Best Magnetic Drill Press for the Money | Top 5 Reviews and Buying Guide

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What is the best magnetic drill press? That’s a good question, and it can be hard to answer because of the high levels of inaccuracy in the specifications, online reviews, and outright fake advertising. They also range vastly in price, and all of this can lead to confusion about which model is suitable for your needs.

When it comes to choosing the best magnetic drill press, there are many factors to consider. That’s why we’ve created this guide for you! We will discuss 5 of the best magnetic drills on the market and give you a complete buying guide. We’ll also share some tips with you about what to look for when shopping around so that you can find your perfect magnetic drilling machine today!


Here’s what we’ll look at it in this best magnetic drill press review article:

  • First, we compare our top 5 picks side-by-side in a comparison table.  Perfect if you’re short on time!
  • Next, we take a detailed look at each model and fully explain their features and benefits you’ll find useful
  • Then, we explore their drawbacks we think you should know about
  • And finally, our buying guide will provide more information about these tools and enable you to identify which model is right for your needs. (Remember, it’s not about buying the most expensive one!)

Sound good? Let’s begin!

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Magnetic Drill Press Comparison Table

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5 Best Magnetic Drill Presses | Reviews

 

1. DeWALT DWE1622K Drill Pres (Best Overall)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Workable with 4-4/8-inch drill travel for maximum capacity
  • Super easy to use portable magnetic drill
  • Fitted with self-feed cooling tank
  • Comes with a quality case
  • Applicable for heavy-duty applications
Cons
  • Drill chuck change has room for improvement

 

2. Mophorn 1200W Magnetic Drill Press (Best Value)

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Very powerful drill, especially for heavy-duty work
  • Compatible with a variety of broaching tools
  • Has a safety switch to engage and disengage
  • Very easy to use
Cons
  • Heavy
  • Hard to release shipping lock

 

3. Evolution S28MAG Heavy Duty Magnetic Drill Press

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Comes with a powerful motor and 2-stage magnet
  • Compatible with an annular cutter and a twist drill
  • Ideal for cutting structural steel and ferrous metal
  • Comes with a three-year warranty
Cons
  • A bit pricey

 

4. Hougen HMD904 115-Volt Magnetic Drill Press

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Designed with a pilot light
  • Features a two-stage magnet
  • Lightweight and durable
  • Easy to use for horizontal and overhead use
  • High drilling capacity
Cons
  • Very expensive

 

5. CO-Z 1100W Electric Magnetic Drill Press

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Very powerful motor
  • Superior construction for durability
  • Variety of applications
  • Optimal ergonomic design
Cons
  • Not very easy to use

 


Video: How to Use a Magnetic Drill Press

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What to consider when using a magnetic drill press

With all the choices we have reviewed above, choosing the best one for your needs can be challenging. Here is a list of factors to consider to help you narrow down to one magnetic drill press that will meet your needs.

Purpose of the drill

Before you even start considering magnetic press motors, you need to know your needs. Magnetic drills are powerful machines you don’t want to mess with and differ significantly from standard drills. The size and type of drilling will determine the type and size of the drilling press you should purchase.

There are two types of magnetic drill press machines; annular and regular twist, while others can function as both. If you need a magnetic drill press, you should go for a powerful heavy-duty drill press, while a small workshop owner or home user can do it with a handy magnetic drill press.

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Power

A motor powers all magnetic drill presses. The size of the motor, therefore, determines the power output. Engines with a higher electromagnetic force at high speed are suitable for heavy-duty magnetic drills. 

A powerful motor also enables the drill press to cut through hard surfaces without a hassle. Heavy-duty drills are designed with two or three engines to sustain more stress, while exercises with a single-phase motor cannot handle too much pressure.

 

Safety and user experience

As mentioned, a magnetic drill press is not a machine you want to mess with, as these drills are very powerful. Different manufacturers have different measures to ensure you remain safe when handling these machines. A good model should be easy and secure to run without hurting oneself or destroying the drill, even for beginners. 

Some safety measures include an easy change chuck that allows the user to change the drill bits without any tools. Another measure is a flickering switch that engages and disengages the machine with ease. A safety chain or strap also ensures the system is also an added advantage.

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Comfort while using the machine

As with any hand drill, the user’s comfort when using the machine can enhance your user experience. Go for a magnetic drill press that is lightweight to avoid tiring out when drilling. A light drilling press will also enhance portability and stability.

Most benchtop models are lighter than floor models. Also, ensure the magnetic drill press is ergonomically designed for a comfortable hold while in use. Ask to hold the magnetic drill press at your local hardware before making a purchase.

Power consumption

Magnetic drill machines consume power at different. Consider a device relative to the size of your workshop, if a large scale or small scale. Machines that consume less energy are preferred as they reduce the cost of production.

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Serviceability of the machine

Another factor to consider before buying a magnetic drill press is the serviceability of the machine. The magnetic drill press is going to need to be serviced within its useful life. When purchasing a magnetic drill press machine, ensure the producer has new parts for the device. 

You should also ensure you have routine support for the drill press. Some manufacturers require an additional payment for the new parts, so you need to bear that in mind.

Price of the machine

A magnetic drill press is nothing close to cheap. Most mag drill machines cost $200+ depending on the features. The prices vary depending on the use of the drill press and its components: the more the elements, the more expensive the machine. 

The heavy-duty machines are more expensive than the handy drills deepening on the model and brand. Always ensure you choose a magnetic drill press that’s within your budget.

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Conclusion

Our Best Overall award for the magnetic drill press went to DeWALT DWE1622K. It is the best on the market today and is an excellent performer in all areas. Yes, it is at the top end of the price scale, but you do get what you pay for, and it out-performs some more expensive models and every cheaper mag drill.

If your budget can’t stretch that far, we highly recommend the Mophorn 1200W Magnetic Drill Press, and we have given this our Best Value pick. It’s a solid, all-around performer and will serve you well.

Combining our reviews with the buyer’s guide, we are confident you will identify the suitable model for your needs. Even remember, though, some cheaper manufacturers give in to quality, which has a knock-on effect on the tool’s performance and lifespan. Hopefully, with our help and guidance, you can avoid buying a cheap piece of rubbish!


Here are some other articles you may like:

Cobalt vs Titanium Drill Bits: Is 1 the Best?

Best Drill Press for Metal – Top 5 Reviews and Buying Guide

Best Drill Bit Sharpeners for the Money – Top 3 Reviews and Buyers Guide


Here are our favorite benchtop drill presses

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Walts DIY is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

Walter Snyder