We can all agree that benchtop drill press is an essential tool for workshops and household garage.
Every few months there are hundreds of new benchtop drill press models available on the market. Most of them have new, unique and innovative features that you never heard about before.
Therefore, we must conclude that finding the appropriate benchtop drill press can be a daunting task, primarily if you cannot test it.
We have conducted a list of exciting models that are worthy to spend your money on. The idea is to create the groundwork for quality and valuable information so that you can make a quality purchase.
That is the main reason why we decided to present you best benchtop drill press review and buying guide 2020:
| Model Name | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Dremel 220-01 | Three-in-one Best Benchtop Drill Press | $ |  |
| Palmgren Arbor press | Heavy Duty Benchtop Drill Press | $$ | |
| HFS (Tm) 5" (Editor’s Choice) | Perfect Benchtop Drill Press For Milling Machine | $$ | |
| Goplus 5" | Durable and Lightweight Benchtop Drill Press | $ | |
| WEN 4212 | Best Semi-Professional Benchtop Drill Press | $$$ | |
| Universal 4" | Heavy Duty Benchtop Drill Press for Household Use | $ | |
| Shop Fox W1667 | Best Oscillating Benchtop Drill Press | $$$ | |
1. Dremel 220-01 – Three-in-one Best Benchtop Drill Press
The Dremel 220-01 benchtop drill press is one of the best and most reliable pieces of household drilling equipment. You will get three in one versatility so that you can use it as a small drill press, rotary tool holder, and flex shaft holder.
You can finish with this particular rotary tool, which is the main reason for its popularity numerous tasks and assignments. It doesn’t matter if you want to use it for wood decoration carving, simple drilling or stone engraving, it will finish the job in no time.
Finally, you will be able to drill through bore surfaces by using perpendicular to the bit and create bevel holes. In case that you want to make inclined holes, you will be able to adjust the table within 15-degrees increments and 90-degrees of the horizontal plane.
It is an excellent solution if you want to machine through curved or exposed surface because it is flexible and can quickly cut through hard-to-reach areas. At the same time, includes adjustable tool holder so that you can enjoy in steady and stable operation.
When you place the tool in a firm position, it is convenient for grinding metal workpieces, polishing metals and sanding assignments. You can adjust the tool holder telescopically within the height range between 16 and 29-inches.
This particular tool can handle various operations and accessories. You can use it for routing, drilling, cutting, sharpening, polishing and cleaning among other uses. You don’t have to purchase the whole array of power tools because you will be able to handle any renovation work with this particular one.
In overall, Dremel 220-01 benchtop drill press is an excellent solution if you want to use versatile tool for the home renovation project. Even though it has only one single mounting point, you will be able to use various applications and bits to finish any job around your household.
Pros
Compatible with other Dremel models
Flexible shaft tool stand
Adjustable bevel drilling
Stationary tool holder can incline up to 90-degrees
Sturdy construction
Cons
It has only a single nut for mounting it to collar
2. Palmgren Arbor press – Heavy Duty Benchtop Drill Press
If you want to purchase heavy-duty benchtop drill press that is perfect for squeezing, riveting, bending and punching, you should consider Palmgren Arbor Press. It is accurate and one of the most recognized bench presses due to its fantastic performance and force.
It contains removable machined steel anvil that will provide you accurate work support in four positions that you can change. This is great and convenient because you will have better control and stability by using this heavy-duty tool.
Depth stop will help you make precise cuts, and at the same time, it can withstand full pressure without any additional problem. You can quickly adjust the lock by turning the screws accurately to reach the limit of the depth. You can add punches to the end that contains magnetic insert for additional convenience.
You should have in mind that ram is reversible and has on one end solid and on the other one magnet and hole, that holds tools and bits. The construction is robust with high-quality cast-iron and rugged steel ram that will stand the test of time.
You will get three-piece bit set – one round, one pointed and one square end bit. The design will relieve your muscles from stress and strains. You can make quick bevel setups that can reach up to 90-degrees horizontal angle.
You can add punches to the end of the ram so that you can enjoy in magnetic insert and convenience. The maximum clamping pressure is up to 2000 pounds.
On the other hand, it has some problems with a magnet that can crumble and lose its effects after a while.
In overall, Palmgren Arbor Press is the heavy-duty solution for your household renovation, because it will help you make precise cuts, and it can withstand the maximum pressure. It has many essential and convenient features such as simple adjusting and possibility to make bevel cuts.
Pros
Can make angled cuts up to 90-degrees horizontally
Four working positions
Durable and robust construction
Simple to adjust
Affordable
Cons
According to some users, magnet can wear off after a while
3. HFS (Tm) 5″ – Perfect Benchtop Drill Press For Milling Machine
If you want to purchase benchtop drill press that will provide you a considerable amount of horizontal force, we recommend you to consider HFS (Tm) 5” benchtop drill press. The main reason for its popularity is the compatibility with milling machine that will finish you the job as soon as possible.
You just have to tighten the horizontal force, push the jaws down and that will keep its stability without movements during the performance. It is suitable for most milling machines, and you will be able to purchase it for the affordable price tag.
It includes iron construction that will increase its durability and strength. Therefore, you will get more strength and features than other benchtop drill presses on the market. It is suitable for drilling and milling, but you won’t be able to do different types of work.
It includes high-quality cross-slide Milling Vices that will increase the precision of jaws and durability of the performance. You will get 5-inches jaw with this particular tool so that you can deal with a variety of material without any additional problem.
It includes high-quality Iron that can reach up to 80,000 PSI for minimum bending. Due to adjustable Gibs and longitudinal Cross travel, you will be able to use it for more convenience even if you have never used it before.
You can efficiently work with metal and wooden parts with high quality and precision. If you attach lathe or other tools, you will be able to hold workpieces without moving them at all. The maximum jaw opening is 4-1/2-inches so that you can place a wide array of applications.
In overall, HFS (Tm) 5” benchtop drill press is the perfect solution if you want to get the addition to a milling machine that can also drill through different materials. However, you won’t get the possibility to make high-level cuts, but it is still efficient and durable when compared with other benchtop drill presses on the market.
Pros
Accurate and durable
Adjustable jaws
Designed for metal and woodworking
It has bolt down slots for additional security
Sturdy construction
Cons
Lack of bevel adjustment
4. Goplus 5″ – Durable and Lightweight Benchtop Drill Press
Goplus 5” benchtop drill press is one of the best drill presses on the market with a compact design and lightweight construction. The best thing about it is heavy-duty steel construction that will provide you added durability and possibility to work for the extended amount of time without damaging it.
It includes adjustable shims so that you can adjust the bench press in a matter of minutes. That will increase the accuracy and precision of your work in both longitudinal and horizontal positioning.
We have mentioned above that it is compact and lightweight, which is one of the reasons for its popularity. With dimensions of 10 x 10 x 10-inches and 10 pounds in weight, you will get straightforward and convenient to use benchtop drill press.
Due to heavy-duty steel construction and chrome handle, you will be able to make exact centering of your work so that you can get additional precision and accuracy in drilling. It also has machined cold-rolled steel screws for more significant power handle.
The bold down slots are positioned below so that you can get more security while working. This is convenient for people who want to use it for an extended amount of time. Due to removable handles, you can easily slide it on and off without using any tools for adjustment.
We also have to mention the performance that can handle even thickest materials without any problem. At the same time, the main disadvantage is that you won’t be able to make bevel cuts and change the horizontal angle.
You will get a two-year warranty with it so that you can ensure that it will stay in your workshop for years that will come.
In overall, Goplus 5” benchtop drill press is decent and affordable benchtop drill presses that will help you finish household projects without any additional problem. It has safety features that will keep the materials intact, which is the main reason for its immersive popularity.
Pros
Immersive amount of power
Portable and lightweight when compared with other benchtop drill presses
Great safety features
It can handle thickest materials
2-year warranty
Cons
It doesn’t have bevel adjustment
5. WEN 4212 – Best Semi-Professional Benchtop Drill Press
If you want to purchase semi-professional benchtop drill press, we recommend you to choose WEN 4212 drill press. You don’t have to worry anymore, because this one is particularly affordable, and you will get lots of power for the budget price.
In most cases, manufacturers sacrifice features and construction quality to reduce the overall price. However, you will get the conventional powerful motor and many great features. It has professional features that will help you finish any job you want in the workshop.
The best thing about this particular power tool is that you will get variable speed control that will allow you to work with various materials without too much hassle. You can quickly calibrate any speed between 530 and 3100 RPM. There is no restriction so that you can adapt to both the way you work and material density.
Therefore, you will enjoy more efficient drilling capabilities. You can adjust the speed through mechanical lever and controller that you will find on the left side of the unit. You will be able to improve the speed during the performance, which is excellent when we compare it with other benchtop drill presses on the market.
The chuck capacity is 1/2-inches so that you can place any compatible bit with 1/2-inches shank. The table size is 8 x 7-2/3-inches of space, which is not largest on the market, but you will still get a great deal of maneuverability for household drilling projects.
The construction quality comes from a metal such as cast-iron for durability and stability. It is also thick which will reduce the vibration and provide you accurate and more stable drilling. You can also tilt it to perform bevel drilling.
There is a possibility to tilt it both left and right up to 45-degree angle. That will give you additional versatility in the process of drilling.
Pros
Digital readout will show you the speed rate
It has built-in laser lights for accurate drilling
Depth-adjustment gauge is great for locking the position
User-friendly and simple to use
Powerful 4.5-amp motor that can drill through both metal and wood
Cons
You will still have to pay decent price to have it
6. Universal 4″ – Heavy Duty Benchtop Drill Press for Household Use
If you want to purchase fully adjustable and heavy-duty benchtop drill press that will stand the test of time, you should consider Universal 4” drill press. It will provide you decent performance and possibility to make more accurate drilling.
The first thing that we want to mention is a stable platform that contains heavy-duty cast steel construction so that you can get better control and precision. It also includes machined cold-rolled steel screws for additional durability as well as chrome handle for convenient performance.
Due to cross-slide design, you can choose two-axis precision adjustment for various bit placements. You don’t have to use tools to add bits and to adjust it per your preferences. Therefore, you will get the convenient and straightforward benchtop drill press for your household needs.
You will be able to attach it to any drill press table because it has a full array of mounting lugs that are compatible with most commercial tables. Vise handles drop down will increase the freedom of movement, maneuverability while working and safety.
You can fully adjust 4-inches Cross Slide Vise and that will allow you to turn it into milling machine in a matter of minutes. Jaw width is 4-inches, so you will be able to deal with thickest materials without any additional problem.
At the same time, maximum jaw opening can reach up to 3-1/2-inches for more essential materials. You can adjust cross slide and vise for fine adjustment and convenient working. The base dimensions are 9 x 5-inches while the overall size of the unit is 11 x 11 x 6-1/4-inches.
The cross-unit contains removable adjusting crunk handles so that you can have performance that is more straightforward.
The main disadvantage is that you will have a hassle in making alignments because it doesn’t have any built-in laser and possibility to handle more right and finishing projects.
In overall, Universal 4”, drill press is decent drill press with heavy-duty construction and excellent performance features. Of course, it has some disadvantages such as lack of laser and possibility to align the material, but you will still be able to finish most household projects that require milling and drilling.
Pros
Durable construction
Perfect for household projects
Adjustable crunk handles
Compatible with most drill tables
Two-axis adjustment positions
Cons
Difficult to make alignments
7. Shop Fox W1667 – Best Oscillating Benchtop Drill Press
If you want to purchase benchtop drill press that has oscillation capabilities, you should consider Shop Fox W1667 drill press.
You are probably wondering what the difference between regular and oscillation drill press is? If you want to finish projects such as contouring sand, the better option is to choose oscillating press.
The oscillation allows you to contour sand without repositioning spindle or the paper that you use. This will reduce the amount of work and extend the longevity of paper. It also contains substantial square table, convenient 1-1/2-inches drill chuck, dust port and small feet print that will reduce the space you need for it.
This particular drill press is 23-inches in height, so you will be able to finish extended services without too much fatigue and hassle. It includes sturdy and robust components that will increase the durability. Therefore, you will get the positive press that will meet all your needs.
If you enjoy using a drill press for various applications, you will enjoy in the versatility of Shop Fox W1667 drill press. It contains 1/2 HP engine that will provide you consistent and smooth performance. At the same time, 1-1/2-inches drill chuck comprises removable safety key.
The best thing about it is the precision ground spindle that has 1.625-inches and oscillating features. Therefore, you will be able to use it as a compact drill press and oscillating sander. In case that you want to use it for sanding operation, the spindle will work with a sanding drum and help you achieve smoother finishes.
You will get 7 x 7 square table that can tilt up to 90-degrees without any additional problem. That will allow you to sand surfaces at various angles so you will get versatility in projects.
The main disadvantage is that lining of base and head is a complicated process that requires tools and chuck key. However, you will still get convenient and competent power tool that can handle various projects around your household.
Pros
Flexible
Simple to use
Reliable drill press
Solid construction
Abundant performance
Cons
It is challenging to align base and head of the press
Paint job will wear off after a while
Best Benchtop Drill Press Buying Guide
There are some things that you must have in mind before you enter the store and decide to purchase benchtop drill press.
We have mentioned above that each quarter brings us new models with advanced and latest features. However, there are features that you should understand before you purchase.
That is the main reason why we decided to present you things to consider before buying benchtop drill press:
Build Quality
This is one of the essential factors because it will determine both power and durability of benchtop drill press.
Therefore, you should choose all-metal drill press, presumably with steel or iron for additional longevity. You should also check to see whether it has rugged features because that will reduce the vibration and increase precision.
The Accuracy
Various factors determine the accuracy and precision of benchtop drill press. These factors are aiming system and engine. Some drilling presses have a laser pointer that will help you make more fundamental drills.
This is a useful feature if you want to make precise holes on sensitive materials.
Power
Power is also an important consideration, and it depends on your future projects and preferences.
In case that you are a professional that wants to finish the immersive amount of work in a short span of time, you should go for a more powerful drill press.
Consider also different levels of intensity as well as variable speed settings, because that will increase the versatility and possibility to handle different materials.
Safety
Drill press is a risky machine, and it can cause severe damage to its users.
That is why you should make sure that machine that you want to buy passes fundamental security assurances such as overload protection.
Of course, it is better to have additional features, but you will have to pay more for that. In case that you find the drill press with high-quality parts and more comfortable control, you will be able to reduce the risk levels.
Conclusion
We have presented you thorough buying guide and reviews on best benchtop drill press on the market. We have mentioned above that there are numerous reasons why you should choose the drill press.
In most cases, you will be able to purchase a tool that will finish a huge array of projects.
You just have to add the appropriate bit and start working. It is much more convenient than buying different tools for sanding, milling, and drilling.
With benchtop drill press, you will be able to finish everything and even more.
If you have any question, we urge you to leave a comment in the section below, and we will answer you on short notice.
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