The 10 Best Benchtop Drill Presses of 2023

Photo: Dremel

The benchtop drill press is a versatile, accurate, and powerful drill press that you install on your regular workshop table.

This drilling machine can drill in any type of material, whether it is wood or hardened steel with equal ease.

Above all, the benchtop drill press is small and compact when compared to the floor drill press, so it will not consume a lot of space on your worktable.

Benefits of the Benchtop Drill Press

• Accuracy: Most top-rated benchtop drill presses have a laser guide that will allow you to make extremely accurate drill holes. This drilling machine is excellent for repetitive drilling.
• Power: Since the benchtop drill press is usually equipped with a larger motor, it can deliver greater torque at the drill bit.
• Versatility: One of the greatest benefits of the benchtop drill press is its versatility. Indeed, it can drill in a wide range of materials by simply changing the drill bit.
• Variable Speed: Changing the speed in the benchtop drill press to drill different materials is very easy. All you must do is change the position of the belt on the pulley.
• Save Time: All you must do when operating this machine is to switch it on and use the feed lever to perform the drilling. It’s that easy, and you will save a lot of time performing repetitive drills!
• Heavy-duty Use: The benchtop drill press has a rugged build construction that is durable and long-lasting. It is made for heavy-duty use and does not break easily.

10 Best Benchtop Drill Presses – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Dremel 220-01 (Most Affordable)	Affordable price. Good value Small and compact Easy to make angular drill holes Compatible with many Dremel attachments
	2. Wen 4208 (Excellent Price to Performance)	Good price to performance ratio Large chuck size of 1/2 inches Variable speed is easy to change The table has angular markings
	3. Wen 4214 (Infinite Variable Speeds)	Infinite variable speed control The powerful motor of 2/3 HP Digital speed readout at the front
	4. Skil 3320-01 (Large 60mm Column)	A large column of 60mm for stability 2 lasers for better laser guide visibility Easy to mount on any workbench
	5. Euro Tool DRL-300.00 (For DIY Project)	Excellent model for DIY projects Small and compact form factor Lightweight at 11.55 lbs. Portable
	6. Wen 4212 (Easy to Adjust Speed)	Manual lever for changing the speed Digital speed readout 2-year manufacturer warranty
	7. Shop Fox W1668 (Reliable & Powerful)	Reliable and powerful performance It can be converted to a sanding machine Durable and long-lasting
	8. Genesis GDP1005A (Quiet & Efficient Motor)	The quiet and energy-efficient motor of 4.1 A Bright light for better visibility The cast iron table is easy to use
	9. Rikon 30-140 (Durable & Long-lasting)	Durable and long-lasting build construction The head can be moved back and forth The feed lever is comfortable and easy to use
	10. Grizzly G7943 (High-Performing & Heavy-Duty)	Excellent performance with a motor of 3/4 HP Equipped with 12 variable speeds It can easily drill in 3/4 inches of steel

1. Dremel 220-01 – Most Affordable Solution

Photo: Dremel

• Weight: 4.85 lbs

The problem with most benchtop drill presses is that they tend to be expensive. Luckily, there are solutions like the Dremel 220-01. Indeed, when it comes to price only, this model is by far the best benchtop drill press for the money.

Furthermore, with a weight of 4.85 lbs, it is extremely lightweight and can easily be carried to the worksite. This model is also small and compact, with a height of 12 inches and a width of 6 inches.

Once installed on your workbench, it will not occupy a lot of space, which makes it an excellent choice for those who work in a small workshop.

In addition, you can quickly and easily make angular drill holes because the arm is articulating. Moreover, this model is very easy to use and not to mention versatile.

You can equip it with a wide range of Dremel compatible attachments like plunger routers or a flex shaft. Of course, those will require a separate purchase.

For the price, the Dremel 220-01 is an excellent deal. However, it has a few caveats. This model does not have the most durable build construction we have seen. It is not intended for heavy-duty use.

Also, it lacks the accuracy of more expensive models that you will find in this benchtop drill press review.

More Detailed: Dremel 220-01 Review

Pros:

• Affordably priced. Good value
• Small and compact form factor
• Lightweight at 4.85 lbs. Portable
• Compatible with a wide range of Dremel attachment bits

Cons:

• Not as durable as others
• Lacks accuracy

2. Wen 4208 – Excellent Price to Performance

Photo: Wen

• Power: 1/3 HP
• Speed: 740 – 3,140 RPM
• Chuck size: 1/2 inch
• Weight: 31 lbs

The Wen 4208 is a popular benchtop drill press that has an excellent price to performance ratio.

This drill press is equipped with a 1/3 HP motor, which is okay for casual drilling purposes at home or in the workshop.

Furthermore, it uses a standard 1/2 inches chuck size, which means that it can accommodate most drill bits for woodworking and metalwork with ease.

This model is also equipped with 5 variable speeds that allow the drill bit to rotate 740 RPM at its minimum and 3,140 RPM maximum. Changing the speed is very easy, and the speeds are clearly marked on the casing cover.

We also like the fact that the table is made from cast-iron. It has a through-hole for more drilling versatility, and the table itself is fully adjustable with a 360 degrees swing.

You can easily tilt this table 45 degrees for angular drills. In addition, you will appreciate the fact that the table comes with clearly marked angle markings.

And if you are the type of person who needs to carry your benchtop drill press to the job site, then no problem. This model weighs only 31 lbs so, by benchtop drill press standards, it is relatively lightweight and portable.

There are many things to like about the Wen 4208. When it comes to price to performance, this model is one of the best benchtop drill press that you can purchase.

The only problem we find with it is that the base is not perfectly flat. You will need some preliminary adjustments during installation. Furthermore, it cannot be used as a heavy-duty drill press as it lacks performance with its small motor.

More Detailed: Wen 4208 Review

Pros:

• Superior price to performance
• It can accommodate larger drill bits
• The speeds can easily be changed and are clearly marked
• The cast-iron table has angle markings

Cons:

• The base is not perfectly flat

3. Wen 4214 – Infinite Variable Speeds

Photo: Wen

• Power: 2/3 HP
• Speed: 580 – 3,200 RPM
• Chuck size: 5/8 inches
• Weight: 89 lbs

What makes the Wen 4214 such a unique benchtop drill press is its infinite variable speed. Indeed, you can slowly increment the speed of this variable speed benchtop drill press anywhere from 580 RPM up to 3,200 RPM depending on your need.

We like the fact that it has an LED digital display right of the front of this drill press. It will tell you the exact speed that the drill bit is running at. This is very practical and informative.

Additionally, this drill press is equipped with a powerful motor of 2/3 HP. The motor will not stall when drilling tough materials like hardened steel, so it can be used for professional use.

The spindle travel of 3-1/8 inches is also decent. It will allow you to drill in thick materials with great ease. And in order to get better accuracy during your drilling, there is a powerful laser guide. This laser guide is visible both during the day as well as at night, as it is quite bright.

In terms of specs and features, the Wen 4214 is an excellent purchase as it is feature-rich and comes with a powerful 2/3 HP motor.

The only problem we have with this model is that it produces a fair bit of vibrations, especially at high speeds. It also loses power if the drill press is switched on when the speed is on its lowest setting of 580 RPM.

More Detailed: Wen 4214 Review

Pros:

• Infinite variable speed control
• Decent power of 2/3 HP
• Digital speed display
• Clearly visible laser guide

Cons:

• Vibrates more than average
• Underpowered on its lowest speed

4. Skil 3320-01 – Large 60mm Column

Photo: Skil

• Power: 3.2 A
• Speed: 570 – 3,050 RPM
• Chuck size: 1/2 inches
• Weight: 50.8 lbs

What separates the Skil 3320-01 from the rest of the competition is its large 60 mm column. This makes this benchtop drill press more stable and accurate when drilling at high speeds.

We find it is equipped with 5 variable speeds. They will allow you to control the drill bit anywhere from 570 up to 3,050 RPM. With this versatile speed range, you will have no difficulty drilling in any type of material density.

Additionally, it comes with 2 lasers that make the laser mark brighter and easier to see in bright conditions. The work table is made from cast-iron and can be easily tilted 45 degrees left or right. It is also large enough to accommodate almost any type of commercial material.

With a large spindle travel of 10 inches, you will have no difficulty drilling thick materials. Further, this benchtop drill has a large chunk size of 1/2 inches, so you can fit larger drill bits like Forstner bits in this 10-inch benchtop drill press.

And when it comes to installation, no problem. The base is made from cast-iron and is large to provide stability. We also find mountable holes that will allow you to easily bolt it to your workbench.

The only issue we have with this unit is that the Quill is made from aluminum. Not the most durable metal out there. Also, the depth stop system is not very beginner-friendly and difficult to use.

More Detailed: Skil 3320-01 Review

Pros:

• A large column of 60mm for stability and accuracy
• Equipped with 2 lasers for better laser guide visibility
• 1/2 inches chuck size to accommodate larger drill bits
• The base is large and easy to mount on any workbench

Cons:

• The depth stop system is difficult to use
• Quill is made from aluminum

5. Euro Tool DRL-300.00 – DIY Project Drilling Machine

Photo: Euro Tool

• Weight: 11.55 lbs

The Euro Tool DRL-300.00 is not intended for heavy-duty use or usage in a professional workshop. This model is mostly for DIY projects at home and for casual drilling purposes.

Above all, it is small and compact and will not occupy a lot of space when placed on top of the table. It is also reasonably priced and comes with a variable speed that has a higher maximum speed of 8,500 RPM.

At this very high speed, this drill press will be able to drill into materials very fast and produce smooth and clean drill holes. Just keep in mind that you will need to use a small drill bit at those high speeds.

You also get accessories like Allen wrenches to change drill bits. And if you need to constantly carry your drill press from one location to another, no problem. With its weight of only 11.55 lbs, it is lightweight and highly portable.

Clearly, this Euro Tool drilling machine is an excellent choice for those looking for a small and portable benchtop drill press. It is one of the best benchtop drill press for small DIY projects.

However, a major issue we have with this drill press is that it does not have mounting holes to securely fit it on a workbench.

Pros:

• Excellent for small DIY drilling projects
• Small and compact
• A high maximum speed of 8,500 RPM for a smooth drill finish
• Lightweight at 11.55 lbs. Portable

Cons:

• Not for heavy-duty use
• The mounting base does not have mounting holes

6. Wen 4212 – Easy to Adjust the Speed

Photo: Wen

• Power: 2/3 HP
• Speed: 530 – 3,100 RPM
• Chuck size: 1/2 inches
• Weight: 62.4 lbs

The Wen 4212 is a powerful benchtop drill press that contains a manual lever that allows you to quickly and easily adjust the speed. You do not have to open the top cover to change the belt position on the pulley. Pretty neat!

The speeds can easily be read on the front digital speed display. Furthermore, it has a large chunk size of 1/2 inches, so it accommodates larger drill bits like Forstner bits with ease.

When it comes to installation, no problem. This model has mounting holes at the base, so you can quickly and easily bolt it to any workbench.

The feeder lever is quite large and comfortable to use. You can perform repetitive drilling with this drill press without feeling hand fatigue.

Additionally, the cast-iron table is large and easy to work with. You can tilt it at 45 degrees both the left and right, with ease. This will allow you to make accurate angular drills. We like the fact that it comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty.

The only caveat we find with this model is that it is not very durable when compared to others. However, for the price, this is understandable.

Pros:

• Manual lever for easily changing the speed
• Digital speed readout
• Easy to install on any benchtop
• 2-year manufacturer warranty

Cons:

• Not as durable as other models

7. Shop Fox W1668 – Reliable and Powerful

Photo: Shop Fox

• Power: 3/4 HP
• Speed: 250 – 3,050 RPM
• Chuck size: 5/8 inches
• Weight: 63 lbs

The Shop Fox W1668 is a popular benchtop drill press that is known for its reliability and high performance. Under the hood of this benchtop drill press, we find a powerful motor of 3/4 HP.

With this type of power, the drill bit will not stall even when piercing hardened steel.

Furthermore, this top-rated benchtop drill press has a versatile speed range of 250 – 3,050 RPM. This will allow it to drill a wide range of materials, from wood to steel.

But what really makes this model stands out is its ability to change into a sanding press. Indeed, you can quickly and easily change this drill press into a sanding machine. You also get an 80-grit 3-piece sander drum kit with this purchase.

It also has a decent spindle travel of 3-1/4 inches. You will have no problem drilling in thick materials with the Shop Fox W1668.

In addition, the built construction is simply superb. This is a benchtop drill press that has been built to last even when used for heavy-duty drilling.

The only issue we have with it is its high price. Also, the assembly instructions could have been better.

Pros:

• Powerful with an engine of 3/4 HP
• It can be used as a sanding machine
• Comes with a 3-piece sander drum kit
• Durable and long-lasting build construction

Cons:

• The price. It is expensive
• Assembly instructions are poorly written

8. Genesis GDP1005A – Quiet and Efficient Motor

Photo: Genesis

• Power: 4.1 A
• Speed: 620 – 3,070 RPM
• Chuck size: 5/8 inches
• Weight: 49.5 lbs

If you care about efficiency in your power tools, then the Genesis GDP1005A is an excellent model to consider. Indeed, it is equipped with a 4.1 A inductive motor that is extremely quiet and energy-efficient.

Despite its excellent energy efficiency, it still has 5 variable speeds of 620 RPM to 3070 RPM. You can quickly and easily change the speed by changing the belt positions on the pulleys. The speeds are clearly marked on the inside of the belt cover at the top of the device.

Additionally, there are powerful LED work lights that make your drill hole easy to see in lowlight conditions. The table is also sufficiently large and easy to work with. You can rotate 360 degrees as well as 45 degrees both to the left and right to make angular drills.

All in all, when it comes to energy efficiency and quietness, the Genesis GDP1005A is one of the best benchtop drill presses that you can purchase. The only issue we have with this model is that it lacks power when drilling metal. This model mostly shines for wood drilling.

Pros:

• 4.1 A inductive motor. Quiet and efficient
• Integrated work light for better visibility
• The cast iron table is easy to tilt and rotate

Cons:

• Lacks performance when drilling metal

9. Rikon 30-140 – Durable and Long-lasting

Photo: Rikon

• Power: 1/3 HP
• Speed: 620 – 3,100 RPM
• Weight: 81 lbs

The Rikon 30-140 has a rugged build construction that makes it very durable and long-lasting. This is a benchtop drill press that has been built to last a long time regardless of usage.

This model is equipped with a motor of 1/3 HP, which is not the most powerful we have seen. However, the motor is decent enough to drill through any type of materials with ease if it is not used as a heavy-duty drill press.

Furthermore, the head moves a back-and-forth, which makes it very easy to drill through boards of different sizes. If you regularly work with wood planks or metal sheets that vary in size, then this model is an excellent choice.

Additionally, you can also quickly and easily adjust the cast iron table. You can tilt the table 45 degrees both to the left and right, as well as adjust its height. The feed lever is easy to use and comfortable to hold.

A few issues we find with this benchtop drill press is its price. Considering that this model contains a 1/3 HP motor only, it could have been much better priced.

Pros:

• Durable and long-lasting
• The head can be moved back-and-forth
• Easy to use and comfortable feed lever

Cons:

• The price could have been much better
• The motor is not the most powerful

10. Grizzly G7943 – High-Performing and Heavy-Duty

Photo: Grizzly

• Power: 3/4 HP
• Speed: 140 – 3,050 RPM
• Chuck size: 5/8 inches
• Weight: 81 lbs

The Grizzly G7943 checks all the boxes when it comes to performance. Indeed, this model has a powerful motor of 3/4 HP, which makes it one of the most powerful benchtop drill presses in this review. It can be used as a heavy-duty drill press in a professional setting.

Moreover, it has no less than 12 speeds that allow the drill bit to rotate anywhere from 140 at the lowest setting up to 3,050 RPM.

This makes it very versatile when working with different types of materials. It will have no problem drilling in both wood and hardened steel.

It also has a decent swing distance of 14 inches and the spindle travel of 3-1/4 inches. All those allow it to drill deep into very thick materials. In fact, this drill press has no problem drilling in hardened steel of up to 3/4 inches in depth.

We like the fact that the cast iron table is tiltable 45 degrees to the right and to the left. You can make angular drills with ease. Also, you can swing the table 360 degrees for even more drilling versatility.

There is no denying that when it comes to performance, the Grizzly G7943 is one of the best benchtop drill press that you can get.

The only problem we have with it is its steep price. Also, the spindle has a slight wobble, so it is not the most accurate benchtop drill press out there.

Pros:

• High performance with a motor of 3/4 HP
• 12 versatile and variable speed
• It can drill up to 3/4 inches in steel
• The table can be swung 360 degrees

Cons:

• High price
• The spindle has a slight wobble

How to Buy the Best Benchtop Drill Press

1. Table

The table of the benchtop drill press is where you place your material for drilling. Therefore, it needs to be solidly built and made for heavy-duty usage.

Above all, the table needs to be sufficiently large to accommodate regular size materials like 4 x 4 planks.

Ensure that the table is made from cast iron for durability and that it has the width and length of at least 7 inches.

In addition to size and durability, the table must also be tiltable.

You should be able to tilt and lock the table anywhere from 0 – 45 degrees. This will make the benchtop drill press more versatile because now you can drill holes at various angles.

2. Versatility

One of the best things about the benchtop drill press is its versatility. After all, this drilling machine can drill in a wide range of materials at different angles.

In order to ensure its versatility, check if you have the possibility to change the drill bit easily. This will allow you to quickly and easily work with different materials on the fly.

Also, being able to change the speed will make the drill press significantly more versatile.

3. Power

Power is one of the most important aspects to consider when purchasing a benchtop drill press.

It will determine whether the drill press will stall or not, especially when drilling tough materials like steel.

For a smooth experience, we recommend that you go with a benchtop drill press equipped with a motor of at least 1/3 HP or 4.1 A.

But if you’re looking for high performance and heavy-duty benchtop drill press for professional use, then you should choose a motor of 3/4 HP. This will guarantee that you get the best versatility and performance from your machine.

4. Speed

Most top-rated benchtop drill presses on the market will provide you with the possibility to change the speed.

By being able to change the speed, you can drill different materials with different densities with greater ease.

Therefore, your benchtop drill press must come equipped with a variable speed that allows you to change the speed quickly and easily. Most quality models should offer you at least 5 speeds.

Remember, a lower speed is usually used with a large drill bit like a Forstner bit for woodworking. On the other hand, for drilling into metals fast and easily, use a high speed with a small metal drill bit.

5. Ease to Use

You don’t want your chosen benchtop drill press to be complicated to use. Check if the manufacturer makes any mention of how easy it is to use their drill press.

Furthermore, you will get an idea of how easy it is to use the drill press by reading a few customer reviews as well.

6. Base Mount

Since the benchtop drill press is normally installed on top of a workbench, it should be easy to mount.

The drill press should have a large base mount that provides it with stability. Moreover, it should have mounting holes so as you can bolt the benchtop drill press on top of your workbench with ease.

Conclusion

If you need absolute performance, then it is hard to beat models like the Grizzly G7943.

This beast will drill in any type of material with equal ease and can be used as a heavy-duty drill press for professional use.

But for those on a small budget and with small drilling needs, you may want to check out the Dremel 220-01. It is the most affordable model in our benchtop drill press review.