The Best Drill Presses for the Workshop

Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about The Best Drill Presses for the Workshop and hope the blog can help you.

For precision drilling, it’s tough to beat the accuracy of a drill press.

A hand drill is controlled by the user’s hand and arm, so human error can create a slightly off-center hole. A drill press produces perfectly aligned holes of equal size every time, depending on the model. There are many different kinds of drill presses, including magnetic, a floor model, and a mounter or workbench design. 

When choosing the best drill press for you, factor in the thickness of the material—average drill depth is around 2 to 6 inches—and the type of material you’re working with: Dense wood and metal require more power to drill through than softwoods and plastic. 

This guide will focus on popular products and things to consider when selecting the ideal drill press for specific projects or jobs. Read on for some of the best drill presses on the market that we hands-on tested and selected.

1. BEST OVERALL: DeWalt DWE1622K 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press
2. RUNNER-UP: Jet JDP-15B 15-Inch Bench Drill Press
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wen 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press
4. BEST FOR CRAFTERS:Shop Fox W1668 Benchtop Drill Press/Spindle Sander
5. BEST FOR BEGINNERS: Wen 4212T 10-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Drill Press
6. BEST FOR DIYERS: Wen 4214T 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
7. BEST FOR WOODWORKING PROS: Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press
8. BEST COMPACT: Ryobi DP103L 10-Inch Drill Press With Laser

How We Chose the Best Drill Presses

The right drill press can make cutting your wood or metal quick and safe. The drill presses we tested and researched come in various types, power outputs, chuck sizes, revolutions per minute (rpm), and additional special features and safety features for your big or small projects. 

We looked for the most sought-after drill presses in their respective categories and discovered that benchtop options are favored for their ease of use, potential portability, and effective cutting power. Magnetic and floor drill presses are also listed. While the magnetic is suitable for metal and softwood, the floor models offer more precision. 

Though different in performance, each of the drill presses included has powerful rpm ranging from 210 to 3,200. Powerful motors are also not a problem with these models as many come with ample volts, amps, or horsepower while in use. Half-inch and ⅝-inch chucks are among the most common sizes in the best drill presses, while some models also come with adjustable/tiltable worktables, dust ports, variable speed control, and multiple speed settings included.

Our Top Picks

The following drill press options were selected based on brand reputation, build quality, power, and ease of operation. The models on our list of top picks were either tested or selected after in-depth research, and we awarded each one with a set of pros and cons.

BEST OVERALL

DeWalt DWE1622K 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press 

See It

Product Specs 

• Type: Magnetic 
• Power: 10-amp motor 
• Chuck size: ½ inch 

Pros

• 10-amp motor and 2 speed settings provide effective use and reliability 
• Made with a magnetic base and coolant bottle to orient a variety of tools
• Safety overload protection switch prevents any damage or misuse 
• Made with a quick, tool-free chuck change system; can change between the ¾ Weldon shank and ½ keyed chuck

Cons

• Heavyweight design is not ideal for portability or transportation 

In projects or trades that include metal fabrication, building steel stairs, or other major steel construction, the metal will likely be too large or heavy to haul to a workshop drill press. That’s where magnetic drill presses (commonly called mag drills) like the DeWalt 2-inch magnetic drill press come in. 

When the powerful electromagnetic base is positioned on the metal to be drilled, such as a large I-beam, the magnet is activated, locking the drill press to the metal object for stability while drilling. The DeWalt mag drill has two speed settings, 300 rpm and 450 rpm, and comes with a safety overload switch that shuts down the drill if it overheats. 

With a 10-amp motor and two speed settings, this model is versatile and comes with a quick, tool-free ¾ shank or ½-inch keyed chuck change, a quick-release feed, a magnetic self-feed cooling tank, and a motor height adjustment. 

Get the DeWalt drill press at Amazon or Acme Tools.

RUNNER-UP

Jet JDP-15B 15-Inch Bench Drill Press

See It

Product Specs 

• Type: Benchtop 
• Power: ¾-horsepower motor 
• Chuck size: ⅝ inch 

Pros

• Heavy-duty construction; built with a ¾-horsepower motor that runs between 210 and 3,500 rpm speeds 
• Comes with a 17-inch-wide table with precision-ground t-grooves for clamping on wood or metal 
• Heavy-duty model is suitable for home workshops or small businesses 

Cons

• Expensive compared to other options on the market
• Heavyweight construction; not ideal for use as a portable drill press

For home-based production workshops, the JDP-15B bench drill press is a good investment. Whether you run a small muffler shop from your home, build custom motorcycles, or create custom furniture, the JDP-15B can handle any garage workshop project. This drill press has a 3/4-horsepower motor with speed adjustability between 210 and 3,500 rpm. 

With that power and speed, and a spindle travel of 3⅛ inches, it can handle everything from softwood to cast iron. The 15-inch throat is large enough for almost anything you can think of, and the 17-inch wide table has precision-ground t-grooves to clamp and hold projects firmly. It also features a laser guide for faster alignment.

Though this bench drill is very heavy and not meant to be a portable drill press, users make speed changes with adjustments to the drive belt, which is fine, but it would be nice to have a digital readout that shows the spindle’s speed for precision work. 

Get the Jet drill press at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK

Wen 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press

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Product Specs 

• Type: Benchtop 
• Power: 2.3 amps 
• Chuck size: ½ inch 

Pros

• Comes with a 2.3-amp induction motor, an 8-inch swing, a 2-inch spindle travel, and a ½-inch keyed chuck 
• 5-speed drill press offers excellent versatility; ranges from 740 to 3,140 rpm
• Height-adjustable cast-iron worktable bevels up to 45 degrees in either direction 

Cons

• Assembly is required before use; may take some time to put together 
• Some users reported difficulty when using the chuck 

Adding a drill press to your workshop arsenal needn’t cost a fortune. The Wen 4208 8-inch 5-speed drill press has a 2.3-amp induction motor, an 8-inch swing, and a 2-inch spindle travel. All of this provides the ability to drill precise holes up to 4 inches from the edge of your material—all at an affordable price point. Select from five speeds, ranging from 740 rpm to 3,140 rpm, to best suit the type of material being drilled. 

The cast-iron worktable is 6 1/2 inches square, tilts up to 45 degrees, and can be raised or lowered, depending on the thickness of the material. This affordable drill press can drill holes up to 2 inches deep and, like any benchtop model, should be bolted to a countertop for stability. This model is also lightweight enough for those who require a portable drill press.

What our tester says: Tom Scalisi, a Bob Vila product tester and staff writer, notes in The Best Benchtop Drill Press that “this model from Wen was one of the easiest in the bunch to assemble. I also liked that it’s lightweight and compact, allowing for picking it up and moving it with ease.”

Get the Wen 4208T drill press at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

BEST FOR CRAFTERS

Shop Fox W1668 Benchtop Drill Press/Spindle Sander

See It

Product Specs 

• Type: Benchtop 
• Power: ¾ horsepower
• Chuck size: ⅝ inch 

Pros

• ¾-horsepower motor delivers 250 to 3,050 rpm of power and 12 speed settings 
• Comes with a 3-piece spindle sander drum kit with a mandrel and sandpaper
• 13¼-inch table swing is capable of tilting 90 degrees on both sides 

Cons

• Heavyweight design is not suitable for transporting or portability; may be tricky to install 
• Assembly required; may be difficult for beginners 

Shop Fox knows that most hobbyists need their workshops to be as versatile as possible. Their 13-inch Benchtop Drill Press/Spindle Sander is designed for both drilling and sanding, which is why this ¾-horsepower drill press turns the spindle at speeds between 250 and 3,050 rpm. The 13¼-inch swing allows easy manipulation of large workpieces without issue, especially when sanding. 

The table tilts to either side up to 90 degrees, making drilling end-grain on woodworking projects a snap. It includes the spindle sander drum kit with 1-, 1½-, and 2-inch drums and sandpaper. When used in sanding mode, the drum oscillates up and down. The unconventional round worktable features a circular cutout for the sanding drum—perfect for fine, detailed sanding jobs.

The only complaint we have is that there’s no mechanism for switching between drilling and spindle-sanding and it is not light enough to be a portable drill press. Users have to open the lid and remove or replace a belt to make the switch between the two modes.

What our tester says: Tom Scalisi, a Bob Vila product tester and staff writer, notes in our tested guide that he “found a lot to like about the Shop Fox drill press during the test. First, the wide speed range and high-quality worktable made drilling easy and accurate. Also, I liked the spindle sander attachment as it attaches easily and does a great job of smoothly sanding.”

Get the Shop Fox W1668 drill press at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

BEST FOR BEGINNERS

Wen 4212T 10-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Drill Press

See It

Product Specs 

• Type: Benchtop 
• Power: 5-amp motor 
• Chuck size: ½ inch 

Pros

• Built-in 5-amp induction motor delivers between 530 and 3,100 rpm; digital speed readout display reads out the rpm 
• Comes with a laser guide, adjustable depth stop, and ½-inch-capacity keyed chuck
• 8-inch-long by 7.5-inch-wide cast-iron work table bevels up to 45 degrees for excellent versatility 
• Predrilled holes on the base allow for easy mounting to a benchtop or work surface

Cons

• Assembly required before use; may be difficult for first timers and beginners

With a large 8-inch-long by 7.5-inch-wide worktable, the 5-amp Wen 4212 10-inch variable-speed drill press allows users to make precise drill holes up to 4 inches from the edge of their material. The laser guide is helpful for beginners just getting the hang of a drill press, but advanced workers are sure to find it handy as well. 

The cast-iron worktable tilts up to 45 degrees for drilling directional holes, and the Wen drill press will drill a hole up to 2⅖ inches deep with the help of the adjustable depth stop and the ½-inch keyed chuck. Users can select and lock in the exact speed needed from 530 to 3,100 rpm. Like most benchtop drill presses, this model should be mounted to a benchtop, worktop, or countertop for stability.

Get the Wen 4212T drill press at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

BEST FOR DIYERS

Wen 4214T 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

See It

Product Specs 

• Type: Benchtop
• Power: 120 volts 
• Chuck size: ⅝ inch 

Pros

• 5-amp motor delivers variable speeds of 580 to 3,200 rpm; works well when drilling wood, plastic, and metal 
• Comes with a cast-iron base, crosshair laser beams, a 12-inch swing, an overhead light, and a 3⅛-inch spindle travel
• Digital speed readout displays the current rpm for user convenience 

Cons

• Assembly required before use; may take a learning curve for new users 
• Some users report manufacturing defects or difficulty using 

The benchtop-style Wen 4214 12-inch variable-speed drill press offers ample power for drilling through wood, plastic, and metal with ease, making it a good choice for the DIY workshop. This drill press provides several features found on industrial models, including a digital readout that lets you select a full range of speeds between 580 and 3,200 rpm and crosshair laser beams that pinpoint the exact spot to drill. 

The 12-inch worktable, which tilts up to 45 degrees in both directions, allows users to drill holes up to 3⅛ inches deep and up to 6 inches from the edge of the material. It also comes with an adjustable depth stop, a table roller extension, a ⅝-inch keyed chuck, and onboard storage for small accessories. The cast-iron base comes with holes for bolting it to a work surface if desired and an overhead work light allows for excellent visibility.

What our tester says: Tom Scalisi, a Bob Vila product tester and staff writer, notes in our tested guide that “I really enjoyed working with the Wen 12-inch drill press during the hands-on testing. The motor was quiet, the long travel was a plus, and the digital speed readout on the front of the drill press helped keep track of the speed.” 

Get the Wen 4214T drill press at Amazon, Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

BEST FOR WOODWORKING PROS

Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press