Selecting the right drill press is a critical decision for any metalworking enthusiast or professional. The correct machine provides the rigidity, power, and precision needed to drill clean, accurate holes in tough materials. From heavy-duty floor models to space-saving benchtop units, the ideal drill press enhances safety, improves efficiency, and delivers consistent results project after project.
This roundup examines nine top-rated drill presses, highlighting their key features and capabilities for metalworking applications. Whether you need variable speed control for different metals, a deep quill stroke, or a powerful motor for tough alloys, there is an option here to meet your workshop demands and help you achieve professional-grade outcomes.
Our Top Picks for Metalworking Drill Presses
- NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press
- JET 20-Inch Floor Drill Press, 12 Speed
- JET 22-Inch Floor Drill Press, 12 Speed
- ShopSeries RK7033 6.2-Amp 10″ Drill Press
- WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press
- SHOP FOX W1680 1-Horsepower 17-Inch Floor Model Drill Press
- JET 17-Inch Floor Drill Press, 16 Speed
- JET 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed
- JET J-2530 15-Inch 12-Speed Floor Drill Press
NOVA 58000 Voyager DVR Drill Press
The NOVA Voyager stands out with its advanced direct drive DVR motor technology, offering exceptional power and control for demanding metalworking tasks. Its 1.75HP/2HP high-torque motor eliminates belts and pulleys, providing a remarkably smooth and quiet operation. The substantial 18-inch swing and generous 6-inch quill stroke allow you to handle large and thick workpieces with ease.
This model excels in versatility with an incredibly wide variable speed range from 50 to 5500 RPM, which is adjustable electronically. This feature is perfect for metalworking, as you can precisely match the speed to the specific type of metal and drill bit size. The 2MT quill taper offers a secure and professional-grade tool holding system for enhanced precision and stability during operation.
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JET 20-Inch Floor Drill Press, 12 Speed
Built for robust performance, the JET JDP-20MF is a classic floor model drill press designed for serious metalworking. Its 1-1/2 HP motor delivers ample power for drilling through steel and other hard metals, while the 12 available speeds, ranging from 150 to 4,200 RPM, provide the flexibility needed for various bit sizes and materials. The spindle is supported by high-quality ball bearings for smooth, vibration-free operation, which is crucial for achieving clean, accurate holes.
This drill press includes thoughtful features that improve workflow and precision. The 1/2-inch diameter external depth stop features a three-nut locking system for quick and secure adjustments, allowing for consistent drilling depths across multiple pieces. The overall solid construction and weight of this floor model contribute to its stability, minimizing movement during heavy-duty use.
JET 22-Inch Floor Drill Press, 12 Speed
The JET IDP-22 offers an even larger 22-inch swing capacity, making it an excellent choice for workshops that frequently work with oversized metal plates or fabrications. It shares the reliable 1-1/2 HP motor and 12-speed pulley system of its 20-inch sibling, ensuring you have the right combination of torque and speed for any metal drilling task. The increased distance from the column to the spindle provides greater flexibility in positioning your workpiece.
User convenience is a focus with this model. It includes the same effective external depth stop for precise depth control and features an adjustable tension spindle return spring, which you can set for optimal quill return based on your preference. Furthermore, the drill chuck and key are attached to the side of the machine, keeping them always within easy reach and reducing time spent searching for tools.
ShopSeries RK7033 6.2-Amp 10″ Drill Press
For those seeking a capable and affordable benchtop option for light to medium metalworking, the ShopSeries RK7033 presents a strong value. Its 6.2-amp motor provides sufficient power for drilling into metal, and the five speed options (620 to 3100 RPM) allow for basic speed adjustments suitable for different materials. The durable cast iron construction, including the work table, adds necessary mass to reduce vibration.
A key feature for versatility is the work table, which can bevel up to 45 degrees left and right for angled drilling operations. This is useful for certain fabrication projects. While it has a smaller 10-inch swing compared to floor models, its compact size makes it ideal for home garages or shops where space is at a premium, without completely sacrificing performance for metal tasks.
WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press
The WEN 4208T is an ultra-compact and economical entry point for hobbyists starting with metalworking or those with very limited space. Its 2.3-amp induction motor and five preset speeds (740 to 3140 RPM) can handle light drilling in softer metals and alloys. The cast iron construction provides a stable platform, and the 1/2-inch keyed chuck is a solid feature for a press in this class.
This model includes practical touches like onboard key storage, preventing loss of the chuck key. With an 8-inch swing and 2-inch spindle travel, it is best suited for smaller projects. For beginners or for secondary drilling tasks in a larger shop, the WEN 4208T offers a functional and space-saving solution to perform basic precision drilling beyond what a handheld drill can offer.
SHOP FOX W1680 1-Horsepower 17-Inch Floor Model Drill Press
The SHOP FOX W1680 is a sturdy floor model that balances a capable 1 HP motor with a manageable 17-inch swing. This makes it a good fit for workshops that need more capacity than a benchtop unit but have a slightly smaller footprint than the largest industrial models. The motor provides reliable power for consistent drilling in metal, and the 3-1/4-inch spindle travel is sufficient for many through-hole applications.
This drill press is built with a focus on durability and straightforward operation. The toggle-type switch offers simple and reliable control. Its design prioritizes solid performance for general metal fabrication, repair work, and shop tasks, providing a reliable and permanent drilling station for serious DIYers and small professional shops.
JET 17-Inch Floor Drill Press, 16 Speed
The JET JDP-17MF provides exceptional speed selection in a mid-size floor drill press, featuring 16 different speed settings. This wide range is a significant advantage for metalworking, allowing for very fine adjustments to achieve the optimal surface feet per minute for various metals and drill bit diameters. The 3/4 HP motor is efficient and capable for most drilling operations in steel and aluminum.
This model is designed for user convenience and adaptability. The worktable height is adjusted with a quick-release crank and can also be rotated 45 degrees left or right for angled drilling. A hinged metal belt cover provides safe and easy access to the drive system for speed changes, making the process quicker and more straightforward than on models with fully bolted covers.
JET 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, Variable Speed
The JET JWDP-12 brings the premium benefit of variable speed control to a benchtop format. Its system allows you to dial in any speed from 530 to 3,100 RPM seamlessly, without stopping to change belts. This is a major productivity boost for metalworking projects that require frequent speed changes for different hole sizes or materials, all powered by a reliable 1/2 HP motor.
Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on build quality, featuring a solid cast iron base to minimize vibration. The oversized, ergonomic control knobs make adjustments easy and precise. For a workshop where space is limited but performance and control are still priorities, this variable-speed benchtop press is a very strong contender.
JET J-2530 15-Inch 12-Speed Floor Drill Press
This JET J-2530 model offers a classic and reliable floor drill press configuration with a 15-inch swing, fitting well between benchtop units and larger industrial machines. It is equipped with a 12-speed pulley system, providing a broad range to handle everything from slow, high-torque drilling in thick metal to higher speeds for smaller bits. This versatility makes it a dependable all-around performer for a mixed-use shop.
As a floor model from a trusted brand like JET, it is built with durability and precision in mind. The solid column and heavy base ensure stability during operation, which is essential for achieving clean holes in metal. It represents a solid investment for a metalworker who needs a dedicated, full-size drilling station without requiring the absolute maximum swing capacity.
Buying Guide: What to Look For in a Drill Press for Metalworking
Choosing the right tool for drilling metal is a different ball game compared to wood. I’ve learned the hard way that a drill press that’s perfect for a woodshop might struggle or even be dangerous with steel or aluminum. When I’m looking at the 9 best drill presses for metalworking, my first stop is always the motor. You need power and low speed. Metal requires slower rotational speeds to prevent overheating the bit and work-hardening the material. Look for a motor with high torque and a speed range that goes down to at least 250 RPM, with 150 RPM or lower being ideal for larger holes in tough metals.
Next up is rigidity and construction. This is non-negotiable. The entire machine needs to be a solid, vibration-absorbing unit. I always check the column diameter; a thicker column (like 3 inches or more) resists flexing under side pressure. The head and table should be made of heavy cast iron, not thin stamped steel. A quality quill and spindle with minimal runout (the amount the bit wobbles) is critical for precision and bit life. If the machine shakes or chatters, you’ll get poor results and wear out tools fast.
Then I consider the work table and adjustability. A good metalworking table is solid, often ground flat, and should have T-slots for clamping down vises and workpieces. Metal drilling requires everything to be locked down tight. The table’s lift mechanism is also important—cranking a heavy table up and down a smooth rack-and-pinion system is much better than a loose, sloppy setup. Don’t forget about the depth stop; a positive, accurate depth stop is essential for repetitive drilling tasks.
Finally, I think about the features that make the job easier and safer. A built-in work light is a huge quality-of-life improvement. A laser crosshair can be handy for positioning, though I rely more on a center-punched mark. The availability of a coolant system, even a simple drip setup, can make a world of difference when drilling deep holes in steel. Remember, investing in a proper machine designed for the task saves time, money on broken bits, and frustration in the long run.
FAQ
Why can’t I just use my woodworking drill press for metal?
The main issue is speed. Wood drill presses often spin too fast, even on their lowest setting. Drilling metal at high speed generates excessive heat, which can ruin your drill bit’s temper and even alter the metal’s properties. A proper metalworking press offers very low RPM settings and has a more robust, vibration-resistant construction to handle the higher forces involved.
How important is horsepower (HP) for a metalworking drill press?
It’s crucial, but it’s about more than just the number. You need torque at low speeds. A 1/2 HP motor on a bench-top model might be fine for small holes in thin stock, but for serious work, I look for 3/4 HP to 1 HP or more in a floor model. This ensures the motor won’t bog down or stall when you’re pushing a larger bit through tough steel.
What’s the difference between a benchtop and a floor model for metal?
It comes down to capacity, power, and stability. Benchtop models are space-savers and good for lighter, smaller work. For drilling larger diameters or through thick metal stock, a floor model is the way to go. They offer more power, a longer quill stroke for deeper holes, a larger work table, and significantly more mass to dampen vibration, which is key for clean, accurate holes in metal.
Do I need a specific type of drill bit for use in a drill press?
Absolutely. For most metals, you should be using high-speed steel (HSS) or cobalt drill bits. For hardened steels, carbide-tipped or solid carbide bits are necessary. The key is to always ensure the bits are sharp. A dull bit requires more force, generates more heat, and is the leading cause of broken bits and poor results, even on the best drill presses for metalworking.
How do I prevent the metal workpiece from spinning dangerously?
You must always clamp it down. Never, ever try to hold a metal piece by hand. Use a drill press vise bolted or clamped securely to the table. For odd shapes, use stepped blocks and sturdy clamps. This is a critical safety practice that also guarantees accuracy. A spinning piece of metal can cause serious injury in an instant.