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Benchtop drill press reviews

How to choose the best drill press in 2 minutes: Drill press reviews (2021 Updated)

Stephen, Drill Press Man, London, United Kingdom

Last Update – 31st April, 2021

A drill press is a piece of equipment that is designed to drill holes through various objects that are made of steel, bronze and other different materials.

Unlike a cordless drill, Drill presses provide accuracy and power that you cannot get when you are drilling by your hand. The best drill press will enable you to make straight holes.

We have tested hundreds of drill presses available in the market and came up with the top ten best drill press reviews that you should choose from.

You can see the comparison table that we have set out for you below, and then you can make the best decision on selecting the drill press.

Read the following drill press reviews By Tweedsmag and make an informed choice when shopping for one:

1. Skill 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press Reviews

drill press

Skill 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch is among the most popular benchtop drill presses available in the market today.

I would not hesitate to recommend this benchtop drill press to you if you are on a tight budget, and you need a press drill that will perform exceptionally.

As far as speed is concerned, you will be able to select between 570RPM to 3050RPM. What’s more, it features laser beam, which will ensure that the holes are made just the way you want them.

Good thing is, the working surface of this machine is tilting. For this reason, you will find it very easy when doing angle drills.

Precisely, you will be able to tilt the working surface to a maximum of 45°. The built of this piece of equipment has a more classic look as compared to many other bench drill presses in the market.

It also feels very reliable while you are using it. Skill 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch is surely a performance creature. It is worth every penny.

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Pros

  • Extremely affordable
  • 5-speed control options
  • Adjustable depth
  • Offers adequate performance

Cons

  • It is bigger and bulkier than it looks

 

2. Delta 18-900L 18-Inches Laser Drill Press Reviews

benchtop drill press

If you prefer placing your drill press on the floor, we recommend that you look for a floor drill press. After testing various machines, we found out that the Delta 18-900L 18-Inches Laser is an ideal floor drill press for both commercial and home projects.

Looking at the price tag, you will be able to tell that this machine is designed for professionals. Despite the high price tag, you will instantly fall in love with this drill press.

First, it features auto-tensioning belt drive system, which makes it easy and faster to change speeds while you are drilling. This allows you to maximize the efficiency of transmission.

Additionally, the machine features a useful independent depth scale and micro-modifiable depth stops, which allow you to zero the machine’s scale.

This feature also allows you to carry out the settings for the repetitive drilling within no time.

Furthermore, the LED light will be illuminating the entire work surface to ensure visibility while you are making holes.

You can get the lowest price on Amazon through this link:
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Pros

  • It has a flat iron base that provides a great stability
  • Big working surface
  • It is sturdy and durable
  • It is very accurate

Cons

A bit pricey

Pros

  • Tons of torque
  • Uneven speed trigger
  • Availability of brushless motor
  • Different mode change ring

Cons

  • Vibrates when working at increased speed
  • Its directional switch is badly placed

 

3. Rockwell RK7033 Shop Series Drill Press Reviews

benchtop drill press reviews

Yes, this floor drill press lacks fancy features. However, it will get the job done very well.

It made it to our list of top ten best drill presses not because of its features, but for its ability to offer satisfactory performance.

For instance, you will be able to choose your preferred speed from five-speed levels.

The 2/3HP motor of this piece is powerful and can effectively handle any beginner-level projects.

So, if you are a beginner and you are looking for a machine that won’t give you a hard time and will handle small drill presses, then we highly recommend this Rockwell RK7033 Shop Series because it is the perfect place you can start things.

You can tilt the bevelling table at 45° to the left or right, and this makes this machine suitable for you to drill holes at any angle.

Another reason we have it in this list is that the piece is one of the few budget-friendly machines that will deliver to your expectations.

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Pros

  • Powerful
  • Easy to use
  • Budget-friendly
  • Strong and durable
  • Stable

Cons

  • Not suitable for drilling holes through thick metals


4. Jet JDP-17 3/4 HP Drill Press Reviews

floor drill press

Jet is well known for making the best drill presses, and the Jet JDP-17 3/4 HP doesn’t disappoint either.

Featuring a powerful 0.75 Horsepower motor, the machine can perform perfectly with all types of wood.

The fact that you can use it to make holes through any type of wood very easily makes it the best floor drill press we have tried.

Compared to other drill presses, this floor drill from Jet is a small drill press. For this reason, it feels extremely easy to handle and to manage the speeds.

It also offers an impressive kind of higher mobility while you are working. This also makes it the best drill press for repetitive drilling.

It features a single-hand speed adjusting system, and this makes it easier for you to shift from the speed you are using to the next one. In fact, you won’t have to take off both hands when changing speeds.

The machine includes a useful depth stop. Therefore, being ultra-conscious while you are working is not necessary.

Still, on your safety, the machine features an easy-to-access safety switch in case of an emergency.

It’s on sale on Amazon through this link:
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Pros

  • Budget-friendly
  • Safe
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Portable

Cons

  • It comes with a tight table insert

5. Powermatic PM2800B 1792800B Drill Press Reviews

drill press table

If all you care about is the performance of a drill press and not its price, then Powermatic PM2800B 1792800B is your ideal choice.

It has some of the most useful and exclusive features you won’t find on other machines in its category.

It features mechanical speed alteration system that will help you a great deal, especially when you are doing repetitive drilling because it makes it easier.

Built with a fence system, this piece of equipment will ensure that the wood pieces you are drilling remain in place.

When you want to change your drilling speed, there will be no need to interfere with your machine’s belts.

On its front side, there is a digital RPM speed to make it easier and quicker for you to change speeds within seconds.

Even though it looks rugged, managing it is very easy. Regardless of the drill press, you had been using previously, you will find it very easy to manage the drilling process, and you will get along well with this machine.

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Pros

  • Easy assembly
  • Big and powerful induction motor
  • Works perfectly
  • Wide cast iron table

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • The design is not that attractive as expected


6. DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press Reviews

dremel drill press

If you are looking for a performance beats that is not expensive, you have just found what you are looking for.

You don’t have to break the bank to get the best benchtop drill press. The DEWALT DWE1622K 2-Speed Magnetic is a budget-friendly drill press that guarantees excellent performance.

Its 10amp motor is very powerful and makes it a perfect machine for all types of drilling projects. It features dual speed ranges to ensure a very smooth drilling process in different types of materials.

We also found the overload-feature of this machine to be very useful. It will help you a great deal, especially when you will be on any continuous working project.

When we were conducting our research to find the best benchtop drill press in the market, we realized that this machine has been mentioned in all benchtop drill press reviews on reputable review sites.

We highly recommend you purchase this machine if you are looking for a budget-friendly piece of equipment. It’s also a perfect choice for anyone who has space constraints – thanks to its garage-friendly design.

Find this item on Amazon through this link:
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Pros

  • Saves on space
  • Budget-friendly
  • Sleek design
  • Good value for money

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky

7. RIKON 30- 120 13-Inch Drill Press

drill press reviews

RIKON 30- 120 13-Inch benchtop drill press is built with cast iron and solid steel. In fact, it is currently among the best-built machines you can find in the market.

For a benchtop drill of such a very small size, you won’t expect much from this machine. However, the opposite is true.

First, it offers 16 spindle speeds, with the maximum speed being 3630RPM. Secondly, it has a 0.5 Horsepower motor that can easily drill most materials.

Its single-turn handle system and sturdy construction make it very easy to adjust the height in this drill press. The machine weighs only 121lbs.

This is a great thing because you won’t be struggling to move it around. In short, the machine is the most portable benchtop drill you can buy.

We highly recommend it to anyone who needs portable designs and standard performance.

You will definitely find solace in RIKON 30- 120 13-Inch drill press. It is actually the perfect balance of cost, capacity and performance.

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Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Easy to assemble and set up
  • Compact
  • Very portable

Cons

  • It is not suitable for all materials. Therefore, it is not the best choice for professionals.


8. Shop Fox W1668¾ – HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press

drill presses

Are you an average woodworker? If you answered yes, then the Shop Fox W1668¾ – HP 13-Inch Benchtop is your ideal option.

The machine is very popular among professional woodworkers who are handling small drilling projects. It is versatile, easy to set up, and has a large drill press table.

All these features make this drill press a good choice for beginners and experts.

Before coming up with this list, we went through numerous benchtop drill press reviews and we found out that experts, beginners and review sites are rating this drill press very high.

And when we conducted our own test, we were never disappointed.

The machine has a ¾ horsepower motor that is powerful and adequate for all heavy-duty drilling.

The drill press has speed options with the minimum being 250 RPM and the maximum being 3050 RPM.

So, whenever you want to work on tough and resistant materials, 250 RPM will be excellent.

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Pros

  • Suitable for both beginners and experts
  • Very versatile
  • Compact unit, and doesn’t require much space
  • Its base is very tough, durable and stable

Cons

  • A bit pricey

9. JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press

dewalt drill press

JET 354170/JDP-20MF is the best tabletop drill press in its category. It has a smooth-traveling table that will lower itself when the crank is turning to the exact position you want it.

With a tilting capacity of 45 degrees both to the left and right, this drill press is perfect for angled drilling.

Its 1.5 horsepower motor is strong enough to run off 230-volt outlets or 115-volt sources.

The machine provides you with 12 drill speeds with the highest being 4,200 RPM.

When you want to shift the speed, you will simply open the machine’s hinged metal wrap and then disengage the horsepower motor before slipping the speed belt onto an appropriate pulley.

Just like that and you will be working again in few seconds.

Even though the machine is very easy to set up and use, it still includes a manual that contains assembly instructions.

It’s on sale on Amazon through this link:
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Pros

  • Great worktable
  • A stable machine
  • Easy to put up, assemble and use

Cons

  • You might find it a bit difficult to reposition the belts when changing speeds, especially if you are a beginner.


10. Craftsman 12-Inch Drill Press Reviews

benchtop drill press reviews

Craftsman 12″ drill press will allow you to cut straight holes in wood, plastic, aluminum, steel and any other materials with precision and ease.

It is built with a stiff frame making it able to withstand the rough environment in your workshop. It has a 1/2 horsepower motor that is strong and is able to spin at a maximum of 3065 revolutions every minute.

The drill press will be able to power through a tough wood with ease speed and accuracy.

This hand drill press is a choice of many people because it features smooth turning that happens at very high speed. This piece of equipment is designed with accuracy in mind.

So, it will give you sharp and reliable results. The drill press is designed for both average and commercial woodworkers. It will definitely exceed your expectations.

The machine is adaptable and adjustable. It is made out of sturdy and durable materials, and it will serve you for years.

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Pros

  • Features LED light
  • Comes with a manual
  • Heavy-duty construction
  • Compact and durable
  • Easy to set up

Cons

  • Relatively expensive

Conclusion

Your choice for the best drill press is driven by many things as you have seen in this article. However, the most important of them all is the features and the performance of the drill.

You can best learn about these and more from the benchtop drill press reviews written by other users, as such reviews are going to be unbiased and true.

Because you would like your bench drill to last a long time, it is best to not worry about the price too much.

Look instead at the value that you are going to derive from the investment and you will be glad you bought it. If it is going to meet your workshop needs, then you can invest in it.

If it is highly reviewed, then it is only reasonable to assume that so many people cannot be wrong. If there are too many cons and negative reviews, just move on and look for another one.

Should your budget play a role in determining the best tabletop drill press to buy? Yes, it should.

You should also consider other things like the accessories. For example, you will also need to buy drill press vise.

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