There are days when you may suddenly want to engage in woodworking, which can be due to your profession or a developing hobby.
The level of quality you produce is dependent on your tools, and as a craftsman, investing in a high-quality drill press gives you power on your precision. In the long run, it can save you time, money, and can even make your work output better!
But, do not know what to look for? Worry no more! Written below are some of the things to keep in mind when buying, as well as suggested best drill press for woodworking.
7 Best Drill Press for Woodworking Reviews
Before you drill your way towards the next project, consider buying a reliable drill press that can support your future endeavors. To help you, here are some of the most elegant drill press for woodworking to choose from:
1. WEN 4208 8 in. 5-Speed Drill Press
Having limited space can still not hinder you from doing limitless projects, especially with WEN 4208 speed drill press. It offers a strong and powerful performance to handle wood, metal, and plastic while having a compact style that can fit your desk.
For an organization, the product also has an onboard key storage to ensure that it is not misplaced and can be found on the go.
Even if you work at high speeds, the drill press got your back. Specifically, it offers a smooth and balanced performance due to its structured induction motor with ball bearing construction, which makes your performance more accessible.
The accuracy is also considered at each project, with its rigid frame guiding your work as you use it.
Some prefer to drill at different angles, and with this product, you can also do so. The worktable bevel it possesses can support up to 45-degree angle of versatility form left or right.
This also supports steady usage as it has built-in mounting clasps. Moreover, the five-speed variety can also be used if you want to switch speeds in between usage, as it can support 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, and 3140 RPM.
The drill can make holes up to 2 inches thick and 8 inches in diameter. It also accepts bits up to ½ inch in diameter, for different drill bits usage.
Pros
- Compact style
- Onboard key storage
- Induction motor has ball bearing construction for smooth and effortless performance
- Can adjust the worktable up to 45-degrees left or right and with mounting clasp
- Five-speed support
Cons
- No rack column so needs to use both hands when adjusting worktable
- Each part can break but can buy individual replacement parts
2. SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
If you are in the market for knowing exactly where to drill before doing so, this product is worth the try! The SKIL 3320-01 drill press is equipped with a 2-beam laser for more accurate positioning of the material.
The depth is also adjustable for precise measurement even with multiple workloads. It is perfect for drill press starters, or even professionals!
While using the product, a sense of security can add to the confidence boost for your work. One of its features includes a bump-off switch to not accidentally start or stop it while using or moving the product.
The work surface can also be adjusted within 45-degrees left or right, which is dependent on your preference of angle.
Moreover, the five-speed choices can give you variety while working, specifically from 570-3050 RPM. It can also accept more significant drill bits suitable for metalworking or woodworking. The rigid frame helps keep your equipment intact, from its steady work surface to the base.
The drill on the center is up to 10 inches, suitable for your drilling needs. Each package comes with the motor unit, work surface, base, chuck key, and batteries. The easy to assemble product is undoubtedly worth the money!
Pros
- Has 2-beam laser for positioning
- Depth is adjustable depending on wanted measurement
- A built-in bump-off switch for added safety
- Flexible work surface with 45-degree angle maximum left or right
- Can choose up to 5-speed choices
- Accepts larger drill bits
Cons
- Colum base is made of cast aluminum instead of the usual cast iron
- No replacement part available on some cases
3. Shop Fox W1668 ¾-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander
From one of the manufacturers that offer a broad assortment of drill press for years, here comes a new product with a 2 in 1 feature worth buying for!
Specifically, it has an additional oscillating sander mechanism that can be used for contour sanding of the material, aside from its drill press usage. This product provides a cleaner look for your work and does the job for you!
When sanding, it has a built-in clearance hole in its table, which serves as a dust collection mechanism to ensure that your workplace stays organized and debris free. You can switch after drilling to sanding efficiently with no additional intricate steps that make this device user-friendly.
It also offers a tilting mechanism of 90 degrees for both left or right, which is dependent on your angle of preference. You can tilt and adjust it to provide more leeway for your drilling, or even use the drill table instead. Moreover, the drill can support ¾ drilling capacity, which is enough for any drilling needs.
Since it is designed for bench usage, it does not take up much space, unlike others with floor space needed. This does not only save you time in your work but also saves you area as well!
Pros
- 2 in 1 usage, for drill press and oscillating sander mechanism
- Built-in clearance hole for more precise and debris-free drilling or sanding
- Can tilt 90 degrees left or right or adjust the height
- Support ¾ drilling capacity
- Compact, for bench usage
Cons
- Clacking noise means motor and belt tension needs to be fixed before assembly
- Table screw needs to be overly tightened in assembly to ensure the rigidness of usage
4. Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press
Large projects need to be backed up by reliable tools to ensure the stability of quality along the way. With the Delta Laser Drill Press, you would not need to worry about your drilling escapades as it can support your work along the way!
The tensioning belt drive system runs automatically, which allows effective changes in speed while drilling as it maximizes its transmission ability.
It is also equipped with an LED light that provides enhanced visibility while using the product. The feature allows a more precise drill, which results in more efficient production.
Moreover, it is backed by a heavy-duty motor that saves you time in your work as well as ensuring decent performance. It can support up to 16 drilling speeds, specifically from 170-3000.
Furthermore, the oversized worktable is fit for large materials, with bevels of 90 degrees left or right, and can tilt up to 48 degrees. It has a built-in T-slot that is used for stabilization and clamping.
Its laser feature shows the exact placement of the drilling process, with a red cross on the material. The feature prevents any unwanted mishaps of drilling and helps you see the material beyond its process. Again, the depth scale allows the user to zero the scale for more efficient measurement.
Pros
- Automatic tensioning belt drive system allows the fast change in speed
- LED light supports work visibility
- A heavy-duty motor that can last long periods and support features
- Has 16 drilling speeds
- Oversized worktable ideal for large projects
- TwinLaser shows crosshair as a guide
Cons
- Table lock handle is small but reliable depending on the material
- Quill travel can be rough after many uses and requires a little reassembly of tightening
5. JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
If you are looking for one of the best floor standing drill press for woodworking, look no further! The 20-inch product is suitable for multiple projects, but it also promotes efficiency along the way.
It is equipped with a hinged metal belt, pulley cover and an adjustable motor mount to make the switching of speeds faster and more convenient.
Furthermore, its spindle is supported by ball bearings, which makes its drilling process a breeze. The work light is also designed to see your work easier, even in dim light conditions.
As an added security while working, the power switch is in front of the drill to prevent any unwanted mishandling of your materials as you drill.
There are 12 different speeds to choose from, specifically from 150 to 4200 rpm, to provide more variety. The worktable can also be rotated for up to 45 degrees, with a built-in clamp to stabilize your wood or metal.
Also, the traveling table can easily be adjusted with just a turn of the crank to raise or lower it depending on your needs.
It has ¾ inch chuck suitable for all kinds of drills needed. Its adjustable tension spindle return spring also helps in the smooth drilling process and saves you time and energy. With this drill, your purchase is undoubtedly worth the price!
Pros
- Has a hinged metal belt, pulley cover, and adjustable motor mount, which makes your drilling efficient and convenient
- The spindle has ball-bearing support
- Work light helps you provide incandescence as you work
- 12 different speeds to choose from for an added variety
- Travelling table can be easily adjusted
Cons
- Depth stop adjustment is not on the head of drill press unlike other models
- Can experience quill wobbling, but can be replaced
6. Rikon 30-100 RIKON 8-Inch Drill Press
Some employees handle different kinds of materials in their workload and not have enough space for large equipment. The solution? Purchase this best benchtop drill press for woodworking!
This product comes with five different spindle speeds, all ranging from 610 to 3100 RPM. The versatility allows you to switch on different speeds depending on the material and its drilling needs.
Moreover, the overall frame is made up of solid steel and cast iron, which is sturdy enough to prevent any unnecessary vibration and allow a smooth work process.
If you need to travel from one workspace to another, this product suits the job! With its low weight, carrying it would not be cumbersome since you can lift it easily and only takes up a small surface area on your desk.
It is also equipped with a depth stop, which can help to set your drill accurately. This allows you to have a convenient in between drills, even on repetition.
Furthermore, it is designed for light work, which can drill from small to medium holes. You can use it in any kind of material, from wood to metal, depending on your needs. Its motor can support small drilling jobs and precision to ensure that every hole is in the right place and is cleaner than ever.
However, it may not support heavy workload such as ½ hole to a ½ inch metal, but it surely does the job for its portability, lightweight, and affordability aspect!
Pros
- Five spindle speeds for a variety
- Overall frame is sturdy and provides smooth drilling without unnecessary movement
- Excellent portability
- Has a built-in depth stop for accurate drilling
- Can drill small to medium holes efficiently
Cons
- Cannot handle large materials
- Have limitations compared to floor drill press due to motor and size
7. Craftsman 10″ Bench Drill Press
If you want a drilling press that gives you area for your workspace and your needed precision in working, look no more! With this product, the laser mechanism provides a smooth finish without compromising your time and efficiency.
It is constructed in aluminum that provides the equipment’s rigidity, which prevents any unwanted movement or vibration. Due to this, it provides a smooth drilling mechanism in every material at hand! It also has a smooth turning and high spindle settings, which contributes to the fluidity of the drilling process.
Moreover, it can be used at any material needed, such as steel, wood, and plastics with an up to par scale at each work!
Accompanied by the sturdiness of the frame is a ½ HP motor spin that supports 355 to 3065 RPM, which provides your needed speed while maintaining accuracy. It also supports depth adjustment along with its point of axis positioning for your needed angle of perception while working.
The worktable has a clip-on to steady the material and adjustable by height and tilting position depending on your needs.
Moreover, it supports light to the medium weight of drilling, ensuring the cleanliness of drilling at each time. It is portable and lightweight, making its positioning from one desk to another, a breeze. With its affordability, it is undoubtedly worth the price!
Pros
- Laser mechanism provides a cleaner look
- Rigid which prevents any vibrating while working
- Smooth spindle settings provide fluidity in drilling
- Supports 355 to 3065 RPM for accurate drilling
- The worktable has clip-on to hold the material and can be repositioned
- Portability
Cons
- Not built for extensive drilling of materials
- Some replacement parts are not available
What to Look for Before Buying?
Before taking a trip to your favorite hardware store or recommended online hardware site, ask yourself, “What drill press do I exactly need?” It is not only about the brand but its usage in the long run. To give you an idea, here are some of the list worth to take note of:
Purpose of Usage
You should know what materials are potentially aimed at drilling. Are you more into metal or woodworking? Do you do large scale projects, or do you seek for small drilling work with little area needed? This may help you in knowing which type you may need.
The Type
There are two main types of drill press: floor drill press and bench drill press. Here are some of the pros and cons that you need to take account for
- Bench Drill Press
This is the kind that is ideal for a small workspace. It can support small to medium workloads such as small projects, but not larger ones as the motor cannot afford it. It is also portable and extremely lightweight.
- Floor Drill Press
It is ideal for larger drillings, versatility, and to provide more steadiness while working. However, it needs an allocated area, and so your workspace should have room for it. It is more expensive than a bench drill press and is too heavy to transport.
Speed Variety
Each drill press offers different kinds of speed versatility. If you are more into metal, you should aim at low speeds, or if you are more into woodworking, it is better to have high speeds. What you need to look for is its number of speed levels and how quickly you can change between them to do a more efficient job.
Depth Stop
For multiple drillings at a time, you have equal drillings at each material every time. And for commercial usage, this may come in handy, especially if you are expected to produce the same products. Some do not offer it, but it sure lets off a whole ton of work if it is present.
Working Table
A worktable lets you drill angled holes more comfortable, and not having one can be troublesome for your work and may take up time in the long run. So, you should have a drill press table and you should not compromise with its quality.
Some offer 45 or up to 90 degrees left to right, or forward. It is crucial, depending on your preference and line of work.
Added Features
You need to make the most out of the features, and so it is best to know which features you can get at a selected price. This includes a built-in LED light to illuminate your work, or a laser beam cross-hand to guide your drilling location. Some even offer a safety switch to prevent any unwanted on or off mechanism.
Budget
Finally, knowing the specs can give you an insight into the budget that can be allocated to help you find a decent drill press. You do not need to extend it, but instead, search for different manufacturers and reviews for the one that can complement your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do I need a drill press?
Ans: It is needed for drilling a hole to a material, such as metal, plastic, or wood. This allows you to do so with precision and accuracy despite the width of each work.
Q: What safety measures should I look out for when using a drill press?
Ans: Much like in any hardware workspace, you should prevent loose clothing, use gloves, and keep your hair tied back. Always remember to turn off the drill press before adjusting to avoid any accidents.
Q: How would I know the recommended speed?
Ans: Each material has its own different recommended speed needed to be drilled. For example, 250-400 is the ideal speed for magnesium and alloys, plastics are 100-300, while stainless steels require 30-50.
Q: What does the blind hole mean?
Ans: A blind hole is a hole that is drilled to a specified depth without breaking to the other side of the material. Specifically, you cannot see through it.
Q: Can you drill a hole in any material, including tempered glass?
Ans: Each drill has a specified material that can be used, mostly to plastics, wood, or metal. For tempered glass, it needs a special type of diamond drill bits to prevent unwanted shattering, as supported by a moss scale of hardness. The length of the procedure can be sudden or extended, depending on depth.
Final Words
Reaching the end of this review does not mean the end of your drilling needs. Having a decent drill press can certainly improve your efficiency, as well as save your time and money along the way.
Knowing what to look for, with the additional recommended products, can help you find the drill press designed only for you!
Remember to consider your drill press as your significant tool on the job. It will surely design the path of your work and complement your skill in the process. Select your best drill press for woodworking now!
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