If you are into woodworking, whether as an expert craftsman or a hobbyist, you must be aware of the importance of drill press. With the best drill press for woodworking in hand, you will find it a breeze to drill through all sorts of wood with enhanced precision and power you don’t see a simple handheld drill can’t match that.
The problem comes when you need to shop for this product as most people find it hard to settle on the right ones that fit their respective projects. Most end up spending a lot of money on what won’t work for them in the process. In a bit to help curb the selection problems, I’ve reviewed the very best drill presses that you should consider going forward.
Additionally, I’ve provided a buyer’s guide with all the essential aspects of these tools to help you get the right value for your money. Read on to find out more about the products.
Table of Contents
List of The Best Drill Press For Woodworking
1. WEN 4214 Variable Speed Drill Press- Best Benchtop Drill Press
These tools are excellent for woodworking, and if you need the best drill press for woodworking, then you should have a look at this WEN 4214. This tool comes with a 2/3 HP motor which is powerful enough to handle virtually all woodworking projects.
When working with this wood lathe, you get a highly adjustable speed setting; this gives you the flexibility to set your speed anywhere in the range of 580-3200 RPM. The digital speed readout on this tool allows you to set it with ease.
Considering it is easy to read on display, this tool gives you the much-needed assurance as you can tell that you are drilling at the exact speed that you require for your respective projects. Ensure that you are keen on the controls as they are not the most durable; you will find out there, so handling them with so much care would be great.
The WEN 4214 comes with both a laser guide and an LED work light. These two functionalities help illuminate the tools that make it much easier to obtain accurate cuts or holes. The laser especially comes handy by speeding up the process by making it a lot easier to drill precisely where you want each time that you are working.
The Summary of Top Features
- It has a powerful motor of 2/3 HP
- The tool comes with a speed range of 580-3200 RPM
- It weighs 89 lbs which makes it reliable for vibrations
- This wood lathe also has a digital speed readout for improved accuracy
- There’s work light that allows you to work in poorly lit rooms
Pros
- It has a highly adjustable speed settings
- This tool comes with a digital speed readout for accurate drilling
- It comes with work light
- This lathe has a table extension
Cons
- It has poor quality controls
- This tool is poor on metals
2. Jet JDP-17 3/4 hp Drill Press- Great Option for Any Project
The jet, a reliable brand, brings you another drill press that you should consider for your different woodworking projects.
This tool comes with one of the biggest spindle ranges of any drill press; therefore, you will find it easy to get the depth you need for your tasks, especially with a quick turn of the handle. You will need a tool to adjust the speed of this wood lathe, which is a drawback in away.
Even so, this machine comes with up to 16 different speed settings. It has a humongous upper limit that makes it great for any project that you might have at hand. Additionally, the table makes this tool great to use, it is big enough to accommodate large projects, and above all, it comes grooved. These grooves allow for quick and easy lining up of your project plus the centering of your holes.
Additionally, you can move the table up and down the column; this will allow you to complete those more extensive projects in a flash.
The Summary of Top Features
- The tool has a motor strength of 3/4 HP
- It comes with up to 16-speed settings
- The speed range of this tool is 210- 3500 RPM
- It weighs 198 lbs
- This lathe comes with a warranty of 5 years
- It also has a built-in work light and a large work table
Pros
- The tool has a large spindle range
- It comes with a one-handed speed adjustment provision
- This wood lathe comes with a large table with grooves for quick alignments
Cons
- Quill vibrate at higher speeds.
3. DEWALT Drill Press, 2-Speed, Magnetic, 2-Inch (DWE1622K)- Best Portable Drill Press
The Dewalt products never disappoint, and this DWE1622K drill press would serve your different woodworking projects with comfort and efficiency.
It is a lightweight, portable mag drill press that contains a dedicated storage case. Additionally, this drill press has several essential features that you will find a hand in your projects.
This tool is designed for smooth operation, it has a 3-point grip handle that releases at the press of a button, and you can attach it on either side of the tool.
It comes with a 10-amp motor that makes it a perfect fit for your routine tasks. In the events where you shall overexert it, you will see the overload LED light starting to blink. What’s more about this drill is that it won’t stop dead on you while doing your drilling duties. However, it will continue working for some time before stopping automatically; at this point, you should see the LED light turning red. So what should you do?
Allow it to cool down for some time and then restart it.
The Summary of Top Features
- It comes with a 10 amp motor
- This tool has a no-load speed of 300/450 rpm
- The drill press comes with an overload protection electronics that prevent motor damage
- It has a magnetic coolant bottle that you can put on either side of a tool or a work surface
- It’s 4-3/8 inch drill travel provides maximum capacity for heavy-duty applications
Pros
- It’s portable
- Comes with overload alert for safety
- It does not stop on you hile working
Cons
- It is not great for massive projects.
4. WEN 4210T 10 In. Drill Press with Laser- Strong Framed Drill Press
This tool has a solid frame, which is key to its durability; it has so much stability and is very powerful thanks to the cast iron construction.
It is a very affordable tool for its great features.
With this tool, you’ll be able to eliminate wobbles that come with most of the other drill presses. This tool will remain firm even when working at top speed.
The 4210T has pre-drilled holes that help you mount on a bench or your workstation. It comes powered by a 3.2 amp 1/3 HP induction motor that gives it an excellent performance. This tool will not bog down even when it is working on denser stock and does not overheat easily. It comes with a bonus as it is quieter than most of the presses reviewed here.
This Wen drill press is a five-speed press with a low speed of 600 RPM and a top speed of 3100 RPM.
The Summary of Top Features
- It has five adjustable speeds from 600 to 3100 RPM
- The spindle of this tool travel 2-1/2” and has an easy to read, locking linear depth that stops for accurate and repeatable drilling operations
- The tool has a durable 3.2-amp motor that provides ample torque and power
Pros
- It’s powerful
- Has a durable structure
- It gives you up to five speeds
Cons
- Its table design is not the best.
5. Shop Fox W1668 Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander- MultiPurpose Option
What makes this tool deserve its place as the best drill press for woodworking is that it can also double as an oscillating sander that you can use for efficient contour sanding. At higher speeds and power, this tool is effective for heavier use. Its table comes with a clearance hole that you can use while sanding.
This tool boasts a smart design that incorporates a dust collection port that ensures your sanding jobs are not messy. It has a 3/4-inch drilling capacity that allows you to tackle almost any drilling job.
The W1668 allows you a room to tilt the table 90-degrees on both the left and right sides. Additionally, you can adjust the height of the table to accommodate the workpiece height or obtain specialized drilling or sanding angles. Furthermore, you can move the table out of your way and use the drill press base as a table for sanding.
As earlier stated, this tool is versatile such that you can convert it from a drill to a sander in a matter of seconds with a simple use of a few tool-free procedures. The oscillation reduces the build-up of heat to leave your finish smooth when you are sanding.
The Summary of Top Features
- It has a motor with 3/4 HP and a 110-Volt
- This tool comes with a motor speed of 1,725 RPM, the spindle speed range of 250-3050 RPM
- The drill chuck of this tool is 5/8-Inch
- Spindle travels 3-1/4-Inch
- This tool includes a 3-piece spindle sander drum kit with a mandrel and 80 grit sanding paper that fits 1-Inch, 1-1/2-Inch, and 2-Inch drums.
Pros
- It’s a powerful tool
- This tool comes with a provision of both a drill and a sander
Cons
- There are cases where the motor fries up.
6. Dremel Drill Press Rotary Tool Workstation Stand with Wrench- 220-01- Mini Portable Drill Press- Versatile Choice
It’s a rotary tool station that gives you the benefit of a drill press, though on a but a miniature scale. You will require a Dremel tool for this press to operate.
This tool gives you the flexibility of creating angled holes in 15-degree increments and up to 90 degrees horizontal. You, therefore, can easily polish metal objects and sand different shapes.
What’s more is that this tool also gives you storage where you can keep your bits, wrenches, and accessories that you might need from time to time with related projects. This tool comes with a telescoping adjustment range of 16-29 inches. Therefore, you will find this little press effective for your creative needs.
The tool is an electric-powered drill press that comes with cord management clips for safe storage of the power cords safely. Its depth markings with depth stop further boost your drilling accuracy.
Additionally, this unit functions as a flex shaft stand, an essential tool for DIYers and hobbyists.
The Summary of Top Features
- It has a tool holder that holds a tool at 90 degrees horizontal for tasks like sanding, polishing of metals, etc.
- This tool comes with a flex shaft tool stand that allows for telescopic adjustment to any height in the 16 and 29 Inches range.
- It comes with storage for drill bits, wrenches, etc.
- The tool also has a cord management clips for storage of the power cords.
- It is compatible with Dremel Rotary Tool with the models like 100, 200, 275, 285, 300, 395, 398, 400, 800, 3000, 4000, 4200, 8100, 8200, 8220
Pros
- The tool is lightweight
- It’s versatile
- This tool comes with safety features
Cons
- You’ll need to buy a Dremel rotary tool for it to function like a drill press.
7. WEN 4225 8.6-Amp Variable Speed Floor Standing Drill Press
It is one of the best drill presses for woodworking from the WEN series of products. This tool comes with a 4-inch stroke that gives you an easy way to drill through a 4×4 board effortlessly. Its different speeds allow for a no-load range between 280-3300 RPM. Additionally, you get the advantage of a built-in work light that will enable you to operate in less lit rooms. Also, there’s the precision laser guide as well as a 5/8-inch chuck that adds versatility.
What’s more about this tool is the presence of the cast ironwork table that measures 12×12 inches in size and can pivot up to 45 degrees in either direction allowing you to customize your piece. It is a 15-inch model and powered by an 8.6-amp motor.
The spindle of this drill press travels 4-3/4 inches to deliver maximum cutting capacity. There’s also the onboard storage that allows you to store your tools with ease and safely.
Finally, this tool’s speed range lets it do a great job on softwood, hardwood, plastic, etc.
The Summary of Top Features
- Its 4-inch stroke makes drilling through 4×4 boards a breeze
- You can adjust the variable speed anywhere from 280 RPM to 3300 RPM
- This tool includes a built-in work light, a precision laser, a 5/8 inch chuck, and onboard chuck key storage; all these make working with this press so much easier.
- It has a 12-inch by 12-inch cast-iron work table that pivots up to 45 degrees in both directions.
Pros
- It has a 12-speed operation to customize your piece
- This tool has a very powerful induction motor that delivers great speed
- It comes with a precision laser for more accurate drills
- This drill press has a flexible work light for increased visibility
Cons
- This tool is heavy
Best Drill Press for Woodworking Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to buying a drill press, you need to know a few things to ensure that you get the best product possible and end up with the real value for your money.
Importance of A Drill Press To Woodworkers
Almost all woodworkers need to have a drill press in their shops, but why? I have looked at some of the importance of a drill press if you are a woodworking enthusiast. They include:
- Accuracy
Drill presses come with a lot of precision, so if you are not looking for this tool to help improve your projects’ efficiency, then there is no point in owning one.
- Improved Speed
With a drill press, you can quickly set specific angles and depths, which allows you to move through your work with extra speed. Even so, you need to approach it with caution. Overall, the tool will help to automate some of the processes that you might require in your woodworking tasks.
- Added Power
A drill press allows you to work for an extended duration; it does all the drilling work for you as you are only supposed to engage the mechanism.
- Provides Versatility
Today, you will find that most drill presses today have a provision to be equipped with wood sanders, grinders, etc.
Watch the video below to learn more about drill presses;
Features Of The Best Drill Presses
Drill presses are different, and they come with various features. In most cases, drill at the higher ends of price comes with several features, unlike the cheap ones. Even so, there are several key features that you need to consider in a drill press to ensure that you land the best product possible in the market.
- Variable Spindle Speeds
If you can buy a drill with many speeds available, you get the flexibility of handling many different tasks. Metal components, for example, require that you use low rates while their wood counterparts will, from time to time, need medium or high speeds.
- The Horsepower
If you are going to shop for this product, I recommend that you go for the one with at least ¾ HP motor. Going for anything less than this will confine you to the number of woodworking projects that you can handle with your tool.
- Depth Stop
How far is the quill of your tool able to descend? With the right answer to this question, your tool will help you handle every form of repetitive drilling projects; it is a feature that ensures you have a great level of consistency.
Conclusion
Every woodworker needs a drill press, as it is almost certain that you will do some drilling at some point in the course of your projects. Settling for the right drill press for woodworking adds you advantages as you are in a position to get the very best out of your projects.
My best drill press for woodworking is WEN 4214 Variable Speed Drill Press; this tool will give you all the features that you can use to handle virtually all your projects at hand.
Even as you look to shop, ensure that you read the buyer’s guide to help you get what’s right for your different tasks.
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Tyron Otieno
Tyron is an avid woodworker and writer. He founded this website to help other woodworkers, whether hobbyists or professionals by sharing his knowledge and experiencie after a decade of woodworking.