Best Small Drill Press | Top 5 Reviews & Buyers Guide
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Welcome to our small drill press review guide. There are so many advantages to buying a small drill press, but up until recently, both floor-mounted and benchtop models had one significant disadvantage – the drill size.
Sadly, this meant that those with a small workshop or garage were unable to buy one. However, manufacturers have cottoned on to this issue, and they have developed compact drill presses that take up a lot less space to store and use. They can be plonked on any small workbench or dining room table and be used!
If you want to ditch your clumsy handheld drill, and are in the market for one of these incredible machines, then you have come to the right place. We have tested and reviewed 5 of the best small drill presses available, written a detailed article on each one, and included a buyer’s guide to help you find the suitable model for your needs.
Here’s what we cover in this small drill press review article:
- First, we take our top picks and place them side-by-side in a comparison table
- Then, we explain the features and benefits of each model we think you’ll like
- Next, we explore their drawbacks and negatives you may need to know about
- And finally, we’ll give you a better insight into the product range with our extensive buying guide so you can see your full
Sound good? Great! Let’s begin…
Buy on AmazonSmall Drill Press Comparison Table
CLICK on any image to read Ratings and Reviews on Amazon
Image Model Buy Walts Rating Top 
WEN 4208 Click Here 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) 
Euro Tool Benchtop Drill Press Click Here 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) 
Proxxon 38128 Click Here 4.7 / 5 
Micro-Mark Drill Press Click Here 4.5 / 5 
SHZICMY Mini Electric Bench Drill Press Click Here 4.3 / 5
5 Best Mini Drill Presses – Reviewed
1. WEN 4208 5-Speed Drill Press (Best Overall)
- Our first recommendation is this 5-speed compact drill that will come in handy in your projects. It boasts of thousands of positive customer reviews, and therefore, you should not be worried about its quality thanks to its cast iron construction.
- It has a ½ inch keyed drill chuck and onboard key storage, which makes work easier. Depending on the nature of your projects, you will enjoy the variable speed options, which are 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, and a high speed of 3140 RPM.
- It also comes with a powerful motor that drives the drill machine seamlessly. You can, therefore, expect a durable 1/3 induction motor that is responsible for its impressive torque and power.
- This power tools spindle travel is up to 2 inches and has visible and easy to read locking linear depth stops, which are responsible for the machines drilling operations.
- The cord is also quite long to give you an easier time during operation. This is a versatile machine tool that you should have for your woodworking and other projects. It is quite compact, meaning that you won't have to worry about storage space or the surface of operation.
- It is ideal for metal drilling as well as putting a clean and precise hole through wood, plastic, and many more surfaces at ease owing to its excellent horsepower motor. The powerful motor has a ball-bearing construction which makes it timeless. Some of the advantages that you will reap in this tool include smooth, balanced, and accurate drilling performance regardless of the speed.
- The overall construction makes this machine sturdy enough for any project and is a great alternative to a floor drill press for those short on space.
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. Euro Tool Benchtop Drill Press (Best Value)
- Our second product is a corded electrical drill press that delivers. It is a pretty compact benchtop drill that can be used on the smallest of surfaces. It is made by the Euro Tool, which has built a name for some of the best home tools.
- Do not let its small size fool you! It can be used for all drilling projects that you may have in mind. It comes with a 12-months manufacturer warranty which is meant to protect you from any malfunction.
- Just like the first recommendation, this fantastic product from Euro Tool comes with variable speeds of up to 8500 RPM, which is powerful enough for heavy projects. It is made of several different materials, but the most dominant one is steel, meant to make it sturdy and durable for any nature of drilling projects.
- At less than 12 pounds, you can easily carry this machine from place to place, making it one of the best investments that you can ever make. It has a wattage of 100W and a voltage of 110 Volts. We cannot also fail to mention that it is easy to use and pretty economical, both in power consumption and space.
- Therefore, if you need a compact power tool for any of your drilling projects and you don't have the space for a floor model, this is the best option.
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.
Further reading: Best Drill Bit Sharpeners for the Money – Top 3 Reviews and Buyers Guide
3. Proxxon 38128 Small Drill Press
- The Proxxon 38128 drill press is a great option for those in need of a small drill press. It is a corded electric press that requires an external source of power for operation. Let’s take a look at some of the specifications that users enjoy.
- This drill has a maximum speed of 8500 RPM, which is highly advantageous. It offers users a quiet, precise, and vibration-free operation, reducing fatigue and spicing up the overall usage. It has a slim design and a compact body, making it highly portable.
- It has a high-performance motor, which is highly needed when going about drilling precise holes. Other features include a 3/8
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. Micro-Mark Mini Drill Press
- Our fourth product costs more than the first two owing to its delicate features. This is a premium small drill press that is suited for any drilling project. Whether you are working on a delicate project that needs high levels of precision or focusing on a small hole drilling project, this machine will serve you well.
- It is built to precision, thanks to the calibrated depth control, which allows you to handle complicated drilling projects perfectly. The sliding gauge also makes inline hold drilling easier, another reason why you may have to consider this option.
- This corded electrical tool has a voltage of 120V and a maximum speed of 6500 RPM, which can support any drilling project. Keep in mind that this speed is variable depending on the nature of your project. The three-speed belt drive includes 2100, 4500, and 6500 RPM.
- The ball bearing spindle travels to 1- 1/4 inches. Buyers also get a three-jaw chuck and key feature. Other features include a high torque motor which provides the power and drive for all nature of projects.
- Lastly, this product boasts of several positive consumer reviews that should guide your purchase. Most people love the fact that it is professional and rock-solid, meaning that it is sturdy enough and suited for its nature of work.
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. SHZICMY Mini Electric Bench Drill Press
- In case you value aesthetics, this is the perfect drill press for you. It is brightly colored and has a fantastic design. This 480W DIY tool is pretty compact and can therefore be used on any surface.
- Do not let the fair price range mislead you into thinking that it is low quality. The motor has imported bearings, high temperature, and full copper wire processing and the shell has nylon plastic processing. With all these qualities, you can be sure that it will serve you for a long time.
- The motor also has increased power, which further increases its overall life. You can use this tool for drilling, expanding, and reaming operations for diverse materials. The spindle travels to a maximum of 40mm and has no-load speed.
- Keep in mind that this is a corded tool, and therefore, you do need to be near a power supply for operation. It is mostly made of copper and comes with a warranty. If you are on a budget, but you need a drill press for your projects, do not look any further. This is all you need.
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: How to Use a Small Drill Press
Small Drill Press Buyers Guide
There are a few things that you need to consider before settling for a small drill press. Keep in mind that there are several manufacturers, which causes an influx of goods in the market. If you are not careful enough, you are likely to fall for an inferior product that may not serve you well.
Therefore, before committing your money to purchase a tool, make sure that you ask yourself a series of questions. Blind buying mostly ends up costly, a situation that you do not want to find yourself in.
Here are a few things that you should consider:
Power
This is one of the most significant considerations that you should have in mind. Even though a small drill press will not give you as much power as the regular benchtop or floor-mounted drill press, you should pick one that offers more. One of the reasons small drills cannot measure up to the floor-mounted drill press is that they are primarily used for smaller or relatively less complex projects. However, with more power, you will get your job done faster, saving you time and a lot of effort.
Major parts
Before buying any drill press, take some time and check the four major parts. Every drill press has four major parts that will determine everything else. While checking, make sure that all the parts are made to precision and are of the highest quality. This is the best way to get value for money.
Start by first looking at the base. It provides the support framework for the other parts, making it a crucial element. Therefore, make sure that the drill press base is solid and wide enough to offer the level of stability needed.
Most small drill presses have plastic bases as opposed to the metal base of the more significant variations. However, there are a few with cast iron bases that we advise you to settle on. The next part is the table which also plays a huge role.
Most small drill presses combine the table and the base to save space. In case you are wondering what this is, it is the surface where you work. Make sure that the table of the option you settle on is sturdy and wear-resistant if you want the best results.
Larger models have tables that can move up and down or even tilt sideways. However, the tables are generally fixed with the smaller models since most of these are connected to the base and therefore form part of the base.
The next part is the column that connects the head to the base while holding up the head simultaneously. Ensure that this part is strong enough since it holds the head, the heaviest part of the machine.
Make sure that the product you settle on has a column made of steel for strength and rigidity. Lastly, it would be best if you looked out for the head. Keep in mind that the head houses the motor, the central part of any machine. It also contains the belt that is responsible for power transfer to the spindle and the spindle itself.
Features
The tool of your choice should have a well-designed head since it is the part that dictates how well your machine will serve you. Take some time and look at both the chuck and the belt. Any problem or defect in these two parts should be considered lethal and should not be ignored. You can get the drill press once you ascertain that all these parts are in the best state.
Most small drill presses are compatible with most standard twist drill bits that you already use with your hand drill or cordless drill models. Top-spec models enable you to perform advanced stuff such as angled and peck drilling, while some have a laser guide to ensure complete accuracy and precision.
Speed
Speed matters when using a drill press. Therefore, ensure that the one you settle on allows you to vary the speed depending on the nature of the project and the expected results. Fortunately, all the drill presses in our recommendations allow you to vary the speed.
Unlike larger models where you only need to open the head and adjust the belt, the small drill presses are mostly limited to five or three variable speeds. Most of the models have three. This should not scare you since you will not do several different projects on your mini drill instead of the more significant variations.
This notable lack of speed can also be attributed to the knob on the side that allows you to adjust the speed of your drill press without opening up the head. You do not have to change the belt in this case since there is a knob to be used. You need variable speeds if you want quick speed changes, and therefore, make sure that your product has three or more.
Warranty
It would help if you settled on a small drill press with a gracious warranty that will absolve you from any malfunction. If your drill press develops a problem within the warranty period, it will be fixed for free by the manufacturer. However, also keep in mind that there are terms and conditions associated with this.
When looking for the best product, make sure that the warranty period is pretty long. A longer duration shows the manufacturer’s trust in the product. Therefore, to be on the safer side, ensure that you have a warranty duration of two and more years. If possible, settle on one with a lifetime warranty.
Buy on AmazonConclusion
So, we’ve reached the end of our best small drill press guide. We appreciate we have given you a lot of information, but hopefully, it’s relevant and you are now better placed to decide which model is suitable for you?
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.
Our Best Overall pick was the WEN 4208 as it has a ton of features, including a 5-speed setting, powerful motor, compact design, onboard key storage, and depth stop system. We found this to be the best currently available.
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.
Our Best Value choice went to the Euro Tool Benchtop Drill Press. It also has a lot of features and is highly rated. However, some quality control issues may bug you, which is why we did not select it as the best overall.
Best of the rest
The Proxxon 38128 model is compact, sturdy, and well-built but, it is pricey. You get a very slim yet powerful small drill press for the money, and its reliability is second to none.
Micro-Mark Drill Press is less money, but it also offers you less power. That being said, the 3-speed belt drive delivers a max of 6500RPM, and it can easily handle complicated drilling projects due to the calibrated depth control. The positive reviews on this machine speak volumes, and it has a lot of raving fans.
Lastly, there’s the affordable SHZICMY Mini Electric Bench Drill Press which is the perfect entry-level drill. There’s a chance some parts may be missing, but it’s a reasonably powerful option, nonetheless.
We hope you have found our reviews and buyers’ guide helpful, and you now have some idea of what your budget can afford and the technical specifications of each small drill press.
Here are some other articles you may like:
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Best Drill Press for Metal – Top 5 Reviews and Buying Guide
Here are Our Best Benchtop Drill Press Recommendations
CLICK on any image to read Ratings and 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) |
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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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