What is the Best Drill Press for the Money?

For those of us who are advanced and like our workshops to be all-around and complete, a drill press is a must, especially if we have that need for supreme accuracy. They’re not necessarily as cheap as the more popular power tools, such as a cordless drill or impact drivers, but what do you expect when you’re looking for an entire press that will give you some of the most pinpointed drills, ever? We took a look at the very best drill presses for the money and gave you some options that span across the available options.

What is a drill press?

If you are already aware of what they are, please feel free to scroll on down. But to brush up on the topic, a pedestal drill is commonly known as a drill press. It is a motor with a base, column, spindle, drill head and a set of handles to be used when trying to make holes of precise widths or depths. It requires less effort when drilling due to its particular features and mechanisms.

A woodworker should arm themselves with a drill press for obvious reasons, most importantly because it is a vital tool to obtain accuracy and speed when drilling holes. By using a drill press, a woodworker can conduct various tasks while saving time and money. There are many advantages that come with a quality drill press! Accuracy is the primary benefit because a drill press is able to create holes of various depths, lengths, and widths in an even way. The second benefit is being able to make holes very quickly when doing it with a drill press. The automation allows the user to work with caution due to its powerful motor that results in fast yet safe drilling.

How to choose the best drill press

• Your budget – The drill press price spectrum is relatively wide, so it really depends on how much you’re willing to spend. You can find some of the more popular drill presses that accustom to the norm within a few hundred bucks, or you can get a magnificent piece of machinery for over five hundred. It really depends on what you’re looking for and what you’re willing to spend.
• Type of drill press – There are some different types of drill presses out there, but the most popular include: Stationary (that isn’t going anywhere and set up in your shop), Benchtop, Powered Magnetic, or Regular?
• Additive features – Additional sanding functions, magnetism, cleaning systems, locking systems and more. These models come with varied features that may be keen to your eye, so we made sure to include their highlights to help your shopping endeavors.
• Press length? The average is from 8-12, but some heavy-hitters go up to 20″.
• Overall size – Have some space in your shop? Not enough? Many won’t be traveling with a drill press so portable models aren’t out there, but some of these range from mammoths to smaller-sized presses that will fit in the corner of your shop.

The best drill presses in the market

WEN 4208

This drill press has a 1/2″ keyed chuck and is easy to operate with a locking linear depth for repeatable options. The motor drives this powerful machine and it can bevel up to 45 degrees right and left. This is one of the best drill presses because it’s compact enough to be used in most work spaces even if it’s a slightly tight fit. Rely on the drill to do some heavy tasks because it is worth the price.

The assembling is also pretty easy and it just takes minutes to unpack and set it up. There is an adjustable induction motor that makes the tool user friendly. It also performs accurately and you can repeat the process effortlessly. The adjustable speed can accommodate your various needs. The WEN 4208 drill press is one of the best for both beginners or even pros.

SKIL 3320-01

This drill press makes extremely accurate holes and is also adjustable. The hole alignment can be precisely made using the easy control depth, there is a beam laser that can be used to quickly adapt and the speed gearing allows the user to work with various material types. The large diameter is uniquely designed for perfect cutting and other wood working applications.

When you purchase this particular drill press, you’ll get a 3 year warranty from SKIL. The measurement offers accurate drilling even during repeated actions. The tilting square is used for up to 45 degrees of accuracy as well as is also a switch to add the safety button which never hurts. Many customers review the SKIL 3320-01 drill press as a heavy duty pal with good value and quality for the money.

Shop Fox W1668

The Shop Fox drill press is powered with spindle speeds of 250 to 3050 RPM. It is equipped with a 5/8 inch drill chuck and swing up to 13-1/4 inch. The purchase includes a spindle sander drum kit and 80 grit of sanding paper that can fit the drums.

It has sanding operation capability with its oscillating feature, so if you were looking for that particular additive this one’s a must — within seconds, the drill press can be operated and converted from drilling to sanding. It also helps to obtain a neat working environment with its smooth finish. The purchase of this drill press includes a 3 piece spindle sander and 80 grit sanding paper. The Shop Fox W1668 drill press is sure to come in very handy for woodworkers and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.

Powermatic 1791310

The Powermatic works using top notch technology. It is suitable for heavy duty projects with its reversible handles that can be moved from side to side effortlessly. The stock hold down has a double lock system to help prevent any slippage from occurring when working with your particular project.

Its quick action cam lock lets you opt for the adjustment that fits the right grip and it is also enhanced with an integrated bit with two spacers. The stability and accuracy are the biggest attractions of this model. The Powermatic 1791310 drill press comes with a one year guarantee from the brand and we recommend taking a look at it if you’re okay with the price point.

DeWalt DWE1622K

Looking for the best drill press if money isn’t a problem? This DeWalt model is a heavy hitter in the market. It is armed with a 10 amp motor and has a two speed setting that you can adjust according to your desired performance. There are many applications you can try in a varied mode. The protection comes in a full cover that prevents motor damage.

It features a tool free change from a keyed chuck to a Weldon shank. This press also has a quick release feature that allows you to handle the tool easily and safely. There is a coolant bottle that comes with a special magnetic feature. It’s perfect for your daily tasks with woodworking activities. For maximum capacity, the DeWalt DWE1622K drill press is also equipped with a 4-3/8″ drill. The adjustment on the height can be fitted with various accessories available on the market — it’s one of the best out there.

Craftsman ZJ4113Z

For the price you pay, this Craftsman press delivers an excellent job when doing heavy tasks. First, you may be skeptical as this unit comes in a huge machine. But after trying it once, you will come to realize that this reputable brand is a good to go drill press. It is made from high-quality materials for an amazing construction and the unit is pretty easy to assemble.

This model comes with techy stuff from a laser to additional accessories that are attachable. This drill press makes a great addition to your woodworking tools since it is one of the best tool brands available on the market. The floor standing drill has a 10 inch press length with a ½ inch chuck size. It is powered with a motor of 6.0 amp. It sort of blends in with the other models in the market but is recommended for those who like the brand and want a cheaper solution. The Craftsman ZJ4113Z drill press is ready to help you in your varied woodworking projects, and although large, isn’t too expensive.

Delta 18-900L

The delta drill press is a beast! It has an auto tension belt that enables the user to work accurately at a fast pace. It features a maximum efficiency transmission with a quill stroke that can go super in-epth. This best-in-class model has adjustable stops that come with an independent scale that can be set for repeated drilling.

There is a Twinlaser feature that can be adjusted to bring better performance and the purchase comes with a 5 year warranty from its Delta. The whopping 16 speeds can be used for various materials other than wood. It is also versatile as you can lower it down or raise it up to your desired height. The angles can also be changed in any way to fit your table top. Take a look at the Delta 18-900L drill press if you want one of the biggest, baddest, higher-end models in the world.

Rockwell RK7033

We typically have a Rockwell tool make an appearance in our articles. It has some decently average features but if that’s what you’re looking for it may be the drill press for you. Setting this model up won’t take long. This is a decent unit that comes with solid features. You need to assemble the post, table, base and height using a socket and wrench.

This drill press makes a great addition to your bench top. Many customers love this product and give 4 star reviews for the unit. Apart from its numerous features, Rockwell simply knows how to help you speed up the task on any material base from aluminum and wood to plastic. The safety feature makes this unit well appreciated in the market. It’s a bit on the average side but highly rated so we threw it in here. The Rockwell RK7033 drill press is powerful and versatile and won’t break your wallet, either.

JET 354170/JDP-20MF

Here’s another beastly model that competes with the higher-end Delta tools. JET provides an impressive drill press tool for any carpenter right here. It features a rotating crank that is operated at 45 degrees and you can easily release the clamp or switch it on and off using the button at the front. The unit also enables you to work quickly using its adjustable feature. You’re getting a whopping 20 inches and it’s a floor press.

There are 3 nuts to lock and the tension spindle is adjustable as well. It supports high quality bearings with a built in lamp to get the best results in your job. The drilling capacity reaches 1 inch and it can make precise holes with its features. Repair or maintenance is also easily available for the JET 354170/JDP-20MF – which makes it easier for you to take care of this unit. Grab it if you want a high-end piece of machinery to add to your shop.

Euro Tool DRL-300.00

This unit is specifically designed to assist in woodworking and is one of the cheapest drill presses we’d recommend in here. This is a bench top drill that requires less effort than hand-held drills. The solid grip enables a firm handling and the overall construction is great.

The drill press measures 15 inches in height with a weight of 13 lbs so it isn’t too heavy like some others out there. It is designed to allow the user to work with precision even when making repeated holes. A replacement belt is included in your purchase which is always a plus. It is great for your DIY projects or craft industry requirements. Although listed last, the Euro Tool DRL-300.00 drill press has some high reviews around the net that makes it worth looking at.