7 Best Drill Press for Metal in 2024 – Top Picks & Reviews
A good drill press is versatile, efficient, and heavy-duty. Although its primary function is to drill holes into projects or parts of your projects it can do a multitude of things to make our work easier and faster.
Looking to work on a project based on metal? Don’t know where to start in terms of drilling holes into it? Well you’ve come to the right place, this article is all about the best drill press for metal and we’re going to discuss and show you all the things that you need to know about them.
What are we waiting for? Let’s get started!
Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
IMAGE
PRODUCT
DETAILS
WEN 4208 8” 5-Speed Drill Presso
Speed: 3140 RPM
Voltage: 120 Volts
Weight: 31 Pounds
WEN 4214 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press
Speed: 580 to 3200 RPMs
Voltage: 120 Volts
Weight: 89 Pounds
SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10” Drill Press
Speed: 3050 RPM
Voltage: 120 Volts
Weight: 50.8 Pounds
Top 7 Best Drill Presses for Metal – Reviews & buying Guide 2021
Here are some of the best drill press for metal out in the market and we’ve compiled and researched them for you. This list should give you quite a good idea on which drill press is the right one for you.
01. WEN 4208 8” 5-Speed Drill Press
Quick Specifications and Features:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Speed: 3140 RPM
- Item Weight: 31 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 7.5” x 22.88” x 11”
- Comes with a ½” keyed chuck plus onboard key storage
- 5 different speed operation of 740/1100/1530/2100/3140 RPM
- Spindle travel of up to 2 inches with an easy to read, and locking linear depth stops designed for accurate plus repeatable drilling work.
- Cord Length at 6 feet
- 1/3 HP durable induction motor that will develop ample torque plus power
- 6 ½” x 6 1/2″ worktable with adjustable height and bevels of up to 45 degrees left and right
- Swing at 8”
- Motor at 120 =Volts, 60Hz. and Horsepower at 1/3 HP
Product Highlights:
First up on our best drill press for metal review is the WEN 4208. What this machine boast is power and the brand paired that with a compact design for you to have a strong and robust machine at your disposal but at the same time won’t consume much space on your workbench.
Its features are top-notch and would surely make your life easier plus your projects faster to accomplish.
Pros
- Powerful drill press
- Super versatile and compact
- Affordable
- Great features
- Ergonomic
Cons
- Not quite made for precision holes or soft materials
- Our review plus people’s opinion
- This drill press is without a doubt the most popular product on our list. It has over a couple of thousand reviews on Amazon and most are positive. It stands at a high 4.5 out of 5 stars and holds 70% 5-star ratings which are not easy feats to achieve online.
- Users are raving about its simplicity, and that it’s a good all-around press and a great value for money. Also, its weight and size is a big plus and boost to its success. People love it, so do we, and you will too, we promise!
02. WEN 4214 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press, Orange
Quick Specifications and Features:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Item Dimensions: 13.5” x 36.63” x 16.75”
- Speed range: 580 to 3200 RPMs. The mechanical variable speed will deliver equal torque across the range. LED display for the speed.
- Spindle travel is 3-1/8″ with an easy to read, and locking linear depth stop designed for accurate plus repeatable drilling work. 22 inches from front to the back of the motor.
- Quill diameter is 2.17”. 2/3hp durable induction motor to develop ample torque plus power.
- Motor is 120 Volts, 60 Hz.
- Laser Module is Class III
- 9-1/2” x 9-1/2″ cast iron features for the worktable rack and pinion height adjustment available and bevels of up to 45 Degree left and right. Width plus the handles are 14-1/2″.
- Drill press, laser, mechanical variable speed, table roller extension, 5/8 inches keyed chuck and key, and tools for assembly.
- Drill press Height total from floor to top is at 37”
Product Highlights:
Second product from WEN, this 4214 model boasts efficiency as the brand has taken advantage of the advances in technology and infused this one with features that has never been seen before from a powerful and convenient drill press.
No more guesswork, as your projects can be done with accuracy and speed with this machine.
Pros
- Great variable speeds
- Superb features
- As powerful as they come
- Comfortable and convenient to use and work on
Cons
- Reportedly poor customer service
Our review plus people’s opinion
Another popular product online, this drill press has about a thousand reviews (as far as we’ve researched) and also boast good ratings. In Amazon, it currently holds 4.4 out of 5 stars and 69% 5-star ratings.
People say that it’s a perfect woodworking drill press and is best suited for tool makers. Its wonderful features and functionality are what make it stand out and people are loving it.
03. SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10” Drill Press
Quick Specifications and Features:
- Power Source: Battery Powered
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Speed: 3050 RPM
- Item Weight: 50.8 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 21.75” x 15.25” x 9.75”
- Amperage: 3.2 A
- ½ inch keyed chuck plus bump-off switch needed for safety
- 5 Speed operation at 570 to 3,050 RPM
- With an adjustable depth stop designed for accurate measurements plus repetitive drilling
- 0 to 45 degree left and right and tilting work surface
- Laser X2 Two-beam laser designed for precise hole alignment
Product Highlights:
Precision and convenient adjustments are what this SKIL 3320-01drill press offers. You can work on your projects cleanly with 5-speed adjustments which make it rather versatile.
It’s built tough and is meant for any material and it’s super comfortable to use too.
Pros
- Affordable
- Powerful
- Great all-around features
Cons
- You may outgrow it fast as you improve your skills and have more drilling needs
Our review plus people’s opinion
This product is also a bit known to the public and it currently holds 4.1 out of 5 stars on Amazon but its 56% 5-star ratings may need a bit more boost. Maybe the inaccessibility or no available parts have something to do with it.
But if you are a started then people are saying that this drill press should be perfect for you.
04. Shop Fox W1668 ¾-HP 13” Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander
Quick Specifications and Features:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 110 volts
- Item Weight: 63 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 23” x 14” x 38”
- Motor is at 3/4 HP, 110V, 1,725 RPM, and the spindle speeds are 250 to 3050 RPM
- Drill chuck at 5/8”
- Spindle travel is at 3-1/4”
- Swing is at 13-1/4”
- Comes with a Three-piece spindle sander kit plus a mandrel and an 80 grit sanding paper for the 1”, 1 to ½” and 2” drums
Product Highlights:
Built to last, that’s what this Shop Fox W1668 is meant for. When it comes to toughness, this drill press is going to deliver. It also doubles as an efficient sander and has more power and capacity than ever. It’s convenient to use and is perfect for small hobby shops and passion projects alike.
Pros
- Easy to control
- Strong motor
- Robust
- Parts fit well together
Cons
- Poor illustration of instructions
Our review plus people’s opinion
We’ve come to the lesser-known products on our drill press review and this one has 49% 5-star ratings and 4.1 out of 5 stars. Not bad but could be better. The reviews though will surprise you as this drill press is very robust, strong, and easy to control based on reviews.
Overall, this drill press is a good investment
05. JET 354170/JDP-20MF 20” Floor Drill Press
Quick Specifications and Features:
- 20” floor drill press infused with a powerful 1.5 horsepower motor
- Comes with a smooth traveling table that raises and lowers at a turn of a crank to fit the height you needed
- 12 spindle speed range from 150 to 4200 RPM and a¾” chuck
- Has a built-in work light
- Drill chuck and also key Included
- Weighs 288 lbs.
Product Highlights:
If you’re one looking for easy and smooth control over your drilling activities then this JET 354170/JDP-20MFis for you. This one boasts great and comfortable controls and also accuracy for your projects.
It’s got convenient adjustments and features plus accessories to make your life easier.
Pros
- Comfortable and convenient to use
- Great quality overall
- Powerful and heavy duty
Cons
- Poor depth gauge adjustment
Our review plus people’s opinion
This product is not that popular but this one has great reviews from its clientele. Enjoys a high 73% 50-star ratings and 4.6 out of 5 stars, people are saying that it’s easy to use, comfortable ergonomics wise, and is a beast.
It’s good quality and should be a good investment for starters and veterans alike.
06. Jet Bench Mortiser, 1/2 HP, 120V, ½ inch Cap
Quick Specifications and Features:
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 115 volts
- Speed: 1752 RPM
- Item Weight is at 53 Pounds
- Item Dimensions: 22.8” x 14.4” x 11”
- 1/2 hp bench mortise at 115 volts and 1,752 rpm motor
- ½ inch chisel capacity and a 4-¾” head stroke plusrack and pinion head
- Made from rugged steel and cast iron
- Includes a mortiser, 3 bits, and a chuck key
- 44 pounds
Product Highlights:
Looking for a top-quality benchtop? Well, look no further, this Jet Bench Mortisermay be an underdog but it is meant to get your project going and fast. It is convenient size is not all that it has to offer but it’s got versatility and power to deliver an overall great appeal for DIY people and heavy-duty projects alike.
Pros
- Surprisingly good quality benchtop
- Great features
- Perfect all-around drill press
Cons
- May not be as heavy-duty
Our review plus people’s opinion
Best reviewed product from the lesser-known drill presses on our list, this one enjoys 76% ratings and an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Buyers are claiming that it’s a top of the line benchtop machine.
And a great versatile and fun tool to use for your drilling needs.
Quick Specifications and Features:
- Has an in-line depth stop that will allow for stopping at a pre-set depth without the need for racking the bit to its base
- Heavy-duty reversible handle available to be installed on either side of its head without needing any tool
- Stock hold-down has a double lock system on the top and side, eliminating slippage of your work piece
- Cam lock is quick action to fence in the desired position with 90° movement
- Two integrated bit, chisel spacers designed for quick set up
- ¾ hp bench mortiser plus a½” chuck, an in-line depth stop, with 5/8” and ¾” bushing sizes
- Operates for up to 1,725 RPM with a 5-1/2” head stroke capacity, and a reversible handle designed for left and right-hand operation
- Minimal assembly required
- 16-5” x 16” x 13/3-4” base
- 93 pounds
Product Highlights:
Powermatic, need we say more? Well, this tool is built tough and powerful, strength is its core and it won’t fail you no matter what. This Powermatic bench top mortiser is a great investment for anyone, it’s convenient, it’s efficient, it’s ergonomic, and most of all accurate. You won’t ask for more, we promise.
Pros
- Superb features and accessories
- Great overall quality
- Powerful
- Convenient to use
Cons
- Parts can break prematurely
Our review plus people’s opinion
This last drill press on our list enjoys quite favorable reviews too. With 78% 5-star ratings and 4.5 out of 5 stars that’s a great accomplishment for an underdog. Not much needs to be said, but the overall assessment of people is that it’s a heavy-duty top-notch drill press.
Best Drill Press for Metal Buyer’s Guide
As promised we’ve compiled all the features and aspects that you should watch out for when trying to shop around for your next or first drill press.
Model
First thing you got to consider is the model of the drill press you are going to get. So how do you know which one is best for you? Simple you think about the projects that you are going to do.
Your options are a bench top model or a floor model. Floor models are ideal for larger-scale projects as they are more accurate because they are generally more extensive especially its accessories. On the other hand, Bench top models are suited for smaller projects or tasks, they are also less precise but are super space-efficient.
Think about it, are you purchasing this for DIY stuff or passion projects and everyday tasks? Or is this for more serious drilling or your machine shop? Then you can decide.
Depth Stop
Next thing to consider is the depth stop. The depth stop is the gadget that assures that the openings you do share the same depth. This option is imperative when you boreal considerable amount of holes all the time and that you need them to match up in depth.
For example, you want a depth of 2” into a surface you are working on, and then a total number of about 20 holes, the depth stop assures that each of the holes will have depth, not more than2”.
Horsepower
Needless to say, you’d need to consider the horsepower of your drill press for it to be effective and suited to your projects. You will need more power if you plan to bore wider or longer holes through very strong substances like thicker metals, especially iron and steel.
The more power your drill press possesses, the lesser the stress it brings to your drill bits and will make your work shorter especially when drilling through these tougher materials.
Weight
Another factor in the portability and the stability of your drill press is its weight. So the choice is quite obvious here, if you need a portable model, then go for a benchtop model that’s a bit lightweight than you usual stationary model. But don’t forget to consider stability.
Accessories
Accessories add versatility and functionality to a drill press. Your machine can then have different purposes and uses that will be specific to a function. Choose wisely, you don’t have to have the accessories right away, just be sure that the drill press you are purchasing will have the flexibility to accommodate such accessories should you need them in the future.
Speed Adjustment
Most drill presses nowadays will come with a speed adjustment mechanism. The more expensive the drill press is it will have a few more speed options to choose from that a cheaper model would not have but this feature is common and you don’t have to worry about it.
Speed adjustments are great to have on your drill press as you can tone down to slower operating speeds when working on metals and at the same time faster speeds for different kinds of wood.
Drill Bits
Another important component of your drill press should be its ability to accommodate different kinds of drill bits. We are talking about the size and at the same time the type of drill bits that you are going to use with it.
Different drill bits will be effective on different surfaces or materials so make sure to ask your seller, research the brand, or the kinds of drill bits that you would need on your project before proceeding.
This will have a huge impact on what you can do with your drill press and the projects that you can work on.
Adjustable Head
A nice thing to consider when you buy a drill press is the adjustable head. There is a lot of value to the adaptability of your drill press when it’s got an adjustable head since it can move up to 45 degrees.
An adaptable head will enable you to handle work on compound angles rather easily.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Here are some common questions about drill press and everything that comes in between and we’ve answered them concisely just for you.
Question: How do I use a drill press on metal ?
Answer: First thing that you got to do is to practice making dimples on the surface of the metal that you’re going to drill holes before starting to drill. Drill bits will not stay put if you don’t mark a dimple first, so measure where you want to drill a hole into and use your hammer plus your center punch and create the dimple. This technique is an effective way to keep the drill bit in place.
Just a reminder, you don’t need any expensive or high-grade drill bits for metal (unless really necessary) as a standard HSS drill bit will do the job.
Practice lubricating all the time with a cutting fluid or multi-purpose oil as this will reduce friction and heat buildup as you drill. Start with a small hole should you need to make a larger one. Debur the holes once done and then repeat as necessary depending on the number of holes you need.
Question: What size drill press do I need for metal ?
Answer: A drill press with a swing size of anywhere between 8 to 20 inches just like the ones we have on our best drill press for metal review is best for metal use.
Question: What speed do I use when drilling in metal ?
Answer: It’s a misconception that since you are drilling through metal and that it’s a hard surface or material that you need the highest speed possible to drill holes into it. But unreality metal such as stainless steel are soft at its initial state, it only hardens when it gets hot, so it is advisable to drill at the slowest possible speed.
Question: How do I assemble my drill press ?
Answer: When setting up your drill press the first thing that you got to do is to set or adjust the speed. This is accomplished mostly by moving its drive belt from one pulley to another. The smaller pulley on its chuck axis, the faster it will spin. Again, slower speeds for metal, faster speeds for wood.
Next thing you got to do is to fit the drill bit. Open your chuck then slide in the drill bit then adjust it to fit using the key. Next is to adjust the table. You need to make sure that you are operating on the right table height.
Next up is to gauge depth. Different gauge depth is important in working effectively and efficiently not mentioning conveniently. Also, always make sure to secure your work piece and then drill away!
Question: How do I remove the drill press chuck ?
Answer: Drill presses come with a chuck removal tool that you can conveniently use for removing chucks. The removal tool fits in a special window on your drill press’s spindle for easy removal.
You can also use the old school hardwood plus hammer technique if the chuck removal tool is not available. Do not forget to then clean the chuck before reinstalling.
Question: Do drill press bits differ from one another ?
Answer: Yes, as a matter of fact, there are a few varieties of drill press that you can choose from that are each equipped with properties that are good for specific jobs. Sometimes, their effectiveness on some materials may overlap but it’s best to know which drill bit is best for which material. The following are some common drill bits.
High-Speed Steel (HSS) -HSS or what is known as High-Speed Steel is quite a popular material that is good for drilling soft steels, wood, and also plastic.
Cobalt (HSCO)– Cobalt or HSCO is considered as an upgrade from traditional HSS because it is infused with 5-8% Cobalt that is blended into the base material.
Carbide (Carb)– Carb or Carbide is probably the hardest and most brittle of all drill bit materials. It is not suited for hand drills or drill presses.
Black Oxide– Black Oxide drill bits, on the other hand, are made from heating High-speed steel to 950 degrees Fahrenheit.
Titanium Nitride (TiN)– TiN or Titanium Nitride is one of the hardest ceramic material there is and that property protects the steel bit for long performance life.
Question: Can I use a drill press as a milling machine ?
Answer: A drill press won’t have the bearings designed for a side load and it is not rigid compared to a proper milling machine so it’s not fit to be used as a milling machine.
Question: What’s the best way to clean the drill press ?
Answer: For rust and dirt, clean your drill press using a rust remover like Naval Jelly and for heavier deposits. Then, try a cleaning solvent or a degreaser for lighter grimes. You can use a pad with plastic abrasive or steel wool to then scrub its surfaces. Lastly, wipe the parts dry using a clean rag.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the different qualities and some of the best drill press for metal then you are on your way to starting that project. Whether it’s for a passion or DIY project or for your machine shop these drill presses have got what it takes to help you along the way.
Make sure to choose and spend wisely, and most of all get that project done no matter what. There’s nothing like spending time doing what you love. And lastly, stay safe and have fun!
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