Precision is paramount in woodworking, and a quality drill press is one of the most effective tools for achieving it. Unlike handheld drills, a drill press offers unparalleled accuracy, consistency, and power for boring clean, perpendicular holes. Whether you are constructing furniture, crafting decorative pieces, or working on intricate joinery, the right machine makes a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your work.
This roundup covers a range of drill presses suitable for various needs and workshop sizes. From heavy-duty floor models for the serious craftsman to compact bench-top units for the hobbyist, there is an option here to help you tackle your next woodworking project with confidence and control.
The Best Drill Presses for Your Workshop
- JET 17-Inch Floor Drill Press, 16 Speed
- NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press
- WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
- HICO 8-Inch Bench Top Drill Press 5 Speed
- Gino Development TruePower Precision Mini Drill Press
- WEN 4208 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
- SKIL 3320-01 10-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
- PORTER-CABLE PCB660DP 6-Inch Drill Press
JET 17-Inch Floor Drill Press, 16 Speed
For woodworkers who require industrial-level performance and durability, the JET 17-Inch Floor Drill Press is a top-tier choice. Its powerful 3/4 HP motor provides consistent power for drilling through hardwoods with ease. The poly-v belt drive system and one-handed belt tensioning mechanism allow for rapid and secure speed changes, helping you quickly adapt to different materials and bit sizes.
The large, 14″ x 19″ precision-ground cast iron work table offers a stable and flat surface for your projects. Features like twin T-slot grooves and four table slots provide excellent flexibility for using fences, clamps, and other jigs to secure your workpieces. This machine is built for accuracy and repeatability in a professional or advanced home workshop.
NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press
The NOVA Voyager DVR represents a significant leap in drill press technology, featuring a powerful 1.75HP/2HP direct drive DVR motor. This brushless motor provides high torque at any speed, eliminating the need for belts and pulleys entirely. With a variable speed range from 50 to 5500 RPM, you have incredible control for everything from large Forstner bits to delicate detailing work.
This model offers an impressive 18-inch swing and a substantial 6-inch quill stroke, allowing you to work on large pieces and drill deeper holes. The digital variable reluctance (DVR) system maintains speed under load, ensuring consistent performance. For the tech-savvy woodworker looking for maximum power and programmable precision, the Voyager is in a class of its own.
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
The WEN 4214 strikes an excellent balance between capability and user-friendly features. Its key advantage is the infinitely variable speed control, which ranges from 580 to 3200 RPM. The mechanical variable speed system ensures you get equal torque throughout the entire range, and the digital LED readout takes the guesswork out of setting the correct speed for your task.
This 12-inch model includes a practical laser guide module to improve drilling accuracy. With a 3-1/8 inch spindle travel and a locking depth stop, you can achieve consistent, repeatable drilling depths. The 2/3 HP induction motor offers ample power for most woodworking applications, making this a very capable and versatile tool for the price.
HICO 8-Inch Bench Top Drill Press 5 Speed
If you have limited space or a lighter workload, the HICO 8-Inch Bench Top Drill Press is a compact and efficient solution. Its five preset speed settings, ranging from 760 to 3070 RPM, allow you to match the speed to the material and drill bit you are using. This model is designed to be a dedicated, space-saving workhorse for small to medium-sized projects.
The drill press offers a 2-inch spindle travel with a clear, locking depth stop for controlling hole depth. It comes complete with a 1/2-inch keyed chuck, chuck key, and all the necessary tools for assembly. For hobbyists, model builders, or anyone needing a reliable drill press that doesn’t consume much bench space, the HICO is a solid contender.
Gino Development TruePower Precision Mini Drill Press
Specialized tasks require specialized tools, and the Gino Development TruePower Mini Drill Press is perfect for detailed work. This compact unit accommodates small drills from 0.79 to 6mm (1/4 inch) in diameter, making it ideal for precision model building, jewelry making, and intricate wood inlays. Its permanent magnet motor and variable speed control provide fine-tuned operation.
You get infinite speed selection within three distinct ranges: 0-5000, 0-6500, and 0-8500 RPM. This high-speed capability is essential for working with very small bits that require high RPMs to function effectively. When absolute precision on a small scale is your primary concern, this mini drill press offers the control and accuracy you need.
WEN 4208 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
The WEN 4208 is a reliable and affordable entry into the world of bench-top drill presses. With five different speed settings, it provides the flexibility to handle a variety of materials and drilling tasks commonly found in a home workshop. Its compact 8-inch design makes it easy to fit on any workbench without sacrificing essential functionality.
This model includes a built-in work light to illuminate your workpiece, reducing shadows and improving visibility for more accurate drilling. The depth stop and laser-etched ruler help ensure consistent drilling depth from one hole to the next. For the DIY enthusiast or beginner woodworker, the WEN 4208 offers fundamental drill press features at an accessible price point.
SKIL 3320-01 10-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
SKIL’s 10-Inch Drill Press brings a well-known brand’s reliability to your workshop. The 5-speed pulley system allows you to select the appropriate RPM for drilling wood, plastic, or soft metals. The 10-inch swing capacity provides a good working range for many common projects, from building shelves to crafting small furniture pieces.
This drill press is designed with user convenience in mind. It features a built-in LED light to improve visibility on the drill point and a depth gauge with a laser-etched scale for precise depth control. The durable construction and thoughtful features make the SKIL 3320-01 a practical and trustworthy choice for consistent results.
PORTER-CABLE PCB660DP 6-Inch Drill Press
Maximizing portability without completely giving up precision, the PORTER-CABLE PCB660DP is a compact 6-inch drill press. Its small footprint and relatively light weight make it easy to move or store, which is ideal for workshops with severe space constraints or for jobs that require a portable drilling station.
Despite its size, it includes key features like variable speed control and a depth stop to maintain control over your drilling operations. This model is well-suited for light-duty tasks, hobby projects, and situations where a full-sized drill press is not practical. It brings the fundamental benefit of a drill press—perpendicular drilling—to a highly portable format.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Drill Press for Your Woodworking Projects
Choosing the right drill press for your woodworking projects can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. I’ve spent a lot of time in my shop testing different models, and I’ve learned that a few key factors make all the difference between a tool that frustrates you and one that becomes a shop staple. Let’s break down what you should be looking for.
First, consider the type of work you do. For small-scale projects like model building or drilling precise holes in jewelry boxes, a benchtop model is your best bet. They’re compact, affordable, and perfect for a garage or small workshop. If you’re regularly working with larger stock or need to drill deep into the center of a tabletop, a floor-standing drill press is the way to go. They offer more power, greater height capacity, and the stability needed for heavy-duty tasks.
Power and speed are next on my checklist. Motor power, measured in horsepower (HP), determines how easily the drill can handle tough materials. For most hardwoods, a motor in the 1/2 HP to 3/4 HP range is a solid choice. Speed control is equally important. Wood, plastic, and metal all require different drilling speeds. Look for a drill press with a variable speed control, either through a stepped-pulley system or an electronic variable speed (EVS) dial. EVS is my personal favorite because you can change speeds on the fly without stopping the machine.
Don’t overlook the quill travel and swing. The quill travel is the maximum distance the drill bit can move up and down. A longer travel, say 3 to 4 inches, is great for using hole saws or forstner bits. The swing is measured as twice the distance from the center of the chuck to the column. This number tells you the maximum width of material you can drill into the center of. A 10-inch swing gives you a 5-inch radius, for example.
Finally, pay close attention to the build quality and features. A sturdy table that can be tilted for angled drilling is a must. Check if it has T-slots for attaching clamps or a fence. A good depth stop system is crucial for repeatable holes, and a built-in work light is one of those features you don’t realize you need until you have it. When researching the 8 best drill presses for woodworking projects, I prioritized models that excel in these specific areas to suit a variety of needs and budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main advantage of a drill press over a handheld drill?
The biggest advantage is precision and consistency. A handheld drill relies entirely on your steadiness, which can lead to angled or uneven holes. A drill press locks the bit into a perfectly vertical (or a pre-set angled) position, ensuring every hole is straight and true. The depth stop also allows you to drill to the exact same depth across multiple workpieces, which is nearly impossible to do consistently by hand. This is why it’s a cornerstone tool for any serious woodworking shop.
Can I use a metalworking drill press for wood?
Yes, you absolutely can. Metalworking drill presses are often built to a higher standard with more power and heavier construction, making them excellent for wood. The key thing to watch out for is speed. Metal requires much slower drilling speeds than wood. If the drill press only has very low speed settings, it might burn the wood rather than cut it cleanly. For the best results with wood, you want a machine that can reach higher RPMs, which is a common feature in models designed for the 8 best drill presses for woodworking projects.
How important is a laser guide on a drill press?
A laser guide can be a helpful accessory, but I don’t consider it a necessity. It projects crosshairs onto your workpiece to show you exactly where the bit will land. This is great for quick alignment. However, for the most precise work, I still rely on the old-fashioned method: lowering the quill with the power off to see where the bit actually touches the wood. Lasers can sometimes be knocked out of alignment, so they’re a convenient aid, not a replacement for a careful setup.
What safety precautions should I always take with a drill press?
Safety is non-negotiable. Always, always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying wood chips. Avoid wearing loose clothing, gloves, or jewelry that could get caught in the spinning chuck. Secure your workpiece firmly to the table with clamps – never try to hold it by hand. And finally, let the machine do the work; forcing the bit through the wood can cause it to bind and snap, or worse, kick the workpiece back at you violently.
Is a 8-inch drill press too small for a beginner?
An 8-inch drill press is a fantastic starting point for a beginner. It’s typically a benchtop model, so it doesn’t take up much space, and it’s very affordable. The capacity is perfectly adequate for most common projects like building shelves, small furniture, or drilling holes for dowels. You can accomplish a huge amount of woodworking with an 8-inch model. It’s only when you start regularly working with very large panels or need extreme depth that you would truly need to upgrade to a larger floor-standing machine.