Best Drill Presses For Metal: Ultimate Buying Guide 2022
If you’re out and about with buying a new best drill press for metal, then you should know that there are specific features which are very important depending on the types of projects you usually consider. If the last time you bought a drill press was five or ten years ago and think that you still have what it takes to buy the right one for you these days, then think again. The industry has changed a lot and so did the drill presses. No worries though, we’ve compiled a list of things to keep in mind when buying a drill press, so let’s take a closer look at them below.
Comparison Table
| Image | Product Name | Motor | Warrenty | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Shop Fox W1668 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press | ¾-HP | Two-year warranty | |
  | Rockwell RK7033 Drill Press | 2/3 HP | N/A | |
  | Small Benchtop Drill Press | DRL-300.00 | N/A | 1-year warranty | |
  | RIKON 30-120 13-Inch Drill Press | 1/2HP motor | Two-year warranty | |
  | JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press | 1.5 hp motor | Two-year limited warranty |
Outlined below are some of the top five drill press reviews.
Best Drill Presses for Metal
1.Shop Fox W1668 3/4 HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press
This is one drill press that goes for a reasonable price which is very high but affordable. It features a 3/4HP motor which runs at 110 volts and 1725 RPM. It weighs 122.4 pounds and a height of 38 inches tall. It contains impressive twelve-speed options which range from 250RPM to 3,050RPM. This drill press also contains a 45 degree right and left table tilt and a 360 degrees table swing.
According to Amazon reviews by customers who have actually bought this drill, it is very user-friendly and alternating speed drills can be done with ease. Many buyers were very impressed with this drill press and they also appreciated the fact that it contained a sanding feature. The buyers also noted its sturdiness and durability. Most of them appreciated the fact that this drill press was ideal for working in smaller spaces and required a smaller press.
The only disadvantage that most customers complained of about the drill was on the packaging during shipping. Most of them voiced their concern about the poor condition the drill arrived in, for other customers, it came damaged. However, aside from the shipping and packaging issues, there haven’t been any quality or performance problems voiced by the buyers of this machine. Many buyers would actually recommend this drill for many DIY projects and it is the drill press for the money.
2.Rockwell RK7033 Drill Press, 10-Inch
The drill has a 6.2 amp and 2/3 HP motor. The drill contains five-speed options and it is able to perfectly drill wood, metal and plastic. Weighing 53.4 pounds, it also contains a rack and pinion height adjustment. It also has a 45 degree left to right table tilt and features a keyed safety switch that ensures that the unit isn’t accidentally started. Buyers of this press drill have expressed their appreciation of its strong motor and its ability to deliver precision holes.
The external belt tension adjustment feature became a favorite for many users. Most have also been impressed with its durability and have used it for a long time. They considered this machine the best product from Rockwell. This drill lacks any performance or quality issues.
The only drawback about it is that it comes unassembled and the parts are very oily. The use of gloves when assembling the parts is advised. However, overall the drill meets quality standards and it is indeed the drill press for metal.
3.Benchtop Drill Press – DRL-300.00
This is the ideal project for both small and large home construction projects. Its price ranges vary which make it very economical. It has three-speed options and runs up to 8,500RPM. Weighing only 13 pounds, it measures 6-3/4 inches by 6-3/4 inches; this makes it perfect especially when the working space is small. It also comes with a manufacturer’s one year warranty which is quite convenient.
Customers have quite a lot of good things to say about this drill. It is perfect for woodworking and jewelry crafting. It is also ideal for most small construction projects. It is lightweight but sturdy and very easy to use. Most buyers consider this unit a top drill press.
However, the only disadvantage with this drill is that it has less power when operated on slower speed settings something that can be quite an inconvenience. Apart from this, the drill works perfectly and its quite affordable for individuals keen on costs. For that price, there is no excuse for not carrying out that home construction project you have always wanted to do.
4.RIKON 30-120 13-Inch Drill Press
It goes for about 350 bucks and has a lot of useful features. Weighing 123 pounds, this drill has a 1/2 HP motor and 16 speed options ranging from 200RPM to 3,630RPM. It is made from heavy solid steel and cast iron. It also has a clutch depth stop and a rack and pinion height adjustment. This is one press drill that will last for a long time and as a bonus, it comes with a five-year warranty from the manufacturer. What could be better than this? You don’t have to spend money on repairs because this drill is less likely to give you problems.
The fact that this drill is built to last is what draws many customers to buy it. Despite its special modern features, most customers buy it because of its durability. The drill, however, has only one drawback, the handle wheel has been known to cause injury to the knuckles but wearing working gloves while using it might help. Apart from that, this drill remains one of the most durable and drill presses.
5. Jet JDP-20MF 20-Inch Drill Press with Digital Readout
The press drill comes with a 1/5 HP motor and an impressive innovative Xacta laser that guarantees drilling precision. There is also an impressive LED readout light to further enhance accuracy while working. It also contains a compact bench top that is ideal for working in small workshop areas.
The laser enables you to see the exact piece of what you are cutting, something that reduces the likelihood of having errors in your construction work. The large ergonomic knobs enable you to easily adjust and stabilize the drills for accuracy. The digital readout allows you to read the spindle speed and it’s perfect for different drilling applications.
It has been one of the top rated drill presses thanks to its great design and quality. Buyers have expressed appreciation for the safety chuck key feature because it has helped prevent injuries. It is also very easy to use despite its design; the simple on/off switch located at the front of the drill press, further simplifies matters making it easy to switch it on and off whenever it’s convenient.
There are some drawbacks about this machine and one of them is that it has heavy vibration during use as many users have claimed. The LED readout screen has also been known to cease functioning after months of use. The lack of warranty for a machine with its cost is also an issue. But generally, it is a great functioning machine that will give service for a long time. It has still been rated highly in drill press reviews despite the few drawbacks. Check out our detailed review here.
This drill press is actually the Jet JDP-20Inch Drill Press(With Digital Readout). This is according to the many positive reviews that it has received from users. According to the drill press reviews, this are the most durable, the most effective and since it comes with a five-year warranty a consumer cannot ask for anything more. It is one machine built to last and has had many DIY enthusiasts quite excited and singing its praises. It meets all the quality standards and its price is quite affordable.
For a machine that is below five hundred bucks, it is the best drill press for the money. You will have no regrets after purchasing it and can even pass it on after many years to a DIY apprentice if you have one. There are many other things to mention but this is an insight in this regard.
Types of Drill Press
The first type is the bench top, which you can mount on top of a stand or workbench. Another type is the freestanding floor drill press, which comes with highly powerful motors. It does not only offer more power than the bench top drill press but also allows you to use various attachments according to your requirements. For better accessibility and mobility, some of the freestanding floor presses have wheels.
Features of Drill Presses
Spindle speed and horsepower
If you want to get a new drill press for metal work and also some woodwork, then you need to ensure that it comes with the option of changing the speed of the spindle to suit your various projects. If you work with metal, you’ll generally need to ensure the speed is as low as possible, while if you work with wood, the speed needs to be raised in the high or medium range. In my opinion, if you’re after versatility, then go for a model that operates between 500 RPMs and 4000 RPMs.
As for the horsepower, the more you have, the easier it will be to drill through sturdier materials. Therefore, make sure your chosen drill press has at least three-quarters of an HP.
Drill press table and depth stop
To improve flexibility when using it, it’s best that you get a drill press which features a table which can be swiveled three hundred and sixty degrees, lowered and also raised. When it comes to the depth-stop, it’s a mechanism that allows you to define the depth at which you can drill which is very important when dealing with projects involving repetitive boring and therefore require consistent results.
Accessories
You’ll find that there are many accessories out there which you can use in order to improve the function of your drill press. For instance, a drill press clamp will allow you to ensure the materials you’re working on are kept firmly in place. As for helping with the material’s position on the table, you may want to use a drill fence.
Tips For Purchasing The Right Drill Press
Irrespective of whether you are working in the backyard or at a workshop you will want to have the drill press on hand. Did you know there are a variety of tasks that can be accomplished with such a press? One thing to remember though is that if you hasten and purchase the cheapest one that you can find then you might as well be prepared for a quick disappointment. You should always make sure that the tool is capable of doing the work that needs to be done.
Before purchasing a drill press stop and think what it will be used for. These come in different sizes from small to enormous. This is why it is always best to think about what needs to be done with the press before making the purchase. If you are in a workshop and always have big jobs to do then it only makes sense that a small press will not be of any use for you. Remember when the drill press is not in use then it will need enough space for storage.
Now you are ready to figure out how much money you can spare for purchasing this tool. A drill press comes in many different ranges as far as price is concerned. If you are on a tight budget then it would not make any sense to try and spend thousands of dollars on your new press. There is no reason to think that you have to spend a mint when there are good versions that will cost half the amount of money.
No matter which of the top drill press you might be looking at just remembers they are actually set up for performing different kinds of tasks. A point to remember is what exactly the press is going to be used for. Some presses are meant for handling heavier material in large numbers. The thicker the metal that the press will be going through the more money you will need to spend. There are cheaper presses available in the market that can handle wood if that is the material which you work with the most.
If you are not sure which brand to go with then take some time and indulge in research. Read the reviews, testimonials, and feedback and see what other consumers are saying about the brand and the product. This is the best way to make sure the press will be everything that you were expecting. It is also a good way for comparing the brands and seeing what each manufacturer has to offer through his product.
Accessories are also very important. Some will actually come with a variety of drill bits, different sizes of holes, and many other goodies. It can be expensive if you have to purchase everything separately so make sure the press comes with at least some accessories. Also, make sure of what kind of warranty is in place in case something goes wrong with the machine.
Since this is going to be one of your more major investments do not acquire one in a hurry. It is best to take your time and decide on the perfect press for your needs. The easiest place to start looking around is online so you can read everything about the product without venturing out of the comfort of your home. This eliminates any associate trying to talk you into a bigger machine than what is actually needed.
So remember to compare the various brands and see what accessories can be acquired as a part and parcel of the package. Make sure you figure a price that will fit into your budget easily. Always think about what type of job your press will be used for the most. Never forget to check about the warranty that is in place and what exactly it entails before making the purchase.
How easy can it be serviced?
Lastly, if your drill press breaks, it’s very important that you can easily purchase the spare parts required to fix it, especially if you’re working on a time sensitive project that permits no delays. Better yet, I suggest you consider a model that can be fixed locally when required so that you won’t have to send it to another location for repairs. This is not only more uncomfortable but at the same time the shipping costs can add up quite quickly.
Buying a drill press is not as hard as you think and all you need to consider before getting one is using these useful tips as a guide. Also, always go for a heavier drill press, since it greatly improves stability when working with it.
If you’re passionate about creating various objects from metal and other similar materials, then you’ll certainly need to make sure that you get yourself the very best benchtop drill press for metal work, especially if you’re serious about this. So basically what a drill press does is that it helps you bore holes which are evenly sized into metal, wood and other types of materials. In fact, there are drill presses that are specifically built for boring holes into metal, while others are made to bore holes into wood. In the paragraphs below we’re only going to talk about the former, so with that being said, let’s check out what the rill presses for metal work can do.
This article features our friend Michael Stover and he is a Drill enthusiast and He runs a blog called ToolsInside. You can Check your Drill related blog.
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