8 Best Drill Press Options: A Complete Review of the Top Drill Presses for 2023

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You need a powerful drill for your next project, but where do you start? Picking the right drill press for your application can make a huge difference. If you have ever tried to drill a hole through metal, you know just how important your choice of a drill is. In this review article, you can find out what our top eight drill press recommendations are. After that, we walk you through some of the things you need to know before you buy your next power tool.

10
JET J-2530 15-inchBench Model Drill Press

JET J-2530 15-inchBench Model Drill Press

Table of Contents show
The JET J-2530 is a premium model with a lot of great features. This was our pick for the ‘Best Premium Drill Press.’ Find out more about this product and why you might want to pay a higher price.
9.5
Proxxon 38128 Bench Drill Press TBM 115

Proxxon 38128 Bench Drill Press TBM 115

Proxxon 38128. If you don’t need a large heavy-duty product, a compact benchtop drill press could save space.
9.5
WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press

WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press

If you are looking for the best drill press for home use by DIYers, then the WEN 4208 is arguably the best option. It can be used on small and medium-size jobs.
9
SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press

SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press

We rank SKIL 3320-01 as one of the best drill presses on the market at the moment.
9
Euro-Tool DRL-300.00 Mini Benchtop Drill Press |

Euro-Tool DRL-300.00 Mini Benchtop Drill Press |

If you want a small benchtop drill press with top capabilities, then the Euro-Tool DRL-300.00 is one of the drill presses you should consider on this list.
8.5
Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press

Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press

We included the Shop Fox W1848 drill press in the list of the best drill presses. It is an excellent product with great performance.
8.5
DEWALT Drill Press, 2-Speed

DeWalt Drill Press, 2-Speed, Magnetic, 2-Inch (DWE1622K)

The DeWalt DWE1622K is a magnetic drill best that also made our list of the best drill presses. Find out what you can expect from this model in the review below.
8
Sunex 5000A 16-Speed Floor UL

Sunex 5000A 16-Speed UL/CSA Drill Press

The Sunex 5000A drill press is the last of the eight best drill presses in this review. It stands on the floor and has many great features as you are going got see.

Top 3 Drill Presses

Before we jump right into our list of the best drill press choices, we have hand-picked three of our favorites. We considered a lot of products and decided on the best compact drill press, the best premium drill press, and the best drill press overall. Here are each of these drill presses and what they have to offer at a glance.

#1: Proxxon 38128

We ranked the Proxxon 38128 drill best as the best option if you are looking for a compact and portable benchtop drill press. This product has a weight of only 8.05 pounds, but that doesn’t stop it from providing great results in your DIY project. It can drill micro holes down to 1/64 inches. It has three-speed options, with a maximum speed of 8500 rpm. This green and yellow miniature product are perfect for crafts and jewelry projects.

#2 :JET J-2530

If you are looking for a high-quality drill press model and are willing to pay a premium price, then the JET J-2530 bench model is a great choice. This product offers great versatility, and the 16-speeds of the motor can rotate the spindle between 200 to 3,630 rpm. The large ground steel column provides maximum support. Other key features of this model are the tilting table and telescoping spindle guard for increased safety.

#3: SKIL 3320-01

It wasn’t easy picking the overall winner, but after much consideration, we chose the SKIL 3320-01 as the best overall drill press. There’s so much to love about it. It is excellent versatility and features high accuracy, high precision, enhanced safety, and variable speeds. speed. It’s an easy-to-use option with the tilting table, laser guide, bump-off switch, and adjustable depth stop. The best part of all is that this great performance comes at an affordable price.

Best Drill Presses: Full Review

We have scoured the market for the best drill presses available and have compiled this list of eight of our top picks for you to consider. For each product, you can learn about some of its important specifications and features, the pros and cons, as well as one or two special tips that might help when you use it.

JET J-2530 15-inchBench Model Drill Press

If you want a product with high performance, then this premium drill is an excellent choice. It is a sturdy bench drill press, and you can use this unit to drill holes in wood, mild steel, and cast iron.

The JET J-2530 is a premium model with a lot of great features. This was our pick for the ‘Best Premium Drill Press.’ Find out more about this product and why you might want to pay a higher price.

Quick Facts

JET J-2530 15-inchBench Model Drill Press
  • This drill press is very versatile and has a 16-speed motor that turns the spindle to 200- 3,630 rpm.
  • There is a large ground steel column, which provides a lot of support to the machine.
  • As far as tool accuracy, the 1-7/8 inch diameter quill can travel 3-1/8 inches for application requiring a deep hole.
  • There is a spindle guard for improved safety.
  • For precision, there are four lubricated ball bearings to support the spindle assembly.
  • This is a corded-electric product with a 115V voltage and weighing 157 pounds.
  • There is a 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.

Special Tips

If you want a product with high performance, then this premium drill is an excellent choice. It is a sturdy bench drill press, and you can use this unit to drill holes in wood, mild steel, and cast iron.

Proxxon 38128 Bench Drill Press TBM 115

If you run a craft or jewelry business, then the Proxxon 38128 micro-drill can be a real asset. You can carry it around easily and use it to produce consistent results in your store or home workshops.
9.5Expert Score
Drilling of micro holes down to 1/64"

Proxxon 38128. If you don’t need a large heavy-duty product, a compact benchtop drill press could save space.

High rotational accuracy
9.5
Adjustable parallel fence
9
Pros
  • Compact, lightweight, and portable
  • High accuracy and precision in drilling small holes
  • Adjustable table fence for improves accuracy and stability
Cons
  • The relatively high price tag
  • High accuracy and precision in drilling small holes

For a micro-drill with great performance, consider the Proxxon 38128. If you don’t need a large heavy-duty product, a compact benchtop drill press could save space. This was our selection for the ‘Best Compact Benchtop Drill Press.’

Quick Facts

Proxxon 38128 Bench Drill Press TBM 115
  • This corded electric benchtop drill press has a weight of 8.05 pounds and has a 120V voltage.
  • It can drill micro-holes as small as 1/64 inches.
  • This small device has three speed settings of 1,800 rpm, 4,700 rpm, and 8,500 rpm.

Special Tips

If you run a craft or jewelry business, then the Proxxon 38128 micro-drill can be a real asset. You can carry it around easily and use it to produce consistent results in your store or home workshops.

WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press

It works very well with hardwood and construction materials. You should, however, avoid using it when you are dealing with thicker materials
9.5Expert Score
Operates at 5 different speeds

If you are looking for the best drill press for home use by DIYers, then the WEN 4208 is arguably the best option. It can be used on small and medium-size jobs.

Accurate
9.5
Durable
9
Pros
  • Affordable price tag
  • Great for DIYers
  • Five-speed options
  • Can be mounted to almost any worktable
Cons
  • Only a 2-inch quill stroke

If you love DIY projects, then the WEN 4208 drill press is one of our top recommendations.

Quick Facts

WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
  • It has a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage.
  • This corded-electric drill press weighs 31 pounds and has a voltage of 120 volts.
  • It is a variable speed drill press with a maximum speed setting of 3140 rpm.
  • The motor is 1/3 horsepower and has an 8-inch swing size.
  • There is a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Special Tips

If you are looking for the best drill press for home use by DIYers, then the WEN 4208 is arguably the best option. It can be used on small and medium-size jobs. It works very well with hardwood and construction materials. You should, however, avoid using it when you are dealing with thicker materials.

SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press

This variable speed drill press is our best overall pick. While it is not a powerhouse, it is suitable for use in a professional workshop setting when you are dealing with a light-duty job.
9Expert Score
Adjustable depth stop for accurate measurements

We rank SKIL 3320-01 as one of the best drill presses on the market at the moment.

Repetitive drilling
9.5
Adjustable depth stop
9
Pros
  • Affordable price tag
  • Five-speed setting options
  • High accuracy and precision
  • Laser guide
Cons
  • Not the best for heavy-duty work.

We rank SKIL 3320-01 as one of the best drill presses on the market at the moment. Find out why it is one of our top picks.

Quick Facts

  • The five spindle speed setting options go from 570 – 3,050 rpm.
  • This drill press is battery-powered, weighs 50.8 pounds, and a voltage of 120V. Batteries are not included.
  • The SKIL 3320-01 has a 1/2-inch keyed chuck.
  • A bump-off switch provides additional safety.
  • There is an adjustable depth stop for accurate measurements and repetitive drilling operations.
  • The tilting work surface can go from 0-45 degrees left or right.
  • A Laser X2 2-beam laser feature provides precise hole alignment.
  • This drill press has a 1-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • The product has a cast iron base.
  • Not the best for heavy-duty work.

Special Tips

This variable speed drill press is our best overall pick. While it is not a powerhouse, it is suitable for use in a professional workshop setting when you are dealing with a light-duty job. It is also excellent for home use for hobbyists, DIYers, and anyone still learning the ropes. You’re going to enjoy your drilling experience with this benchtop drill press because of all the features that make it easier to control and navigate when dealing with metal and wood workpieces. This was our choice for the ‘Best Overall Drill Press.’

Euro-Tool DRL-300.00 Mini Benchtop Drill Press |

This Euro-Tool drill press is a compact option with excellent versatility. There’s plenty you can use it for, especially if you are a DIYer.

If you want a small benchtop drill press with top capabilities, then the Euro-Tool DRL-300.00 is one of the drill presses you should consider on this list.

Quick Facts

Euro-Tool DRL-300.00 Mini Benchtop Drill Press |
  • The Euro-tool drill press is corded-electric, weighs, and has a voltage of 110V.
  • You can use this drill press with both small and larger drilling projects.
  • The ¼-inch Jacobs chuck can work with drill bits that are up to 6.5 mm.
  • You can use this drill press with a variety of materials, including jewelry, shells, and wood.
  • There is a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty on this bench drill press.

Special Tips

This Euro-Tool drill press is a compact option with excellent versatility. There’s plenty you can use it for, especially if you are a DIYer.

Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press

This floor-standing drill press is suitable for woodworkers. It is very easy to detach the drilling accessories and attach the sanding attachments for a sander.
8.5Expert Score
Awesome

We included the Shop Fox W1848 drill press in the list of the best drill presses. It is an excellent product with great performance.

Easy to Assemble
9.5
heavy duty
9
Pros
  • 90-degree tilting table
  • Can function as an oscillating sander
  • 12 speed options
Cons
  • Quality issues have been reported, especially during the delivery and packaging of the large assembly

We included the Shop Fox W1848 drill press in the list of the best drill presses. It is an excellent product with great performance. A benchtop drill press is not always the most suitable for all drilling jobs, so you might be looking for a large floor unit.

Quick Facts

Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press
  • The motor on this drill press has 3/4 horsepower and a voltage of 110V.
  • The weight of the drill machine is 122 pounds.
  • This drill press has a swing of13-3/4 inches, and the drill chuck has a range of 1/64 -5/8 inches.
  • 12-speed settings can range from 250 to 3050 rpm.
  • The tilting table can go as far as 90 degrees, which gives a wider breadth of angles than most tables.
  • There is a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Special Tips

This floor-standing drill press is suitable for woodworkers. It is very easy to detach the drilling accessories and attach the sanding attachments for a sander.

DeWalt Drill Press, 2-Speed, Magnetic, 2-Inch (DWE1622K)

For heavy-duty applications, the DeWalt 2-inch drill press is a great option. Despite its speed limitations, it is a quality product that can withstand overloading and overheating. For these reasons, it is a worthwhile investment.
8.5Expert Score
Quick Change chuck system

The DeWalt DWE1622K is a magnetic drill best that also made our list of the best drill presses. Find out what you can expect from this model in the review below.

Heavy duty
9.5
Performance
9
Pros
  • Overload protection
  • Quick-change chuck system
  • Appropriate for heavy-duty jobs
Cons
  • Low maximum speed
  • Limited variable speed options
  • High cost

The DeWalt DWE1622K is a magnetic drill best that also made our list of the best drill presses. Find out what you can expect from this model in the review below.

Quick Facts

DeWalt Drill Press, 2-Speed, Magnetic, 2-Inch (DWE1622K)
  • This corded-electric benchtop drill press weighs 38 pounds, has a voltage of 240V, and has a 10-amp motor.
  • To prevent overheating, there is a magnetic coolant bottle that you can place on the left and right sides of the tool or a work surface.
  • The 4-3/8 inch drill travel distance provides maximum capacity and is suitable for heavy-duty applications.
  • There are two-speed settings, with a maximum speed of 450 rpm.
  • One of the most notable features is overload protection, which protects the drill motor.
  • The unit has a 3-year limited warranty.

Special Tips

For heavy-duty applications, the DeWalt 2-inch drill press is a great option. Despite its speed limitations, it is a quality product that can withstand overloading and overheating. For these reasons, it is a worthwhile investment.

Sunex 5000A 16-Speed UL/CSA Drill Press

This powerful tool is ideal when you need to do some heavy-duty drilling work. It stands on the floor and has many great features as you are going got see.
8Expert Score
Convenient belt tension lever

The Sunex 5000A drill press is the last of the eight best drill presses in this review. It stands on the floor and has many great features as you are going got see.

drill capacity
9.5
Convenient
9
Pros
  • Suitable for heavy-duty applications
  • Quick speed transition
  • 360-degree table rotation
Cons
  • Not suitable for tight spaces

The Sunex 5000A drill press is the last of the eight best drill presses in this review. It stands on the floor and has many great features as you are going got see.

Quick Facts

Sunex 5000A 16-Speed Floor UL
  • This is a heavy-duty drill press with a 3/4 horsepower motor and 5/8 inch drill capacity.
  • The voltage is 115 V and the product weight is 138 pounds.
  • You can change the speed quickly with the belt tension lever.
  • The work table can pivot from 0 to 45 degrees and rotate for a full 360 degrees.
  • This drill press is UL and CSA listed.
  • You also get a replacement chuck and key.

Special Tips

This powerful tool is ideal when you need to do some heavy-duty drilling work.

Buyer’s Guide

You now know some of the best benchtop drill and floor standing drill options available. In this section, we break down some other considerations you have to make as a potential buyer. Learn more about some general information about what a drill press does and how to select the right one for your application. In the FAQ section, we answer some of the most common questions we get about these power tools.

How Does a Drill Press Work?

A drill press is a power tool you can use to drill holes in very hard materials. It is also called a drill machine and can be found in two main formats. Benchtop drill presses are lighter, smaller, and more portable. Stationary drill presses, on the other hand, are stationary, harder to move, and heavier. They do, however, offer greater power, more features, and higher capacity for more heavy-duty applications.

The general mode of operation of a drill press is as follows. The machine has a rotating spindle that holds the drill in place. The workpiece, which can be wood, metal, or plastic, is usually held in place on a table and clamped by a vise. Then, the drill is fed into the material, where it bores holes as needed. Moreover, the drill may be gripped by a jawed chuck or may fit into the spindle taper with its tapered shank.

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One of the things that you may need to change when you are using a drill is the spindle speed. It all depends on the machine model you have. Some options also allow you to feed the drill into the workpiece automatically. The tip of the drill is known as the drill bit, and these cutting tools come in different shapes, materials, and sizes.

Drill presses are ubiquitous in machine shops. You can find them in a home workshop. Hobbyists and DIYers as well as anyone who runs a jewelry or craft business can use a drill press to make holes in their plastic, wood, or even metal workpieces. A drill press may have one or multiple spindles if there is a need to drill multiple holes simultaneously or successively. Although the main purpose of this machine is to drill holes, you can also use it to enlarge or finish existing holes.

What Are the Most Important Features of a Drill Press?

Finding the best drill machine comes down to see which option has the best features and provides the right value. Some machines work better for occasional drilling, while others offer higher capacity. Brand name and drill press quality are also helpful to consider, as our drill press reviews such as this one. You can learn a lot about a particular machine by doing this groundwork and save yourself a lot of time and money.

Here are some of the main drill press features you can explore when finding your next power tool:

  • Drill size- The body size and overall size of the tool matters because you might always have the convenience of having a while workshop or a dedicated space for a floor standing drill machine. A small and compact drill press might be the best option in such situations. If you need to travel and perform drilling work in different locations, then portability is something to think about.
  • Drill capacity- If you have large projects that need a drill with a large swing and stroke distance, then a stationary floor machine is better. For smaller woodworking DIY projects and anything requiring less drilling capacity, a benchtop drill press might work better.
  • Drilling precision- How delicate and precise is the work you want to do? If you want the option to make micro-adjustments to the feed rate and output speed, then find a power drill that has these features. A drill press is much better than a hand drill if you want to do some precise work such as woodworking.
  • Drill speed- What kind of speeds does the drilling work you are going to do require? A variable seed drill press is a better option than a single-speed drill press, but it can also cost much more. Being able to change the drill speed quickly is a useful feature to have. The drill speed is measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).
  • Motor power- When you work with a harder material such as metal, you need a motor with higher power output. A powerful motor also allows you to drill larger holes. When you work with large drill bits and tough materials, then a powerful motor is a must. You can find many heavy-duty options with 1+ horsepower, 1/2, and 2/3 horsepower.
  • Chuck type and capacity- The chuck is a special clamp that holds the rotating tool. A chuck can be keyless or keyed. Bigger chuck sizes can be used when there is a lot of motor power. The most common chuck size options are 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch.

The feature categories above are some of the most important ones to consider when looking for new drill press equipment. You can also look at the table size of each drill machine, its versatility, the price point, and customer reviews. It’s always ideal to find something within your budget, and that might mean compromising on some of your desired features and settings.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions concerning drill presses and our answers:

What does a 15-inch drill press mean?

This drill press has a 15-inch swing. It can drill a hole in the middle of a material with a square length or circle diameter of 15 inches. The same rules apply for different size drill presses.

Is a drill press worth it?

If you are looking for more control, stability, and precision than a handle drill can offer, then it is worth it to buy a drill press.

What are the best safety measures You can take when using a drill press?

Besides making use of the safety features of the particular model of the drill press, there are other best practices that you should follow. As the operator, you should make sure that you do not adjust the setup while the power tool is running. Do not wear loose clothing while you are using the drill, and keep your hair tied back.

Do you need a special drill bit for metal?

If you are hoping to use your drill to bore holes in metal, you do not need a special drill bit. A general-purpose twist drill bit can be used.

What are gold drill bits used for?

come across a gold drill bit, these are used to bore holes in metal. They are also called twist or high-speed steel (HSS) bits. You can also use them to drill through wood or plastic.

Conclusion

Selecting a good drill press isn’t something you should rush. It’s a considerable purchase, so you need to make sure that the product has all the features and specifications you are most likely to need. It’s worth considering the size, capacity, power, precision, and speed of each drill press first. We reviewed the eight best drills, considering the best floor standing and the best benchtop drills. Our overall winner was the SKIL 3320-01, while our top compact bench drill pick was Proxxon 38128. We also ranked the JET J-2530 as the best premium option.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


Disclosure: handyman.guide participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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