The Best Drill Presses
One of the most iconic power tools in a workshop is the drill press. Along with a table saw, a drill press is the dominant feature of any serious builder working with wood or metal. As such, a good drill press can be a major investment: you need a tool that is not only durable but also crafted to create precise, accurate holes every time. With such a large and potentially costly decision at hand, we took it to the woodshed and researched some of the best and most powerful drill presses on the market. Read on to discover which ones made the list.
WEN Variable 12-Inch Speed Drill Press
When You Need The Best
With more features than can be listed here, the WEN Variable 12-Inch Speed Drill Press wins our top award. The variable speed allows you to pinpoint the exact RPM you need for your project with the simple turn of a lever. An integrated digital LED readout displays the current speed generated from the 120-volt motor, delivering consistent torque. Better yet, the cast iron worktable is big and features rack and pinion height adjustments and a 45-degree max bevel.
Pros:
- 37-inch height, so it’s the right size for most projects
- Locking linear depth stop
- Great value for the price
Cons:
- Variable speed strains the internal belt
- Bearings are loud at high RPM
Genesis 10-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
Licensed To Drill
The Genesis 10-Inch 5-Speed is another outstanding drill press, offering loads of features and overall durability. What sets it apart from the others is its 360-degree rotating table and a 5/8-inch chuck that can take larger bits. With a smaller footprint than a floor drill press, it’s better for smaller workspaces but still delivers the speed and torque you need. That’s thanks to the reliable 5-speed, 4.1-amp motor.
Pros:
- Backed by a 2-year warranty covering all parts
- Integrated work light
- Rack & pinion table height adjustment
- Adjustable rotary depth stop
Cons:
- No laser guide
Jet 22-Inch Industrial Drill Press
Dressed To Drill
What’s the difference between an industrial drill press and a standard drill press? Size, stability, and versatility. The Jet 22-inch Industrial Drill Press features nearly double the swing of the largest, standard drill press, while its oversized tables are both CSA and CUS Certified. A 115-volt motor supplies incredible power with variable speeds to create machinist accuracy. The matte-black coated aluminum workbench is resistant to rust, while the oversized base plate provides unmatched stability.
Pros:
- 2-year warranty
- Comes fully assembled
- Detachable work light
Cons:
- Workbench cannot rotate 360 degrees
- Worklight, but no laser guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What length is referred to when a drill press is described as a 12-inch or 10-inch?
That’s a description of the size of the drill press, which is two times its throat depth. Throat depth is the distance from the chuck to the column. This is also referred to as the unit’s “swing,” which affects the width of the cutting material that the drill press can handle. For example, an 8-inch drill press has a throat calculation of 4 inches, so the unit can drill to the middle of an 8-inch piece of material.
I’ve found an older model drill press that’s a lot less expensive than the newer model. Is it a good value?
It might be, but there’s one thing you need to check first: does the manufacturer still produce replacement parts for the older model? With the larger brand names (Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc.), this isn’t as much of a concern, but when smaller manufacturers move on to the next model, they sometimes stop making parts for their earlier models. This may not be as much of an issue with the motor as it is with other parts, but it’s worth looking into before you buy.
Is every drill press designed to work on both metal and wood?
For the most part, yes. A quality drill press will have a motor that’s powerful enough to drill through any solid material. The only difference between drilling metal or wood is the bit required. Wood and metal drill bits look pretty much the same, except that a wood bit has a slightly angled tip, known as a brad, which is sharpened to snag the wood and keep the bit from wiggling. That said, make sure your drill’s swing is right for whatever material (and size) you most often use.
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