10 Reviews: Best Drill Press for Woodworking (Apr 2024)
Here is a list of excellent drill presses for woodworking. So, get aboard the ship to learn more.
by N. L. Fierda · updated on · price $139.99 - $4,195.00 · 584 views
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Comparison Table
Are you considering buying a drill press for a do-it-yourself project? But, you don’t want to get lost and even more confused by the numerous drill press options on the market. Congrats… Here, we’ve gathered a list of the top ten best drill press for woodworking. Just remember, that no matter which choice you choose, affordable or extravagant, they are all useful in getting the job done (although with varying degrees of success). So, if you have a lot of money on hand, investing in the ultimate drill press with a high price tag is reasonable.
Table of contents
Product list
- Grizzly G7943 : Precision-Ground Cast-Iron Table
- Powermatic PM2800B : Oversize Cast Iron Base for Added Stability
- Shop Fox W1668 : Oscillating Feature for Sanding Operation
- Rikon 30-100: Solid Steel and Cast Iron Construction
- JET 716000: LED Work Light Increases Visibility
- Teknatool 83700: Simplified Menu and Preset Options
- MicroLux 81631: Drill Press at an Affordable Price
- DAKE 977102: Plexiglas Chip and Chuck Guard
- Baileigh DP-0625E: Rigid Cast Iron Base and Table
- Ellis 9400 : Continuous Speed Adjustment while in Operation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why you need a drill press?
If you are a casual woodworker, the answer is no, you do not need a drill press. However, if woodworking is your profession, and you will likely spend your time making masterpiece after masterpiece, you would need a drill press. By successfully sanding, drilling, and holing metal or wood, a drill press facilitates smooth and simple craftsmanship with outstanding precision.
What should I look for when buying a drill press?
Some matters to put into consideration before buying a new drill press are:
1. The power
2. The swing
3. The spindle
4. The speed and
5. The chuck.
What is a drill press and what is it used for?
To make holes in wood or hard metal, use a drill press or a drilling tool. The drill press, unlike the cordless drill, is designed in the shape of a microscope, with a head, column, table, and foot. It aids in craft activities such as cutting and sanding timber for jigsaws.
Can a drill press drill metal?
It is, indeed. Nevertheless, when drilling metal, make sure you fit the chuck effectively and accurately to prevent ugly cutting. Also, ensure that the table base is sturdy enough to support the metal when sanding and drilling.
10 Reviews: Best Drill Press for Woodworking (Apr 2024)
1.
Grizzly
G7943
Precision-Ground Cast-Iron Table
Includes cushioned grip quill handles for comfort grip. The Grizzly G7943 drill press features four T-slots, a threaded depth stop, and a precision guide on its base table. It is provided with a 1-year warranty for peace of mind. The drill max capacity is around 3/4″ for versatility, also able to drill fiberglass, plastic, and composites.
Been using it off and on for a month now, and it is robust. The sheet metal cover over the pulleys came a little squashed from shipping but I was able to straighten it out with a 3lb sledge. The drill press is robust and a good value for the price. There is a little runout on the spindle, but it is much better than the Wen drill press it is replacing.
by Imccracken
Color | Green/Black |
---|---|
Swing | 14" |
Power | 3/4 HP, 120V |
Chuck | 3/64" – 5/8" |
Speed | Up to 3050RPM |
Spindle Travel | 3-1/4" |
2.
Powermatic
PM2800B
Oversize Cast Iron Base for Added Stability
A large cast-iron base is included to help keep the drilling balanced. The Powermatic PM2800B drill press has a digital RPM readout for ease of maintenance. Plus, this drill machine has two LED lights, a rotatable table that can be rotated up to 90 degrees, and 6″ of quill travel for a secure fit.
I have had this drill press for seven years with no issues at all. I appreciate all of the features that are included with this drill press. I do think it is important and follow the instructions and only adjust the speed while the drill is running, That may be part of me not having any issues. My only nit is I wish that the stop switch turned it off completely. I added a switch to the outlet to accomplish that.
by Woodworker
Color | Yellow/Black |
---|---|
Swing | 18" |
Power | 1 HP, 115V |
Chuck | 5/8" |
Speed | n/a |
Spindle Travel | 27-3/8" |
3.
Shop Fox
W1668
Oscillating Feature for Sanding Operation
Produces up to 3050RPM of speed. The Shop Fox is a mid-level drill press that produces precise and elegant cuts. It’s fairly sturdy and versatile, as you can transform it into a drilling machine or sanding tool.
I’ve had this now for several months and it has met my expectations. I use it frequently and it is solidly built and works very well with many speed ranges. Packed very well in two boxes and easy to assemble in a short amount of time. The price point is good. This should last me forever.
Color | White/Red |
---|---|
Swing | 13-1/4-In |
Power | 3/4 HP, 110V |
Chuck | 5/8" |
Speed | Up to 3050RPM |
Spindle Travel | 3-1/4-In |
4.
Rikon
30-100
Solid Steel and Cast Iron Construction
Integrated with s spindle speeds. The Rikon 30-100 drill press has a depth stop, a cast iron table, and a sturdy steel frame. It is ideal for casual woodworking or for people who want to be productive during quarantine by making a slew of wooden toys.
Color | Blue/Black |
---|---|
Swing | 8” |
Power | 1/3 HP, 120V |
Chuck | 1/2” |
Speed | Up to 3100RPM |
Spindle Travel | 2” |
5.
JET
716000
LED Work Light Increases Visibility
Designed with ergonomics in mind. The JET 716000 drill tool is indeed very easy to use. In terms of operation, this machine is outfitted with precise measuring technology to prevent incorrect and untidy cuts. Furthermore, it is armed with LED lamps for visual clarity in low-light scenarios or when you need to see the substance clearly.
Color | Black |
---|---|
Swing | 12" |
Power | 1/2 HP, 115V |
Chuck | 5/8" |
Speed | Up to 3100RPM |
Spindle Travel | 3-1/8" |
7.
MicroLux
81631
Drill Press at an Affordable Price
For precision drilling, it is formed with a sliding gauge. The MicroLux 81631 drill press is one of the most dependable in the woodworking industry. It has high-torque engine plugs with a power rating of 120V. Moreover, the ball-bearing spindle emits a gentle vibration for ease of use.
Color | Black/White |
---|---|
Swing | n/a |
Power | 120V |
Chuck | 5-1/2" |
Speed | Up to 6500RPM |
Spindle Travel | 1-1/4" |
8.
DAKE
977102
Plexiglas Chip and Chuck Guard
The Dake 977102 drill press has a locking handle hub for simpler use and an easy-to-read scale for fast, concise, and repeatable setting adjustment. This machine is distinguished by its inclusion of an emergency stop button, low voltage controls, a thermal overload system, and an interlock safety switch for increased protection against workplace accidents.
Color | Grey/Black |
---|---|
Swing | n/a |
Power | 1/2 HP, 110V |
Chuck | 1/2" |
Speed | Up to 4000RPM |
Spindle Travel | 3-1/8" |
9.
Baileigh
DP-0625E
Rigid Cast Iron Base and Table
Driven by a 1/2 HP with a voltage of up to 110V. A one-year component warranty is included with the Baileigh DP-0625E drill press. It has five different speed settings ranging from 0RPM to 2900RPM and a 2-7/8″ steel column to ensure stability during the drilling process. Not to mention that the table and base are well-constructed for long-term use.
Color | Blue/Black |
---|---|
Swing | 14" |
Power | 1/2 HP, 110V |
Chuck | 5/8” |
Speed | Up to 2900RPM |
Spindle Travel | n/a |
10.
Ellis
9400
Continuous Speed Adjustment while in Operation
This is the list’s big boy. The Ellis 9400 drilling machine is rather costly. So, let us dissect its features. This machine has variable speeds ranging from 1 to 1200RPM and allows for adjustment when drilling or sanding. The drill head can be rotated 360 degrees, and the table riser is subtle. Additionally, it produces high torque at low RPM speeds to maintain power stability.
This is an excellent piece of equipment and it is a big brute of a drill press. I compared specs of other manufacturers in some detail. I called Ellis and other manufacturers with questions to assure that I knew what I was buying. I bought an Ellis saw recently and I liked it so much that supported my decision to go with the Ellis 9400 drill press. [...]
by Alan H
Color | Green/Silver |
---|---|
Swing | n/a |
Power | 2 HP, 110V |
Chuck | n/a |
Speed | Up to 1200RPM |
Spindle Travel | 5-3/8" |
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Conclusion
Each person’s drill press demands are peculiar. Some people just want to get satisfactory results regardless of the cost. Some people choose to pay a low price as long as the machine does the job well and is pleasing to the eyes. So, after reading this entire passage, we hope you’ve been able to determine which drill press is best for you.