These features are particularly important if you’re operating the drill around young children.įrequently Asked Questions About Drill Presses Is a benchtop drill press worth it? Some benchtop drill presses offer features, like safety keys and bump-off switches, that help users safely operate the product. Since a benchtop drill press’ bit is housed and used in the open, it’s important to use caution when operating the tool. Extendable arms help the drill press accommodate materials of various sizes, as they can pull out or in based on the material’s width. Laser guides help the operator by pinpointing where the drill bit is headed, ensuring precision before the bit hits the material. Some benchtop drill presses come with accessories, like laser guides, clamps, and extendable arms, that help make the drilling process easier. Most benchtop drill presses have between 1⁄ 3 to 3⁄ 4 horsepower.

Though speed variability trumps horsepower when it comes to the usefulness of benchtop drill presses, it’s good to have a powerful unit for heavy-duty jobs. For example, wood is typically drilled at a higher RPM than metal, which needs to be drilled at a lower speed to prevent the bit from overheating. RPMs are important when drilling various types of material, as some require low RPMs while others call for high RPMs. Most benchtop drills offer variable speed drilling, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). The greater the travel ability, the deeper the drill press can bore. Rill travel is how far the drill chuck will go up or down. For example, a drill press with a length of 7.5 inches between the stand and the bit would be a 15-inch drill press. This is referred to as the swing of the drill press and represents the largest diameter piece the drill can handle. Drill Size and Travelĭrill presses are measured by twice the distance between their bit and the stand that supports the machine. In this buyer’s guide, we parse through the features, details, and specifications that differentiate benchtop drill presses to help you find one that suits your needs. Most Portable: Evolution Industrial Magnetic DrillĪ benchtop drill press is a great addition to any DIYer’s workshop.Best for Metal Drilling: DEWALT T wo-Speed Drill Press.Best Entry-Level: WEN Five-Speed Drill Press.Most Versatile: Jet Benchtop Drill Press.Best Radial: RIKON Power Tools Benchtop Drill Press.Best Heavy-Duty: WEN Variable Speed Drill Press.We also put together a comprehensive guide to buying tools to help you make an informed purchase. To help you select the right model, the This Old House Reviews team researched the best benchtop drill presses on the market. While the purpose of a benchtop drill press is straightforward, different models vary in size and drill bit compatibility, impacting the performance of each drill press. They’re particularly useful for projects that require the repetitive drilling of same-sized holes. To support this business model, This Old House may be compensated if you purchase through links on our website.īenchtop drill presses are powerful and metalworking and woodworking tools used to bore precise holes with minimal effort. Affiliate Disclosure: This Old House’s Reviews Team is committed to delivering honest, objective, and independent reviews on home products and services.

Home depot drill press