Benchtop Drill Press

If you are tired of drilling holes manually, we strongly recommend that you go ahead and purchase this amazing item. We promise that it will not let you down and it will work as efficiently as it should. You work will finally look professional and of good quality. By reading this analysis you will ensure that you purchase a model that will work for many years to come. All of the companies that we have mentioned have worked for many years to accomplish the best possible item to put on the market for their loyal customers. This is why we believe that whatever one you choose will hold up to your high standards.

Top 5 Benchtop Drill Presses Comparison

	1. WEN 4208	2. SKIL 3320-01	3. Shop Fox W1669	4. WEN 4214	5. Shop Fox W1667
	BEST OVERALL	OUR CHOICE		BEST FOR METAL
	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price
Specifications
General Info
Manufacturer	WEN	SKIL	Shop Fox	WEN	Shop Fox
Dimensions (L x W x H)	7″ x 22.9″ x 11″	21.8” x 9.8” x 15.2”	11‐1/2″ x 33‐1/2″ x 31‐1/2″	13.5″ x 36.6″ x 16.8″	40.9″ x 12.2″ x 21.4″
Weight	31Lbs	50.8Lbs	88Lbs	89Lbs	91.4Lbs
Material	Metal	Metal	Iron	Iron	Iron
Technical Specifications
Drilling Capacity	1/2″	3/4″	1/2″	1/16″ – 1/2″	1/64″ – 1/2″
Oscillating Stroke Length	2 1/2″				1/2″
Power Cord Length	9ft	8-1/2ft	7ft	9.8ft	10ft
Spindle Travel	2″	2 3/8”	3-1/4″	2-3/8″	1-5/8″
Spindle Taper	JT#33	JT#33	JT#33	MT#2	JT#33
Swing	8″	14″	34″	10 “	8-1/2″
Range of Speeds	740 – 3140 RPM	570 – 3050 RPM	550 – 3470 RPM	740 – 3140 RPM	620 – 3100 RPM
Spindle
Distance from Spindle Axis to Column Surface	1.5″	6″	5‐1/2 – 17″	4.13″	4-5/16″
Distance from Spindle End to Table Surface	10.6″	10″	9‐1/4″	15″	8″
Distance from Spindle to Base	24″	23″	15‐1/2″	20″	11″
Quill Diameter	1.75″	2.25″	0.575″	2.17″	1.50″
Motor
Voltage	120	120	110	120	110
A/HP	1/3 HP	2.5A	1/2 HP	2/3 HP	1/2 HP
Work Table
Number of T-slots	4	4	2	2	4
Thickness	6”	7-1/4″	1-1/4″	1″	3/4″
Table Tilts	45 Degrees	45 Degrees	90 Degrees		90 Degrees
Table Swing	360 Degrees	360 Degrees	360 Degrees	45 Degrees	360 Degrees
Features
	Place your chuck key on the attached key storage	Laser X2 2-beam laser for precise hole alignment	Safety Switch	Laser Cut	Safety Switch
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty	2 Years	1 Year	2 Years	2 Years	2 Years
User Manual
Costumer Support
Telephone Support
E-Mail Support

1. WEN 4208

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This model includes a half-inch keyed chuck and it operates at 5 different speeds. As well as, the spindle travels up to 2” with locking linear depth stops. This ensures that it’s accurate and repeatable with the same functions. The induction motor is described to have ample torque and very powerful.

Additionally, the worktable can bend to 45 degrees left or right. Depending on which way you find the most convenient. In order to ensure full functionality, you must ensure that the wall socket in which you plug in the machine, provides 120V and 60Hz.

The people that have already bought this device have claimed that this model is powerful enough to cut through metal, wood, plastics and any other hard materials. You will thoroughly enjoy the fact that it doesn’t require any assembling. It will only take you about 5 minutes just to put few pieces together.

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2. SKIL 3320-01

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If you’re looking for a model that will ensure a superior precision performance, you must consider this model. The reason for this is because this drill press has been crafted with a beam laser that will allow precise hole alignment. It also has a depth adjustment system which means that you can drill perfectly each time. In addition to this, it has 5 speeds so you can use materials such as wood, metal, or thick aluminum.

The RPM rate ranges from 750 to 3,050. As well as, it has a chuck size of ½-inch so you can use it on large bits of woodworking. The table measures 7-5/8-inch and you can tilt it from 0 to 45-degrees.

You don’t have to worry about your safety as it has been engineered with a bump-off switch to ensure safety. Furthermore, the spindle stroke length measures 2-3/8-inch. This means that you can use this drill press for small to large jobs with ease. As this model is one of the best on the market, it allows you to install a fence to guide materials so you don’t have to put your hands near the spindle.

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3. Shop Fox W1669

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This model was designed to last and to make whatever job you may have, easier to complete. It can tilt to 90 degrees which means that it will be easier to get the precision that you need in order to make an efficient job. In fact, you can drill at any angle you wish because you can tilt it whatever way you may find necessary.

In addition to this, when you receive this item, you will notice that the swing is actually massive. This will make your job easier because you can drill into pieces that are up to 34 inches wide. Similarly to the other products, you can adjust the height with a leaver that is placed to the side of the drill press.

You will be pleased to know that this item also has a feature that sets it apart from its competitors. It’s equipped with a padded grip which makes it easier to handle. If you are comfortable whilst using it, you will be able to get the job done faster. Additionally, you will be able to drill straight holes without wasting time repositioning it after each hole.

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4. WEN 4214

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Even though it was put out on the market in 2014, the company has spent a lot of years developing a product that is suitable for everyone’s needs. This is one of the bestselling product on the market because it has a number of speed controls and one of the most powerful motors on the market. With 2/3 horsepower, it has enough energy to drill through high density metals.

You will be pleased to know that it also provides a smooth finish that will allow you to finish the job at a high standard. The various speeds this model provides means that you can adapt to any materials that you may drill. Anything from wood to metals.

Furthermore, it has a feature which locks the speed so you do not have to waste time readjusting. One of the greatest things this company focuses on is the material of the constructions. They have built it to last for many years which means that you will be investing your money into an efficient and durable product.

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5. Shop Fox W1667

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This reliable model has oscillating features. This means that you will be able to contour your workings through sand you can do so with this machine. You can do this easily without the need of manually repositioning the wood. This saves time and it proves how efficient this model is.

When you purchase this product you will be able to use it as a 2-in-1 because you can use the drill press and the oscillating sander. You will be pleased to know that this product also comes equipped with a dust port which you can use for remains in order to keep your working space clean. The company has spent many years to develop this product and they have created it to fit your comfort.

You can easily shut it off and switch between the speeds with a removable key. This also contributes to your safety. You do not have to be an expert to use this product because it comes with a lot of user-friendly features which makes it a straightforward operating machine.

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6. Dremel 220-01

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This articulate can draw perpendicular and angled holes at 15 degrees increments and up to 90 degrees horizontal. It can hold tools at 90 degrees for any tasks or any materials. Regardless if they are metal, you want to sand different shapes or you want to grind metal pieces.

The flex shaft tool stand allows you to adjust it to any height between 16” to 29”. This machine has also been designed with a crow’s nest. This provides an onboard storage for dust bits, wrenches, and other accessories.

In addition to this, it also has cord clips so you can safely store power cords. As well as, it also has markings on the pieces so you will be able to measure more accurately. The machine can be suitable with Dremel Rotary Tool models.

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7. Shop Fox W1668

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This product is one of the most versatile machines on the market. Its powerful motor allows you to drill through even the toughest materials. In addition to this, this model comes equipped with a range of speeds that allow you to accomplish a lot of different jobs at a fast rate. Because the company has spent a lot of years developing this product, this item allows you to tilt the table at around 90-degrees.

Actually, you can accommodate the table however you wish because you can adjust the height and sanding angle to suit your needs. Furthermore, you can also move the table to the side and you will be able to use the base as a table for things like sanding or even drilling.

Powerful

The greatest thing about this model is the fact that it comes with a very efficient ¾ HP motor. This means that you can use it for a range of materials without fearing that it will break or damage. Some of its convenient features are:

• Practical – You can choose between a variety of drilling operations as you have the freedom to pick from 12 different speed settings
• Flexible – The 5/8 chuck accepts a wide variety of drill bits so it ensures versatility and flexibility
• Superior capacity – The sanding capacity is one of the best on the market. You can change it to an oscillating tool within seconds as it can be done with a simple flick of a button

Fast Assembling

Even though it’s a massive machine, you do not have to worry about assembling because according to the many great reviews this product has all over the internet, it only takes around 30 minutes to put all the pieces together. You will be pleased to know that it’s made out of iron so it will last you for many years to come. If not, you can get in contact with customer service support team and they will always be willing to answer any of your questions or deal with your concerns.

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8. SE 3-Speed Mini

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Are you a DIY enthusiast? If so, you should know that this mini-unit is an excellent choice for small projects. The work table has a dimension of 6-9/16” x 6-9/16” and the maximum drill capacity is of 6 mm so you can use it for home, workshop, jewelers, or woodworking. The base measures 6-5/8” x 6-5/8” so it has a small footprint.

Similarly, to the other units mentioned, it has 3 variable speeds ranging from 5000, 6500 to 8,500 per min. To prevent further investment, inside of the package, you will find 3 wrenches and 6mm chuck key. Hence, you can use it straight out of the box. The 100-watts power will allow you to drill holes in a variety of materials. This will also be ensured by the 1-inch spindle travel.

The power switch has been made from aluminum which means that it won’t lose quality throughout the years. In fact, the unit has been made from steel and it’s corrosion-resistant.

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9. Grizzly G7943

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This item offers professional grade power with its superior motor. The product was designed so you can adjust it to whatever needs you may have. You can swing the table 360 degrees tilting it at around 90 degrees whatever way you wish.

Because it’s one of the best models on the market, you will also be able to adjust between the speeds which means that you can drill in whatever materials you may have. In addition to this, the spindle spin can be regulated between 12 speeds.

We recommend this product because for its price you get a lot of benefits. We say that you will invest your hard earned money into a product that will most likely last for many years to come. You will not make a meaningless purchase for sure. If you are unsure, you can call up customer services and you can ask them any questions regarding this product.

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10. General International 75-010 M1

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The high-quality contruction is durable and reliable regardless if you use it at home or in any workshop. The press is equipped with easy-to-adjust dual depth stop for complete control of both down stroke depth and upstroke travel.

It has a built-in laser so it ensures you can complete jobs accurately and precisely. Additionally, it has a digital speed spindle display so it ensures convenience and practicality. As well as, it has a variable speed between 500 to 3000 RPM.

The crank-operated rack and pinion table will allow you to adjust the height of it according to your needs. In case there’s a power failure or circuit interruption, you can manually restart the machine. The sturdy design is rust-resistant and will not let you down.

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11. Euro Tool Small Drill Press DRL-300.00

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In case you have a limited space to work with, you will be thoroughly pleased to know that this model is suitable for you. Even though it has a compact design, you will find that it’s very powerful and efficient. This means that you can use it for whatever drilling project you are dealing with regardless of their size.

In addition to this, it has variable speed up to 8,500 RPM which means that it’s suitable for a range of materials. As well as, you will be thoroughly pleased to know that you can use it regardless if you’re a beginner or not due to the fact that it’s straightforward to use.

All of the instructions included are easy to follow and to be understood. The working platform measures 6-3/4” x 6-3/4” which means that you will have enough space to deal with a lot of projects.

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12. JET J-2530

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Are you looking for a versatile model? If so, this machine has been designed with 16 speeds. In addition to this, it has more speeds, power, and capacity. The 3/4 HP motor can produce a speed between 200-3,630 RPM. The drill chuck measures 5/8-inch and the spindle travel is of 3-1/4”.

The clever design has a clearance hole so you can use it for sanding. The incorporated 2-inch dust collector will prevent messy work. Use the 3/4-inch drilling capacity so you can tackle large drilling jobs. To ensure versatility, the table can also tilt 90-degrees left/right. The table can also swing 45-degrees.

Also, it has been designed with holes in the base so you can securely fix the drill press onto the work bench. The cast iron head can tilt 360-degrees to provide you excellent maneuverability.

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Safety Measures

Handling a big machine like such can be dangerous if you do not take all of the suitable safety precautions. Telling people that you know how to handle it when in fact you don’t, can be dangerous for yourself and for them if they are around you. Ensuring that you the suitable safety practices will prolong the machine’s life, the quality of the workpiece and you will eliminate the possibility of unfortunate accidents.

• Use proper clothing

  Make sure that everything is covered. Including your legs and arms because in case something propels out of the machine, you will limit the damages it will make. Nonetheless, when we say this we do not actually mean that you cover yourself so you can’t move properly. Wear something that will fit you perfectly and nothing is hanging out because you risk getting it caught in the spindle. As well as, we strongly recommend that you do not wear any jewelry because it’s a hazard to you and those around you.

• Use appropriate accessories and speeds

  Do not use something that was not specially designed for your model or even this machine. You risk breaking the product and the accessories that you are handling. Even if it may seem like a good idea, do not do it. As well as, if you are rushing the job and you want it to be done faster, this does not mean that you should fiddle with the recommended speeds. You should know that a wrong speed can damage the workpiece and the spindle because each speed has its own individual settings and adjustments.

• Listen to the noises it makes

  If you have purchased a model that it doesn’t make noises, you should be concerned if it starts making loud noises suddenly. When there is a problem with the motor you will notice straight away because it will simply not be as efficient as before. The most important thing is that you call a mechanic and you do not make adjustments whilst it’s running. .

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How To Take Care Of A Drill Press

Regardless of whatever model you look into purchasing, they can be expensive. It’s better in the long run if you purchase a more expensive model because you will be guaranteed that it works for many years to come and that it will be efficient. These two main features are very important because you will be investing your money rather than making a meaningless purchase. Nonetheless, this does not mean that you shouldn’t spend some time taking care of it. This is one of the most important aspects because the more you take care of it, the longer you will have it. In addition to this, no company is going to refund you or exchange parts if they notice that the unit is damaged because you haven’t maintained it properly.

• Lubricate the Chuck

  In order to ensure that the chuck will work as efficiently as it did in the beginning, you need to make sure that you keep it lubricated at all times. We all know that once machines start to gather rust it has a negative impact on the productivity of it. As well as, it will simply not turn or move the way you want it to. If you do not follow the instruction, it’s highly unlikely that the machine will have the same precision that you are used to.

  All you have to do is make sure that the jaws of the chuck are fully opened and blow some compressed air into it or if you are wearing goggles and do not want to purchase this accessory, just blow some air into it with your mouth. Make sure that you are protected from the dust that comes out. Then, place some lubricant inside of the jaws and make sure that you fiddle with it until the lubricant has been spread to all places and the excess comes out. Finally, wipe and clean.

• Check the belt

  If you are tired or simply annoyed by the loud noises the machine makes, you need to make sure that the belt is not worn out or that the pulleys have stayed in the correct position. You should know that it’s extremely dangerous to operate with a machine that vibrates excessively because it can damage the workpiece or if you do not screw everything into place, they can become dangerous projectiles. We do not need to explain the damages and reparations costs that a faulty machine can create.

  In order to check these, all you have to do is pull out the machine cover or head and inspect the way the belt moves when you rotate it. Make sure that you manually rotate it, do not turn on the machine. If you notice any cracks or anything wrong with it, contact the company that you have purchased it from and ask if they can exchange it without any extra costs. If it is normal, make sure that the tension is how it should be. When it comes to this, make sure that you follow the guidelines from the user manual because it will tell you exactly what to do when it comes to your model.

• Make sure that the bolt and screws are fit correctly

  If you do not ensure that everything is set into place, you can risk seriously hurting yourself or those around you. As well as, the machine can get so damaged that there is no coming back and repairing it. This is why you need to spend some time and inspect even the smallest details of the machine because if you have recently bought it, you can claim a refund or exchange at no extra costs. If you find it fiddly you can try to fix it yourself with the help of the instructions in the user manual.

  In order to observe it properly, all you have to do is watch the rims of the pulleys. If they do not function properly and they wobble as they spin, turn the machine off and unplug it in order to make sure that there are no dangers of it turning back on automatically. Tighten the setscrews and turn the machine back on. You will have a perfect and quiet machine again.

• Clean the environment surrounding the machine

  If you are working with the machine in a closed area where there’s a lot of dust and dirt lingering around, it’s inevitable that it will have a negative effect on the functionality of it. If you want to be extra careful with your item, you should set the speeds to a slower pace because it will avoid rapid wear of the motor and belt. As well as, you can also avoid drilling holes into hard materials such as metals because they are harder to work with. It requires the machine to work extra hard so it’s inevitable that it will break much faster.

  What’s important to remember that you need to de-dust it as often as you can and clean the exterior with a clean cloth so you remove any excess debris created by things such as wood. Remember that Iron and Steel can become brittle so allow some time for the machine to heat-up before you start drilling holes. Nonetheless, if it gets over-heated you will risk damaging the motor. It’s general knowledge that repairing a damaged motor can cost thousands of dollars.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Conclusion

If you haven’t found a suitable machine to accomplish your drilling needs, the evaluation above is for sure extremely helpful. This is because it comprises the most popular picks on the market that come only with high-performance traits. All the products have been thoughtfully picked and evaluated so that you can reliably choose the one that suits your needs. Thus, based on our suggestions, you can take your time and decide which one is the best for you.

Best Overall : WEN 4208
WEN company deals with lots of popularity when speaking of these units. Therefore, if you want high-performance and reliability during the drilling activities, you should consider this machine. It operates with 5 different speeds, featuring a spindle travel of up to 2”. Furthermore, it uses 3140 RPM, which means it’s an extremely powerful unit. Additionally, the worktable can curve 45-degree right or left for even more convenience.

Our Choice : SKIL 3320-01
Worth looking at is also this press, considering all the effective characteristics it brings. It ensures ¾” drilling capacity, with a swing of 14”. It’s powered by a 2.5 Amp motor, therefore ensuring extreme force. What’s great about it is that the table tilts to 45 degrees, too. Plus, it uses a beam laser for accurate hole alignment.

Best Benchtop Drill Press for Metal : WEN 4214
Excellent for going through the toughest metals, it’s a highly efficient machine with a powerful, long-lasting engine. It’s one of the best selling machines as we’re speaking of 2/3 HP motor that won’t disappoint your requirements. It can drill even the high-density metals, providing a smooth finish. Design is outstanding, too, offering many years of use.

Best Benchtop Drill Press for Wood : Dremel 220-01
If you’re interested in a product that can drill wood, you should give this one a second thought. It can draw both perpendicular and angled holes at 15-degree increments. The machine is extremely precise as it holds tools at 90 degrees no matter the material type. Therefore, it’s great for both beginners and advanced users.

Best for Small Projects : SE 3-Speed Mini
Ideal for all your DIY projects, this mini drill is exactly what you need to get the job properly done. The drill capacity is up to 6mm so it’s great for home use. It has 3 different speeds to choose from, namely 5000, 6500, and 8500 drills per minute. Nevertheless, design details are worth taking into consideration as you’ll have it for many years considering the sturdy, metal construction.