A benchtop drill press provides the accuracy and power that you can’t get when you drill by hand. Whether you are a seasoned professional or require a handy tool to tinker with making different things using wood, a good benchtop drill press can help.
The best benchtop drill presses have high horsepower, operate at multiple speed levels, and have a durable tilting work surface.
On the other hand, a lousy benchtop drill press is an expensive eyesore in your garage, with poor speed control and a complete lack of power.
To help you separate the good from the bad – we’ve reviewed the Top 5 Benchtop Drill Presses of 2024.
Buy with the confidence that you’re buying one of the best benchtop drill presses on the market. Let’s dive straight into the reviews.
Contents
Top 5 Best Benchtop Drill Press
| Preview | Product | Key Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press |
| CHECK PRICE |
Premium Choice  | Shop Fox W1667 1/2 HP 8-1/2-Inch Bench-Top Oscillating Drill Press |
| CHECK PRICE |
Excellent Value  | Rikon 30-100 RIKON 8-Inch Drill Press |
| CHECK PRICE |
1. WEN 8-inch 5-Speed Drill Press
- Includes a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage
- Operates at 5 different speeds: 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, 3140 RPM
- Spindle travels up to 2 inches with easy to read, locking linear depth stops for accurate and repeatable drilling operations.Cord Length (ft.):6
Discover the versatility with the WEN 5-Speed Drill Press, a standout choice in our lineup. Its convenient onboard key storage and ½-inch keyed chuck are designed for efficiency. With five selectable speeds ranging from 740 to 3140 RPM, it adapts seamlessly to your project’s demands, ensuring optimal performance and precision.
Its spindle can travel up to 2-inch with locking narrow depth stops that are easily readable allowing you to continue with your drilling operations accurately. You can also repeat these operations with precision as well.
A powerful 120V 60Hz 1/3 horsepower induction motor powers the drill and it generates ample amount of torque as well. 1/3 HP motors are durable as well. The drill comes with a 6.5-inch x 6.5-inch worktable as well, and you can adjust its height and bevels up to 45-degree right and left. It can generate 8-inch of swing. The products weighs around 38 pounds, and its dimensions are 7.5-inch x 22.9-inch x 11-inch
Pros
- It is equipped with a ½-inch key and has an onboard key storage as well.
- It is powered by 120V 60Hz 1/3 HP motor.
- You can operate the machine at five different speeds.
- It has a worktable that is 6.5-inch x 6.5-inch in size, and you can adjust its height and bevels as well.
Cons
- You have to keep the pressure on the drill while working or the chuck will fall off.
- It is not an ideal tool for precision projects.
Verdict
Experience unmatched value with this benchtop drill press, a cost-effective solution that doesn’t compromise on power. The robust 120V motor ensures superior torque, making it capable of tackling a wide array of projects with ease and reliability.
2. SKIL 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
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This 10-inch drill press from Skil also comes with a ½-inch keyed chuck and offers 5-speed transitions that can range from 570RPM to 3050RPM. The drill is also equipped with an adjustable depth stop that provides you with more accurate measurements as well as repetitive drilling.
You can also tilt the worktable surface up to 45-degree angle from right to left. One feature that separates this drill press from the product mentioned above is that it is equipped with the X2 2-beam laser that makes hole-alignment a whole lot easier.
The product is certified under CSA US, and the size of the worktable is 8-inch x 8-inch. It comes with 3-years product warranty from Skil. The drill weighs slightly over 52 pounds, and its dimensions are 21.8-inch x 15.2-inch x 9.8-inch. This drill can handle precision projects as well; the feature that makes it the best benchtop drill press on the market in this price range.
Pros
- The drill comes with 5-speed transitions that range from 570RPM to 3050RPM.
- It also incorporates X2 2-beam laser which assists in precise hole-alignments.
- The 8-inch x 8-inch worktable can be tilted to 45-degree.
- The product comes with a 3-year warranty from Skil.
- It is CSA US
Cons
- It doesn’t have an onboard key storage.
- Adjustment of the laser can be a daunting task.
Verdict
The Skil Drill Press stands out for its precision and versatility, offering a wealth of features at an unbeatable price. Ideal for meticulous projects, it ensures accuracy and reliability, giving you exceptional value in every use.
3. Shop Fox 8-1/2-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press
- Overall height: 23"
- Spindle travel: 1-5/8"
- Drill chuck: 1/64" - 1/2"
½ horsepower motor powers the 8.5-inch Benchtop Oscillating Drill Press from Shop Fox and also comes with a ½-inch keyed chuck. Its spindle can travel from 1inch to 5/8-inch, and the drill also boasts 5-speed transitions that can range from 620RPM to 3100RPM.
The size of the worktable measures 7-inch x 7-inch while the approximate weight of the drill is 54 pounds. The dimensions of the drill are 10.5-inch x 18-inch x 13.7-inch. Its worktable can rotate 360-degrees.
The drill also houses a paddle switch for additional safety due to its removable lockout key and oversized paddle. The product and all its components are covered under 2-year warranty from Shop Fox. This machine is built to provide versatility, and for this reason, it holds a place in our reviews of best benchtop drill press. This drill press can easily handle different types of jobs ranging regarding accuracy with ease.
Pros
- The drill and all its components are covered by 2-year warranty from Shop Fox.
- The drill can handle a variety of jobs that require different precision settings.
- It is powered by ½ HP motor and comes with 5-speed transitions.
- The worktable measures 7-inch x 7-inch and can be tilted to 90-degrees from left to right and vice versa.
Cons
- Changing belt speeds is a bit of trick in this drill.
- It doesn’t come with any precision work light.
- It is a bit too expensive.
Verdict
This high-quality drill press is engineered for versatility, allowing you to tackle various tasks with confidence. Its durable construction, combined with a potent ½ HP motor and adaptable 5-speed settings, guarantees a powerful and efficient performance every time.
4. Craftsman 10-inch Bench Drill Press
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Craftsman is a quality brand that is known for its exceptional products. Their drill press also comes with five different operating speeds that can produce an output that ranges from 620RPM to 3100RPM. The drill is powered by ½ HP 3.2Amp 120V 60Hz motor which is powerful as well as durable.
Its elevation of opinion and rack table adjusts effortless and accurate. It has a scaled steel fence that allows you to brace, guide and align different workpieces and it also incorporates a stop block for repetitive drilling projects as well.
The product weighs slightly over 60 pounds, and the dimensions are 13-inch x 8-inch x 27-inch. The best part is that it creates a perfect balance between budget and performance. The product is covered under the 1-year warranty from Craftsman if in case you experience any material defects or manufacturing issues.
Pros
- The product comes with five different operating speeds.
- It houses a ½ HP 120V 60Hz 3.2Amp motor to deliver power packed performance.
- It is also equipped with a Laser Trac for accurate drilling.
- The drill also boasts a stop block for repetitive drilling operations.
- It comes with the standard ½-inch keyed chuck.
Cons
- The precision it has to offer is mediocre and is ideal for a casual user.
- The drill does not work with hole-saw bits.
Verdict
It is a quality product that comes at a good price. If you need a tool to work on home projects that this is the best benchtop drill press that you can purchase at this price.
5. Rikon 30 8-Inch Drill Press
- 5 Spindle Speeds 620-3100 RPM. Versatile speed range for drilling into any type of material
- Solid Steel and Cast Iron Construction. Rugged heavy duty construction for vibration-free operation
- Depth Stop, Set your drill depth easily and accurately; great for repeatable drilling
This drill press also comes with five different operating speeds that can produce the output between 620RPM and 3100RPM. The drill can drill into any material. Rikon has constructed this drill with solid steel and cast iron. The rugged design of this drill ensures vibration free operations.
The machine also comes with death stop that allows you to work on repetitive drilling jobs with additional ease and accuracy. The drill weighs just over 34 pounds and is the lightest one in our reviews. The dimensions of this drilling machine are 7-inch x 16-inch x 23-inch. It also houses a 1/3 HP 120V 60Hz 3.6Amp motor and comes with a standard ½-inch chuck.
The feature that makes it the best benchtop drill press is that it does not cost much. It has the powerful motor that enables it to produce high torque, and you can work with any material when it comes to this drill press from Rikon.
Pros
- The drill press has five different operating speeds.
- You can use this drill press with any material.
- It comes with the standard half inched chuck.
- The machine houses a 1/3 HP motor that is capable of generating high torque.
- It also comes with death stop that assists in repetitive drilling activities.
Cons
- It does not offer much height adjustment.
- The motor is not strong enough for all types of metal.
Verdict
Rikon’s drill press exemplifies quality, delivering outstanding performance with its robust motor and five adaptable speed settings. It’s crafted to cater to diverse job requirements, ensuring high precision and efficiency in every task.
Buying Guide
What is the use of a drill press?
Drill presses are used for drilling holes in wood in addition to cutting it. Some of the drill presses can work with metal as well. These drills are also referred to as a pillar drill or a pedestal drill. These drill machines have a drilling tool equipped with a cutting edge at the end of its tip.
How can I pick the best drill press out of a lot?
The best drill press offers flexibility when it comes to the distance between the axis where the spindle turns and the length of the supporting column. Moreover, the size of the throat also plays a significant role in its performance. Make sure that you choose that has a size more than seven and a half inches. The horsepower of the motor adds to the operational efficiency as well. Usually, it ranges from one-sixth of horsepower to two or more horsepower.
What are the main components of a drill press?
A drill press is primarily comprised of four main components. There is a column, a head, a base and a table. The drilling machine is supported by the base while the column is made of steel. It grips the head and the table and is firmly attached to the table.
What is the significant difference between a floor and a bench drill press?
A crucial difference between floor and bench drills is the length or height of the column. The height of the bench models ranges from 25 to 50 inches while the height of the floor models can range from 65 to 76 inches.
Do these drill presses come with any accessories?
Yes, drill presses do come with some accessories. You can use these accessories to do more than just drilling holes. For instance, a trepanning attachment works as a gouging tool that is used to remove wood from the surface in a spherical manner. Then there a sanding drum is used for touching up the small areas, particularly on decorative wood pieces. A boring bar is used to drill deeper holes that may size up to more than an inch while a cradle clamp is used to hold a small piece in a position while working on the surfaces which makes it an ideal accessory to drill holes for wood nails.
Conclusion
The 8-inch 5-Speed Drill press from WEN takes the overall lead to be the best bench drill press because it not only costs lesser than its counterparts, but it also has similar features to offer. It incorporates 5-speed variations as well, and the 1/3 HP motor creates enough torque to drill through a variety of materials. This drilling machine is easily the best benchtop drill press that does cost much and is ideal for all small-scale projects.
