Are you the type of person that moves around a lot, but aren’t also willing to compromise on quality? If so, then a benchtop drill press might be an ideal instrument for you. Their compact size offers better transportability while taking up less space in your work area.
In this article, we won’t be selling you on their benefits anymore. That much is unquestioned. Instead, we’ll be identifying the top models currently available to consumers and learn about their best and worst features. Hopefully, receiving this knowledge will help simplify the selection process. At this point, you shouldn’t settle for a drill press that simply answers your needs, but enhances them.
Now without further adieu, here are our contenders for the top benchtop drill press on the market. We urge everyone canvassing through models to please check our review article out.
Benchtop Drill Press Comparison Table
Benchtop Drill Press | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Its 3.2-AMP motor delivers torque of up to 3,050-RPM for use on a wide variety of tasks - An X2 2-beam laser accurately measures with workpiece before beginning to drill | 4.8/5.0 | |
 | - A 0.67-horsepower motor is strong enough to rupture hardwood and soft metal - Styled with an aesthetically-pleasing design that instantly turns heads | 4.3/5.0 | |
 | - Perfectly combines both a drill press and sander into one solid power tool - The 13.25-inch swing capacity allows it to support larger materials without any hassle | 4.9/5.0 | |
 | - Designed with a revolving headstock to simplify the process of creating angled holds - Its whole body is structurally sound and won’t easily succumb to wear-and-tear | 5.0/5.0 | |
 | - Has a 100-watt motor for average everyday tasks - Very easy to mobilize and carry around | 4.2/5.0 | |
 | - Assembled using a cast-iron table to increase its life span for many years - Laser Tract crosshairs are in charge of ensuring that tool bits are properly assigned | 4.4/5.0 |
Benchtop Drill Press Reviews
The SKIL 3320-01 10-Inch Drill Press is an entry-level unit that perfectly blends quality and performance with affordability. Through the years, it has become a popular option for users in their quest to achieve success. Here are a few reasons why.
Among its many qualities is a 3.2-AMP motor at the center. It delivers a maximum drilling capacity of 3,050-RPM and comes with 5 pre-installed speed settings. Users are free to match each one with specific task requirements. Take note that it has enough strength to penetrate anything from wooden boards to thin metal sheets.
This model also comes with an X2 2-Beam Laser, a function that ensures precise alignment before drilling. We absolutely love how accurate its measurements are, not to mention user-friendly. It matches perfectly with the height adjustment system, working to place the workpiece in your most preferred locations.
All these features – and more – can be yours for an incredibly friendly price. The amount of value you are receiving with the SKIL 3320-01 10-Inch Drill Press is certainly enough reason to take a chance, particularly for those new to woodworking. Unfortunately, though, it’s better suited as a starter option rather than something professionals use.
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Another highly popular mid-tier option is the WEN 4210 Drill Press with Laser. This unit, similar to the SKIL 3320-01 10-Inch Drill Press, is well-built and capable of piercing through hardwood with relative ease. It even comes with a sizable tabletop to support larger workpieces.
Though unlike its competitors, the WEN 4210 Drill Press with Laser is unbelievably eye-catching. It sports an orange and black color tone that perfectly matches the metallic structure. All its major parts have likewise been assembled using cast-iron to enhance overall durability. That is, except for the plastic handles, which create a nice balance of sturdiness and comfort when being used. As such, you can work longer hours knowing it won’t get damaged or cause any stress to your body.
Moreover, a 0.67-horsepower induction motor performs smoothly and delivers enough torque to use on a variety of different jobs. You can simply mix-and-match the speed setting and drill bit size for each task requirement to fully maximize this tool’s capabilities.
We would recommend consumers seeking a great valued deal to seriously consider this option. It may not be the cheapest choice ever, but at least you’re getting something tried and tested in return. The WEN 4210 Drill Press with Laser, at the very least, will work to change your life in the most positive manner possible.
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Versatility is a commodity always in demand, and the Shop Fox W1668 offers lots of it. This machine combines both functions of a drill press and spindle sander to create one handy tool. Needless to say, there might not be a better deal on the market than this.
Besides practicality, stability is another feature offered by this unit. Its wide 13.25-inch swing capacity and simplistic height adjust system helps users better support workpieces. You can even tilt the worktable up to 90-degrees – or take it out completely – to maximize space.
Once you have your subject in the perfect position, a 0.75-horsepower motor delivers accurate drilling with minimal effort. Either that or you can activate the oscillating tool in mere seconds by following a few tool-free steps. The sander is fully-equipped to smoothen out the uneven edges in wood to create a clean finish.
Price-wise, the Shop Fox W1668 Benchtop Drill Press and Spindle Sander, unfortunately, costs more than the average unit. However, its wide range of benefits remains unmatched in terms of excellence and performance, making it a true value-for-money investment. As one of the best drill presses possibly ever, this is certainly a deal worth considering.
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Grizzly has long been a major player in this industry. Introducing innovations has become second nature, not to mention features that answer everyday consumer issues. The Grizzly G7945 Benchtop Radial Drill Press does all this – and with extreme style too – making it one of the best drill presses professionals could ever ask for.
Visually, this power tool shows that it means business. A hulking 31.5-inch frame and 34-inch swing capacity is proof of its ability to take on thicker materials without issue. It displays minimal signs of slowing down, even when being used for several hours straight. This durability is truly an ode to how well-built the products of Grizzly are.
Also, thanks to its radial configuration, the G7945 is built for delivering angled holes. So instead of having to tilt the worktable, just adjust the headstock to your preferred orientation. Once this happens, the drill bit will pierce the workpiece accurately, creating a clean hole. This function is especially beneficial for furniture-making or repairs, where drilling precision is of utmost importance.
Once you experience the Grizzly G7945 Benchtop Radial Drill Press’s might, it’ll be difficult to look elsewhere. It delivers amazing potency at 3,470-RPM. Though it only offers 5 pre-disposed settings, each one has been customized with a specific speed and depth for different tasks.
The only aspect we don’t particularly like about this benchtop drill press is its size. Those working within a limited space – or a tight budget – should, sadly, consider other options. However, if you can live with these deceptively minor disadvantages, then go on ahead and get one for yourself.
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The SE 97511 Mini Drill Press may lack the size and strength offered by benchtop models. But what it lacks in these areas, it more than makes up for in adaptability and high-performance. Here are some of its best qualities.
Pound for pound, the SE 97511 is perhaps one of the most powerful units available. A 100-watt motor produces enough torque for simple jobs, which includes jewelry making, basic home repairs, and do-it-yourself projects. Everything is then controlled using a 3-speed variable control system that delivers either 5,000, 6,500, or 8,000-RPM.
At the same time, this tool is incredibly durable, despite only weighing 2.8-lbs. Both its frame and table has been majorly reinforced, while the spindle height increased to 7.5-inches. These improvements allow for a more seamless transition towards larger workpieces while eliminating shaking all-together.
Still, its compactness remains the biggest reason for its popularity. Users from all around the world have expressed their admiration for the SE 97511 Mini Drill Press' handiness, not to mention its transportability. Thus, it perfectly suits individuals who are always on the move and traveling from one work area to another.
Other than that, we would highly recommend this unit for beginners. Not only is the learning curve more gentle, but so is the price. Owning and utilizing one of the best benchtop drill presses ever will undoubtedly take your skills to a whole new level.
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The Craftsman 12-Inch Drill Press is designed to provide supreme accuracy through a wide range of functions. It doesn’t matter whether you’re working with wood, plastic, acrylic, aluminum, or metal – this tool can get the job done faster than you say benchtop.
One of the main reasons for its effectivity is a potent 0.5-horsepower motor. Though this isn't exactly extraordinary, one cannot argue with results. It can drill through workpieces with minimal resistance and effort. A 2.44-inch spindle likewise guarantees more accurate results.
Aside from that, the Craftsman 12-Inch Drill Press also utilizes laser crosshairs for accurate subject measurement. This guide can help locate the center and align drill bits to enhance job quality. Moreover, there is a steel fence found on the tabletop to keep the workpiece from falling off.
Of course, none of this will be possible without a sturdy frame. The manufacturers behind this product made sure to cover this by using cast-iron when assembling the major components. This setup keeps everything in place while reducing unnecessary shaking.
All in all, the Craftsman 12-Inch Drill Press is, without a doubt, a quality option worth discerning over. Just be sure to inquire on their website whether they ship to your home address or not. Otherwise, you might need to think of alternative solutions.
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FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are benchtop drill presses best suited for?
Since these models are relatively smaller and produce less power, we wouldn’t recommend them to hardcore woodworkers or professionals occupied with large-scale projects. Instead, benchtop drill presses, in general, are more suited for hobbyists, everyday users, and DIY enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the types of tasks you utilize them on must be within the simple to mid-tier. Do not, under any circumstance, roll them out for industrial or highly-mechanical occupations. Exposing them to harsher conditions might restrict their efficiency or worse, incur damages with long-lasting effects.
2. How much does a benchtop drill press usually cost?
On average, these power tools would cost anywhere from $150 up to $500. Of course, the exact value would be determined based on brand, completeness of features, warranty, and other factors. However, if you want to ensure that you’re getting the best deal – for yourself – here’s what we would recommend.
Before anything, you need to set a firm budget. Once you have an amount in mind, focus on finding units within that price range only. If you encounter a drill press that’s even slightly over your allotment, move on and forget about it. Then, compile a list of 10 best deal you found and begin your selection process from there. You still have a long way to go, but at least half your problem will have been already accomplished.
3. What is an ideal warranty package to target?
One of the factors we advocate for the most is the warranty. And for those that still don’t understand its value, listen up because we’re only saying this once more.
Warranty is like your life insurance. When something unforeseen and truly tragic happens, you’ll be protected. Just as beneficiaries receive payouts in certain situations, manufacturers likewise extend service and parts replacement should the need arise. Of course, this depends on whether or not you’re still covered by the warranty period.
Still, when you’re going through models, try to find the best warranty package. This should include a 30-day money-back guarantee (2 weeks works too), standby for parts within the first year, and unlimited consultation. Don’t ever skimp on this feature because it would mean life and death between your benchtop table saw, or other appliances for that matter.
Do this now because waiting until tomorrow might be too late.
Conclusion
Benchtop drill presses, indeed, are a wonderful power tool worth the investment. We hope that through our article, your knowledge, appreciation, and understanding was deepened further. Most importantly is that you identified a model that perfectly fits your lifestyle.
As for us, we would like to share our recommendation to you. Based on price, quality, and functionality, we believe that the best benchtop drill press currently available to the public is the Grizzly G7945 Benchtop Radial Drill Press. Though it might be slightly more expensive, we believe its set of features is truly worth it. Investing in this won’t just make your life simpler, but also push you into reaching greater heights.
Its ability to make users better is our simple reason for crowning it as the crème dela crème of benchtop drill presses.
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