Getting a good drill press for woodworking can be a lot of hassle in today's oversaturated market. While in the past, it was easy to purchase a quality handmade drill press, times have changed quite a bit. Most of the products manufactured today are usually grossly overrated by the manufacturers in order to push for more sales even when the quality is not that great.
For this reason, you must take the time to carefully evaluate the products available in the market before settling for a particular option. Having the right information at hand will help you make the right choice when it comes to picking the right tools for the job.
So, in this article, we are going to run through some of the best drill presses in the market right now. Hopefully, by the time we conclude this review, you will be able to determine the best product for your woodworking needs. Well, let's get started
Comparison of Best Drill Press for Woodworking
Image | Weight | Product Dimensions | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | 50.8 pounds | 21.8 x 15.2 x 9.8 inches | ||
  | 122 pounds | 24 x 15 x 63 inches | ||
  | 63 pounds | 23 x 14 x 38 inches | ||
  | 48.3 pounds | 12 x 14 x 28 inches | ||
  | 240 pounds | 28 x 20 x 70 inches | ||
  | 34.4 pounds | 7 x 16 x 23 inches |
6 Best Woodworking Drill Presses-Review
1. SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
When it comes to high-performance drill presses, the SKIL 3320-01 Drill Press is certainly a choice worth considering. This super drill press offers you greater flexibility and precision, which you need when working on professional projects. It offers more convenience compared to a handheld drill, as you can operate it for prolonged periods of time without experiencing cramps in your hand or fatigue. It also features an X2 Beam Laser, which serves to ensure precise hole alignment every time.
In addition to this, it comes with a depth adjustment system that allows you to drill with 100 percent consistency and a five-speed system that enables you to punch neat holes in wood and metal. Furthermore, this drill has a work surface that tilts at angles between 0 - 45 degrees in order to provide you with more accuracy when drilling holes.
Some of the accessories that come with this drill include a drill press motor, two batteries, a chuck key, and a work table.
Product Specifications
● 3.2 amps
● Weight: 52.2 pounds
● Voltage: 120V
● Dimensions: ‘21.8’ x ‘15.2’ x ‘9.8’
● Horsepower: ¼ HP
● Top Speed: 3,050 Resolutions per minute
Pros
- Tilting work table offers more flexibility when drilling
- Enough horsepower and amperage to penetrate even the toughest materials
- Has a varying speed of between 750 and 3050RPM which allows for greater precision
Cons
- The drill is made of cheap material
2. Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press
The Shop Fox W1848 is a professional grade drill press that combines an array of useful features to provide an exceptional user experience. This product has a solid construction that guarantees optimum performance, functionality, and durability. It comes with a powerful 3/4 HP variable speed motor which can be used in 12 different settings ranging between 250 and 3,050 RPM. This provides more versatility and flexibility during use.
Apart from its drilling capabilities, this woodworkers’ machine also comes with a sanding mode, thus making it a multipurpose tool. The sanding feature can be easily activated in a matter of seconds, without much hassle or strain.
It is worth noting that this oscillating floor drill is a lot heavier compared to other units in its class. This makes it much more stable to work with. The unit also comes with a large adjustable table that can be set up in different positions to provide more precision when drilling holes in workpieces of varied shapes and sizes.
Product Specifications
● Motor: 3/4 HP,
● Voltage 110V
● Swing: 13-3/4"
● Drill chuck: 1/64"-5/8"
● Spindle travel: 3-1/4"
● Variable speed settings: 12
● Range of speeds: 250-3050 RPM
Pros
- Quality construction and build
- It has a large and adjustable work table
- The unit can support sanding operations
- Variable speed motor which provides more precision
Cons
- No laser alignment feature
- Does not come with a work light
- The setup process can be very challenging for new users.
3. Shop Fox W1668 ¾ HP 13 Inch Bench Top Drill Press / Spindle Sander
The Shop Fox W1668 is a professional grade drill press built to handle all your woodworking needs. It comes with a high capacity motor that is designed to drill even the toughest material. It also features an oscillating sander which can be used to perform contour sanding tasks easily and conveniently.
This high-performance bench-top drill comes with 12 variable speed settings that offer you more control when working. You can easily customize the speed setting to match the material which you are working with, in order to increase efficiency when drilling.
As if that is not enough, the Shop Fox W1668 is fitted with a clearance hole and dust collection port that allows you to get rid of sawdust and other debris in order to keep your workspace neat.
Product Specifications
● Motor: 3/4 HP
● Voltage: 110V
● Swing: 13-3/4"
● Drill chuck: 1/64"-5/8"
● Speeds range: 250-3050 RPM
Pros
- Sanding feature
- Solid build and construction
- Variable speed feature which can be set easily
- Clear setup instructions make the drill easy to set up
- A high powered motor capable of cutting through tough materials
Cons
- Setting up the sanding drum is challenging
4. Rockwell ShopSeries RK7033 6.2-Amp 10" Drill Press
Rockwell ShopSeries RK7033 10-Inch Drill Press is a great woodworking machine, which performs well on different kinds of materials including wood, metal, and plastic. It also comes with a high function capacity ⅔ HP motor, which supplies all the energy that is required for various drilling tasks. This power drill is ideal for large projects, which involve drilling on different materials. It features a solid body housing which makes it highly durable.
The Rockwell RK7033 has a variable setting feature, that allows you to customize the rotating speed to suit different drilling tasks. It is also designed with a protective start switch, which secures the unit from accidents.
Interestingly, this high-performance drilling machine is easy to assemble, as it only comes in four pieces. Considering all the functionality it offers, the Rockwell RK7033 is certainly one of the best drilling machines out there.
Product Specifications
● Dimensions: 12 x 14 x 28 inches
● weight: 48.5 pounds
● Amperage: 6.2 amps
● Motor : ⅔ HP
● 2 year manufacturer’s warranty
Pros
- Has multiple speed setting
- Solid construction and build
- It has a powerful motor
- Comes with a safety switch which helps prevent accidents
Cons
- Does not come with a chunk key
- It comes disassembled from the manufacturer
5. Delta 18-900L 18Inch LaserDrill Press
If you are looking for a lightweight and inexpensive drill press that delivers great performance, then the Delta 18-900 18-inch is definitely worth checking out. This ultra-modern drill press features a heavy-duty 3/4HP motor with a maximum speed of 3000 RPM that supplies adequate power for high demanding drilling projects.
The unit has 16-speed settings that can be customized for drilling different materials. It also comes with an oversized woodworkers table with a tilt of between 0-40 degrees. This offers more flexibility when drilling, as it allows you to angle your work material as required.
For clear visibility when working, the unit comes with an overhead light which allows you to work conveniently in poorly- lit environments. The Delta 18-900L comes with a twin laser which offers more precision when drilling. This feature is particularly handy when working with different materials that require the same size of holes to be drilled. Sounds good, right?
Product Specifications
● Weight – 240lbs
● Dimensions – 59″ x 30.5″ x 13″
● Chuck Size – 5/8″
● Max Speed – 3,000 RPM
● Voltage – 120 V
● 5-year manufacturer's warranty from the retailer.
Pros
- 16-speed setting
- Large woodworkers table with good tilt
- High performance ¾ HP motor
- Twin laser feature for extra precision and accuracy
Cons
- Lasers are often dim
- Quite expensive to purchase
6. Rikon 8 inch Bench Drill Press
The Rikon 8 inch Bench drill press is an amazing woodwork tool that is suited for both beginners and professionals alike. It comes with an array of great features that allows you to carry out your drilling tasks effectively and with convenience.
The machine comes with a powerful 1/3HP motor which provides enough rotating force to drill through different materials including wood and metal. It also comes fitted with an adjustable table that tilts to any degree to provide you with more accuracy when drilling holes in wood or metal. In addition to this, it has comfortable iron handles that are impervious to bends even when the machine is used for extended periods of time. This makes the unit very strong and durable.
Moreover, this state-of-the-art bench drill press has 5 spindle speed settings, ranging from 620 to 3100RPM. The speed can be set accordingly depending on the desired size of holes as well as material being drilled. Low-speed settings are ideal for drilling large holes whereas high-speed settings are best applied when drilling small holes. Rikon 8-inch bench drill press also comes with a clutch depth stop that allows you to set your required drilling depth.
This increases the efficiency of your work and enables you to get high-quality drilling. The depth stop is also useful when you are drilling holes of the same depth on different materials.
Product Specifications
● 1/3HP Motor
● 5 Spindle Speeds
● Speed range: 620-3100 RPM
Pros
- Comes with a 5 years warranty
- Easy to set up and operate
- It is relatively lightweight compared to other units.
- Gives you a smooth running
- Made out of durable material
Cons
- Not very ideal for hard tasks
What to look for when purchasing the best woodworking drill press
When shopping for a woodworking drill press, you want to be sure that what you are buying is the real deal. In any case, this tool does not come cheaply, and if you buy the wrong one, you will certainly suffer the ignominy of having to work with a device that you do not need. Considering this, it is always a wise idea to carry out thorough research before heading out to the market.
Here are a few points that you must consider when shopping for a woodworking drill press.
Model Type
As you might be aware by now, drill presses come in two types. These include benchtop drill presses and floor models. The model type that you should go for entirely depending on the projects you will be working on. A floor model is perfect for heavy-duty projects that involve drilling large workpieces. The bench top model, on the other hand, is ideal for smaller tasks. Moreover, bench tops occupy very little space compared to floor models.
Horsepower
If you need to drill deeper holes on tough materials such as hardwood, iron, and steel, then you need to invest in a drill press that has a formidable horsepower rating. A 3/4HP drill press would be the ideal option for such tasks.
Speed Range
Drill presses come with various speed capabilities, measured in rotations per minute (RPM). The more pricey drills have more options in terms of speed adjustment while the less expensive units have single or dual speed ranges. Slower drill presses are ideal for metal while faster options are perfect for wood pieces.
Weight
The weight is also another feature you need to consider. If your job entails moving from one job site to another, then you should opt for a compact drill press for enhanced portability. However, keep in mind that a lightweight drill might compromise on its stability when tackling tough projects. If you want a more portable drill press, then consider the benchtop model.
Vibration
The process of drilling using a drill press typically involves a high level of centrifugal force. However, the excess force from a light drill can be uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous. It may cause unnecessary vibrations and even damage your workpiece. With this in mind, consider buying a drill press that is heavy or has an anti-vibration feature.
Depth Stop
The depth stop is a piece of equipment installed on the drill press used to ensure that drilled holes are of consistent depth. You have to set the depth stop to the desired measurement to ensure that the holes you drill meet your precise requirements.
Accessories
Always inquire from the salesperson or the owner of the shop whether the drill press that you intend to buy comes with extra accessories such as additional drill bits, clamps, sanding attachments, and mortising pieces.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
A drill press does not have to be a sophisticated piece of equipment. You should opt for a unit that is easy to use and maintain. In essence, you should be able to service the unit quickly and swiftly to reduce downtimes and ensure that you finish your projects in time.
Warranty
Considering drill presses are pricey investments, it is important to inquire about the warranty coverage. Find out from the dealer what the warranty covers and how many years the guarantee runs for. Most of the drill presses in our reviews come with a 5-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ
Q. What should I do before using a drill press?
A. Whether you are an expert artisan or a do-it-yourself enthusiast, it is important to read the manual that came with your drill press before using the equipment.
The manual will have essential information that will guide you on how best to use the drill press. Make sure you follow all instructions keenly to avert any potential dangers.
Q. Can I use a drill press for woodworking to drill other materials?
A. Yes! You may your drill press to make holes in other materials such as iron, steel, and plastic. Make sure you use the right type of bits not to overwhelm the drill.
Q. What are some of the safe practices I should know before using a drill press?
A. Safety is of vital importance when using any type of woodworking tools. With this in mind, always wear protective clothing when using a drill press. Additionally, make sure the drill has a safety stop button and a guard or barrier to prevent chippings from interfering with your work and entering your eyes.
4.What should I do if my drill press is drilling uneven holes?
Check if the bits are bent or blunt. If this is the case, then replace the bits immediately. Also, check whether the depth stop is function properly before making the necessary adjustments.
Bottom line: So what is your best pick?
Find the best drill press for woodworking can be a piece of work. However, by taking the time to compare features, prices and special functions, you will find the ideal drill press for your workshop within no time. All our featured drill presses are superb in their own right. With this in mind, we invite you to select any unit from our list!
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