Best Benchtop Drill in 2020 – information and  Reviews

WEN 4212

Wen is a well-known manufacturer of quality, yet affordable, heavy-duty tools. This particular tool can easily power through various materials, including metal, plastic, wood, etc. 

The design is generally conventional, although some features are more than you expect in a standard  drill press unit. It has an LED screen, for example, which displays the speed so that the user is always aware of the current RPM. This comes in handy for quite a few applications, especially when it comes to processing metal. 

The worktable can tilt to both left and right at a 45-degree angle, meaning you can perform angled cuts by simply adjusting the appropriate lever. The mechanical speed adjustment function is also worth mentioning. This allows you to adjust the speed as needed, without sacrificing the torque and power output. One of the most useful things, when it comes to precision and adjustability, is the depth-adjustment gauge located on the handle. It allows you to limit the spindle travel for higher accuracy and precision.

There aren’t many shortcomings, but some things may present an issue to some people. For example, a few users found it to be underpowered for some applications. The manufacturer claims it’s good for heavy-duty tasks, but this is not entirely true. It’s a good tool for lightweight projects, but you shouldn’t expect much. However, if you’re looking for a versatile machine that doesn’t cost much more than a handheld version, this model might be an interesting choice. It isn’t the best thing on the market by any means, but it’s good value for money.

Craftsman 10 in Bench Drill Press

This unit is a great solution for people who want a high-quality tool for an affordable price. It features a 6-amp motor, which allows you to choose between five operating speeds, ranging between 620 and 3100 RPM. Adjusting the height of the worktable is also quite easy, thanks to the rack-and-pinion table elevation mechanism.

The Craftsman is easy to set up and use in a matter of minutes. What makes this design somewhat special is the laser. It provides accurate X and Y axis projection, allowing for better positioning of the workpiece. It’s a function that DIYers and professionals will appreciate. The drill table tilts both to the left and right, at a 45-degree angle. This allows you to perform angled cuts with a single pull of a lever. The table is made of cast iron, which is the go-to material for most components as it guarantees reliability and sturdiness.

Several users complained about quality control, in particular the quality of assembly. Some units weren’t properly calibrated, which resulted in poor performance and a bad experience. It’s a good machine for hobby work, but may struggle with serious projects, especially if you’re a professional who uses a drill press on a daily basis.

The price is good, but there are other tools that offer similar features for less. The fact that it’s made by Craftsman adds to the price, but gives you the peace of mind of a reputable company.

Skil 3320-01

This five-speed, 10-inch press is a great tool for weekend woodworkers. It’s not an ideal solution for professionals, but it’s ideal for hobbyists who are looking for high precision and power at an affordable price. Skil is a well-known manufacturer of quality tools, and this particular product is no exception.

The design is quite similar to others, with a few exceptions. The first and most notable one is the X2, two-beam laser, which ensures precise alignments. Furthermore, the depth adjustment system allows you to drill with consistency at all times. The five-speed range comes in handy if you’re planning on handling different materials and applications. 

The worktable can tilt to both sides at a 45-degree angle. The panic stop button located on the front of the chassis is a great addition — we feel that it’s an essential feature for increased safety..

The downsides are few, but there are some things you should be aware of. The machine works well when it comes to processing wood and other soft materials, but it underperforms with metals, such as aluminum and steel. 

The worktable has a tendency to wobble and move, even when tightened correctly. However, the price is more than acceptable, which means you are going to get what you pay for. One of the biggest advantages of this particular model is the above-mentioned X2 laser — you wouldn’t normally find such a feature in this price bracket.

EuroTool Small Benchtop Drill Press

If you’re looking for an entry-level machine that is easy to use, yet effective enough to drill through a variety of materials, this model could be ideal. It’s a somewhat miniature version of a regular benchtop drill press, but that doesn’t mean it’s not capable of coping with a variety of applications.

The most notable feature of this tool is its compactness. It weighs about 13 pounds and measures 6¾ inches by 6¾ inches. As you can see, it’s a small, lightweight machine, which is also easy to set up and use. It features variable speeds of up to 8500 RPM. Therefore, the whole design revolves around the idea of being a space-saving tool but still powerful enough to handle a variety of DIY projects. The biggest drawback is that it can’t handle massive pieces, thus not being suitable for professional purposes or big projects.

When it comes to shortcomings, there aren’t too many — the first being the obvious lack of ability to cope with bigger projects. The unit can sometimes struggle with accuracy and power, with some users complaining about poor performance. In its defence, this machine isn’t designed for heavy-duty projects. As an entry-level tool, you shouldn’t expect too much from it in the first place. The chuck tends to get loose and wobble occasionally, but it’s easy to readjust in a matter of seconds.

We think the unit is reasonably priced, although some feel it’s expensive — it all comes down to personal preference in the end. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for heavy-duty tools, this one isn’t going to be the best choice.