Table of Contents
Best Drill Press 2021
Introduction
There are various of drill press to choose from. Whether you need to mill wood or puncture a sheet of metal, a good drill press is a necessary tool in any reasonably experienced workshop. Below is a list of the 13 best drill press reviews, highlighting what each one does best and providing a helpful buyer’s guide
Top Rated Drill Press- Review and Buyers Guide
1. WEN 4208
Best Budget Drill Press 
WEN is a top-tier consumer-grade power tool manufacturer and enters our list with an inexpensive option that may not impress but is still decent. The motor may not blow you away with its power as it only generates ⅓ hp and pushes just 2 ⅓A, but it still offers a solid speed range of 740 to 3140 rpms.
This allows the WEN 4208 Drill Press to work with a wide range of different materials, though it does not boast the largest capacities. Still, this only tips the scales at 34 ⅕ lbs, allowing you to easily store it when not in use– though it is not as compact as we might prefer for that purpose.
Features
- Power: ⅓ hp, 2 ⅓A
- Speed: 740 to 3140 rpm
- Swing: 8”
- Spindle Travel: 2”
- Work Table: 6 ½” x 6 ½”
- Weight: 34 ⅕ lbs
Pros
- Has solid versatility
- Only weighs 34 ⅕ lbs
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Only pushes ⅓ hp, 2 ⅓A
When you just need a drill press at a low price without having to worry about additional tools or other considerations, the WEN 4208 starts to look more and more appealing.
2. DEWALT DWE1622K
Best Magnetic Drill Press 
DEWALT is one of the most recognizable professional-grade power tool manufacturers in the world, but this is made more for cutting metal than anything else. There are a couple of features that identify the DEWALT DWE1622K Drill Press as a metal-cutting tool but the magnetic cooling is the real tip-off.
On top of that, it is also only has a short and slow speed range of 300 to 450 rpms, though its 10A motor still packs plenty of punch. The only real downside to machine is its high price. However, it is portable and also offers a 4 ⅜” spindle travel distance.
Features
- Power: 10A
- Speed: 300 to 450 rpm
- Swing: 8”
- Spindle Travel: 4 ⅜”
- Work Table: N/A
- Weight: 33 lbs
Pros
- Uses magnetic cooling
- perfect for cutting metal
- Has a 4 ⅜” spindle travel distance
Cons
- Expensive than other brands
The DEWALT DWE1622K distinguishes itself on our list as being the only magnetically cooled model we reviewed, making it perfect for certain metalworking projects.
3. WEN 4210T
Best Hobbyist Drill Press 
WEN makes another appearance on our list, goosing the specs to offer a decent starter model whose 10” swing and 2 ½” spindle travel distance are solid. On top of that, the WEN 4210T also comes with a decent motor that generates ⅔ hp and pushes 3 ⅕A for consistent drilling power.
It also does not hurt that this product is inexpensive, though you pay for that a bit with iffy quality control that can make assembly somewhat of a headache. Still, when you consider that this is not the largest or heaviest entry but still offers a solid speed range of 600 to 3100, it is perfect for the burgeoning woodworker.
Features
- Power: ⅔ hp, 3 ⅕A
- Speed: 600 to 3100 rpm
- Swing: 10”
- Spindle Travel: 2 ½”
- Work Table: 7 ⅝” x 7 ⅝”
- Weight: 51 lbs
Pros
- Has a ⅔ hp, 3 ⅕A motor
- Has a 10” swing and 2 ½” spindle travel distance
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Has iffy QC
When you begin woodworking, you want to get a capable drill press without spending an arm and a leg which is where the WEN 4210T comes into the picture.
4. SKIL 3320-01
Best All-Around Value Drill Press 
SKIL is Bosch’s consumer-grade brand and blends price with Bosch’s attention to precision. It has a 10” swing and 2 ½” spindle travel distance. It also does not hurt that the SKIL 3320-01 can power through most jobs with a motor that generates ⅔ hp and pushes 3 ⅕A.
Unfortunately, given that SKIL is a step above most other consumer-grade brands, it borrows from Bosch’s reputation a bit too much and has a higher price than it might earn. That said, this product still provides a solid 7 ⅝” x 7 ⅝” table. It is reasonably compact and lightweight for storage when not in use.
Features
- Power: ⅔ hp, 3 ⅕A
- Speed: 570 to 3050 rpm
- Swing: 10”
- Spindle Travel: 2 ¼”
- Work Table: 7 ⅝” x 7 ⅝”
- Weight: 51 lbs
Pros
- Has a ⅔ hp, 3 ⅕A motor
- Has a 10” swing and 2 ¼” spindle travel distance
- Is 23 ½”H and 51 lbs
Cons
- A bit pricey
When you consider all the different specs and capabilities of a drill press and measure it against the price, the SKIL 3320-01 is easily one of the best all-around options.
5. Delta 18-900L 18-Inch
Best Forward Tilting Drill Press 
Delta is a professional to commercial-grade power tool maker and could take either of those spots but stands out on our list for its uncommon ability to tile the table forward. However, the Delta 18-900L 18-Inch also comes with a powerful motor that generates ¾ hp and pushes 8A.
It provides some of the best capacities reviewed with an 18” swing and a spindle travel distance of 6”– the largest on our list. Granted, you have to pay for all of these specs which do not come cheap, but the Delta 18-900L 18-Inch also provides a large 14” x 20” table.
Features
- Power: ¾ hp, 8A
- Speed: 170 to 3000 rpm
- Swing: 18”
- Spindle Travel: 6”
- Work Table: 14” x 20”
- Weight: 261 lbs
Pros
- ¾ hp, 8A motor
- 18” swing and 6” spindle travel distance
- 14” x 20” table
Cons
- Expensive compared to other brands
The Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser could easily be used for many professional purposes. The quality that stands out is its table’s ability to tilt forward.
6. TruePower Gino Development 01-0822
Best Gemstone Drill Press 
TruePower has only been around for about a decade focusing more on odds and ends, but that makes the TruePower Gino Development 01-0822 ideal for gemstone drilling. One notable aspect of this product is its speed range which extends from 0 to 8500 rpms– the widest range reviewed.
The TruePower Gino Development 01-0822 is one of the few models reviewed that can cut brittle materials without chipping or shearing the work piece.
Features
- Power: 100W, 1.1A
- Speed: 0 to 8500 rpm
- Swing: 8”
- Spindle Travel: 1”
- Work Table: 6 ¾” x 6 ¾”
- Weight: 11 ¾ lbs
Pros
- Can cut brittle materials
- Has a maximum speed of 8500 rpm
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Only pushes 100W, 1.1A
If you need to drill the most brittle materials, you should get the TruePower Gino Development 01-0822 which offers an incredibly wide range of drilling speeds.
7. Milescraft 1318 Drillmate
Best Guide Drill Press 
Milescraft is another company without as much experience, focusing more on tool accessories– though this works out great for this drill press which is technically a guide. This means that this guide requires a separate tool, so add that to the price calculations.
Still, if you need a drill press that can travel to job sites without suffering from the wear and tear of transportation, this is a great option. On top of that, the Milescraft 1318 Drillmate Guide is an inexpensive model with more bevel options than most and accepts cutters with a max diameter of 3”– the largest that we reviewed.
Features
- Power: N/A
- Speed: N/A
- Swing: 6 ½”
- Spindle Travel: 2”
- Work Table: N/A
- Weight: 4 lbs
Pros
- Is extremely durable
- Can accept large cutters
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Requires a drill
If you already have a great drill and need something on a job site, a drill press can be a bit much which is where the Milescraft 1318 Drillmate Guide steps in to offer you a great choice.
8. Genesis GDP805P
Best Lightweight Drill Press 
As another somewhat inexperienced power tool maker, Genesis makes its mark by providing decent models at inexpensive prices. However, the Genesis GDP805P also fills a niche with a lightweight build that only weighs 25 ⅖ lbs coupled with a compact profile that tops out at 18” tall.
However, as more of a consumer-grade drill press, this entry also lacks a bit in the power department with a motor that only pushes 2 ⅗A and no horsepower rating provided. Still, the Genesis GDP805P accepts a ½” chuck which provides for some decent drilling capacities.
Features
- Power: 2 ⅗A
- Speed: 760 to 3070 rpm
- Swing: 8”
- Spindle Travel: 2”
- Work Table: 6 ⅜” x 6 ¼”
- Weight: 25 ⅖ lbs
Pros
- Has decent capacities
- Is lighter and compact
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Only pushes 2 ⅗A
Unless you constantly mill wood, chances are you do not need a drill press constantly taking up space in your workshop, and the lightweight Genesis GDP805P takes
care of that issue.
9. WEN 4214
Best Professional Drill Press 
WEN makes yet another appearance, but this time the company is done messing around and comes provides good drilling capacities like a 12” swing and a 3 ⅛” spindle travel distance. On top of that, the WEN 4214 Drill press beefs up the motor a bit, generating ⅔ hp and pushing a respectable 5A.
In addition to, this product comes with a wide range of extra features like a work light and Class III laser as well as infinite variable speed control. However, the WEN 4214 is also one of the few products in the company’s catalog that comes in at a more expensive price point than you would expect for “consumer-grade.”
Features
- Power: ⅔ hp, 5A
- Speed: 580 to 3200 rpm
- Swing: 12”
- Spindle Travel: 3 ⅛”
- Work Table: 9 ½” x 9 ½”
- Weight: 85 lbs
Pros
- ⅔ hp, 5A motor
- 12” swing and 3 ⅛” spindle travel distance
- Has work light and laser guide
Cons
- High Cost
Though the WEN 4214 is not the obvious choice for a professional-grade drill press, it is hard to argue with its power, range of speed, size of the table, and all the extra features.
10. EURO TOOL DRL-300.00
Best Jewelry Drill Press 
EURO TOOL may not be the most well-known brand but has a fair bit of experience. This is great for jewelry. One thing to keep in mind is that this is a bit underpowered compared to others to accommodate the brittle materials.
However, the EURO TOOL DRL-300.00 blows the competition out of the water with a speed range of 0 to 8500 rpms, tying for the widest on our list. Moreover, it only weighs 11 2/4 lbs and tops out at 13 ½” tall, making it easy to store when not in use.
Features
- Power: 100W, 1.1A
- Speed: 0 to 8500 rpm
- Swing: 8”
- Spindle Travel: 1”
- Work Table: 6 ¾” x 6 ¾”
- Weight: 11 ¾ lbs
Pros
- Can cut brittle materials
- Has a maximum speed of 8500
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Only pushes 100W, 1.1A
Most drill presses are used for wood, metal, or other more common materials, but the EURO TOOL DRL-300.00 is the perfect model for making jewelry from brittle materials.
11. Jet 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch
Best Commercial Drill Press 
Jet is another professional to commercial-grade tool manufacturer with the Jet 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill providing a large 18 ⅝” x 16 ⅛” table for larger projects. It also packs plenty of drilling power with a motor that generates 1 ½ hp and pushes 15A– both tops on our list.
To make sure you have enough space for larger workpieces, this also boasts a 20 ½” swing with a 4 ⅝” spindle travel distance. The only real downside of this drill press is that these list-leading specs come at an expensive price– though it is a worthwhile investment for professionals.
Features
- Power: 1 ½ hp, 15A
- Speed: 150 to 4200 rpm
- Swing: 20 ½”
- Spindle Travel: 4 ⅝”
- Work Table: 18 ⅝” x 16 ⅛”
- Weight: 288 lbs
Pros
- 1 ½ hp, 15A motor
- 20 ½” swing and 4 ⅝” spindle travel distance
- 18 ⅝” x 16 ⅛” table
Cons
- Pricey than other brands
If you drills and mills from sunrise to sunset, the Jet 354170/JDP-20MF is the only option on our list that can handle that kind of workload.
12. Dremel 220-01
Best Rotary Drill Press 
Dremel cut its teeth on the rotary tool, but also offers a wide range of accessories to further expand that versatile tool’s capabilities– and this is the only one that can rotate the drill bit. On top of that, the Dremel 220-01 drill press also provides an extremely wide range of different bevel angles.
While the working capacities may not be the largest, this does come at a low cost. However, it does not include the cost of the rotary tool. Still, tipping the scales at only 5 ⅖ lbs and topping out at just 12” tall, the Dremel 220-01 is also one of the most portable options we reviewed.
Features
- Power: N/A
- Speed: N/A
- Swing: 8”
- Spindle Travel: 2”
- Work Table: 8” x 6 ¾”
- Weight: 5 ⅖ lbs
Pros
- Has a wide bevel range
- Can rotate the tool
- Is less expensive
Cons
- Requires a rotary tool
While drill guides might be the most common “analog” for a press, the Dremel 220-01 proves that rotary tools work just as well when pressured into service as drills.
13. General International 75-010 M1
Best Mid-Tier Drill Press 
General International is another brand that may not have the name recognition but has an extensive history that allows them to strike a balance that includes a solid ⅓ hp motor that pushes 3.1A. It offers a swing of 12” and a spindle travel distance of 3 ⅛”.
While not the lightest or most compact for a mid-tier model, this comes with a decent-size table of 9 ½” x 9 ½” and a digital readout. However, the General International 75-010 M1 is also somewhat expensive, though the ⅝” chuck at least allows for larger bits.
Features
- Power: ⅓ hp, 3.1A
- Speed: 500 to 3000 rpm
- Swing: 12”
- Spindle Travel: 3 ⅛”
- Work Table: 9 ½” x 9 ½”
- Weight: 75 lbs
Pros
- ⅓ hp, 3.1A motor
- 12” swing and 3 ⅛” spindle travel distance
- 9 ½” x 9 ½” table
Cons
- High-Priced
When you do not quite know what kind of press is right for you, you probably need a mid-tier model, and the General International 75-010 M1 is the perfect option in that case.
Buyer’s Guide
Type
There are a couple of different types of drill presses that generally center around what type of materials they are used to. Keep in mind, most drill presses can drill into any material given the proper bit, but different factors like the motor power, the rotational speed, and other features might shift it towards one type or another.
Power
A drill press’ power will heavily impact how well the model performs when drilling into thicker workpieces and ultimately impacts its durability under load.
The initial “bite” of the drill bit is best represented by the horsepower, while the amps give you a better idea of how well it performs under load.
Speed
The speed is arguably one of the most important factors to consider as it impacts what type of materials the press can drill. However, this is not a simple matter of one size fits all as different materials require different speeds with denser materials requiring faster speeds and softer materials requiring slower speeds.
On top of that, extremely brittle substances like glass or gemstones require an extremely slow speed to prevent chipping.
Capacity
Though, there are a couple of capacities that are more important than most, like the swing distance which determines the maximum thickness of the material you can drill into.
Another important capacity is the spindle travel distance as this will influence the depth of the holes drilled, though precise measurements can also help account for this.
Target Market
The target market of a drill press is a professional contractor who works with wood or a woodworker. Unless the contractor works with wood more than other materials, a woodworker will likely get more use out of a press.
Common Terms
Amps & Horsepower
These are the ratings that drill presses use to give you a rough estimate of how powerful they are. However, other mechanical design factors can influence how well the motor transfers the power to the bit.
Bits
This is the part of the machine that drills into or cuts out the workpiece and is often not included. Generally, you will need to provide your own drill bits and be careful that you choose the proper bit designed to drill into the work piece material.
Chuck
This is the part of a press that holds the bit and can come in a variety of different sizes. Keep in mind that a larger chuck can generally hold any smaller size bit, but a smaller chuck will be limited with the maximum bit size.
Taper
The taper is a part included in some drill presses and allows you to change out the chuck. Much like with chucks, the type of taper will limit which chucks it accepts, but you generally have more flexibility with tapers than chucks.
Depth Stop
This is the part of a press that limits how far the press can drill into the workpiece. All depth stops rely on a physical barrier to prevent the drill from moving beyond it, though some require you to measure the distance.
Dust Chutes/Blower
For true bench top drill presses and not guides, a dust chute is the area of a drill press that sucks up dust and other workpiece debris. This process generally requires a shop vac connected to the dust port to generate the suction.
Laser Guide & Work Light
A laser guide marks on the workpiece where a press will drill into the material, often with two lasers marking an “X.” A work light simply provides direct light to the workspace, ensuring that you have a clear line of sight.
Fence
The fence is an accessory, often included with a press, that allows you to keep the workpiece straight and square. Most bench top drill presses include some spots for the fence to secure onto the table, from which you butt the work piece against it.
Table Extension
A press table extension usually involves telescoping rods that extend from the edge of the table. Unlike other power tools, a press’ table extension generally does not come with a solid piece and simply provides additional runoff for stability.
FAQ’s
What is a drill press?
Drill presses are machines used for accurate drilling or boring holes into a work piece. The main advantage of bench top drill presses is that it allows you to consistently and repeatedly drill a hole to a specified depth.
How does this machine works?
It use a motor to spin a spindle that holds a chuck which holds a drill bit or cutter. Drill presses generally use a wheel to adjust the drilling settings of the press to ensure that the holes remain accurate and precise.
What to look for in a drill press?
The main features to look for are the swing and spindle travel distance as they impact the size and type of projects you make with your press. After that, the speed influences which materials you drill or bore into.
Can you use regular drill bits in a drill press?
For the most part, you can use regular drill bits in bench top drill presses, but this depends on the material you drill into. “Regular” drill bits are generally wood bits, but you need to use specialized bits to drill into other materials like metal or stone.
What are the safety rules for a drill press?
The safety rules for presses are pretty much the same as for other power tools. You have to make sure your body and clothes stay as far away from the machine as possible. Also, make sure that the work piece remains securely fastened to the table while drilling or boring a hole.
Common Brands
WEN
This brand has been around since 1951 and sits in the upper consumer-grade market, good for DIYers.
DEWALT
DEWALT has been around since 1924, making it one of the more experienced power tool makers. It is a mid-tier professional-grade brand, good for contractors.
SKIL
SKIL is another experienced power tool maker, founded in 1926. It is a mid-tier to low professional-grade brand and good for construction hands.
Delta
Delta was founded in 1919, making it the most experienced power tool maker on this list. It makes professional to light commercial-grade power tools.
Jet
Jet is not the most experienced power tool maker. The company is founded in 1958. It produces professional to mid-tier light commercial-grade power tools.
Conclusion
In the end, the best drill press will depend on a range of factors like the materials you need to drill, your general skill level, and your budget. Whichever preference you make, you want to invest in a drill press that would suits the purpose best. Hopefully, the above reviewed products helps you on your choice of purchase.
