Drill Press

Have you ever walked into a hardware or supply store just to canvass through the power tools? I have – and it’s an experience that always leaves me in awe and amazement. Seeing each machine, learning about what they do, and imagining myself using them has only deepened my passion for this industry.

Through the years, a machine that has constantly piqued my interested is a drill press. In terms of function, we all know what this does – it punctures holes of varying sizes and depths inside of wood. But this isn’t what astonishes me; it’s the way force moves from the switch, through the gears, before finally reaching the drill bit. How does this seemingly modest process create so much power? Most importantly, in what other ways could it be vital to the construction process?

In this best drill press review, we’ll be answering these questions and more. Our goal is to deepen everyone’s appreciation while also discussing the top models currently on the market. Hopefully, through our insights, we can make selecting one much easier for you. Please read along to learn more.

What Is A Drill Press?

Drill presses are an essential cog in the business of woodworking. Their ability to perforate through all types of materials – and in an efficient manner – gives users some much-needed relief. As such, these instruments allow you to save time, while also conserving energy for other more important tasks.

Now that we’ve identified their purpose, how exactly do these work?

Well, it’s quite simple, really. Drill presses transfer energy from a source (usually an outlet or battery pack) directly to its motor. This revs up the engine to spin profusely, engaging the gears and shifting power to the drill bit. Finally – with the force at its peak – the bit makes contact with a workpiece creating an insertion.

The significance of owning a drill press is seen in its widespread popularity. Certified carpenters and contractor occasionally use them on jobsites, as do manufacturers of furniture, artists, craftsmen, and even DIY enthusiasts. Controlling them, likewise, is relatively simple. Though it might take a while before doing so accurately. Still, the learning curve isn’t steep at all, which is yet another reason for people’s fondness for it.

To deepen our understanding, let’s take a quick tour through its different parts.

Main Parts of a Drill Press

Contrary to popular belief, drill presses aren’t complicated. It may just seem this way because of how engineered everything is. In this sub-section, we’d like to share what its six chief components are, discuss their roles, and understand how each one complements the others to create a well-oiled machine.

When you see a drill press, do inspect the tabletop and make sure it is screwed on properly. We also recommend checking if it uses the same material as its bottom. This isn’t just for aesthetical purposes, but also functionality and uniformity. The consistency will be a simple indicator of how well everything is put together.

Feed Lever and Controls

Though not always found beside each other, both the feed lever and control switch are integral aspects of drilling. Aside from regulating the speed, depth, or direction of your drill press, these mechanisms likewise turn everything on and off. 

Among all the main parts, these are probably the most exposed to you. On some cases, they may even have a better overall impact. So before initializing the machine, make sure to have everything else in order. Lower the crank to a height you’re comfortable with and select your desired settings. Then, press the power button and stand back as the bit bores holes into the wood. Just be alert in case chippings are hurled your way.

Nevertheless, controlling a drill press is this simple and will undoubtedly make every work session more hassle-free than it already is.

Chuck and Bit

A chuck is an accessory that connects the drill to its bit. This tiny fixture, if you will, is predominantly responsible for carrying and it too, rotates at a constant pace. One part is linked directly to the machine while the other – an opening with a thread inside – is where you can screw in the drilling piece.

Upon buying a drill press, you’ll notice that the chuck already arrives pre-installed. They need only slight adjustments and typically follow a standard design. As such, there’s no need to buy an extra unless it gets broken. 

The bits, on the other hand, are a whole different case. These come in a wider variety, often by size. Their diameter ranges anywhere from 0.5 to 1.5-inches, each one serving an exact role. Our suggestion is to carry at least 4 bits so you have a little bit more versatility when working. You’ll be able to mix and match the apparatus with what exactly the job requires.

Practical Applications and Uses

One thing we’ve been mentioning constantly is that owning a drill press gives you greater flexibility. This means doing more tasks with less time and resources at your disposal. 

Now in this sub-section, we’re not here to give generic terms like woodworking or livelihood; we want to focus on the practical applications. Hopefully, identifying these will guide you in discerning whether buying one is worth the investment.

One clear advantage is that it infiltrates quickly without showing any signs of slowing down. For example, a random reader shared how he used a drill press in fixing his refrigerator door. Since it was made from really thick plastic, he had trouble utilizing a regular screwdriver. So instead, he took out a more robust device, made four holes in ten minutes, and the problem was solved.

Needless to say, these tools can help cut your working time in half so you can concentrate on other more important things.

3. Creation of Art

Everybody needs a way to express themselves and for many, it’s through an art form. This, of course, isn’t just limited to paintings but all sorts of sculptures. Laying down different articles to generate unique patterns is an inventive way of conveying your thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Operating a drill press won’t just fast track this undertaking; it also forms connections you never thought we possible. Linking a wooden board with a piece of metal may seem unthinkable, yet it becomes a possibility, thanks to this device’s abilities. Ultimately, your once imaginative ideas can now turn into a reality.

Different Types of Drill Presses

It’s no surprise that drill presses come in all shapes and sizes, each one with their specialization. Consumers will need to familiarize themselves with these types so they can choose one that best fits their needs.

In this section, we’ll be discussing what the two main archetypes are, describing them, and identifying some best examples of each. Once you familiarize yourself, this one daunting task will feel so much more manageable.

Benchtop Drill Press Reviews

A benchtop model is smaller than regular drill presses. These variations have shorter bases, come with a reduced worktable and are typically situated atop counters. This puts users in a better position when working. The good thing about them, though, is they are much easier to transport and perfectly fit the nomadic lifestyle. People who move around a lot are their primary clientele.   

To better describe them, we’ve compiled a lit of the best benchtop drill presses on the market, beginning with these examples. Hopefully, learning more will help you form a deeper appreciation for that offer.

Floor Drill Press Reviews

Floor drill presses, conversely, are the complete opposite of bench-tops. They are much bigger versions and assembled with a taller base that’s usually put directly on the floor. We’ve also noticed that the majority of models are built more steadfastly, though they are more difficult to transport. As such, floor drills are far better suited for stationary positions than being brought around.

In this next segment, we’d like to what the top qualities of these types are, while also presenting three top models. If you’re interested in reading our full list, continue to our article via this link.

What to Consider When Buying a Drill Press

After going through our recommended models, we would now like to discuss the factors that play a major role in decision making. Hopefully, reading through these will help make the process much easier for you.

1. Size of the Working Table

At this point in our best drill press review, we’ve come to realize just how handy having an able-sized work table is. Not only can a larger variation support heftier materials, but they also offer you more space to work with. Thus, this can directly affect the quality of work you produce.

So when canvassing through models, make sure the tabletop size is attuned to your expected types of work. Though to be sure, it’s always better to get something bigger. Do check also how far it tilts. As we’ve mentioned earlier, we wouldn’t recommend going for anything less than 90-degrees.

2. Overall Size and Stockiness

Are you the type of user that moves around a lot and brings your tools too? If your answer to this question is yes, then you might need something more compact. Smaller options like bench-top models are easier to mobilize and take up less space. They’re more suited for contractors or carpenters always on the go and who work in limited areas.

On the other hand, those that work in a constant spot are granted more flexibility. Both of the drill press types we discussed could be viable choices for them. Just be sure that when choosing a floor press variant, you need to finalize where to put it. Lest you might find it difficult to move later on.

3. Miscellaneous Additions – Lights, Lasers, and Dust Collectors

These add-ons may seem superfluous, but they’re actually essential to the working process. Function like a gooseneck light, dual dust collectors, or an extra adaptor, are included in the package to make your experience better. Most importantly, these are clear indicators of how well the manufacturers know your needs. As simple as they may be, they display the level of commitment companies have to make your lives much more convenient.

When going through different variations, try to match these additions to your own specific needs. It won’t be until later on that you realize just how much you need and appreciate them.

 4. Warranty Package

A factor that we constantly recommend is a warranty and with good reason. Investing in a thorough package is essential because it serves as your safety net when something goes wrong. In the event of a malfunction, factory damage, or fortuitous events, you can easily turn to the makers for swift action, no questions asked. As a result, you save time, money, and tons of effort in the process.

So when presented with several options, we advise leaning towards one with at least 2-year warranty. Drill presses, on the average, do not come cheap so think of this as their insurance. Try to include also a money-back guarantee and free after-sales labor for a set amount of time. Though this may seem intimidating at first, the juice is well worth the squeeze.

5. Speed Compatibility

The final element on our list may seem surprising, but it’s something we feel is necessary. Instead of pushing you towards a model with absolute drilling ability, having flexibility might be a little bit better. Therefore, we advocate for models that offer multiple speed settings.

This versatility should help you better cater to each task. Since every project has its own set of requirements, having more options shifts control over to you and augments the tool further. Users already with a load of experience can share just how convenient having this can be.

FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions

In this next section, we’ll be answering the most often asked questions by users, for users. We understand that drill presses still seem quite complicated and we’re here to shed light on any misconceptions or misunderstandings. Should you have any further clarifications, leave us a message and we’ll do our best to get back to you.

1. Is size the only difference between a bench-top and floor drill press?

Though the size is a major distinction, it isn’t the only property that differentiates these two types. Cutting strength, mobility, and endurance – just to name a few – are also potential elements to be considered. At the end of the day, each one has its advantages and disadvantages. It’s all about identifying which among the two best fits your needs. 

2. How much does a drill press usually cost?

Again, the expense will depend greatly on the features. Though it is possible to segment options into three sub-sections: entry-level, mid-level, and high-end. On average, the first tier models cost less than $400, mid-tier choices are between $500 to $700, while the top-tier choices are usually above $1000.

3. Who are the people best suited for this tool?

Anybody from constructions workers, artists, masons, or housewives can own a machine like this. Drill presses, in all honesty, are extremely flexible power tools with a wide range of uses. They can be utilized anywhere from massive construction sites to everyday repairs at home. Therefore, if you’re looking for a quick way to produce holes in thick materials, then this could be a tool for you.

Conclusion

Learning more about the best drill presses has been an enlightening journey for us and we hope you learned something too. These tools often have the impression of being too expensive or intricate, yet a closer look will reveal that they’re not. On the contrary, they make our jobs much easier, while also prolonging resources.

Choosing what model to invest in is the same way. In the beginning, this task may seem demoralizing, yet it becomes easier as you break everything down. Essentially, the core of this decision-making journey is all about yourself. Find a tool that works best for you, answers your needs to the best of its abilities, and is right up your budget. Once you tick all these boxes, there is no doubt in our mind that you’re making the correct choice.

Always remember, there is no perfect choice out there; just one that’s perfect for you.