A floor drill press is a powerful tool capable of thriving on a construction site. It’s a rare blend of strength, speed, and stability – four incredibly sought-after qualities by consumers – allows it to be utilized in a variety of different tasks. Not only can it puncture holes in wood, but also other types of materials like hard plastic and even metal sheets.
Compared with other types of drill presses, floor models are slightly larger and built more robustly. This added size helps to be more resistant to harsher environments, while also producing greater drilling strength. As such, they are a common weapon of choice for professional carpenters, masons, and contractors. Needless to say, these machines work to make our lives more convenient.
In this article, we’d like to share our picks for the top floor drill press currently on the market. We’ll be going through each model and enumerate their strengths, weaknesses, and best features. Hopefully, knowing these details will help simplify the selection process. Most importantly, we aspire to help you find the option that perfectly matches your needs.
If you’re currently in search of an instrument like this, make it a point to read our best floor drill press review. We guarantee it to be worth your time.
Floor Drill Press Comparison Table
floor drill press | features | editor's rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | - Is packaged with an oscillating tool that helps even out rough edges on wood - Delivers a maximum speed of 3,050-RPM to be utilized on a different tasks | 4.8/5.0 | |
 | - Sports a revolutionary depth lock with ball knob setup for easier height adjustment - 3,410-RPM of power is produced by a 0.75-HP motor to bore through wood or metal | 3.0/5.0 | |
 | - Offers the highest speed capacity in its class at 4,200-RPM - Includes a bendable gooseneck light to help illuminate dimly-lit areas | 4.0/5.0 | |
 | - Structurally engineered for larger workpieces and more intense types of jobs - A 4.75-inch spindle delivers deeper cuts that lead to a better quality of woodworks | 4.3/5.0 | |
 | - A Twin Laser setup improves your drilling accuracy, even while in the dark - A heavy-duty work motor and solid tabletop combo is fit especially for large wooden planks and metal sheets | 5.0/5.0 |
Floor Drill Press Reviews
Shop Fox is a brand virtually synonymous with grade-A power tools. Through thirty years of existence, they’ve erected a solid reputation for knowing exactly what consumers want and introducing products that cater to these needs. The Shop Fox W1848 Floor Drill Press is just one example of this truth.
One major reason for its unparalleled popularity is the presence of a solid variable-speed motor. It delivers a maximum drilling strength of 3,050-RPM, a rate that’s more than capable of piercing through hardwood and metal. Users, though, can utilize it on other less-intense jobs too. Just change the speed by selecting any of the 12 pre-installed settings and match it with the task at hand.
Its drill chuck is another valuable innovation worth taking note of. This connector is compatible with bits ranging from 1/64-inch to 5/8-inch in size. Having a wide variety of accessories at your disposal – which includes those manufactured by other companies – is a supreme convenience because it allows you to maximize every part of this tool. As a result, the Shop Fox W1848 instantly becomes usable for more types of tasks.
But what truly sets the Shop Fox W1848 Floor Drill Press apart from its competitors is the presence of an oscillating tool. Besides drilling, it can also create fine finishes and even out edges, which only enhances your level of work. Moreover, moving from drilling to sanding operations won’t require much time or effort as well. Just shift the belts around and you’re already good to go.
Users seriously considering this drill press must know it’s slightly more expensive than similar choices. Though we believe it’s worth the added expense. The Shop Fox W1848 Floor Drill Press is easily one of the best floor drill presses, something you should strongly consider to buy.
Pros
Cons
If you want a tool that offers you the highest quality and performance, all at an affordable price, then the Klutch 2705S058 Floor Drill Press is an ideal choice. Its powerful 0.75-horsepower motor can handle almost all of your drilling jobs – both for metal and wood – and provide you with a slew of other benefits too.
This option has a 13-inch swing size, able to penetrate workpieces of varying sizes without much difficulty. It also comes with 16 pre-installed speed settings – the most in this category – so you can customize the power specifically for each project. For example, selecting the 260-RPM is best suited for thin metal sheets easily without generating any heat, while increased levels mean drilling through thicker materials. Once you reach its maximum of 3,410-RPM, you can bore through virtually anything.
Adjusting the work table has likewise been made easier, thanks to a depth lock with ball knob system. Simply spin its level to move the platform either upward or downward, then twist the locking mechanism to hold its position. You no longer have to guess or estimate anything. This setup places the structure exactly where you want it.
Unfortunately for users, its table angle can only be bent up to 45-degrees, which is well below the standard. Don’t get us wrong; this arrangement is still workable. We would have just wanted it to be at least 90-degrees for all-out versatility. The manufacturers attempt to make up for this, though, by adding cool fixtures like a gooseneck LED light and chuck key for smoother operation.
As a whole, the Klutch 2705S058 Floor Drill Press may not be the most comprehensive choice out there, but still serviceable. Throw in the fact that it won’t cost you much to own and you suddenly have a strong option for all your woodworking needs.
Pros
Cons
The JET 354170 20-Inch Floor Drill Press is an excellent choice for professional and home woodworkers alike, despite its high ticket price. For more than 50 years, JET has been introducing products that solve the need of every modern-day consumer. This model is nothing less than exceptional from JET and will undoubtedly provide you with a seemingly endless supply of power, efficiency, and reliability.
This tool comes with a 1.5-horsepower motor that's twice as strong as any option on our list. It possesses the ability to pierce through a larger variety of materials – specifically those that are thicker – and accomplish tasks in half the time it usually takes entry-level models.
The JET 354170 20-Inch Floor Drill Press also comes with 12 different speed settings ranging from 150 to 4,200-RPM, giving you the freedom to mix and match each function for specific projects. Best of all, switching gears is so simple to do. Just tug on the hinged metal pulley and belt to increase and decrease the pace – it's that simple.
Given its large size, heavier workpieces up to 80-lbs can effortlessly rest on its tabletop. You won’t need to worry about making manual adjustments because the structure is so secure. Truly, you won’t have any reason to question its integrity, especially since this drill press includes a 2-year limited warranty package, which shows just how committed JET is to your well-being. Not all companies offer this add-on and is just a cherry on top of a truly amazing package.
Interested buyers, though, might need to reach deep into their wallets since the JET 354170 20-Inch Floor Drill Press does not come cheap. We would much rather recommend this to a seasoned veteran rather than a wide-eyed beginner. Nevertheless, it should still be a valuable addition to any work area.
Pros
Cons
Another quality unit that’s both reliable and reasonably priced is the WEN 4227 Floor Level Drill Press. Just by looking at the unit itself, you can see how very durably it is built. The frame is robust at 214-lbs and connected to a solid 14-inch cast-iron frame. Users that require more support while working will find this development quite beneficial.
Aside from being hardwearing, the worktable is also entirely flexible, both literally and figuratively. Users can tilt this platform up to 45-degrees in either direction and maximize the space to fit workpieces of different sizes. Furthermore, the presence of a 4.75-inch spindle provides better reach when drilling. There’s no longer need to manually adjust the piece when achieving the depth you want.
In terms of power produced, the WEN 4227 Floor Level Drill Press is right up there, if not better than the other top models. A 13-AMP motor drives this machine into producing as much as 2,940-RPM, which may seem low compared to other models. While this is hardly exceptional in terms of numbers, we believe it to still be tough enough for professionals to use on a daily basis. Hard plastic, plywood, and even metal are no match for its impeccable penetrating capabilities. Best of all, you can be assured that it won’t choke or slow down, even on the most difficult of projects.
Though this machine is intendedly mainly for professionals, the gentle learning curve has made it a popular alternative for beginners too. Those seeking a wide-ranging option – and are ready to spend on it – will soon realize the WEN 4227 Floor Level Drill Press is surely something worth considering.
Pros
Cons
Being the final item on our best floor drill press review is not an indicator of insignificance. In truth, the Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press is one of the most popular models in the world and has the resume to back this claim up. Even just the sound of its name gets people in a frenzy, mainly because they know what this tool is capable of.
One of its best features is an auto-tension belt driving system that enables quick and hassle-free changing of speeds. All you have to do is push the handle, adjust the belts, then move the arm back up, and the engine automatically follows through. This setup also puts very little stress on your arms and preserves the momentum you have so meticulously created. There’s no longer a need to steep each time an adjustment needs to be made, which is certainly a breath of fresh air for woodworkers.
A revolutionary laser system called the Twin Laser is another element worth mentioning. When initialized, the Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press projects two bright red beams on the working surface. Both beams are adjustable and let you work more accurately on your workpieces since it serves as a guide before drilling.
This function also comes with an LED light to help brighten up dimly-lit work locations. Its bulb is connected to an elastic neck piece so it can be directed to practically any position, which should drastically help improve your vision.
All these elements, combined with 0.75-horsepower, 16-speed motor equate to a reliable power tool built for any situation. Easily, the Delta 18-900L is arguably the best floor drill press money can buy. Take a closer look at it if you’re looking to take your talents to the next level.
Pros
Cons
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who are floor drill presses best suited for?
As you have probably already noticed by now, a floor drill press – when compared to other types – is larger, more powerful, and has a higher price tag. And while we don’t want to generalize, these properties are far more suited for professionals serious about putting in the work. In our opinion, only those truly passionate about this craft can maximize the range of uses it offers.
However, just like anything in life, there are certainly some exceptions. So if you’re a newbie who’s fully committed and interested to learn more about woodcrafts, then, by all means, be our guest. Just remember that to be successful, you’ll need to invest both money and patience in this endeavor.
2. How much does a standard floor drill press cost?
On average, a mid-level model would cost you anywhere between $400 to $700. These options would usually include a solid variable-speed motor, a durable base, and a few add-on accessories. Although if you’ll be needing something much more complex, expect its price tag to reach quadruple digits. $1000 to $1200 should be a safe estimate for that.
3. Are these power tools really difficult to transport?
The easy answer here is yes. As their name suggests, floor models are meant to be kept on the ground, which means their bases are sturdier, while also supporting larger work tables. As such, before even purchasing a unit, think first where you are putting it and if there’s enough space around. These are both logical considerations that could have potential long-term effects.
Though floor drill presses aren’t impossible to move, this is still quite a challenge to accomplish. And after all, isn’t it way better to get it right the first time?
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect floor drill press is far from an easy task. With so many factors that need to be considered, even the slightest of missteps can lead to catastrophic effects – or at least a product you aren’t happy with. So when canvassing through your options, we urge you to take a more personal approach. Begin with knowing what you want before drowning in the sea of choices. Determine also what your priorities are.
In our case, we value performance above anything else. This means we are willing to sacrifice both price and portability to get our hands on the smoothest running model out there. Thus, we believe that the Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press is what our heart – and woodworking soul – desires. Its blend of drilling strength and motor speed is just too good to pass up.
How about you? What is your pick for the best floor drill press currently available to consumers?
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