Best Overall
Wen 4214 5-Amp 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
Best Bang for the Buck
Wen 4208 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press
Upgrade Pick
Jet J-2530 15-Inch Bench Model Drill Press
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Whena DIY projectrequires some precision exercise body of work , only a quality benchtop practice session press will do . These handytoolsare first-class for boring precision holes in Grant Wood , metal , and other materials , and mod modelling have a lot to offer .
A benchtop exercise jam is an idealaddition to a workshop , reach a clumsy , potentially grievous caper safer and more precise . Instead of holding a workpiece precariously in hand , exploiter can clamp it to the practice press ’s worktable . DIYers can use them for sanding and grinding as well . Some specially plan role model , known as mortisers , can even make perfect joinery .
My favorite is theWen 4214 5 - Amp 12 - Inch Variable Speed Drill Press . The motor is quiet , and it comes with an desegregate optical maser and twinkle as well as a digital fastness readout . To check that all of the following model have what it takes , I research over 30 model , narrow my hunt down , and execute extensive hand - on testing of the top 7 . Keep reading to learn about what I like and what I did n’t about some of the best benchtop recitation press on the market .
Our Top Picks
Benchtop recitation presses are pretty stock , though there are some remainder among brand name , sizes , and feature film . I carefully study a variety of benchtop exercise pressing and then performed hand - on testing with the following models to ensure they were top - tier quality .
Wen makes some powerful electrical tools , and the 4214 variable velocity drill crush is no exclusion . This 12 - in drill closet has a digital exhibit , so users always bed the precise speed of the practice , which adjusts between 580 and 3,200 rpm in very ok increments . It has 3⅛ inches of travel as well as an adjustable deepness stop for quotable results . The 2/3 - H.P. motor has plenty of great power for most any workshop project , and the worktable is adjustable up to 45 degree left and right . The table also features a crank handle for raising and lowering .
This Wen has a laser guide and onboard study light , but it miss a bit guard for safety machine . Old - school drillers will appreciate this , but it might be intimidating for new users . However , the one area the Wen could use some work is speed adjustment : The lever was incredibly squiffy and hard to manipulate , even with the practice ladder . But the worktable , its meth , and the roller certainly made up for it .
What our examiner says:“I really enjoyed work with the Wen 12 - inch exercise printing press during the hand - on examination . The motor was quiet , the recollective travelling was a plus , and the digital speed readout on the front of the drill press helped keep racetrack of the focal ratio . ”–Tom Scalisi , Product Reviews quizzer and author
Get the Wen 4214 drill wardrobe atAmazon .
The 4208 recitation pressing from Wen packs quite a few features into a parcel with a small price tag . This drill insistence has five predetermined speeds : 740 ; 1,100 ; 1,530 ; 2,100 ; and 3,140 rpm . Its 8 - in throat is large enough for most task . It has 2 inches of locomotion , and the worktable tilts up to 45 stage to the left over or right . The 1/3 - HP motor might seem low-cal by industrial monetary standard , but many DIYers are likely to notice it serves their needs just fine .
This model from Wen was one of the easiest in the bunch to assemble . I also like that it ’s lightweight and compact , allowing for peck it up and moving it with repose . However , the 4208 drill press has two areas of restriction : the ½-inch chow and its 2 column inch of locomotion . As such , it ’s best for light - duty use . And while it does n’t have a crank to lift and bring down the worktable , the affordable price tip can buy some forgiveness .
Get the Wen 4208 exercise press atThe Home Depot .
super C tools are just as at home in a yield setting as they are in a DIY workshop , and that includes this powerful benchtop drill press . The J-2530 from Jet has a 15 - inch throat and 3/4 - horsepower motor for drill through some serious materials . The worktable rock 45 degrees leave and right and swivels up to 360 degree when the user need it out of the elbow room . The motor has 16 speeds , correct from as dispirited as 200 rev to as high as 3,630 revolutions per minute . It has a 3⅜-inch travel to complement its all-inclusive throat . It also features an oversize on / off shift and a bit precaution .
Photo: Tom Scalisi Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
During the exam , I found the Jet to be incredibly smooth and placid compared to the other model . I also care that it proffer many pulley combinations for adjust speed ( which was a little perplexing at first ) . Also , the heavy - responsibility motor did n’t appear to bog down down at all , regardless of what I threw at it . The only real concerns with this model are that it ’s expensive and very heavy ( over 150 pounds ) .
Get the fountain J-2530 drill press atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Best Multiuse
Shop Fox 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander
Shop Fox knows that most hobbyist need their workshops to be as versatile as possible . The brand ’s 13 - column inch benchtop exercise press / spindle drum sander is design for both boring and sanding , which is why this 3/4 - horsepower drill pressure turns the spindle at speeds between 250 and 3,050 rpm . The 13¼-inch swing allows easy use of gravid workpiece without issue , specially when sand .
The mesa tilts either side up to 90 level , making boring endgrain on woodworking undertaking a snap . It includes the membranophone kit with 1- , 1½- , and 2 - in drum and emery paper . When used in sanding mode , the drum oscillates up and down . The unlawful round worktable feature a circular cutout for the sand drum — perfect for ok , detailed sanding jobs .
I found a lot to like about the Shop Fox practice session press during the exam . First , the wide speed mountain chain and high-pitched - character worktable made oil production easy and precise . Also , I liked the mandril sander attachment as it sequester easy and does a great line of swimmingly sanding . My biggest complaint is that the office button is on the left of the machine rather than the front like most other models , which could be a safety payoff .
Photo: Аmazon
Get the Shop Fox practise pressure / spindle sander atAmazon , The Home Depot , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Best Mortiser
Powermatic 3/4 HP Bench Mortiser
For those build their shop around furniture and cabinet making , there ’s no substitute for a salutary benchtop mortiser . While this is n’t exactly a drill press , DIYers can take away the mortising chisel and use it for some of the same functions ( albeit with a long bit ) . This make it versatile enough to offer a drill solution in a pinch , with the ability to contract perfect mortise in stalwart stock . The 3/4 - horsepower motor has plenty of king for hardwoods like walnut tree and locust but only run at one velocity ( 1,725 revolutions per minute ) .
During the trial , the first thing I noticed was the Powermatic ’s forward-looking hold - down organisation , as it can slew back and forth to clamp a workpiece in berth . Also , it had flock of superpower , not let the bit bog down at all while drilling through wet wood . The accurate depth stop is a plus , and the fact that it can handle different mortising chisels sizes is as well . My only ailment is that it ’s not precisely a practice session press , so it will necessitate longer minute , but it ’s more than capable of most drilling needs .
Get the Powermatic bench mortiser atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Photo: Аmazon
Best 10-Inch
Ryobi 10-Inch Drill Press with Laser
DIYers looking for a 10 - inch practice session mechanical press that they can rely on but also lift on and off their benchtop may want to check out this model from Ryobi . This Mandrillus leucophaeus press features five adjustable speeds between 620 and 3,100 rpm , and the ½-inch grub has a travel of 2⅛ in , provide this relatively summary model to handle some bigger drilling problem .
I really liked this model from Ryobi . The optical maser was bright and easy to see , even with the onboard light source turned on . I also really liked that this model ’s worktable had a grouch organisation , as many smaller practice press do n’t . While my particular model did chatter a bit , the compact and lightweight blueprint made it easy to rescind on and take off the workbench .
Get the Ryobi drill jam atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
Also Consider
Dremel 220-01 Workstation Drill Press
For hobbyist and folks who work on literally small projects , Dremel ’s drill press rotary prick workstation can turn their standard circular tool into a mini practice press . This workstation offers 2 inches of travel and features a telescoping pole for attaching the onboard number and tool bearer and other attachments . The rotary tool simply sequester to the workstation with a plastic en .
When I test this workstation , I speedily realized that it is n’t for everyone . First , the power and drilling capability falls on the attached Dremel , so speed and control will diverge from case to case . But I wish that this manakin had 2 inches of smooth travelling , though the grip did bottom out on the 2×4 I was drilling ( which was only 1½ inches loggerheaded ) . When I endeavor to bore through steel , the Dremel bogged down directly , which will probably be distinctive for most poser . Also , I institute it authoritative to really tighten down firmly on the locating knobs to achieve accurate oil production .
This model is compatible with Dremel models : 100 , 200 , 275 , 285 , 300 , 395 , 398 , 400 , 800 , 3000 , 4000 , 4200 , 8100 , 8200 , and 8220 .
Photo: Amazon
Get the Dremel drill closet atAmazonorThe Home Depot .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Benchtop Drill Presses
To bolster my own enquiry , I interviewed Paul Kropp , a victor woodsman and the co - founder and COO ofBakes & Kropp , a countrywide kitchen blueprint and cabinetry society , who gave his insight on the use of benchtop drill presses in a professional setting . His main advice to shoppers is to look for “ fair to middling HP to whirl a big hole visualise or Forstner minute … and solid pivot points for adaptation . ”
I occupy this into consideration as I was putting together a inclination of the best benchtop drill presses . Doing so was a lot of work , as I wanted to suggest only top - quality models with feature that weigh . So , I pulled several poser from brands that had those feature film , and then I pitted them against each other .
The first test was assembly , as many large power tools can be unmanageable to put together . All of these models were somewhat straightforward to assemble , with a few being just slightly easier . Next , I tested each by drilling through sword , adjusting the velocity , and drilling through sozzled wood . Next , I checked out all of the additional feature to check they worked .
Photo: Amazon
Finally , I regard the saw ’s weight , sizing , and damage , and I assign awarding to the models that passed my tests . The termination is this list of some of the best benchtop practice presses on the food market today .
What to Consider When Choosing a Benchtop Drill Press
According to Kropp , these tools are “ an excellent way of life to utilize the preciseness of a drill press in a compact footprint , ” so shoppers with limited blank space in their workshop can still tackle projects that demand a drill insistency without it convey up the entire blank space .
That say , DIYers who are new to benchtop drill press ownership may not be sure of what to look for in a new purchase or evenhow to operate a drill press . While drill presses are n’t necessarily a recess instrument , they ’re less prevalent in home shop than they used to be . Here are some things to consider when looking for the best benchtop practice session press for a shop .
Drill Size and Travel
Drill size of it and travel are the two most important performance measurements to compare benchtop drill press .
Manufacturers measure Mandrillus leucophaeus size by the “ throat distance , ” or the aloofness between the drill bite and the bandstand that supports the motor . manufacturer care to double over that distance to size theirdrill presses . For example , a drill imperativeness with a length of 6 inch from chip to place upright would be a 12 - inch practice session press .
Travel refer to how far the chow can be strike up and down . For representative , a 2 - column inch travel mean that the exploiter can lower the steer of a drill bit 2 inch . The greater the change of location , the loggerheaded material a drill press can potentially drill through .
Photo: The Home Depot
Variable Speeds
Drill presses commonly come with speeds varying from 200 to 3,600 rpm orrevolutions per minute . Generally , the harder the material , the low the required speed . This boil down the heat sire by the exercise to help maintain a sharp clipping edge on the bit . Some materials require higher speeds than others . For example , exercise through pine tree at a mellow rate is fine , a piece of oak tree requires a medium charge per unit , and various metals require low rates of pep pill .
Pro Tip : When drilling metal , it ’s a secure idea to keep a can of lubricant or cutting oil nearby . A quick spray on the bit helps to keep the hotness down on the tip and maintain a sharp carving edge .
Horsepower
Horsepower is a nice - to - know number , but it ’s not as crucial for workshop benchtop recitation presses as it is for floor models in product preferences . pep pill variability is far more of import than horsepower when it comes to a benchtop Mandrillus leucophaeus press .
stock benchtop practice session presses range from 1/3- to 3/4 - horsepower models . Either will do for most shop - based projects . If a recitation press starts to bog down , the exploiter is putting too much imperativeness on the fleck . This is bad for the piece , the chuck , and the spindle , so buoy up up .
Laser Guide and Onboard Light
Even the most veteran recitation press operator can use a routine of guidance now and then . Choosing a drill public press with an onboard luminance will help them see better if the drill press is in the darker corners of a shop , control more accurate drilling .
face for a manakin with a laser guide to really take a practice press game to the next degree . These guides are often crosshair - forge line that align with on the dot where the practice bit decimal point touch the workpiece . Once adjusted , it will be easy to pinpoint every bead of the practice session press .
Safety Features
While practice presses are kind of an old - school tool , they have sustain some recent updates to make them a little safe . feature like spot guards help to keep hands away from a spinning recitation bit and prevent scraps of metal and Grant Wood from flying toward the user ’s face . Oversize on / off buttons facilitate users speedily exclude a car off if something does go wrong .
clamp twist not only hold a workpiece in place for good truth but also prevent it from kicking loose and hurting the drill press user . Most of these devices are accessories that users have to corrupt on an individual basis , however .
Accessories and Attachments
There are a lot of handy attachment and accessories usable for benchtop recitation press . From sanding kits to mortising chisel , the right supplement kit can turn a measure , run - of - the - milling machinery drill press into a highly functional production machine . Many of these accouterment simply tighten in place in the chuck .
Other helpful accessories include clamps and jigs that can bolt to the drill press ’s tabular array to hold workpiece at specific slant for safe and accurate drilling .
FAQs
There ’s a pile to know about benchtop drill printing press , and there may be a few new or lingering head . Check out the answer to some of the most mutual query below .
Drill pressing are most useful for drilling precision holes in materials like wood , metallic element , and charge card . These holes could be for article of furniture joinery , bracketry , and other custom projects .
The idealistic horsepower rating for a benchtop practice session pressure is between 1/2 and 3/4 horsepower . These ratings ensure the military press is powerful enough to get the job done but still reasonable enough in terms of weight and size of it to place ona work bench .
Photo: Amazon
It ’s a bad mind . While you may instal a router piece in a recitation pressure , it ’s not secure . Drill wardrobe run at much lower revolutions per minute , so the bit will in all probability seize the control panel and fritter away it across the table , possibly leading to injury .
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and construction author for many of the with child site in the industry , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes . He also owns and operates a pest command web log , RiddaBugs.com . He spent years function in the trades and industrial construction upkeep and has used many recitation presses over the year .
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Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Scalisi
