The best benchtop drill presses boast top-notch accuracy and precision. They are the kinds of tools that when you have, expect to finish tasks quickly and smoothly.
These drill presses also come equipped with multiple variable speeds that are extremely easy to change. These different speeds allow you to easily get the right one for the task at hand. Top-quality benchtop drill presses are also solidly constructed to stand the test of time. They will not rust or give in when exposed to heavy-duty drilling projects.
They also have safety features such as an ON/OFF switch and a safety key feature, which prevents you from turning the drill presses on when you do not have it. In a nutshell, a quality drill press is what you should go for. But, there is a problem.
The market has so many drill presses that it is not easy to quickly know whether the tool you are buying is the real deal. Well, it is for that reason why we have taken matters into our own hands and decided to fetch out drill presses we believe are worth the money. They are in the reviews below.
Have a look.
List of The Best Benchtop Drill Presses in 2023
10. SHOP FOX 1/2-Horsepower Benchtop Drill Press (W1669)
Shop Fox W1669 is a handy and incredibly versatile drill press that should not miss from your shop. It features a precision ground cast iron table, which, in turn, features adjustable tilt. The tilt is from 90 degrees left and right, and it helps make the drill press ideal for many different applications.
What’s more, W1669 has a high-performance motor that delivers ½ HP and is compatible with 110 volts. This drill press also has up to 5 speeds. These include 550, 880, 1520, 2490, and 3470 revolutions-per-minute. Plus it comes with a 2-year warranty, which is enough proof that the manufacturer believes in it because it is of good quality. The table swing is 360 degrees and the size is 9-3/4 inches in diameter.
Things We Liked
- Great tool for the price
- Easy to set up
- The tool is well constructed
Things We Didn’t Like
- The packaging the drill press is shipped in could be better
9. Dremel Drill Press Rotary Tool with Wrench (220-01)
Dremel 220-01 is an articulating unit. This means it is designed to drill both perpendicular and angled holes in 15-deg increments. Furthermore, this rotary tool is versatile; thanks to the tool holder feature. It holds tools at a horizontal angle of 90 degrees so you can complete such tasks as polishing metal objects, grinding metal pieces, and sanding different shapes.
The drill depth of this tool is 2 inches, and this is just fine. Another good feature of this drill press is a flex shaft stand. It allows for telescopic adjustment from 16 – 29 inches high. There is also a Crow’s Nest that offers on-board storage for wrenches, drill bits, and other accessories. Cord management clips ensure the safe storage of power cords.
Things We Liked
- Simple and easy to figure out how to use it
- Makes great-looking holes
- The construction is extremely solid
Things We Didn’t Like
- Not the best for heavy-duty jobs
8. YaeKoo Adjustable Drill Press Stand for Drill Workbench
YaeKoo Drill Press is a nice tool for shop or home use. It is built with quality materials so it can stand the test of time. The base is made of an aluminum alloy that makes it incredibly durable and strong. What’s more, the base of this tool measures 225 by 150 by 25 millimeters. It is well sized and works beautifully for what it is designed for.
Besides, this drill press has a decent drill depth of 2.4 inches. The column bar is made of steel, and this is another reminder that the tool is built to last. A 30-day money-back guarantee is provided to give you peace of mind knowing that you are investing in a good tool that the manufacturer also believes in.
Things We Liked
- The price is very inexpensive
- Drills consistent, straight holes
- The tool arrives well packaged
Things We Didn’t Like
- The lowering arm has a stiff spring
7. WEN 10 In. Drill Press with Laser (4210T)
WEN 4210T is so powerful you can use it to drill metal, plastic, wood, etc. This is amazing because today, most power tools are not as powerful as expected. WEN 4210T is equipped with 5 speeds to help you meet your needs. These various speeds are 600, 1100, 1700, 2400, and 3100 revolutions-per-minute.
4210T is made of cast iron. It has a rigid frame that provides unrivaled sturdiness, thereby, making it perfect for heavy-duty jobs. This drill press also features a powerful induction motor with ball bearings. Well, the thoughtfully-designed motor further extends the life of this tool. The onboard work light illuminates your workpiece; hence, ensuring maximum precision.
Things We Liked
- Does not cost much
- Very solid once put together
- Does not make a lot of noise when working
- Easy to operate and great for small jobs
Things We Didn’t Like
- Changing speeds takes some effort and can be time-consuming
6. SKIL 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press (3320-01)
SKIL 3320-01 is a solid choice for someone looking for unparalleled precision. It has X2 2-beam laser that helps provide accurate hole alignment. It also has a depth adjustment function that allows you to drill consistently. The 5-speed system is another excellent feature of 3320-01. The system enables the drill press to cut holes cleanly through wood, metal, or other materials.
The tilting work surface locks between 0 and 45-deg angle to ensure precise angled drilling. ½” keyed chuck comes with SKIL 3320-01 and it is compatible with larger bits for woodworking and cutting. Additionally, this drill press comes equipped with a square work surface that supports larger pieces of material, thereby, allowing you to work smoothly.
Things We Liked
- Sturdy and well built
- The tool is accurate
- The price is perfect
- Assembly instructions are easy to follow
Things We Didn’t Like
- The material used to make the on/off switch plate is not convincing
5. Milecraft 1097 ToolStand – Drill Press Stand
The metal head of Milecraft 1097 holds the drilling tool in place with excellent firmness. By so doing, the metal head enables the drill press to cut holes perfectly. Ideally, with this drill press, you will have a chance to work on a simultaneous project, given that it can replace the handheld operation of a drill.
1097 works with nearly all Dremel-style rotary tools. It is equipped with pinion gearing and a spring-loaded rack that allow it to move flawlessly as well as giving you absolute control. 1097 also features an integral depth stop, which can be locked during a rigorous and continuous cut. The support column of this drill press attaches easily to the base plate.
Things We Liked
- Assembling the item is effortless
- The tool is solidly built
- Can be used without fixing to the bench
- The tool stand is shipped quickly
Things We Didn’t Like
- Packaging leaves a lot to be desired
4. Shop Fox ¾-HP 13-Inch Benchtop Drill Press (W1668)
Shop Fox W1668 can also be used as an oscillating sander. It delivers efficient contour sanding that will no doubt leave you impressed. Furthermore, W1668 has more capacity, more power, and more speeds than its brother. This means it is an effective drill press for heavy-duty jobs. The table features a clearance hole so you can use it while standing.
What’s more, this drill press has a well-thought-out design that features a dust collection port to make sanding jobs less messy. Plus it gives you a chance to tilt the table 90 degrees to both the right and left. You can also adjust the tilt and height of the table so it can accommodate the height of your workpiece.
Things We Liked
- Controls are easy to use
- Parts fit together nicely
- Build quality is robust
- The motor is strong and powerful
Things We Didn’t Like
- Instructions are somewhat vague
3. TACKLIFE 8” Benchtop Drill Stand Drill Press, TKDP01A
TACKLIFE TKDP01A is equipped with a 2.5Amp power motor, 8” swing, and a high-strength body. It also has a drive pulley made of premium die-cast material. Well, all these enable TACKLIFE TKDP01A to deliver incredibly high accuracy and stability. It is easy to operate, and, therefore, you will be able to finish drilling jobs efficiently and smoothly when you have it.
Moreover, this drill press has a knob, which is very easy to adjust. It also boasts a spindle that travels 2 inches as well as feed handles that allow you to easily set down stroke depth and upstroke travel within a single revolution. 5 different speeds include 3100, 740, 2100, 1530, and 1100 revolutions-per-minute.
Things We Liked
- Safety key is an important addition
- High-quality aluminum is durable and resistant to rust
- Changing the 5 speeds control is easy
- On/off switch makes the drill press easy to operate
Things We Didn’t Like
- None at the moment
2. Shop Fox ½ HP 8-1/2-Inch Bench-Top Oscillating Drill Press (W1667)
Shop Fox W1667 can work as either an oscillating sander or a drill press. It is ideal for many different sanding and drilling operations. Its key features include a ½-HP motor, which, of course, is powerful; a removable safety key that ensures there are no unwanted starts, and a ½” drill chuck.
W1667 is compact, and, therefore, very easy to operate. Furthermore, it weighs 54 pounds, which is a good sign that it is solidly built. The precision-ground sanding spindle works with sanding drums that are between 1 and 2 inches in diameter and measure up to 4-1/4 inches long. The spindle gives a better finish and longer-lasting abrasives since it oscillates.
Things We Liked
- Instructions are easy to follow and have diagrams
- Assembly is easy because of the instructions
- The tool has several safety features
- Compact size makes it perfect for shops with limited space
Things We Didn’t Like
- Alignment is not done as nicely as expected, and this creates vibrations and noise
1. EURO TOOL Small Benchtop Drill Press (DRL-300.00)
EURO TOOL DRL-300.00 has a platform measuring 6-3/4 by 6-3/4 inches. Well, it is safe to say that this drill press saves a lot of space, and it is economical. Ideally, DRL-300.00 boasts variable speeds up to 8,500 revolutions-per-minute. Such high speeds make it powerful enough to be used to tackle heavy-duty jobs.
In other words, this drill press is ideal for all kinds of drilling jobs and not just small tasks. Furthermore, it comes with a 1-year warranty, which simply shows that it is quality and comes with no risks at all. Although the drill press is solid and versatile, it weighs 13 pounds only. It is easy to move around and convenient to use.
Things We Liked
- Comes very well packaged
- Directions are in plain English
- Arrives covered in oil to prevent rust
- The base is completely flat
Things We Didn’t Like
- Would be better if a vice was included
Buying Guide: Benchtop Drill Presses
To put the icing on the cake, we have highlighted the key factors to have in mind when buying a benchtop drill press.
Build Quality
A drill press that is flimsy is as good as useless. Therefore, make sure the tool you are about to buy is made of quality materials such as aluminum and steel. These materials are highly recommended because they are durable and can be coated to keep rust at bay.
Base
The base plays a crucial role in the overall performance of a drill press. It is, therefore, important that you choose a tool with a solidly designed base. The base of your tool should also be completely flat to make sure precision is not compromised. It should also be wide for ultimate stability.
Size
We bet you do not want a bulky drill press. Therefore, make sure the machine you are set to spend your money on has a small footprint. A compact drill press is space-saving and economical. It is also very convenient to use.
Conclusion
Benchtop drill presses are nice investments for both weekend warriors and professionals. With them, you will be able to achieve much-needed precision in drilling jobs. However, you need to do a little research before buying one. And the best place for that is here.
