Reviews Of The Top Drill Presses For Woodworking
1. WEN 4214T
The WEN 4214T is a workhorse with a 5-amp induction motor. You can adjust the speed of the 4214T from 580 to 3200 RPM according to your requirements. The exact speed is displayed on the digital speed readout to help with accuracy.
Apart from the digital display of the speed range, WEN 4214T also features an array other onboard features like a working lamp, adjustable depth stopper and table roller extension. These all help to improve efficiency and accuracy.
The drill press also comes with a 2-year warranty that gives consumers peace of mind when purchasing these expensive investments.
What We Like
- 5-amp induction motor
- Variable speed woodworking drill presses
- Includes a laser
- Has an overhead light
- Storage onboard
- 2-year warranty
- Adjustable stop for depth
- Digital speed display
- Table roller extension
- -inch keyed chuck
- Cast iron base
- Beveling drill press table
- Benchtop drill press style
2. JET JDP-17MF
Will a more expensive drill press deliver better performance? Jet JDP-17MF variable-speed woodworking drill presse has a -HP motor that can run at 16 speeds, ranging from 200 up to 3630 RPM.
This Jet drill press is perfect for repeatable drilling operations thanks to the adjustable tension spindle that can continue creating the same depth. Of course, there is also a depth stopper that will help you make accurate adjustments.
Keep your eyes on the prize with the built-in work light that illuminates the tiny tiltable table that is crank-operated to reach angles of 45 degrees.
What We Like
- Variable speed drill press
- Motor 3/4-HP
- Great for repetition
- Included: Depth stopper
- Built-in working light
- Tiltable work table
- Limited Warranty of 5 Years
- Use a drill chuck to key the box
- Induction motor
3. WEN 4208T
WEN makes another appearance on our construction engineers list as the most budget option. WEN as a brand in general creates affordable product options that do not cost too much. The WEN 4208T is a benchtop drill press that saves space. The model 2022 features a 2.3A motor with an onboard key storage and a keyed chuck measuring -inch.
The speed ranges from 740 to 3140 RPM. The table on the WEN drill press can be adjusted to suit various heights and it bevels at 45 degrees in either direction.
Our experts consider the WEN 4208T a portable drill press due to its compact measurements.
What We Like
- Small and compact
- Affordable price
- 2.3A induction motor
- Onboard key storage
- Wide speed range
- Benchtop drill press with the best portability
- Adjustable height work table
- Table bevels at 45 degrees
- 20 cm swing
- Stroke 5 cm
- Cast iron construction
4. Shop Fox W1848
Shop Fox is no stranger to woodworking projects our experts carry out. The W1848 floor-standing drill machine has oscillating functions and is an excellent choice. The W1848 is a floor drill machine, so it will take up more space. We recommend that you make sure that you have enough room.
The Shop Fox W1848 can reach speeds up to 3050 RPM and it even includes sanding drums. The sanding drums come with the drill press because the unit can be converted to a sander in just a few simple steps. You can use the tiltable table for different types of workpieces, which adds versatility to your drill press.
What We Like
- Can you drill and sand?
- 2-year warranty
- Floor-standing drill press
- Drilling very precisely
- Tilting table
- Port for dust 5 cm
- Tilt and height of the table can be adjusted
- Oscillating spindle
- 12 speeds
5. Grizzly G7944
Grizzly tools offer a ton of reliability, and the G7944 is the same. Its another floor-standing drill press that is incredibly heavy duty. It has a HP single-phase motor, with an astounding 12 speeds of adjustment. One of the most outstanding features of the Grizzly G7944 is the table tilt angle that can reach 90 degrees.
Cast iron tables are designed to be precise and have a built in work light that illuminates your workpiece. The crank-operated vertical rack and pinion mechanism of the table is used to move it. The lock levers keep the table in place. There is also a coolant tube. It is not the best woodworking drill press, but it deserves to be on our list.
What We Like
- 12 speeds
- Drill press for floor
- 3/4HP single phase motor
- Table tilt can reach 90 degrees
- Built-in working light
- Coolant trough
- Lock levers for the table
- Cushion grip handles
- Powder-coated Finish
- Cast iron table and base for drill press
- Stopper for threaded depth
6. JET JDP-20MF
The Jet floor drill press is a much more powerful model than some of the previous units before it. The JET JDP-20MF has a powerful motor of 1 HP and 12 speeds. The high speeds offered can reach an astounding 4200 RPM more spindle speeds than many other machines of its class.
The Jet JDP-20MF drill presse is designed for repeatability. It has an external depth stop as well as a 3-nut locking mechanism that allows for quick adjustments. The crank table tilts in any direction, up to 45 degrees. The work light will light the way for your drill press to make sure every move is precise.
What We Like
- External depth stop
- Quick adjustments
- Designed for woodworking projects that require repetition
- Built-in light
- Table for veeling up to 45 degrees
- Speedy motor speeds
- A bench drill press has more power
- Adjustable tension spindle
- Drill chuck key included
- 2-year warranty
7. Jet JDP-15B
Jet has always produced amazing drill presses, and our skilled woodworkers are continually impressed by their products. This drill press is 16-speed and features a cast iron table that has 4 slots for your workpiece and twin T-slot grooves.
Spindle travel can reach 3 inches. The Jet JDP-15B is even more efficient thanks to the one-handed belt tensioning mechanism. You can switch speeds faster than ever before to get the job done.
You can drill precisely with the onboard X-shaped XACTA Laser. Work from dawn until dusk without losing visibility thanks to the built-in LED work light.
8. Grizzly Industrial G0925
Our experts recommend the Grizzly Industrial G0925 as the best portable model. Its a tiny 20 cm drill press that can reach a surprisingly high speed of 3140 RPM . The HP small drill press powers the unit quietly even at the highest speed setting.
Benchtop drill presses are the best substitute for the larger models for small jobs, one that this 20 cm drill press can do better than most. The small unit still features all the capabilities a large model does, such as speed ranges, 45-degree table tilts, and a cast iron table and base.
What We Like
- More portable than floor-standing drill presses
- Drill press swing 20 cm
- 45-degree table tilt
- Durable construction
- It has high speeds considering its size
- Drill clamps – Holes
- Cushion-grip quill handles
- For depth, threaded stop
Drill Press For Woodworking Buyers Guide
Benchtop Vs Floorstanding Drill
The first consideration you need to think about when buying a drill press is whether you want a bench or floor model. There are many sizes and styles of woodworking drill presses to suit different spaces. The floor drill presses are usually larger with a swing between 12 and 51 cm and a height around 1.5m.
A larger machine will be heavier so ensure you have the strength to lift it off the ground. Shop Fox W1848 is our top-rated floor-standing drill.
Woodworkers can use a portable bench model such as the 20 cm Grizzly drill presses to make their work easier and more mobile. A benchtop model can be more mobile, and is our teams suggestion for those who have a smaller workshop.
Another consideration is that the larger floor models may cost more, but they can also give you more swing, and therefore give you more value for your money for certain purposes. If a benchtop unit can meet your needs, then our team suggests going with it for a smaller footprint and cheaper price.
Variable Speed
All the drill presses our woodworking team has assembled on the list have variable speeds. The key is how many speed options they offer. You can work with more materials if you have a drill press that has more rotations per minute (RPM).
Make sure to check if the drill press you have your eye on can work at the speeds you need. Drill presses of old had a manual adjustment function to change speeds, but thankfully, modern units have made this process more streamlined.
Look at how the machine allows for quick speed adjustments. There may be knobs and levers that change speed with one push. Others might have preset speeds. The recommended speed range is between 500 and 3000 RPM. If you can find ones that exceed this range, then thats even better.
Power
The motor’s power is usually measured in horsepower (horsepower). Our woodwork engineers recommend that you look for one with at least a half-horsepower. The purpose of a drill press is for drilling holes your handheld drill cannot do. If you go for a power HP motor than , you will find that you are extremely limited in your woodworking options.
Table Dimensions
The table is where you would rest your workpiece, so it cant be too small. In general, the size of the drill press correlates with the size of the table; the larger the drill, the larger the table.
We recommend looking for tables with extra features like T-slots grooves or table slots, but not necessarily ones that tilt. The standard angle is 45 degrees, but our experts have included an option that can go up to 90.
A table that has supported edges can be found, but clamping may be more difficult. Some units with mid- to high-end features may include dust ports and adjustable fences. To find the best dimensions and features for your drill presse, you must consider the types of projects you are undertaking and the requirements you have for the drill.
Laser Guide
Aside from a work light for illumination and precision, a great drill press should also have a laser guide. This is a great feature for those who make repetitive movements and need help aligning. It is still helpful to have a laser guide for your drill press, even if you are able to hold the drill in one hand.
The laser guide is a light that shines onto your workpiece to help you line up the machine with the mark. To make your mark more visible, you can also use X-shaped lasers.
Accuracy
While the laser guide and work light help with accuracy, what other tools can a drill press use to improve precision? The answer is extra drill bits and attachments. While your drill press should include standard attachments, our experts have added units that can handle sanding.
A stop for depth is very useful for repetitive movements that your drill machine will be expected to make. This feature will determine how far you can lower the quill of your best woodworking drill press. Many drill presses claim to have the best depth stopper, but there are many. These units are not recommended by our experts if you need uniform results.
Spindle Travel
When looking for the best woodworking drill presses, spindle travel is crucial.
Not only does it allow for accurate drilling, it also dictates the drilling depth. While regular drill presses can drill to a depth of around 2 inches, other drill presses might offer more or less. In general, floor-standing units will offer more travel than benchtop ones.
You may find machines that offer 8 cm travel and can create square holes, angled drills, and other special effects.
Swing
What is the swing? The swing basically tells you how large of a workpiece the drill press can handle and drill a hold in the middle. Of course, the swing has a lot to do with the size and the model you choose. A benchtop model with a rigid frame usually offers anywhere between 10 to 30 cm of swing, but a larger floor drill press will offer up to 20.
Our woodworking team says the swing is easy to determine by just looking at the type of materials you work with, the size of the pieces, and the projects you do.
It’s Easy To Use And Versatile
Drill presses can be used by anyone. Throughout the years, manufacturers have strived to create products that not only drill precisely but have the smoothest operation with no fuss. There are options that will work with your existing drill and applicable hole saw set. They also come with a variety of drill bits and can be adjusted for speed.
To determine whether a machine is easy to use and versatile, look at all its capabilities, construction, and bonus features. You will be amazed at how much you prefer a machine with an integrated tool holder. This allows you to quickly access any tools that you might need while on the job.
Another important feature is the safety switch. This small, but essential feature will give you peace of mind while working with a drill presse.
FAQ
Which size drill press is best suited for woodworking?
For woodworking, a drill press measuring 12 to 51cm is the best. It all depends on the type of project and materials that you are working with as well as how much space you have. While benchtop drill presses are smaller and easier to transport, floorstanding ones offer greater versatility and are more versatile.
What should I look out for in a benchtop drill presse?
A benchtop drill press should have the right size, swing, spindle movement, power, and other features. Whats right for you may not be the best choice for someone else. To choose the right benchtop drill press for your needs, you need to consider the types of projects that you are working on.
