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10 Best Standing Drill Press 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press, 5 Amp 120V, Variable Speed Cast Iron Bench Drill Press, 12 in Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Worktable with Laser Work Light, Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood Metal

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,482
Speed Settings
Build Quality and Stability

Most important from
153 reviews

Speed Settings
Adjusting the motor speed is straightforward with the printed guide.
Build Quality and Stability
An excellent drill press that's easy to set up and operates smoothly.

The VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press comes with a solid set of features making it suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals handling wood and metal work. Its 5 Amp motor delivers ample power, ensuring it can tackle various materials effortlessly. The 12-inch swing distance is a good size, providing versatility for different projects. One standout feature is the continuously variable speed control, allowing you to adjust the RPM from 580 to 3200, giving you precise control over your drilling tasks. The LED digital screen further aids in maintaining the desired speed accurately.

The laser work light is a handy addition, improving the precision of your drilling by marking the exact spot to drill. The tilting worktable, adjustable from 0 to 45 degrees, adds flexibility for angled drilling. The build quality is robust, with a cast iron construction that enhances durability and stability during operation. The heat dissipation system is also commendable, ensuring the machine operates efficiently over extended periods.

However, there are a few drawbacks. The product is quite heavy, at nearly 85 pounds, which might make it challenging to move around if you need portability. The chuck size, maxing out at 0.63 inches, might be limiting for tasks requiring larger bits. Moreover, while the depth stop feature is useful for consistent drilling depth, it might not be as advanced or user-friendly as some higher-end models. Despite these minor cons, the VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press offers excellent value with its balance of power, precision, and durability, making it a solid choice for a wide range of drilling tasks.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,482
Speed Settings
Build Quality and Stability

Most important from
153 reviews

Speed Settings
Adjusting the motor speed is straightforward with the printed guide.
Build Quality and Stability
An excellent drill press that's easy to set up and operates smoothly.
#2

JET 20-Inch Floor Drill Press, 12 Speed, 1-1/2 HP, 115/230V 1Ph (Model JDP-20MF)

Rating
9.8
Drill Press Size
Motor Power
Speed Settings

Most important from
89 reviews

Drill Press Size
The 20-inch version of this drill press is very solidly built and will last a lifetime.
Motor Power
The motor runs smooth and quiet, a significant improvement over noisier models.
Speed Settings
Changing speeds with the belts is dirt-simple and easy.
Table Size and Adjustability
The precision of this drill press seems to be very good, with a stable base and a large, well-lit table.
Build Quality and Stability
It's a very heavy unit; expect to need help from at least one or two strong people to assemble it.

The JET 20-Inch Floor Drill Press is a solid choice for hobbyists and professionals alike, especially if you're looking for versatility and power in your drilling tasks. With its robust 1-1/2 HP motor and 12 speed settings ranging from 150 to 4,200 RPM, it can handle a wide variety of materials and projects, making it quite adaptable. The external depth stop is a convenient feature, allowing for quick adjustments and precision in depth control, which is essential for more intricate work.

The build quality is commendable, with a spindle supported by high-quality ball bearings ensuring smooth operation over time. The quick-release crank-operated worktable that tilts ±45° adds another layer of convenience, making it easier to work on angled projects.

One of the standout features is the built-in work lamp, which enhances visibility, especially in dimly lit workspaces. This is a great addition for users who often find themselves drilling in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. There are a few considerations; the drill press is quite heavy, which may pose challenges if you need to move it often. Additionally, while the speed range is impressive, beginners might find the number of settings somewhat overwhelming. It’s also important to note that being corded, it requires a nearby power source, which might limit where you can use it. This drill press is best suited for those who need a powerful and adjustable machine for various projects. It's a fantastic option for serious woodworkers, metalworkers, and DIY enthusiasts, but less experienced users may need some time to get familiar with its features.

Rating
9.8
Drill Press Size
Motor Power
Speed Settings

Most important from
89 reviews

Drill Press Size
The 20-inch version of this drill press is very solidly built and will last a lifetime.
Motor Power
The motor runs smooth and quiet, a significant improvement over noisier models.
Speed Settings
Changing speeds with the belts is dirt-simple and easy.
Table Size and Adjustability
The precision of this drill press seems to be very good, with a stable base and a large, well-lit table.
Build Quality and Stability
It's a very heavy unit; expect to need help from at least one or two strong people to assemble it.
#3

Baileigh DP-1500G, 20-Inch Gear Head Drill Press, 3Ph 220V

The Baileigh 20-Inch Gear Driven Drill Press is a robust option for serious woodworkers or metalworkers looking for a reliable and powerful tool. With a strong 3-1/2 hp motor operating on 220-volt 3-phase power, it offers impressive drilling capabilities, handling up to 15" mild steel, which is ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Its variable speed range of 108 to 1800 RPM allows users to adjust the speed according to different materials and applications, providing versatility during use.

The drill press features a spacious 20" x 16" table, equipped with T-slots that accommodate various vises or fixtures, ensuring secure material handling. This large table size enhances stability and precision when working on larger projects. The cast iron base and 55" diameter steel column further improve stability, minimizing flexing even during heavy feeds, which is a significant advantage for maintaining accuracy.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. The unit is quite heavy at 749 pounds, making it less portable and potentially difficult to move around a shop. Additionally, the requirement for a 220-volt 3-phase power supply could limit its accessibility for casual users or hobbyists who may not have this type of electrical setup in their workshop. While the auto-tapping feature is beneficial, its capacity of 13" may be limiting for some professional applications.

Buying Guide for the Best Standing Drill Press

Choosing the right standing drill press can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of your work. A standing drill press is a versatile tool used for drilling precise holes in various materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. When selecting a drill press, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and provides the best performance for your projects.
Drill Press SizeThe size of a drill press is determined by the distance from the center of the chuck to the column, which is then doubled. This measurement is known as the 'swing.' A larger swing allows you to work on bigger pieces of material. For small to medium projects, a 10-12 inch drill press is usually sufficient. For larger projects, consider a 15-20 inch drill press. Choose a size that matches the scale of your typical projects.
Motor PowerMotor power is measured in horsepower (HP) and determines how much force the drill press can apply. More powerful motors can handle tougher materials and larger bits. For light-duty tasks, a 1/3 to 1/2 HP motor is adequate. For more demanding tasks, such as drilling through metal or hardwood, a 3/4 to 1 HP motor is recommended. Consider the materials you will be working with to choose the appropriate motor power.
Speed SettingsSpeed settings refer to the number of revolutions per minute (RPM) the drill press can achieve. Variable speed settings allow you to adjust the RPM to match the material and bit size, which is crucial for precision and preventing damage. Lower speeds (500-1000 RPM) are ideal for metal, while higher speeds (2000-3000 RPM) are better for wood and plastic. Look for a drill press with a wide range of speed settings to accommodate different materials and tasks.
Table Size and AdjustabilityThe table size and its adjustability are important for supporting your workpiece and ensuring accurate drilling. A larger table provides more support for bigger projects. Additionally, an adjustable table that can tilt and move up or down allows for more versatility and precision in your work. Consider the size of your typical workpieces and the need for adjustability when choosing a drill press.
Chuck SizeThe chuck size determines the maximum diameter of the drill bit that the drill press can hold. Common chuck sizes are 1/2 inch and 5/8 inch. A larger chuck size allows for the use of bigger drill bits, which is useful for larger holes. If you frequently need to drill large holes, opt for a drill press with a larger chuck size. For general use, a 1/2 inch chuck is usually sufficient.
Depth StopA depth stop is a feature that allows you to set a specific depth for your drilling, ensuring consistent hole depths. This is particularly useful for repetitive tasks where precision is key. If you need to drill multiple holes to the same depth, a depth stop can save time and improve accuracy. Look for a drill press with an easy-to-use and reliable depth stop mechanism.
Build Quality and StabilityThe build quality and stability of a drill press affect its durability and performance. A sturdy, well-built drill press will provide more accurate drilling and last longer. Look for a drill press with a solid base and column, as well as high-quality materials. Stability is crucial to prevent wobbling and ensure precise drilling. Consider the overall construction and materials used when evaluating the build quality.

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