Best Benchtop Drill Press Reviews

WEN 4212

The design is quite conventional, but some features aren’t a standard part of other units on the market. The first thing that comes to mind is the LED screen that is designed to display the current speed so that the user is always aware of the current RPM. It might not seem like an impressive feature to many people, but you can rest assured that it 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 because it 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, some people found it to be underpowered for some applications. On top of that, even though the manufacturer says it’s good for both heavy and light-duty tasks, it’s not entirely true. In fact, it’s a good tool for occasional projects, but you shouldn’t expect much long term.

Craftsman 10 in Bench Drill Press

As far as the design goes, there’s nothing particularly impressive about it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. In fact, it’s a great design because it’s easy to set up and get it running in a matter of minutes. What makes this design somewhat special is the laser. It provides accurate X and Y axis projection which allows for better positioning of the workpiece. It may not be an impressive function for DIYers, but you can rest assured that many professionals appreciate it quite a bit. The drill table tilts both to the left and right at a 45-degree angle which 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 because it guarantees reliability and sturdiness.

Not many people complained about the sheer performance of this unit, but some users did complain about quality control as well as the quality of the assembly. In other words, some units weren’t properly calibrated which consequently leads to poor performance and lousy experience. It’s a good machine for hobby work, but it can struggle with serious projects, especially if you’re a professional who uses a drill press on a daily basis. The price is good, but it could have been a bit lower. It’s not an expensive tool per se, but there are some other ones that offer similar features for a better price. However, the fact that it’s made by Craftsman adds a bit to the price.

Skil 3320-01

The design is quite ordinary and similar to others with a few notable exceptions. The first and most notable one is the X2 2-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 in case you’re planning on handling different materials and applications. The worktable can tilt to both sides at a 45-degree angle, which is a standard feature but a useful one nonetheless. The panic stop button located on the front of the chassis is a great addition even though it doesn’t seem too impressive. While some people consider it quite irrelevant, it’s an essential feature for increased safety. One of the biggest advantages of this particular model is its X2 laser as it is not a standard feature when it comes to the affordable category.

The downsides aren’t massive, but there are some things you should be aware of. The machine works well when it comes to processing wood and some other softer materials, but it underperforms with metals such as aluminum and steel. In other words, you shouldn’t expect a miraculous performance if you’re planning on processing metals. As we said, it’s a good machine for hobbyists, but it’s a poor choice for avid professionals as it is underpowered for quite a few applications. Also, the worktable tends to wobble and move, even when tightened correctly. On the other hand, the price is more than acceptable which means you are going to get what you paid for but not much more than that.

EuroTool Small Benchtop Drill Press

The most notable thing when it comes to the design is its compactness. It measures 6-3/4 inches by 6-3/4 inches and weighs about 13 pounds. As you can see, it’s a small, lightweight machine which is quite easy to set up and use. It also features variable speeds of up to 8500 RPM. Therefore, the whole design revolves around the idea of being a space-saving one but still powerful enough to handle a variety of DIY projects. The biggest drawback of this design is the fact that it can’t handle massive pieces thus not being suitable for professional purposes and big projects.

When it comes to the shortcomings, there aren’t many besides the obvious lack of ability to cope with bigger projects. The unit also often struggles with accuracy and power. Many people complain about the poor performance, but it’s not quite fair in the first place as this machine isn’t foreseen for serious projects. As we mentioned, it’s an entry-level tool and you shouldn’t expect too much from it in the first place. The chuck tends to get loose and wobble occasionally, but it’s not a big deal as it’s easy to readjust it in a matter of seconds. It is an okay machine, but far from an ideal one.

The unit is more or less fairly priced, although some people consider it to be expensive. It all comes down to one’s personal preferences, but if you’re looking for heavy-duty tools, this one isn’t a good choice at all.