Best Drill Press For Metal This Year – Power Tools Reviews
Our winners of the Best Drill Press For Metal this year are:
BEST OVERALL
WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
- 5-speed settings
- 1/2 HP motor
- 8-inch swing
- Adjustable worktable
- Beveling worktable
Introduction
When it comes to working with metal, having the right tools is essential. One of the most important tools you can have in your workshop is a drill press. Drill presses provide the precision and power needed to drill through tough metal surfaces effortlessly. But with so many options available on Amazon, how do you know which one is the best for your needs? In this article, we will review the top 10 drill presses for metal that you can buy on Amazon, helping you make an informed decision.
Whether you’re a professional metalworker or a DIY enthusiast, a good drill press can significantly improve your work quality and efficiency. Our buying guide will walk you through the key features to look for when choosing a drill press, while our FAQs section will answer common questions you might have. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of which drill press is right for you.
Reviews & Comparisons
1. WEN 4208T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
The WEN 4208T is a compact and powerful drill press perfect for metalworking projects. Its 5-speed settings and robust construction make it a top choice for both beginners and professionals.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the WEN 4208T for its versatility and ease of use. Its compact size doesn’t compromise on power, making it suitable for various metal drilling tasks.
Features
- 5-speed settings
- 1/2 HP motor
- 8-inch swing
- Adjustable worktable
- Beveling worktable
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact design
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited to smaller projects
- No laser guide
- Manual speed adjustment
- Basic features
- Moderate noise
Our Verdict
The WEN 4208T is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable drill press for metal. Its compact design and powerful motor make it a versatile tool for various tasks.
2. JET JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
The JET JDP-20MF is a high-performance floor drill press designed for heavy-duty metalworking. Its 20-inch swing and 1.5 HP motor provide the power and precision needed for demanding tasks.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the JET JDP-20MF for its robust build and advanced features. It’s perfect for professionals who need a reliable and powerful drill press for metal.
Features
- 1.5 HP motor
- 20-inch swing
- Adjustable worktable
- 16-speed settings
- Built-in work light
Pros
- Powerful
- Durable
- Versatile
- High precision
- Advanced features
Cons
- Expensive
- Large footprint
- Heavy
- Complex setup
- No laser guide
Our Verdict
The JET JDP-20MF is ideal for professionals who require a powerful and durable drill press for metal. Its advanced features and robust construction make it worth the investment.
3. SKIL 3320-01 10-Inch Drill Press
The SKIL 3320-01 is a versatile and user-friendly drill press that offers great value for money. Its 10-inch swing and laser guide make it perfect for precise metal drilling.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the SKIL 3320-01 for its combination of affordability and advanced features. The laser guide ensures accurate drilling, making it a great choice for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts.
Features
- Laser guide
- 5-speed settings
- 10-inch swing
- 1/2 HP motor
- Adjustable worktable
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Accurate
- Compact
- Durable
Cons
- Limited power
- Manual speed adjustment
- Basic features
- No built-in light
- Noise
Our Verdict
The SKIL 3320-01 is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and accurate drill press for metal. Its laser guide and compact design make it perfect for home workshops.
4. Delta 18-900L 18-Inch Laser Drill Press
The Delta 18-900L is a premium drill press with advanced features like auto-tensioning belt drive and a laser guide. It’s designed for precision and power, making it ideal for professional metalworking.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Delta 18-900L for its high precision and advanced features. The auto-tensioning belt drive ensures smooth operation, and the laser guide enhances accuracy.
Features
- Auto-tensioning belt drive
- Laser guide
- 1 HP motor
- 18-inch swing
- 16-speed settings
Pros
- High precision
- Powerful
- Durable
- Advanced features
- Smooth operation
Cons
- Expensive
- Large footprint
- Heavy
- Complex setup
- No built-in light
Our Verdict
The Delta 18-900L is perfect for professionals who need a high-precision and powerful drill press for metal. Its advanced features and robust construction justify the higher price.
5. Shop Fox W1668 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press
The Shop Fox W1668 is a versatile bench-top drill press with a 13-inch swing and oscillating spindle. It’s perfect for metalworking and other drilling tasks.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Shop Fox W1668 for its versatility and oscillating spindle. It’s a great choice for those who need a multi-functional drill press for various tasks.
Features
- Oscillating spindle
- 13-inch swing
- 3/4 HP motor
- 12-speed settings
- Adjustable table
Pros
- Versatile
- Durable
- Compact
- Powerful
- Easy to use
Cons
- Moderate noise
- No laser guide
- Manual speed adjustment
- Basic features
- Setup required
Our Verdict
The Shop Fox W1668 is an excellent choice for those looking for a versatile and powerful bench-top drill press for metal. Its oscillating spindle and adjustable table make it a valuable addition to any workshop.
6. Grizzly G7943 12 Speed Heavy-Duty Bench-Top Drill Press
The Grizzly G7943 is a heavy-duty bench-top drill press with 12-speed settings and a 3/4 HP motor. It’s designed for precision and durability, making it ideal for metalworking.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Grizzly G7943 for its durability and precision. Its 12-speed settings allow for versatile drilling, making it a great choice for various metalworking tasks.
Features
- 12-speed settings
- 3/4 HP motor
- 14-inch swing
- Adjustable table
- Durable construction
Pros
- Durable
- Precise
- Versatile
- Powerful
- Easy to use
Cons
- No laser guide
- Manual speed adjustment
- Basic features
- Moderate noise
- Setup required
Our Verdict
The Grizzly G7943 is a reliable and durable bench-top drill press for metal. Its 12-speed settings and powerful motor make it a versatile tool for various tasks.
7. RIKON 30-120 13-Inch Drill Press
The RIKON 30-120 is a versatile and powerful drill press with a 13-inch swing and 16-speed settings. It’s designed for precision and durability, making it ideal for metalworking.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the RIKON 30-120 for its versatility and precision. Its 16-speed settings allow for accurate and efficient drilling, making it a great choice for various metalworking tasks.
Features
- 16-speed settings
- 13-inch swing
- 1/2 HP motor
- Adjustable table
- Durable construction
Pros
- Versatile
- Precise
- Durable
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- No laser guide
- Manual speed adjustment
- Basic features
- Moderate noise
- Setup required
Our Verdict
The RIKON 30-120 is a versatile and affordable drill press for metal. Its 16-speed settings and durable construction make it a reliable tool for various tasks.
8. Powermatic PM2800B 18-Inch Drill Press
The Powermatic PM2800B is a high-performance drill press with advanced features like a digital RPM readout and laser guide. It’s designed for precision and power, making it ideal for professional metalworking.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Powermatic PM2800B for its advanced features and high precision. The digital RPM readout and laser guide ensure accurate and efficient drilling.
Features
- Digital RPM readout
- Laser guide
- 1 HP motor
- 18-inch swing
- Variable speed settings
Pros
- High precision
- Powerful
- Durable
- Advanced features
- Smooth operation
Cons
- Expensive
- Large footprint
- Heavy
- Complex setup
- No built-in light
Our Verdict
The Powermatic PM2800B is perfect for professionals who need a high-precision and powerful drill press for metal. Its advanced features and robust construction justify the higher price.
9. Genesis GDP1005A 10-Inch Drill Press
The Genesis GDP1005A is a compact and affordable drill press with a 10-inch swing and 5-speed settings. It’s perfect for hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts who need a reliable tool for metalworking.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the Genesis GDP1005A for its affordability and ease of use. Its compact design and 5-speed settings make it a great choice for home workshops.
Features
- 5-speed settings
- 10-inch swing
- 4.1-amp motor
- Adjustable table
- Beveling worktable
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Versatile
Cons
- Limited power
- Manual speed adjustment
- Basic features
- No laser guide
- Moderate noise
Our Verdict
The Genesis GDP1005A is a great choice for those looking for an affordable and reliable drill press for metal. Its compact design and ease of use make it perfect for home workshops.
10. DeWalt DWE1622K 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press
The DeWalt DWE1622K is a powerful magnetic drill press with a 10-amp motor and 2-speed settings. It’s designed for precision and power, making it ideal for professional metalworking.
Read Customer Reviews Here »
Why we like it
We like the DeWalt DWE1622K for its high power and precision. The magnetic base ensures stability, making it perfect for drilling through thick metal surfaces.
Features
- 10-amp motor
- 2-speed settings
- Magnetic base
- Adjustable worktable
- Durable construction
Pros
- Powerful
- Precise
- Durable
- Versatile
- Easy to use
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
- No laser guide
- Complex setup
- Limited speed settings
Our Verdict
The DeWalt DWE1622K is perfect for professionals who need a powerful and precise drill press for metal. Its magnetic base and high power make it a reliable tool for demanding tasks.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right drill press for metal requires careful consideration of various features. Here are five key points to keep in mind:
- Power: The motor power is crucial for drilling through metal. A higher wattage means more power to drill through tough surfaces. For more details, check out [this guide](https://www.powertools.com/drill-press-power-guide) on power requirements.
- Speed Settings: Variable speed settings offer greater control over the drilling process, allowing you to adjust the speed based on the metal type and thickness. Learn more about speed settings [here](https://www.drillpressadvice.com/speed-settings-guide).
- Build Quality: A sturdy, well-built drill press will last longer and perform better. Look for models with a cast iron base and table for added stability.
- Table Adjustability: An adjustable table allows you to set the perfect angle and height for your drilling tasks, providing better precision and comfort.
- Additional Features: Features like laser guides, depth stops, and LED lights can enhance your drilling experience, making it easier and more accurate.
FAQs
What is the ideal motor power for a drill press for metal?
The ideal motor power for a drill press for metal typically ranges between 1/2 HP to 1 HP. Higher power provides better performance, especially for thicker metals.
Can I use a wood drill press for metal?
While you can use a wood drill press for metal, it is not recommended. Drill presses designed for metal have specific features like higher power and better build quality to handle the demands of metalworking.
How important are variable speed settings?
Variable speed settings are very important as they allow you to adjust the speed based on the type and thickness of the metal. This helps in achieving precise and clean holes without damaging the material.
What safety features should I look for in a drill press for metal?
Look for safety features like a sturdy base, adjustable table, and protective guards. Some models also come with emergency stop buttons and overload protection to enhance safety.
Are additional features like laser guides and LED lights necessary?
While not essential, additional features like laser guides and LED lights can significantly improve accuracy and ease of use. They help in aligning the drill bit perfectly and provide better visibility.
Conclusion
Choosing the best drill press for metal involves considering factors like motor power, speed settings, build quality, table adjustability, and additional features. By keeping these points in mind, you can find a drill press that meets your needs and enhances your metalworking projects. Check out our detailed product reviews to find the perfect drill press for your workshop.