Best Drill Press for Metal | Top 5 Reviews and Buying Guide
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People ask a lot: ‘Just what’s the best drill press for metal?’ With so many manufacturers exclaiming theirs is the best, it can be confusing. This is why we run this site, to give you an independent view, having looked at all the specifications and technical information.
For ease, we have placed the top 5 picks into an easy-to-read comparison table so you can quickly identify our Best Overall and Best Value. We have written a detailed review of each model, and at the bottom of the article, you will find a Buyers Guide that will help you make the right metal drill press choice. As always, it’s not about just buying the most expensive model but finding the right one for both your budget and your needs.
Here’s what we cover in this best drill press for metal review article:
- First, we compare our top picks side-by-side in a comparison table. Perfect if you are short on time!
- Next, we take a detailed look at each model and share their main features and benefits we think you’ll love
- Then, we explore their drawbacks
- And finally, our buying guide will give you a greater insight into the product range
Sound good? Great, let’s begin!
Buy on AmazonDrill Press Comparison Table:
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Price | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Jet 716000 | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | Wen 4214 | Click Here | 4.8 / 5 (Best Value) |
  | Shop Fox W1668 | Click Here | 4.6 / 5 |
  | Skil 3320-01 | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 |
  | Genesis GDP1005A | Click Here | 4.4 / 5 |
More buying guides: Best Drill Bit Sharpeners for the Money – Top 3 Reviews and Buyers Guide
Top 5 Drill Press Reviews
1. Jet 716000 JWDP-12 Drill Press (Best Overall)
- Jet JWDP-12 drill press strikes the perfect balance between power and compactness in a standing drill press. The power tool is suitable for both professionals and non-professionals as it has features you will not find in simple low-end drill presses for metal work. Such as variable spindle speed and depth gauge for drilling precise holes.
- This drill press is built with a 5 amps motor with a 115 voltage and the machine prides itself on a heavy-duty 1/2 horsepower motor that offers variable drilling speed which makes it suitable for drilling holes in hard material.
- The bench drill press comes in a compact benchtop drill press design for portability and convenience. It also comes with a large paddle switch, which ensures you can easily switch the machine on and off without a hassle. It also comes with a stable cast iron base designed to keep the drilling machine stable even after repositioning on the workbench.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
2. Wen 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press (Best Value)
- Wens 4214 12-inch variable speed drill press is a powerhouse for all your metal drilling needs. The small drill press is feature-rich with some of the best features you can find in an industrial type drill press. The benchtop drill press is powered by a 5-amp motor that generates 2/3hp output, ideal for use with hard metals.
- The machine is designed with a varied speed control ranging from 580 to 3200rpm. The variable speed control feature allows you to target a suitable speed for the work to be done. The drill press has a max drill capacity of 5/8 in 1 thick material. With that power, the drill head can be used to drill through metal, wood, and other materials.
- The drill press comes with a 9-1/2 by 9-1/2-inch work-table with a rack and pinion whose height can be adjusted accordingly. It also rotates at a 45-degree angle right and left for angled drilling on your workpiece. The drill press is designed for easy operation. You can adjust speed by moving a lever as opposed to models with pulleys and belts.
- The machine also comes with a digital readout led display that shows the speed. Another outstanding feature is the x-pattern laser that ensures accuracy in drilling by locking onto the drill points.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
More buying guides: Hammer Drill vs Impact Driver. Is There 1 Colossal or Decisive Difference?
3. Shop Fox W1668 Benchtop Drill Press
- Shop Fox 13 benchtop drilling press is an excellent option for anyone looking for versatility. The machine comes with a 5/8 drill chuck, which can accommodate different large drill bits. This benchtop drill press is powered by a 3/4hp motor that runs on a 12-speed operation, and this means the drill press operates between 250-3050rpm, giving the user the utmost control when drilling different materials, including metal.
- The machine is designed with a tilting drill press table that can tilt 90-degrees left and right when drilling. The drill press comes with a 3-piece spindle sander drum kit too. The spindle travels up to 3-1/4 when drilling. Designed to sit on a benchtop making this a space saver in comparison to a floor standing drill press.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
4. Skil 3320-01 Drill Press
- Skil 3320-01 drill press is another simple but powerful drill press for metals. This machine is designed to handle different materials from an easy twist of the feed lever. The 10-inch drill press is powered by a 3.2-amp motor that runs at five varied speed operations, ranging from 570 rpm to 3050rpm. It's also designed with a working area tilted from 0-45 degrees on the left and right for accuracy.
- The Skil 3320-01 drill press also comes with a laser x2 2-beam laser, which aligns the material for added accuracy and precision when drilling a metal piece. The 10-inch drill is designed with a 1/2-inch keyed chuck that comes with a bump off switch for safety.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5. Genesis (Model GDP1005A) Benchtop Drill Press
- Genesis 10-inch benchtop drill press is a powerful machine that will come through for all your drilling needs. The drill press is powered by a 4.1 induction motor that ensures smooth but powerful performance. This drill press is designed with a 5-speed gearbox that allows the user to change speed while working with different metals easily.
- The Genesis GDP1005A is built with a work-table that rotates 360 degrees and tilts at an angle between 0-45 degrees on both right and left. The adjustable and rotating work table makes it easy to work at different angles when drilling.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Video: Drill Press Metal Working
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Drill Press for Metal Buyers Guide
Choosing a drill press for metal is not a walk in the park, even after narrowing it down to the five best products. With so many brands to choose from, making a choice can be a daunting task, but it shouldn’t be. Below are some factors you need to consider to purchase a drill press that will meet your needs.
Model
Different drill press models depend on what you need. When choosing the best drill press for metals, the first step is understanding the suitable model for your needs.
Freestanding floor models are industrial-grade machines with unlimited drilling power. These models are ideal for heavy-duty applications. The benchtop models are suited for small-scale and home workshops as they have limited power. They perform just fine but are less potent than their freestanding counterparts.
Power
Power is always a consideration when choosing a drill press. The more powerful the drill press, the better, especially when you are working on hard surfaces. The amps you should choose typically depend on the regular uses of the drill press. You don’t need a super-powerful drill press for melts if you are drilling small holes through a sheet of metal.
However, if you work in construction or are handling metal frames, a drill press with a tremendous amount of power is non-negotiable. The go for a drill press with at least a 3-amp motor to ensure you are getting sufficient power for your drilling needs. The more drilling you do with your drill press, the more powerful it should be.
Variable speed
A drill press for metal should provide enough speed for the drill bit to go through the metal without damaging the metal or the drill bit. It’s, therefore, crucial to get a drilling bit with variable speed as different drill bits need to be spun at specific speeds to ensure the bit does not wander and mess up your work.
For instance, when you are drilling through metal, you need to move at a slow pace. However, when you are drilling through a wood stock, you need a higher speed for accuracy. Instead of having different drill presses go for one with variable speeds for all your drilling needs. All you will need is to adjust the speed accordingly. A drill press that provides different gears from 500rpm to at least 2500rpm is ideal for various drilling applications.
Worksurface
Drill presses do not come with a comprehensive work table as there is no right or wrong size of the table. It all comes down to the personal preference and needs of the user. However, you should make the work table from high-quality, heavy-duty material that can withstand the user’s weight and the spindle. A work table that can be adjusted, tilted, rotated is an added advantage.
Accessories
Different accessories come with a drill press, depending on the brand and manufacturer. Some essential accessories include clamps to hold the stock in place while drilling with a drill bit, led lights to keep the working surface lit and increase visibility for accuracy, and onboard storage to hold your chuck key, tools, drill bits, and lubricant. Most drill presses nowadays come with a laser guide for precision when drilling through the metals.
It’s essential to understand the accessories that come with the drill press if some need to be purchased separately. Remember that the cost of these accessories doesn’t add to the machine’s performance but improves the user experience and ease of use. It’s best to find a drill press for metals with as many accessories as possible.
Size and weight
Convenience is a crucial factor to consider when choosing the best drill press for metals. A compact drill press ensures that it can fit on top of different worktops and enables you to work seamlessly. It also allows one to work conveniently, even in small spaces. The weight of the drilling press is also significant. A benchtop drill needs to be lightweight for portability.
The machine will be moved from one work area to another, unlike a freestanding floor drill press. It should not weigh down the user. However, it should remain sturdy enough to overcome vibrations. Most benchtops are lightweight and compact, but heavier units tend to carry more power. It’s essential to know how to strike a balance to avoid getting an extremely lightweight machine with a weak motor.
Buy on AmazonConclusion
So, there you have it. Our top 5 choices for the best drill press for metal. Which one is best? Well, our Best Overall choice was the Jet 716000 JWDP-12 Drill Press. Its laser guide is precise, and it’s dead easy to assemble and use and compact enough that you can quickly move it around.
The Best Value award went to Wen 4214 as it has a ton of features typically only found on higher-priced drill presses. For the money, this is hands down the best deal currently out there. Our only real gripe is it’s heavy, and this goes against it.
We hope you have found this review helpful, and, as always, we are here to answer any questions you may have. We are confident that if you read our five reviews combined with the buyer’s guide, you will identify which drill press for metal is right for you.
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Here are our favorite benchtop drill press picks
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Model | Buy | Walts Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
Top  | DEWALT DWE1622K | Click Here | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
  | WEN 4208 | Click Here | 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) |
| Shop Fox W1668 | Click Here | 4.8 / 5 (Best Premium) |
Walts DIY is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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