metal come with a handy storage case, ensuring effortless organization and portability for all your drilling tasks. Clear size markings on each bit allow for quick identification.

Product Details
Brand: ZELCAN
Dimensions: 4.92 X 1.97 X 6.3 Inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $39.99 (Save 33%)
ZELCAN Step Drill Bit Set, 5PCS Four Spiral Flute Step Bits for Metal, 50 Sizes Titanium-Coated HSS Drill Bits with 1/4" Hex Shank for Stainless Steel Aluminum Wood Plastic

COMOWARE Step Drill Bit Set 5-Piece Titanium-Coated with Automatic Center Punch - Short Length, Double Cutting Blades, High-Speed Steel - Covering 50 Sizes, Complete with Aluminum Case


COMOWARE Step Drill Bit Set 5-Piece Titanium-Coated with Automatic Center Punch - Short Length, Double Cutting Blades, High-Speed Steel - Covering 50 Sizes, Complete with Aluminum Case

$21.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Enhanced Durability with Titanium Coating: Our high-speed steel (HSS) drill bits, fortified with a titanium coating, offer exceptional durability and maintain sharpness even through demanding tasks. The titanium coating increases wear resistance and minimizes friction, resulting in cooler operation.

Versatile Hole Processing: Our step drill bits cater to a wide range of hole diameters, effectively eliminating the hassle of switching between multiple bits. This versatility proves invaluable for tasks involving metal, wood, and plastic, including countersunk holes.

Precision-Engineered Design: The split point tip, set at a 118-degree angle, significantly enhances wear resistance, making the drill bits long-lasting and efficient. The innovative two-flute design facilitates smoother cutting and enables easy evacuation of material particles, promoting cleaner and more precise drilling operations.

Convenient Storage Solution: Our step bit set comes complete with a purpose-designed holder featuring a size index. This inclusion ensures effortless organization and storage, preventing the bits from falling out and keeping your workspace tidy.

Comprehensive Set: This step drill bits set encompasses five commonly used sizes, granting you the flexibility to work with a wide array of materials and hole dimensions.

Product Details
Brand: COMOWARE
Model #: TGStep-5
Price: $21.99
COMOWARE Step Drill Bit Set 5-Piece Titanium-Coated with Automatic Center Punch - Short Length, Double Cutting Blades, High-Speed Steel - Covering 50 Sizes, Complete with Aluminum Case

QWORK 3 Pcs Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, High Speed Steel, 1/8" - 3/4" Total 28 Sizes, HSS Multiple Hole Drilling Cutting with Storage Bag


QWORK 3 Pcs Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, High Speed Steel, 1/8" - 3/4" Total 28 Sizes, HSS Multiple Hole Drilling Cutting with Storage Bag

$9.98 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

1) 3 standard SAE step drill bits can drill 28 different size of holes on different thickness of materials. One 3/16-inch to 1/2-inch six-step bit, 1/4-inch to 3/4-inch nine-step bit, and 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch 13-step bit(detailed hole size and drill depth of each drill bit please check in Product description below)

2) Made of high quality high speed steel that is hard and sharp enough to drill through wood, plastic, steel and sheet metal

3) Titanium coated surface can reduce friction and overheat when drilling through material for longer life time

4) Two-flute design provides faster, smoother and accurate cutting

5) 1/4" hex shank (6.35mm)can be easily fit into power driver, drill and press drill

Product Details
Brand: QWORK
Model #: WD1803
Color: Gold
Price: $9.98
QWORK 3 Pcs Titanium Step Drill Bit Set, High Speed Steel, 1/8" - 3/4" Total 28 Sizes, HSS Multiple Hole Drilling Cutting with Storage Bag

WORTURE 5PCS Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch, HSS Titanium Coated Unibit Step Drill Bits, 50 Sizes Step Bits for Metal, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic, with Storage Case


WORTURE 5PCS Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch, HSS Titanium Coated Unibit Step Drill Bits, 50 Sizes Step Bits for Metal, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic, with Storage Case

$20.49 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Durable and Sharp: Constructed with high speed steel(HSS) and Titanium coating for excellent abrasion, heat, corrosion and rust resistance performance

118° split point tip of the drill bit increases speed, minimizes walking. 2 straight flutes design provides better chip removal. Laser engraved numbers provide positioning assistance for precise drilling

Automatic Center Punch: Mark a slight indentation to keep the step bit in place for easier drilling

50 sizes of the step drill set ranging from 1/8" to 1-3/8" can meet most engineering or DIY needs. Comes with an aluminum box for convenient and organized storage

A must-have for drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper and many other types of sheet metal

Product Details
Brand: Worture
Model #: step-5
Price: $20.49
WORTURE 5PCS Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch, HSS Titanium Coated Unibit Step Drill Bits, 50 Sizes Step Bits for Metal, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic, with Storage Case

TEWORDA Step Drill Bit Set, 3PCS HSS Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Stepper Up Bits Covering 28 Sizes (1/8" - 3/4") for Wood, Plastic, Sheet Metal with Portable Bag


TEWORDA Step Drill Bit Set, 3PCS HSS Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Stepper Up Bits Covering 28 Sizes (1/8" - 3/4") for Wood, Plastic, Sheet Metal with Portable Bag

$9.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

【Premium 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
Dimensions: 5.12 X 3.54 X 0.79 Inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $9.99
TEWORDA Step Drill Bit Set, 3PCS HSS Titanium Coated High Speed Steel Stepper Up Bits Covering 28 Sizes (1/8" - 3/4") for Wood, Plastic, Sheet Metal with Portable Bag

HYCLAT 5PCS Step Drill Bit Set | Titanium High-Speed Steel (HSS) Stepper Cone Drill Bit | Covering 50 Sizes(1/8''-1 3/8''), 135 Degree Point, with Aluminum Case


HYCLAT 5PCS Step Drill Bit Set | Titanium High-Speed Steel (HSS) Stepper Cone Drill Bit | Covering 50 Sizes(1/8

$21.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

FEATURES: 5pcs step drill bits enable 50 sizes - each step drill bit can drill several bore diameters. It's can work as 50pcs twist drill bits. You don't have to replace drill bit constantly for different bore sizes.

TITANIUM HIGH-SPEED STEEL: classic and sturdy high-speed steel with titanium coating for proven capability and durability in drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, stainless steel and many other types of the metal sheet.

DOUBLE CUTTING BLADES & THREE-SIDED SHANK - Double cutting blades and X-type openings design ensure a faster and smoother cutting; 3-sided shank design prevents slip in drill chuck can cut through the wood, sheet metal, steel, and other surfaces.

WIDELY APPLICATION: The step drill bits can be used to chamfer, bur, and drill or enlarge holes. The step drill bits can work with stainless steel sheets, aluminum alloy, plastic material, and wood. The protective aluminum case makes the drills not easy to dull, canvas packing will more light and easy to carry, both of them would be shipped randomly.

WHAT YOU GET - HYCLAT Step Drill, Aluminum Case or Canvas Bag, 24 months warranty - Ideal Gift for Father's Day, Perfect for DIY lover.

Product Details
Brand: HYCLAT
Model #: HTSDB5
Price: $21.99
HYCLAT 5PCS Step Drill Bit Set | Titanium High-Speed Steel (HSS) Stepper Cone Drill Bit | Covering 50 Sizes(1/8''-1 3/8''), 135 Degree Point, with Aluminum Case

SALI Step Drill Bit HSS M35 1/4"-3/4",9 Sizes Four Spiral Flute Cobalt Step Drill Bits Hole Expander for Hole Drilling in Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic with Storage Box


SALI Step Drill Bit HSS M35 1/4"-3/4",9 Sizes Four Spiral Flute Cobalt Step Drill Bits Hole Expander for Hole Drilling in Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic with Storage Box

$6.99 @ Amazon.com (Save 50%)

Product Description

Includes 9 Step Sizes ----- 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16" , 3/4".

FOUR SPIRAL FLUTE - Four cutting blades design guarantees a faster and smoother cutting. Feels like a hot knife through butter!

Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiALN) for extreme heat and wear prevention, not just a decorative coating like most step drills

M35 COBALT HSS STEP DRILL - Prefect for 1/8"(3mm) thick Stainless Steel/Metal Sheet/Wood/Plastic/Aluminum Sheet/Copper and other metal sheets.

Quick Change: The 1/4-inch hex shank fits easily and securely into all power tools to prevent slippage and shedding during rotation. 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: SALI
Size: 1/4inch-3/4inch
Color: Black
Price: $6.99 (Save 50%)
SALI Step Drill Bit HSS M35 1/4"-3/4",9 Sizes Four Spiral Flute Cobalt Step Drill Bits Hole Expander for Hole Drilling in Stainless Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic with Storage Box

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: Straight
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

Talaze Three Spiral Flute Step Drill Bit(1/4" - 1-3/8"(15 Steps)),1/4" Hex Shank Drill for Working Metal, M2 High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Wood, Aluminum, Plastic


Talaze Three Spiral Flute Step Drill Bit(1/4" - 1-3/8"(15 Steps)),1/4" Hex Shank Drill for Working Metal, M2 High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Wood, Aluminum, Plastic

$31.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

【Three Spiral Flutes】: Elevate your drilling experience with our three-flute step drill. Crafted with precision and care, our drill boasts three spiral flutes that deliver exceptional stability during use. Smooth, precise drilling that reduces the risk of bit slippage or wobbling, making it ideal for a range of applications.

【M2 HSS STEP DRILL 】:Crafted from premium M2 high-speed steel material, our TALAZE unibit step drill bit is engineered for exceptional durability, capable of enduring repeated use without showing any signs of wear and tear. If, for any reason, you're not entirely satisfied with the quality, rest assured, we're here to assist you.

【AlTiSiN Coating】: Embark on a revolutionary cutting journey with our cutting-edge Nano-Blue Coating Technology. With an impressive 3300-3700 (HV0.05) surface hardness, it empowers you to conquer even the toughest materials with ease. Achieve faster cutting speeds and effortlessly handle a wide range of materials.

【Multiple Size Selection】: Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional, this set is ideal for home repairs, metalworking, or any other task that requires precision drilling.

【Dedicated to Your Satisfaction 】: At [TALAZE】, customer satisfaction is our utmost priority. If you encounter any concerns, be it with the product's quality or packaging, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We are committed to providing you with a worry-free shopping experience, backed by exceptional after-sales service and support.

Product Details
Brand: talaze
Size: 3/16" - 1-3/8"(15 Steps)
Dimensions: 3.14 X 1.37 X 1.37 Inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $31.99
Talaze Three Spiral Flute Step Drill Bit(1/4" - 1-3/8"(15 Steps)),1/4" Hex Shank Drill for Working Metal, M2 High Speed Steel Step Drill Bit for Stainless Steel, Wood, Aluminum, Plastic

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