Fine Woodworking Benchtop Drill Press Review

John white shop manager fine woodworking magazine.

Fine woodworking benchtop drill press review. The depth setting mechanism however fell short in our tests. When we set out to test benchtop drill presses we combed the market for models that were in stock and still being manufactured. We tested torque on each drill press by boring holes into hard maple starting with a 2 forstner bit then increased bit sizes in 1 4 increments to test each machine s limits. On average floormounted drill presses offer more power larger tables and more swing the distance between the post and the chuck.

We have assembled all the information needed to help you find the best drill press for your specific needs. My variable speed delta benchtop 12 inch drill press works for me as a woodworking hobbiest non metalworking dude. I have a cheap benchtop drill press. All eight machines we tested offer 12 14 of swing compared with the 17 swing typical of a floor model drill press.

It has brought several of my old plug cutters back to life by being able to slow them way down. If you have the money get a floor mount the extra capacity for handling large workpieces is worth it. Maybe some of you can help. Seven feature at least a 3 stroke the maximum depth you can plunge a bit.

Despite their small size benchtop models offer workpiece capacities pretty close to full size presses. Do benchtop drill presses have the power and precision a furniture maker needs. The drill press reviews on this page are designed to make the process of researching and buying this tool as easy as possible. Deep checking them for flat and level tables runout power and ease of use.

And it does holesaw work as well as my handheld drills which have similar power only you can control the cutting speed better. We also wanted larger models ones that let you drill a hole at least 3 in. Nine standard benchtops met those criteria read the review. This tool review looks at nine models that are at least 1 3 hp and can drill at least 3 in.

Finding a large selection fo these seems problematic but if i could narrow it down to 2 or 3 models i could probably find one. So did three somewhat unconventional drill presses that let. Delta s model dp350 benchtop drill press features variable speed from 500 to 3 100 rpm and an offset table crank. Most of the heavy bench top drill presses are just the head of the floor drill press mounted on a shorter post.

The delta lets you change speeds effortlessly by turning an arm while the motor is running. Stationary presses range from a 3 1 2 to 5 stroke. The drill press i want will be a benchtop because i m not willing do devote space to a floor model and have never needed a floor. Its work light was the best we tested.

Ultimately three models stood out. It received a grade of fair. Top two qualities in a drill press a machine this size should handle the largest bits holesaws and adjustable circle cutters you have without bogging down. Deep in one plunge.