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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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

$20.99 @ 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
Size: 6 Pcs
Price: $20.99
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

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

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

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

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

Jerax tools 2 Inch High Speed Steel Step Drill bits, Doubles Flutes Large Step Bits for Hole Drilling in Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic…


Jerax tools 2 Inch High Speed Steel Step Drill bits, Doubles Flutes Large Step Bits for Hole Drilling in Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic…

$25.95 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Made of High Speed Steel] Premium material and surface treatment ensures the durability and sharpness. This unibit can drill holes on Iron, Aluminum, Copper, Plastic, Wood, or anything that has similar or lower hardness as these materials.

[No Pilot Hole Required] Self-starting & non-walking spilt point tip design helps you start drilling quickly.

[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.

[Multi Hole Sizes]: This 2" step bit comes with 10 marked sizes so you can drill 6 different hole sizes, saving you time and effort to change bits. Marked sizes including: 1/4", 3/8", 19/32", 3/4", 1", 1-3/16", 1-3/8"1-5/8", 1-3/4", 2".

[Know More About Us]Jearx tools is a professional step bits manufacturer and all our step drill bits are all made of HSS. We also provide the high grade & top grade step bits for stainless steel & other thick material. Visit our store to know more tools!

Product Details
Brand: Jerax tools
Size: 2 in
Dimensions: 2 X 2 X 4 inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $25.95
Jerax tools 2 Inch High Speed Steel Step Drill bits, Doubles Flutes Large Step Bits for Hole Drilling in Iron, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Plastic…

ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch, Unibit Drill Bits Set for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, Multiple Hole Stepped up Bits for DIY Lovers


ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch, Unibit Drill Bits Set for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, Multiple Hole Stepped up Bits for DIY Lovers

$29.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

Product Details
Brand: CO-Z
Model #: SDB2021LX&TA
Price: $29.99
ZELCAN HSS 5PCS Titanium Spiral Grooved Step Drill Bit Set with Automatic Center Punch, Unibit Drill Bits Set for Sheet Metal with Aluminum Case, Multiple Hole Stepped up Bits for DIY Lovers

VEVOR Mag Drill Press, 1400W 2in Boring Diameter, 2922lbf Power Magnetic Drill 810 PRM/10-Speed Setting/Quick Change Chuck System/6pcs Drill Bits, Mag Drill for Metal Surface and Home Improvement


VEVOR Mag Drill Press, 1400W 2in Boring Diameter, 2922lbf Power Magnetic Drill 810 PRM/10-Speed Setting/Quick Change Chuck System/6pcs Drill Bits, Mag Drill for Metal Surface and Home Improvement

$390.24 @ Amazon.com (Save 11%)

Product Description

【POWERFUL AND EFFICIENT】Get superior performance with the VEVOR Mag Drill Press. Its 1400W copper motor generates an exceptionally powerful driving force, allowing you to drill into tough materials at a speed of 810 RPM up to 2'' across and deep.

【ADJUSTABLE SPEED】With adjustable 10-speed gears unleash outstanding accuracy for an efficient operation by adjusting the speed according to different hole diameters.

【STABLE & EFFICIENT】The VEVOR Magnetic Drill Press is designed for stability and speed. Its optimized internal structure enables faster drilling, while the 2922lbf / 13000N robust force created by the electromagnetic base on the two anchoring ends solidly locks the mag drill press in place, preventing movement during the drilling process. With this tool, you can drill with precision and speed.

【ACCURATE AND SECURE】The VEVOR Mag Drill Press is equipped with features that ensure precision and safety. Its frame comes with a scale that helps you judge drilling depth with ease, while the included coolant bottle with a quick push-fit tube connection ensures long cutter life and smooth drilling. With these convenient and safe features, you can drill with confidence and accuracy.

【DURABLE AND LONG-LASTING】The VEVOR Magnetic Drill is built to last. Its titanium magnesium alloy guide rail has anti-corrosion and wears resistance characteristics, significantly improving the drill press's service life. With this drill press, you can rely on its durability and longevity, even with heavy use.

Product Details
Brand: VEVOR
Model #: 8850E
Size: W/ 2'' 6pcs
Color: Multi
Dimensions: 10.6 X 4.7 X 14.2 Inches (Length X Width X Height)
Price: $390.24 (Save 11%)
VEVOR Mag Drill Press, 1400W 2in Boring Diameter, 2922lbf Power Magnetic Drill 810 PRM/10-Speed Setting/Quick Change Chuck System/6pcs Drill Bits, Mag Drill for Metal Surface and Home Improvement

Luckyway 1-Piece 15 Steps HSS-CO(M35) 1/4 Inch to 1-3/8 Inch Titanium Step Drill Bit for Metal, Stainless Steel Drilling


Luckyway 1-Piece 15 Steps HSS-CO(M35) 1/4 Inch to 1-3/8 Inch Titanium Step Drill Bit for Metal, Stainless Steel Drilling

$25.99 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

DIMENSIONS - 15 STEP SIZES: 1/4",5/16",3/8",7/16",1/2",9/16",5/8",3/4",7/8",15/16",1",1-1/8",1-3/16",1-1/4",1-3/8".

APPLICATION - Capability and durability in drilling holes in plastic, aluminum, copper, stainless steel,HRC40 steel plate and many other types of sheet metal.★If used in 4mm stainless steel plate, can make more than 500 holes. ★It can be used to bore holes in steel plates up to HRC40.

MATERIAL - HSS-CO(M35)for longer life, higher efficiency,very easy drilling.Service life: M35>M2>HSS4241

FEATURES - 135° SPLIT POINT TIP: increases cutting speed with self-centering and prevents walking.

TWO-FLUTE DESIGN: Clears chips faster and allows particles to escape easily.

Product Details
Brand: Luckyway
Model #: T000185152A
Price: $25.99
Luckyway 1-Piece 15 Steps HSS-CO(M35) 1/4 Inch to 1-3/8 Inch Titanium Step Drill Bit for Metal, Stainless Steel Drilling

GRENPRO Titanium Four Spiral Flute Cobalt Step Drill Bits,1/4"-3/4" Impact Unibit Pro Max Step Bit Set,1/4" Hex Shank Step Drill Bit HSS M35 High Speed Steel Bit for Carbon Steel, Wood, Plastic


GRENPRO Titanium Four Spiral Flute Cobalt Step Drill Bits,1/4"-3/4" Impact Unibit Pro Max Step Bit Set,1/4" Hex Shank Step Drill Bit HSS M35 High Speed Steel Bit for Carbon Steel, Wood, Plastic

$22.94 @ Amazon.com

Product Description

【M35 HSS Cobalt Steel Material】Step drill set advanced tiain coating for extended use and durability.Step drill bits for metal have strong wear resistance, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and good impact resistance, metric step drill bit can reduce friction, lower operating temperature, step up bit greatly improve the service life of the step bits, Titanium coating Can keep the drill bit sharper.

【Four Spiral Flute】Step drill bit for stainless steel four cutting blades design guarantees a faster and smoother cutting. Step drill bit for plastic with 89HRC surface hardness, harder materials can be cut and higher cutting speeds can be achieved.Feels like a hot knife through butter!

【Size】9 step sizes Includes 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4".which can be widely used,Therefore, it is able to drill holes of a variety of diameters quickly and smoothly , which are stainless steel, aluminum, wood, plastic board (REMINDER:the board must be thinner than the height of the step drill)

【Universal Handle】1/4" (6.35mm) hex handle fits securely on lithium drills, hand drills, bench drills. Use this versatile small tapered unibit step drill bit for sheet metal,stainless steel,wood at work or at home DIY, Plastic, aluminum plate, copper and o other items to open holes.

【Durable HSS Drill Bit】Impact Resistant design allows for high speed drilling in tough materials. Step bits can quickly and smoothly drill holes of different diameters, such as stainless steel, aluminum, wood, plastic board (the board must be thinner than the height of the step drill). If you have any problems or are not satisfied with our metric drill bit set, please feel free to contact GRENPRO for assistance.

Product Details
Brand: GRENPRO
Size: 1/4"-3/4"
Price: $22.94
GRENPRO Titanium Four Spiral Flute Cobalt Step Drill Bits,1/4"-3/4" Impact Unibit Pro Max Step Bit Set,1/4" Hex Shank Step Drill Bit HSS M35 High Speed Steel Bit for Carbon Steel, Wood, Plastic

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