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A benchtop drill press is a powerful machine that can be used for many different purposes. It is typically compact and will stand on a table or workbench with its base firmly planted on the surface as it drills holes in various materials. Benchtop drill presses are usually equipped with electronic speed control systems that allow you to adjust the speeds of the machine smoothly. This is in contrast to traditional belt-driven machines which require you to stop the machine when you change speeds.
A drill press would provide great precision and deficiency on any woodworking project. If you find yourself drilling repetitively, it’s high time you consider a drilling press to speed up your workflow. In this article, I will highlight the best benchtop drill presses you should consider adding to your workshop.
Best Benchtop Drill Presses
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | SHOP FOX W1669 1/2-Horsepower Benchtop Radial Drill Press | 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | WEN 4210T 10 In. Drill Press with Laser | 9.5 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | JET JWDP-12, 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 1/2HP, 115V 1PH (716000) | 9.1 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Grizzly Industrial G0925 – 8″ Baby Benchtop Drill Press | 8.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | MINIQ Bench Drill Stand 710W Mini Electric Bench Drilling Machine | 8.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | BILT HARD 10 inch 12-Speed Drill Press, Benchtop Drilling Machine | 8.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Adjustable Bench Drill Press Stand, Universal Drill Workbench | 8 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press | 7.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Genesis GDP1005A 10″ 5-Speed 4.1 Amp Drill Press with 5/8″ Chuck | 7.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Rikon 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press | 7.2 | Check Price on Amazon |
Last update on 17th March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Our Recommended Bench Top Drill Presses:
SHOP FOX W1669 1/2-Horsepower Benchtop Radial Drill Press
- Motor: 1/2 hp, 110v, 5a
- Overall height: bench model: 31-1/2″
- Overall height: bench model: 31-1/2″
- Number of speeds: 5
- Drill chuck: 5/8″
- Range of speeds: 550, 880, 1,520, 2,490, 3,470 RPM.
- Motor: 1/2 HP, 110 volts.
- Table tilts: 90-degrees in both directions.
Last update on 17th March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for the best addition to your workshop, then look no further. This is a great option that can be found relatively cheap for its features. It features a powerful motor that can easily handle even the most demanding projects. It has 5 speeds to choose from that range from 550 RPM up to 3470 RPM.
This commercial-grade drill press features 90 degrees tilt in both directions. This is very handy to have and no other drill press in our list comes with such a versatile design. If you are looking for a powerful machine that offers great accuracy and flexibility, this one is worth every penny. It is advisable to take a closer look at this one while researching.
WEN 4210T 10 In. Drill Press with Laser
- Includes: drill press, class II 1mW laser, 1/2″ keyed chuck & key, tools for assembly
- Adjust between five speeds from 600 to 3100 RPM
- Spindle travel of 2-1/2” with easy to read, locking linear depth stop for accurate and repeatable drilling operations
- Durable 3.2-amp motor provides ample torque and power
- 7-5/8 x 7-5/8″ cast iron worktable features rack & pinion height adjustment and bevels up to 45 degrees left & right
Last update on 17th March 2023 / Affiliate Links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It features a variable speed motor that can be toggled between five speeds up to 3100 RPM. It allows up to 45 degrees tilt and comes with a large enough worktable to accommodate large projects. If you are looking for an easy to assemble and run drill press, this one wins our vote.
What Can You Do With a Bench Top Drill Press?
Benchtop drill presses are usually used for smaller jobs in workshops, garages, and home use. However, some professional systems can be found in machine shops where the larger machines would get in the way of full-size workpieces. These benchtop machines usually imitate larger counterpart drill presses by having a handwheel to control the speed of the spindle and an adjustable speed control system that allows for easy switching. This makes it practical for several different uses, including metalworking, woodworking, drilling holes in rocks (for hobbyists), and more.
Although any drill press can be used to do many different things just like a larger machine can, benchtop drill presses are designed more to work with smaller materials. Some of these include metal, plastic, wood, and ceramic. For example, if you want to drill holes in a metal carcass or furniture then you would probably need some type of benchtop machine that had power enough for the task without becoming too bulky.
The spindle moves up and down through the center of the head. The table, which is usually stationary but may also be moveable with hand-wheel controls, supports the material you are drilling.
The spindle is driven by an electric motor that is belt-driven or gear-driven. Gear-driven drill presses have a set of gears in them that allow the machine to switch speeds without having to stop the machine.
Benchtop drill presses are usually designed to be small enough for easy mobility, yet strong enough to perform their intended tasks. This means that they are not the most powerful type of drill press, but are usually made with special materials in order to have a long output life while remaining relatively lightweight.
What Are the Different Types of Benchtop Drill Presses?
Benchtop drill presses are usually divided into two different categories:
Vertical Spindle Drill Presses – these have the spindle located vertically. This makes them perfect for drilling holes in flat workpieces but does not allow for angles to be drilled very easily. Also, if you want to use a large chuck on one of these machines then it will require a lot of space and the machine may be unstable as a result.
Vertical and Horizontal Spindle Drill Presses – this variation is similar to the first, but the spindle can move both vertically and horizontally so that you can drill holes at various angles. The vice versa for using larger chunks. Specialized machines can drill holes at an angle, but the models that are suitable for this job are more expensive.
Why Buy a Bench Top Drill Press?
Many people purchase benchtop drill presses for their workshops or garages because they are smaller and more coarsely made. Everyone should closely consider all of their options before purchasing a drill press, especially since large models will do most jobs better even though they cost more.
Smaller drill presses are commonly used in metalworking shops, woodworking shops, and by craftsmen. However, most people do not need such powerful tools to perform their jobs and would instead require a smaller machine like a benchtop drill press.
These machines are usually lighter than their larger counterparts, which makes them easier to transport from one area of the house or shop to another. This can make it easier for you to switch the location of your workstation and it will make storage much easier.
These types of benchtop drill presses usually do not require as much maintenance as larger counterparts, which means that there is less risk that you might damage them if you clean or service them incorrectly. This can be a great convenience for people who are new to using this powerful tool.
Bench Top Drill Press vs a Standard Hand Drill
Any drill press can do limited drilling, but most benchtop models cannot perform the same functions as a standard drill. Benchtop machines are usually used for smaller jobs, dowel holes, small metalwork, and repetitive drilling applications—not for larger woodworking tasks.
A hand drill is more useful if you will be working with medium to large-sized drill bits and lag bolts. You can get a good workout if you plan on doing a lot of drilling with your hand drill, but many people still prefer to have the help of a machine when it comes to repetitive tasks or precision holes in metal objects.
A standard hand drill has a smaller chuck than either a benchtop model or an industrial model.
If the size of your job is small enough then a standard hand drill can be used without too much trouble, but most people will opt for a benchtop drill press if they need a powered hole-making machine instead.
These machines are usually more affordable than full-size models, but they do not have the same amount of power. Some models will be smaller and lighter than others, which means that you can move them around your workspace or even take them to different locations if necessary.
Benchtop drill presses should not be used for cutting holes in metal or plastic—only for drilling holes in wood and similar materials.
Most people who need a drill press use it to create precise holes in pieces of material, so the machine needs to be able to handle very small bits and to do so with minimal vibration. Many benchtop models also have an adjustable height to accommodate different-sized materials and projects.
There is a faster rate of drilling with a benchtop drill press than with most standard hand drills, which can make it easier to complete repetitive tasks or different operations in your workshop. This type of drill press is not recommended for use in an industrial setting, but it can be vital for homeowners or hobbyists.
What to Consider When Buying a Benchtop Drill Press
The following features and aspects should be considered before you buy:
Horsepower
This is an especially important feature if your tasks will involve larger projects. Benchtop drill presses with lower horsepower can still handle most jobs, but they might struggle for heavy-duty projects that require larger bits and more power.
Larger drills will also need more power, which means that you should expect to pay a little bit extra for larger machines. Benchtop drill presses usually have horsepower ratings from one up to about three. If your tasks include anything over 2 inches in diameter or with bits above 3/4-inch then you should consider buying an industrial model instead.
Height Settings
This is another factor that you will need to consider if your tasks include drilling holes in thicker pieces of material or using larger bits. Height settings should be adjustable so that you can work with different materials, and they should remain secure once they have been adjusted.
Reverse Function
This feature allows you to lock the position of the drill at 0 degrees, which should make drilling holes safer. Some benchtop drill presses also have an anti-kickback function which reduces vibration when the bit jams or encounters heavy resistance. Not all models will come with both features, which means that you should consider your own personal needs when buying.
Variable Speeds
The speed of rotation is also important when it comes to different types of materials. Faster speeds are needed in some cases, while slower speeds are preferred for more sensitive materials. Variable-speed settings can help in either case, so consider this feature before you buy if you will be using the drill press for different tasks and materials.
Storage
Storage is an important factor for benchtop drill presses because they are large tools. You will need somewhere to keep the machine when you are not using it, and this could be anything from a dedicated storage space to simply tucking it away under your workbench.
Work Table Dimensions
The overall size of a benchtop drill press is usually smaller than other types, but the table dimensions are similar because this one will also need to fit material underneath it.
You can find many different benchtop drill presses available online and in-home improvement stores, making it easy to find a suitable option for your needs. They usually have between 20 and 40 inches of table length, which will be enough for most purposes.
If you need a high degree of accuracy then make sure that this feature is available on your potential purchase. It is not something that every benchtop drill press will have, so keep this in mind if you need to be able to work at very specific angles.
Safety Features
Every benchtop drill press should have essential safety features, including an emergency stop button and lock-on trigger. The latter feature means that you can keep the machine constantly running without holding down the trigger. The emergency stop button should also be easy to reach at all times, especially for those who are not used to using these types of tools
An onboard light is another useful feature, which will allow you to keep track of your drilling progress. A work light can also help if you are working in darker locations or with materials that are more difficult to see through. It is not a critical feature but it can make some jobs easier.
A laser guide can help with more precise work and projects that require high accuracy. Some benchtop drill presses have this feature while others do not, so you will need to decide if it is necessary for your tasks.
Drill Size & Travel
The size of the drill press can be measured in inches or millimeters, and its travel is how far the chuck will be able to move from side to side. This is important for larger projects like creating holes in wood panels.
The depth control determines how deep a hole can be drilled into a material. This scale is usually measured in inches or millimeters, and the range should be appropriate for most home tasks. Larger machines will have higher maximum depths.
Price and Warranty
These tools are generally more affordable than other types so they can be a good choice for many people.
Benchtop drill presses come in a range of different sizes and styles, and it is important to choose one that fits your specific needs.
Each machine comes with its own accessories and safety features, so take the time to check out what is included with your potential purchase. You should also consider any warranty coverage or return policies that are available for these types of tools. As long as you pick a model from a reputable company then you should be able to get it serviced or replaced if needed.
