The Best Drill Presses for 2021
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Best Drill Press
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These versatile drills are a must-have for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. To help you select which one is best for you, I have outlined the various features below along with a list of the best drill presses currently available.
UPDATED: September 23, 2021.
MY TOP PICK:
If you are looking for the best overall, I recommend the WEN 4214 because it features a variable speed control of up to 3,200 RPM, a laser positioning system, durable cast iron components, and a beveling worktable.
What is a drill press?
A drill press is a type of drill that can be mounted to a shop floor or bench to provide stability when drilling. The supporting base is connected to the head via the column. Most models feature a tri-handle design that is mounted on the side of the head that when rotated moves the chuck up and down over the material to be drilled.
There are also portable variations that use a strong magnet base to secure the drill in place when working on site.
Drill Press Advantages
There are several advantages that a drill press offers over a standard hand-held drill. The configuration of the levers provides increased leverage to apply substantial downward force with minimal operator effort. The ability to clamp material to the table makes it much easier to control when compared to a hand-held option. This design allows for precise positioning, especially when making multiple holes in a workpiece.
These tools also make it possible to set the maximum chuck travel so it is easy to repeatedly drill identical depth holes. Most offer the ability to tilt the table surface which makes it much easier to make holes at a specific angle.
Drill Press Sizes
The distance from the column to the center of the chuck is known as the throat distance. Doubling the throat distance gives the swing distance which is how drill press sizes are listed. This is simply the largest workpiece that can be drilled in the center.
For example, a drill press that is advertised as "12-inch" has a throat length of 6 inches with a swing dimension of 12 inches. Meaning you could drill a hole in the middle of a 12-inch wide piece of material.
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Here of some features and components to be aware of when selecting a specific model:
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
As the name implies the revolutions per minute (RPM) of the tool is simply how fast the shaft spins. The end of the shaft has a chuck into which the drill bits are held. This speed can range from around 500 RPM up to 4,000+. Some models also offer a variable speed selector that can offer the flexibility to work on a range of projects by setting the appropriate RPM.
Chuck Size
The chuck size is simply the largest drill bit shank that it will accept. The most common sizes range from 1/2 inch up to 3/4 inch.
Adjustable Table
Most of these drills feature an adjustable table that moves up and down to allow for a range of different workpiece heights. In addition, the table can tilt for drilling at angles in both directions. The maximum angle will vary by drill but most will tilt up to 45 degrees and some will go up to 90 degrees for increased versatility.
The table will also include slots on the surface that offer the ability to clamp the workpiece down. Some will feature a removable center insert that allows for through-the-table drilling.
Materials
Most drill presses feature a body and base constructed from cast iron with the components such as handles, screws, and jaws made from steel. This type of construction provides a heavy foundation to limit movement to make working with steel and wood more secure.
Lights
Some models include an onboard light that can help to provide illumination of the drilling area in low-light work areas or simply to provide better visibility.
Laser Guide
Some drills will include adjustable laser lines that provide cross to clearly indicate where the centerline of the drill bit will hit the workpiece. This is a very helpful feature as it makes it much easier to position the project without having to trial and error where the bit is located.
So here is my list of The Best Drill Presses for 2021.
Enjoy!
Best Overall: WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press
The WEN 4214 features a 12-inch swing along with a laser position system to align the workpiece.
Offers a variable speed control from 580 up to 3,200 RPM.
Equipped with a digital readout to clearly display the running speed.
Features cast-iron components for long-lasting durability.
Equipped with a beveling worktable that angles up to 45 degrees in both directions.
Features a 5/8” chuck with MT2 spindle taper.
Equipped with a slotted table for mounting clamps and vises for effective mounting.
Features an X-pattern laser to precisely locate the drill position.
Runner-up: Grizzly G0925 8-Inch Drill Press
The Grizzly G0925 features a lightweight compact design that comes in at just 34 pounds for easy portability.
Offers a variable speed design with five settings from 740 up to 3,140 RPM.
Equipped with a 1/2-inch chuck.
Features an 8-inch swing length and cast-iron base for long-lasting durability.
Equipped with an adjustable table height and 45-degree tilting function for a range of applications.
Best Swing Length: JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Drill Press
The Jet 354170 JDP-20MF features a long 20-inch swing length for a range of workpiece sizes.
Equipped with a chuck that accepts bits up to 3/4 of an inch.
Offers a variable speed setup with 12 settings from 150 up to 4,200 RPM.
Equipped with a built-in work lamp and adjustable tension spindle return spring.
Features a hinged metal belt and pulley cover for easy access to quick-adjustment motor.
Features 1/2-inch diameter external positive depth stop with three-nut locking.
Equipped with a table that raises and lowers at the turn of a crank.
Includes a rotating, 45-degree tilting worktable that also features a quick-release clamp.
Must-have Accessories
Don't forget the drill bits and vise.
Best Budget Benchtop: WEN 4208 8-Inch Drill Press
The WEN 4208 8-Inch five-speed drill press is constructed with a rigid frame consisting of a cast iron head, table, and base for a durable design.
Powered by an induction motor with ball bearings for long-lasting durability.
Features a 1/2” chuck with JT33 spindle taper for maximum versatility.
Includes a slotted table that allows for mounting clamps and vises.
Features a worktable that bevels up to 45 degrees.
Equipped with predrilled holes in the base for mounting onto a bench or work stand.
Check out this unboxing and assembly video of the WEN 4208:
Best Sanding Combination: Shop Fox W1848 13.25-Inch Drill Press
The Shop Fox W1848 features an oscillating spindle to provide efficient contour sanding.
Offers the ability to switch from drilling to sanding quickly without the use of tools.
Features a 13-1/4" swing length for a range of drilling applications.
Equipped with a tilting table that moves up to 90-degrees to both the left and right.
Features an adjustable table height to customize the setup for various drilling or drilling or sanding projects.
Includes a three-piece spindle sander kit that fits a range of drum sizes.
Best for Professionals: Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press
The Delta 18-900L features a large 18-inch swing length for a range of different project applications.
Equipped with an auto-tensioning belt drive system for quick speed changes.
Includes an LED lamp that illuminates the work surface in low-light conditions.
Equipped with adjustable laser lines to clearly indicate the drill bit position on the workpiece.
Features sixteen speeds for a range of drilling applications and materials.
Features a height-adjustable and tilting table that angles up to 90 degrees left and right and tilts forward up to 48 degrees.
Best Magnetic Option: DEWALT DWE1622K Drill Press
The DEWALT DWE1622K Magnetic Drill Press is powered by a 10 amp motor with two speed settings.
Features overload protection electronics that prevents motor damage and excess accessory wear designed for long life.
Includes a quick change chuck system for switching between a 3/4" Weldon Shank and 1/2" keyed chuck.
Comes with a magnetic self-feed cooling tank to control the fluid flow.
Equipped with a quick-release feed handles to swap the sides of the handles without the use of tools.
Offers a four-inch travel and a motor height adjustment for increased accessory compatibility.
Best for Rotary Tools: Milescraft 1097 Drill Press Stand
The Milescraft 1097 is designed to hold rotary tools in a drill press configuration for working on small projects.
Equipped with a rack and pinion system for a controlled plunge.
Constructed from a cast aluminum base for a lightweight and durable design.
Includes a depth stop for accurate control when drilling that can be easily replicated.
Offers the ability to drill workpieces that are up to 5 inches tall.
Includes a horizontal lock to fix the rotary tool in position for hands-free work.
Best Compact Design: Genesis GDP1005A 10-Inch Drill Press
The Genesis GDP1005A is powered by an induction motor with a five-speed gearbox.
Equipped with a 5/8 inch chuck and a cast iron base.
Includes a built-in LED work light to provide increase visibility to the workpiece.
Features a table that rotates 360 degrees and tilts up to 45 degrees.
Includes a rack-and-pinion system to quickly adjust the table height.
Comes with a three-spoke spindle with an adjustable depth stop.
Features an on/off switch with a removable safety key.
Best Spindle Guard: JET J-2530 15-Inch Drill Press
The JET J-2530 15-Inch Drill Press features an enclosed spindle assembly supported by four permanently lubricated ball bearings.
Includes a cast iron head with a steel column for durable support.
Features a 3-1/8 inch stroke and a stop to set the hole depths.
Features a table that tilts 45 degrees.
Equipped with a 5/8" drill chuck and arbor.
Features a telescoping safety spindle guard.
I hope this list of the best drill presses was helpful.
If you think I left out one that is important or have a suggestion for a future article, let me know in the comments below.
Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
