The 10 Best Mini Drill Presses of 2023

Whether you are a DIYer or hobbyist that often finds the regular drill a little too big to handle or are a jeweler that deals with smaller and more delicate materials, a mini drill press can be a lifesaver.

With the best mini drill press, you get a reliable tool that will allow you to drill into a wide variety of materials such as wood, plastics, and different kinds of metals.

Mini drill presses are for less intense work, and they are easier to use than the larger ones. Also, they will be more compact to ensure they take up less space in your shop and are more portable for use in different locations.

If you are on the hunt for one, here review some top-rated mini drill presses and explain what you need to consider when choosing one.

10 Best Mini Drill Presses – Review

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FEATURES
	1. Wen 4214 (Best Overall)	Powerful 2/3 HP motor Infinitely variable speed ranges 3-1/8-inch spindle travel 45-degree bevel cast iron worktable
	2. Wen 4210T (Best Small Benchtop)	Space-saving benchtop drill press Depth adjustment gauge Onboard key storage Cast iron construction
	3. Jet 716000 (Best Brand)	Top brand mini drill press Cast iron base Mechanical variable speed drive 1/2 HP induction motor
	4. General International 75-010 (Best Commercial)	Commercial-grade build and functionality Laser point crosshairs High-quality bearings Mechanical variable speed
	5. SE 97511MDP (Best for Small Projects)	6mm maximum drill capacity 3-speed range options Small footprint More budget-friendly
	6. Wen 4208 (Most Portable)	Compact and lightweight 45-degree beveling table Depth adjustment gauge Onboard key storage
	7. Proxxon 38128 (Quiet & Versatile)	Super quiet motor 6 steel collet sizes for increased versatility Machines ribbed die-cast aluminum work table Adjustable parallel fence
	8. Euro Tool DRL-300.00 (Easy-to-Use)	Straightforward operation Small and stable base High RPM output Budget-friendly
	9. Craftsman 4328167 (Adjustable & Adaptable)	Fast swapping adjustment Speed sight window 1/2 HP motor Scaled steel fence
	10. Black Bull DP5UL (True & Convenient)	Laser centering device Large front-mounted power button Cast iron table 90-degree table rotation

1. Wen 4214 – Best Overall Mini Drill Press

Photo: Wen

• Power: 120V, 60Hz, 2/3 HP                          
• Speed Range: 580 – 3,200 RPM
• Swing Size: 12-inch
• Chuck Size: 5/8-inch

The more powerful 2/3-horsepower motor and an infinitely variable speed ranging from 580 to 3,200 RPM are what makes the Wen 4214 our best overall model. Besides having the most powerful motors on our mini drill press review, the speed range allows tackling almost any drilling project.

With the 12-inch swing size, this mini drill press is able to handle relatively larger workpieces. Its 5/8-inch chuck size will accommodate even more drill bits for increased versatility.

The worktable on this drill press is made from cast iron to make it sturdy and durable. This table will bevel to 45 degrees in either direction and is height adjustable to allow you to set up the workpiece just how you want it.

For more drilling precision and to ensure repeatability, this mini drill press will provide 3-1/2-inch spindle travel and with locking linear depth stops. There is onboard laser light that will ensure you know precisely where the drill bit will travel for maximum accuracy.

While the relatively rough table milling might look like a drawback for some users, it comes with more pros than cons. This surface will make it easy to clamp the material in place and ensure it will not move when drilling.

More detailed: Wen 4214 Review

Pros:

• More powerful motor
• Highly accurate and repeatable drilling
• Wide speed range
• Durable and adjustable worktable
• Onboard laser light

Cons:

• Relatively rough table milling

2. Wen 4210T – Best Small Benchtop Drill Press

Photo: Wen

• Power: 120V, 60Hz, 3.2 Amp           
• Speed Range: 600 – 3,100 RPM
• Swing Size: 10-inch
• Chuck Size: 1/2-inch

Wen 4210T comes in a more space-saving benchtop design that ensures it will take up insignificant space on your workshop. This benchtop drill press is quite powerful with its 3.2 Amp motor, and it has a 600 to 3,100 RPM speed range, which is wide enough for different uses.

With the depth adjustment gauge, you can easily fine-tune the drilling depth to suit the specific material you will be handling. And with the 45-degree beveling table, you can make angled holes with ease. Also, this worktable is made from a sturdy cast iron material.

This machine will have both a work light and laser light that will ensure you can easily see the workpiece and where you want to drill in any condition. Other things like the onboard key storage and 10-inch swing size will make this an even more fantastic drill press.

The design of the chuck key and the fact that the laser light comes with a learning curve are two of the main drawbacks with this mini drill press. However, both are minor things you can live with or workaround.

Pros:

• Space-saving design
• Easy and precise depth adjustment
• Sturdy and reliable build
• Beveling table for angled cuts
• Work and laser lights included

Cons:

• Chuck key not the best
• Laser takes quite some time to master

3. Jet 716000 – Best Mini Drill Press Brand

Photo: Jet

• Power: 115V, 1/2 HP                         
• Speed Range: 530 – 3100 RPM
• Swing Size: 12-inch
• Chuck Size: 5/8-inch

Jet is a leading power tool manufacture that has been making and distributing a wide variety of tools, including drill presses for many decades. Hence, if you are looking to buy your mini drill press from a highly reputable brand that stands behind its product, the Jet 716000 is a perfect choice.

This mini drill press runs on a powerful and efficient 1/2-horsepower motor that allows it to tackle a wide variety of projects, and it will have a 5/8-inch chuck size to accommodate different drill bits for even more versatility.

Besides getting a wide enough speed range of 530 to 3,100 RPM, this mini drill press makes the speed adjustment more effortless with the mechanical variable speed drive system. With the large paddle switch, the operation will be more effortless. Also, keeping the mini drill press stable when in use is more effortless thanks to the wide base.

For a mini drill press, the Jet 716000 is a relatively more expensive option. However, for a high-performing top brand model, it will be worth every buck.

Pros:

• Reliable drill press from a leading brand
• Heavy-duty motor
• Easy to use switch
• Simple speed changes
• Wide and stable base

Cons:

• Quite pricey

4. General International 75-010 – Best Commercial Mini Drill Press

Photo: General International

• Power: 120V, 1/3 HP                                     
• Speed Range: 500 – 3,000 RPM          
• Swing Size: 12-inch
• Chuck Size: 5/8-inch

General International 75-010 is a powerful 1/3-horsepower commercial-grade mini drill press that will be very handy for use in a professional workshop for drilling into a wide variety of materials. What’s more, it has a 12-inch swing size to ensure it will accommodate large materials.

This mini drill press is built for high cutting precision as it includes a patented laser guide system with X crosshairs. With the heavy-duty bearings that will ensure a vibration-free performance, drilling will be even more comfortable and accurate.

With this drill press, you get a 500 to 3,000 RPM speed range, and you can easily adjust the speed thanks to the mechanical speed control. Overall, this will be a highly durable machine as it will feature a cast iron table, base, and head.

Although the General International 75-010 can be quite loud, this should be obvious for a powerful commercial-grade mini drill press.

Pros:

• Perfectly-suited for commercial use
• Vibration-free performance
• Built-in laser for maximum accuracy
• Simple speed control
• Durable cast-iron build

Cons:

• Can be quite loud

5. SE 97511MDP – Best Mini Drill Press for Small Projects

Photo: SE

• Power: 110V, 60Hz
• Speed Range: 0 – 5,000 RPM, 0 – 6,500 RPM and 0 – 8,000 RPM         
• Swing Size: 7-1/2-inch
• Chuck Size: 1/4-inch

With the 6 mm maximum drilling capacity, the SE 97511MDP is built for small projects, and it will be useful for hobbyists, craftsman, jewelers, and woodworkers.

This mini drill press offers 3-speed range options, which are 0 to 5,000 RPM, 0 to 6,500 RPM and 0 to 8,000 RPM to ensure it will be handy for various projects. This drill press has a smaller footprint to ensure it will take up even less workshop space.

Being one of the most affordable options on our mini drill press review, this will be the perfect choice for anyone shops on a tighter budget. Despite the smaller size, this 7-1/2-inch swing size drill press still has a decent 6-9/16 x 6-9/16 work area for larger pieces.

While the belts on this mini drill press do not seem very long-lasting, they still do a good job, and given the smaller price tag of the machine, this is something you can live with.

Pros:

• Works perfectly for smaller projects
• Wider speed range
• Takes up little space
• Relatively more affordable

Cons:

• Belts don’t seem very durable

6. Wen 4208 – Most Portable Mini Drill Press

Photo: Wen

• Power: 120V, 60Hz, 1/3 HP
• Speed Range: 740 – 3,140 RPM
• Swing Size: 8-inch
• Chuck Size: 1/2-inch

At just 31-pounds and with a more compact design, the Wen 4208 is one of the most portable mini drill presses out there, and it will be perfect for anyone looking for something for use in different places.

Besides portability, this mini drill press will make use of a 1/2-inch chuck that will allow it to accommodate more drill bits for increased versatility. And to make this an even more versatile machine, the table will bevel 45 degrees to either direction.

This drill press will have 5-speed options that range between 740 and 3,140 RPM for different applications. With the depth adjustment gauge, you can limit the spindle travel to a specific distance, which will ensure increased precision.

There is handy key storage on this mini drill press to ensure you can easily keep the key close. With the sturdy and durable cast iron table, this is a more stable and highly durable drill press.

When new, the belt on this mini drill press seems quite tight, which can make speed changes a little hectic. However, as you use the drill more, the belt loosens up a little to make speed changes a breeze.

More Detailed: Wen 4208 Review

Pros:

• Highly portable drill press
• Handy key storage
• Easy and precise depth adjustment
• Beveling worktable for versatility and easy operation
• Sturdy and durable base

Cons:

• Belt is a little tight when new

7. Proxxon 38128 – Quiet and Versatile Mini Drill Press

Photo: Proxxon

• Power: 110-120V, 65Hz, 0.115 HP                    
• Speed Range: 1,800 – 8,500 RPM       
• Swing Size: 5-1/2-inch
• Chuck Size: 3/8-inch

The Proxxon 38128 is a super quiet mini drill press that will excel in drilling holes as small as 1/64 inches. Also, this is a highly versatile machine that will come with 6 different collet sizes for various projects.

This unit will include a highly durable ribbed die-cast aluminum machines work table that provides excellent support for the workpiece. Also, it has an adjustable drilling gauge and an adjustable fence with scale to ensure you can easily adjust it to suit your specific needs.

There are three-speed options on this mini drill press, which are 1,800, 4,700, and 8,500 RPM, which allows you to handle both low and high-speed applications. To make things even better, the spindle on this mini drill press is free of play and has high rotational accuracy.

The provided manual seems to be a little wanting as it does not contain crucial information such as the required oiling frequency. But, the good news is that most of the information is widely available online. Also, it produces a lot of heat, but it is still safe to use, and the heat does not seem to affect its overall efficiency.

Pros:

• Quite buy powerful operation
• Highly versatile design
• Efficient power transmission
• Precise drilling depth adjustment
• Heavy-duty work table

Cons:

• Wanting manual
• Gets quite hot

8. Euro Tool DRL-300.00 – Easy-to-Use Benchtop Drill Press

Photo: Euro Tool

• Power: 110V              
• Speed Range: 0 – 8,500 RPM
• Swing Size: 8-inch
• Chuck Size: 1/4-inch

The Euro Tool DRL-300.00 is all about ease of use, and it is the kind of mini drill press that even beginners will find effortless to figure out. Better yet, this is a more space-saving and economical drill press.

With its stable base, this mini drill press will be convenient to operate and will ensure more precise drilling as it will not wobble. This model is one of the best miniature drill presses when it comes to the speed as it will provide a wide speed range of 0 to 8,500 RPM.

Overall, this is quite a versatile mini drill press as it will accommodate a wide variety of bit sizes up to 6.5 mm for various applications.

This mini drill press seems a little under powered for drilling metals, but it excels when dealing with wood and plastic. Furthermore, it can still do a fairly good job when drilling thinner and softer metal types.

Pros:

• Super easy to use
• Takes up less space
• Highly stable base
• Higher maximum speed
• Quite affordable

Cons:

• Not very ideal for drilling metals

9. Craftsman 4328167 – Adjustable and Adaptable Mini Drill Press

Photo: Craftsman

• Power: 110V, 1/2 HP
• Speed Range: 680 – 3,150 RPM
• Swing Size: 10-inch
• Chuck Size: 1/2-inch

The ease of adjustment and adaptability to suit a wide variety of projects is what makes the Craftsman 4328167 one of the best small drill presses out there as it means it will be useful for a wide variety of users.

This mini drill press will make use of a laser guide and a scaled fence to ensure maximum drilling accuracy. What’s more, it has a depth gauge to eliminate guesswork, and the drilling table bevels up to 45 degrees.

The 680 to 3,150 RPM speed range is quite decent, and you can easily keep track of your drilling speed thanks to the handy sight window. Overall, this is a well-built drill press with a stable base and sturdy steel post.

For a mini drill press, this model seems a little too bulky. However, if you are planning to use it from one spot in the workshop, the size or weight will hardly ever be an issue for you.

Pros:

• Easily adjustable and adaptable to different projects
• Laser provides increased accuracy
• Easy speed tracking
• Powerful enough motor
• Scaled fence and task light included

Cons:

• A little bulky

10. Black Bull DP5UL – True and Convenient Drilling

Photo: Black Bull

• Power: 120V, 60Hz, 1/4 HP
• Speed Range: 620 – 3,100 RPM
• Swing Size: 8-inch
• Chuck Size: 1/2-inch

Black Bull DP5UL uses a laser centering device to make drilling true and convenient by allowing you to know the exact center when setting up for a drill.

This drill has been built for maximum durability as it has a sturdy cast iron table and base. Despite being a tough model made from high-quality materials, it is still quite compact and lightweight as it only weighs 33 pounds, which means it will be super easy to carry around.

You never have to worry about overheating when using this mini drill press as it runs on a fan-cooled motor. When it comes to the operation, the front-mounted power button will ensure you have an easy time.

There is nothing to write home about the chuck as it is not the best quality. However, the chuck still works okay and should not be a deal-breaker.

Pros:

• Laser allows for true and convenient drilling
• Sturdy and durable construction
• Lightweight and compact
• Fan-cooled motor
• Convenient button location

Cons:

• Chuck is not very good

How to Buy the Best Mini Drill Press

Photo: Wen

1. Power

While the mini drill press will not have the massive and highly powerful motors that you will get on the full-size ones, you still need to make sure the model you settle on is powerful enough for you.

Here, the actual amount of power you will need will depend on how you will be using your drill. What works for softer material like wood and plastic might not be powerful enough for other materials like metal.

Most of these machines will have an under 1-horsepower motor, which is still powerful enough for their intended use. Something with a 2/3-horsepower motor like the Wen 4214, should be ideal for drilling a wide variety of materials.

2. Speed

Different materials and applications will require a different drilling speed. Hence, as you choose your mini drill press, you need to keep the speed in mind.

The best mini drill press is always one that will allow you to choose from different speed options or provide a wide speed range. With these mini drill press, you can easily fine-tune the drill press to suit your specific job.

A speed range of 500 to 3,000 RPM like what you get with the General International 75-010 or something close to this should be enough for most projects.

3. Chuck Size

Chuck size will determine the drill bit sizes and types that your drill press will accommodate, and hence what you can use it to drill.

The most common mini drill chuck sizes are 1/2 and 5/8, and what many users will love about this chuck size is that it can accommodate a wide variety of bits.

There are other chuck size options like the 1/4-inch on the SE 97511MDP, which can still work for you depending on the typical drill bits you use.

4. Swing

Swing size measures the distances between the drill and the base, and it will determine the maximum material size you can handle.

When it comes to the swing size, you can get mini drill presses that are anywhere between 5-1/2 and 12 inches, and so there is something for everyone.

That said, going with a larger swing size like the 12-inch Jet 716000 will be preferable as it will accommodate both small and large materials.

5. Stability

A good mini drill press needs to be stable enough to work well for you. Stabilization makes the drill both easy to use and more accurate.

One way to make sure that the drill press that you choose will be stable enough is to look at the height. If the drill is tall and with a narrow base, it will be less stable, but the shorter ones with a wide base will be highly stable.

While still on the stability, a good drill press should have non-slip feet or surfaces as they will ensure it will remain in place when in use.

6. Accuracy

Some drilling tasks like when making jewelry and many other crafts will require a high level of precision. Hence, as you shop for a mini drill press, you need to make sure it will be as accurate as possible.

With these drills, you can get something as accurate as 1/64 inches, which should be good enough for most projects. But, if your projects will not require a high degree of precision, you will not need to pay a lot of attention to the level of accuracy the drill can deliver.

Conclusion 

Every jeweler, hobbyist, and craftsman needs to have the best mini drill press as it will make drilling different materials more effortless. And now you can get the perfect one without breaking a sweat as here we provide plenty of high-quality recommendations.

That said, the Wen 4214 is out the best overall model thanks to the more powerful 2/3 horsepower motor and infinitely variable speed.

But, if you are shopping for a budget model that is also highly portable, the Wen 4208 will be an unbeatable choice.