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Best Bench Top Drill Press in 2023 – Selections by Professionals!

If you are a wood worker, you probably know the importance of having the best tools in your workshop. Apart from having a table saw, you should also consider purchasing the best benchtop drill press so that you can make precise holes in wood. With a drill press, you get the right power and accuracy that is difficult to get when drilling by hand.

We know that woodworkers do their work differently meaning they do not press the same way. Therefore, a single benchtop drill press cannot suit all the requirements of wood workers. This is why I have researched top ten best benchtop drill presses that will make your work easier.

10 Best Bench Top Drill Press- Reviews

Image
Product Name
Power
RPM
Chuck Size
Weight
Latest Price
WEN 4208 8-Inch Drill Press
2.3 Amps
740 to 3140 RPM
1/2 Inch
31 pounds
General International 75-010 M1
3.1 Amps
500 to 3000
5/8” 
75 pounds
WEN 4210 Drill Press with Laser
3.2 Amps
600 to 3100 RPM
1/2 Inch
51 pounds
2.3 Amps
538-3100 RPM
1/2 Inch
89 pounds
SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
3.2 Amps
570 - 3,050 RPM
1/2-Inch
55 pounds
Shop Fox W1667 12 HP 8-12-Inch Bench-Top Oscillating Drill Press
-
620-3,100 RPM
1/64" - 1/2"
51 pounds
Shop Fox W1668 34 HP Bench-Top Oscillating Drill Press
-
250-3050 RPM
5/8-Inch
63 pounds
Jet 716000 JWDP-12 Drill Press
Amps
530 - 3100
RPM
 5/8 inch
85 pounds
Genesis GDP1005A 10″ 5-Speed 4.1 Amp Drill Press
4.1 amp
620-3070 RPM
5/8 Inch
52 pounds
Klutch 12in. Bench Mount Drill Press
4.6 Amp 
480-3,600 RPM
    5/8
Inch
77 pounds

10 Best Bench Top Drill Press in 2023

WEN-4208-8-Inch-Drill-Press,

A power tool always needs to have powerful action that you get from WEN 4208 drill press. To be honest this tool is a little bit small according to the sizes but it is enough strong and powerful. This too can deliver excellent performance while drilling through wood, metal, plastic or other materials.

This machine is contained of a table and it is supported by a column which is also supported from the base. Just place the things on the table and start drilling, it will drill precisely.

The base and frame of the machine contained cast iron to confirm its longevity as well as accurate drilling. Its motor is enough powerful is 120V, 1/3 horsepower. And it can drill at 5 different speeds 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, and 3140 RPM. So you can match the speed with the materials need to drill.

This tool is perfect for both expert and beginner users. You can use the drill press in your workshop, garage, or personal usages. Just keep in mind, compromise with anything but not with quality and performance.

Pros

  • It can drill at 5 different speeds which easily match with the different types of materials.
  • 120 V, 1/3 horsepower motor is enough powerful for drilling through any toughest materials also.
  • Height adjustable and bevels up to 45° to the right and left.
  • It has ½ inch keyed and includes on board key storage.

Cons

  • It is perfect for average DIY but not perfect for extra large objects.
General-International-75-010-M1,

General international 75-010 M1 drill press is different to the other drill press. It has some special and exceptional features which make the difference to the other tools. Let’s see the features.

The tool has forced an opening switch which is needed to restart when the failure of power. The switch is very helpful in case of failure of the power of the machine.

Variable speed dial offers to refine and tweak the performance of the motor when you need to drill through different materials. The machine can runs from 500 RPM to 3000 RPM. A 120 volt 1/3 horsepower motor is included to the machine which is powerful enough to drill through tough objects.

It has some special features such as laser pointer, adjustable spindle tension return spring, high-grade bearings, and it is engineered as the way to give smooth performance.

Its weight is 75 pounds and measuring 15 x 9.4 x 33 inches which are very perfect as a drill press machine.

The tool can deliver the work outflow without producing any vibration. You will be fully satisfied after using the best drill press General international 75-010 M1 we hope.

Pros

  • It has forced opening line interrupter switch that is required while circuit interruption and power failure occur.
  • Laser pointer helps to make holes to the right point.
  • High-quality bearings that give smooth performance.
  • It contained 5/8” chuck with key and on board holder for chuck key.
  • Excellent performance while deeper drilling.

Cons

  • Some parts seem to be stiff while working.
WEN-4210-Drill-Press-with-Laser,-10-Inch,

If you search top performing 10 inches drill press, you can buy WEN 4210 drill press. The drill press has laser guiding system that indicates the drilling point. The chance of making any mistake is reduced in this drill press as it has a laser indicator.

Its operating system is so easy. Any user can use the machine. The machine doesn’t have any technical difficulty so that it doesn’t seem any difficulty to the user while operating.

The machine can drill at 5 different speeds that range from 600 to 3100 RPM. All the materials don’t require same 

speed to drill. When a drill press comes with single speed then it may difficult to drill through various  materials. But, you don’t have to face any difficulty like this.

Size of the station is enough large than the previews reviewed WEN 4208. You can drill through the large size object with the machine comfortably.

WEN 4210 drill press is made from high-quality metal. If you want to get high performance from a station, it should be high in quality also. To deliver high performance, the machine is made from a combination of high-quality metals.

Pros

  • Enough powerful to drill through wood and metal sheets easily.
  • Laser guiding property for visibility and accuracy.
  • To compatible with various materials it has 5 different speeds drilling option.
  • Made from high-quality materials which are the sign of durability.
  • Drill press, 1/2” keyed chuck, key, and class II 1mW laser comes with the machine.

Cons

  • Drilling performance through the thick metal is not up to satisfactory level.
WEN-4214-12-Inch-Variable-Speed-Drill-Press,

The WEN 4214 offers for infinitely variable speed, a feature that allows you to achieve any speed in between 580-3200 rpm.

To know the exact speed, you just need to use the digital readout. With every mechanical speed variation, the speed remains the same.

Spindle travels for 3-1/8 inch allowing for maximum depth. Also, there are easy to read marking on the spindle.

You achieve accurate and repeatable drilling operations using linear depth lock and the spindle markings. You will love the onboard work light that gives excellent visibility and precision.

It delivers ample power and torque using a durable, 2/3 HP induction motor. The over 9" square working area offer for a large working space. With a rack and pinion height adjustment system, and 45 degrees, left and right beveling ability it offers for great versatility.

Pros:

  • Infinitely variable speed
  • LED read out display
  • Easy to read spindle travel
  • Durable induction motor
  • Beveling work table with height adjustments
  • Onboard work light
  • Roller table extension

Cons:

  • No spindle lock
SKIL-3320-01-3,

SKIL 3320-01 drill press allows precise hole alignment using the x2 2-beam laser. To ensure for consistent drilling, you will be using the depth adjustment system.

The depth adjustment system also includes the work surface that tilts through 45 degrees. Tilting ensures you get precise angle cutting.

To suit wood, metal, and other materials the drill press has five speeds.

The drill press also allows larger diameter bits that facilitate for cutting and woodworking. The fact that the working surface is raised off the bench level makes for better handling of the work piece.

All the parts of the SKIL 3320 are nicely machined ensuring durability. As for the finishing, the painting and finish are excellent. Assembly is easy and straight forward.

Pros:

  • Five speeds (570- 3500 rpm)
  • Adjustable depth system and working area
  • Beam laser allows for precise hole alignment
  • Work surface tilts
  • Accepts larger bits
  • Easy to assemble

Cons:

  • You need to adjust the belt tension manually (no lever)
Shop-Fox-W1667_

The shop fox W1667 doubles as both a drill press and an oscillating sander. It runs on a ½ HP motor to give for suitability for different drilling and sanding applications.

A ½ inch chuck size is not quite as big but is suitable for its size. The manufacturer adds a removable safety key ensuring for safety.

It features a precision ground sanding spindle.

The oscillating motion of the spindle gives for great finishing while going slow on the abrasives. Depth stop and a depth scale ensure for preset depth drilling. The over-sized paddle facilitates for convenience in switching off the drill.


A tilting table allows for drilling and sanding at different angels. To keep the workshop clean, how about connecting the provided dust port to a dust collection system? It is an excellent addition. The shop fox W1667 offers the functionality of two machines using half the space.

Pros:

  • Has a dust port
  • Safety switch
  • Depth scale
  • Doubles as both a drill and a sander
  • 360 degrees table swing

Cons:

  • The spindle sander drum kit is sold separately
Shop-Fox-W1668-¾,_

The shop fox W1668 goes through a rigid quality program to ensure safety and reliability. It is one of the best built with a design to last years of service.

It has a total of 12 speeds, more than most of the best bench top drills and competitors.

The table adjusts both to the right and the left through 90 degrees.

You can also adjust the table's height hence offering for excellent versatility. If the table gets in the way of smooth operation, you can get it out of the way and use the base as a working area.

With just some simple tool free steps, you can change the drill press to a sander. The switch is possible using the included spindle sander drum and mandrel. This drill press has an advantage of leaving incredibly smooth finish. It also has less heat buildup.

Pros:

  • Converts to a sander
  • Adjustable table
  • 12 speeds
  • Oscillating sander result in the least heat build up
  • The base also doubles as a working area when necessary

Cons:

  • You need to clean-up the drill press of oil (out of the box)
Jet-716000-JWDP-12-Drill-Press,

The Jet 716000 has a compact design that allows for easy transportation. The drill press allows for has a small space print which makes it suitable for benches with limited space.

You can reposition the drill press anytime you want thanks to the stable base design.

The heavy duty drilling motor ensures that the drill press suits a variety of applications.

A cast iron construction ensures that this unit can take the rough nature of the drilling jobs without breaking. A mechanical speed lever offers for easy speed changes.


A 3 -1/8 spindle travel will give you maximum cutting depth. The manufacturer uses an x-shaped laser that ensures for drilling accuracy. The drill eats into different materials without much vibration. The easy to follow instructions see to it the drill press is ready minutes after delivery.

Pros:

  • Easy to follow assembly instructions
  • Spindle gives maximum cutting depth
  • Smooth operation
  • Heavy duty motor
  • Mechanical variable speed

Cons:

  • I was hoping for a digital display automatic off while in idle mode

I have to say the Genesis GDP1005A uses s very simple design, yet the functionality will blow your mind. Not to mention it is easy to put together.

It has five speeds that allow for versatility. Also, it has a simple lever design that allows for belt tension adjustment.

It runs on a 4.1 amp motor that makes for reliable performance.

The induction motor gives some quite smooth operation. It uses a large 5/8" chuck that allows for using a wide range of drill bits, which in effect allows for cutting and drilling of different materials.


Table height adjustment is easy using a rack and pinion. The tale rotates, and also tilts. It rotates 360 degrees and tilts through 45 degrees. The base is wide thus gives for amazing stability. Genesis GDP1005A is strong and durable.

Pros:

  • Simple design
  • Five speeds
  • Rack and pinion, easy table adjustment
  • 4.1 amp motor
  • Large Chuck

Cons:

  • The table would have been a little bit larger
Klutch-12in.

Klutch 12in is powerful and delivers precision and pinpoint accuracy each time. It operates on a ¾ HP motor to deliver variable speeds between 480-3600 rpm.

A 5/8" capacity means it can accommodate large drill bits and other bits that lay below the 5/8".

3 1/8" vertical stroke delivers amazing drilling power. Versatility comes in the form of a 12-inch swing.

To offer a multitude of drilling angels the table tilts through 45 degrees. It has a large working table that has a depth lock for drilling hole after hole.

The ball knob handle of the depth lock makes for ease of use. Also, this drill press has a built in chuck key storage that makes the chuck easy to find. It also has a digital speed display that allows for accurate speed monitoring.

Pros:

  • 5/8" chuck capacity
  • 3 1/8 " vertical stroke
  • 12" swing gives for versatility
  • 45-degree table tilt
  • Depth lock with a ball knob

Cons:

  • Light to illuminate the working area would be a good addition

How To Choose The Best Bench Top Drill Press

Choosing the best bench top drill is not as easy as just making a pick. That is why you will require the factors below.

Versatility

The suitability of the drill press for different applications depends on features such as the tilting table. A tilting table will allow for drilling and tilting at different angles.

Some of the above-listed bench top drill press also couple as Sanders. To suit use on different materials, the drill press ought to have variable speed. A digital display makes it easy to monitor the speed.

Rugged Design And Power

The workmanship in the construction of these drills has to be excellent. Else they will break after just a short time. Check to see that the materials the manufacturers use guarantee for durability. A rugged design will also ensure the unit remains intact during transportation.

The power rating is essential to ensure that the motor does not burn out in heavy duty applications. Learn if you drill press is a heavy or light duty and use it appropriately. Manufacturers will incorporate ball bearings on the motor to extend the motor life and smooth running.

Ease To Use

Ease of use depends on some things. On/off switch, for example, you will find units that use a large paddle to facilitate for easy switching off. The ergonomic design of the speed levers will also give for ease of use.

You will also get the ease of use from the freedom to accurately set the depths. The depth lock system ensures for a headache free drilling once you have set the drill.

Final Verdict

The above-listed bench top drills have amazing qualities that set them apart from the rest of the pack. They offer all that you require for drilling and some, sanding operations.

They offer convenience, durability, which overall give you value for your money. The manufacturers also provide excellent customer service if anything goes wrong, thus eliminating any reason you would have not to make a purchase.

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