Last updated on August 17th, 2021 at 01:49 pm
Looking for the right drill press but do not know where to start Well look no further because we have compiled a list of the top 8 best drill presses for metal. Not only did we find the best of best just for you, but we also added a list of factors to help choose one that suits your requirements the best amongst all these viable options.
No need to stay frustrated any longer. Just read ahead and choose the one that meets your needs.
WEN 4208 8″ – best drill press for metal
Features to consider when looking for a drill press for metalwork
Drill presses can be expensive, and to avoid making a mistake, we encourage our readers to first go through our Drill press buyers’ guide to avoid any inconvenience.
Type of drill press
Two major types of drill presses:
1. Bench drill presses: They take up less space and are more affordable, but their stability is relatively questionable.
2. Floor drill presses: They take up more space and are less affordable but are highly stable and have a relatively better quality guaranteed.
So, if you have a small budget or space its best to consider a bench drill press. If you have a relatively better budget and space than floor drill press is best for you.
An honest assessment of your needs
Before even considering choosing a specific drill press, it is best to first list down your needs. Since drill presses are designed for a specific surface or a type of task. Some people have frequent uses for their hobbies, others might just use it once a year, so durability and quality are considered depending upon the circumstances, because you don’t want to buy a cheap model if you’re going to use it frequently, or an expensive model if you’re only going to use it rarely.
For example: if there is a chance that you will be doing a fair amount of woodwork along with metalwork than its best to choose a model with a large table that can clamp down workpieces firmly.
Accuracy
Precision is the most important factor when considering a drill press. Quality of a drill press is compromisable but their ability to drill precisely at the angle and depth of your choice is what matters the most.
Motor power
In drill press, the motor power is measured in horsepower, higher horsepower guarantees easier drilling through tough and sturdy surfaces such as metal. So, if you have hard surfaces to drill through, you should consider the one with more motor power.
Speed range
The speed range of a drill press is measured in RPM (Rotation per minute). It is better to consider buying a drill press which provides a variety of speed range presets for you to choose from. Since different speeds will help ease your work with different surfaces.
Drilling capacity
Drilling capacity is how large of a surface can you drill through, so, if you have a project that requires drilling large pieces, you will require a drill press with a larger capacity.
Chuck size
Chuck size is how much material your drill press can grip. Most chucks are of standard size; however, you should know which bits you intend to use and make sure that they fit in the chuck of your new press before you buy.
Worktable
Worktable size will determine the size of a metal piece you can use, there is drill press that can help hold the materials in place, and some drill presses that accommodate rotation for special angels.
Image | Name | Feature | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
ProductsWEN 4208 8" | ☞ Fully adjustable ☞ Depth stops are accurate. ☞ Repeatable actions get easy | 4.9/5 | View Product | |
ShopSeries RK7033 | ☞ Portable ☞ Lightweight ☞ Small dimensions | 4.5/5 | View Product | |
Shop Fox w1668 | ☞ 12 rotation speed. ☞ The table can title up to 45 degrees. ☞ Precise drilling depth | 4.6/5 | View Product | |
MINIQ Bench | ☞ Can drill through various surfaces ☞ Six rotation speed ranges. ☞ Equipped with the power of switch | 4.6/5 | View Product | |
Genesis GDP1005A 10 inches | ☞ Workbench can tilt to 45 degrees. ☞ Adjustable height. ☞ 2-year warranty | 4.7/5 | View Product | |
SE 3-Speed Mini | ☞ It has 3 wrenches. ☞ Comes with 3 rotation speed modes | 4.7/5 | View Product | |
Small Benchtop | ☞ Varies speed up to 8500 RPM ☞ Easy setup and use ☞ Energy-efficient | 4.8/5 | View Product | |
JOYABEST 3 Speed Mini | ☞ Contains 3-speed modes. ☞ Easy setup ☞ Can drill through wood, plastic, glass material | 4.8/5 | View Product |
1. ProductsWEN 4208 8″ – best drill press for metal
For smooth and accurate drilling WEN 4208 8″ METAL DRILL PRESS is a good consideration. It offers 5 different ranges of rotation speeds: 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, 3140 RPM, and multiple adjustments. Even though it is a small drill, it can perform exceedingly well on metal surfaces.
Furthermore, the half-inch JT33 chuck gives you the versatility of bits and the worktable offers levels up to 45 degrees left and right. As the name suggests, it has a swing of 8 inches. It comes with onboard key storage and a 1/2 -inch keyed chuck. The only drawback to this drill is that it at very high speed it partially wobbles.
2. ShopSeries RK7033 – best floor drill press for metal

ShopSeries RK7033 6.2-Amp 10″ Drill Press is a small benchtop drill by Rockwell with 2/3 HP motor and rotation speed of 3200 RPM, meaning, even though it is small in size it can still perform fairly well on hard surfaces like metal. In terms of usage, this drill is easy to use, it has adjustable height and the worktable is maneuverable, making it easy to work with different sizes. Due to its size and lightweight design, it is the most budget-friendly option on our list. For hobbyists, that only need to do occasional drilling projects, this is the best pick.
3. Shop Fox w1668 – heavy-duty drill presses

Shop Fox w1668 is a very powerful benchtop oscillating drill. It has a 3/4 Horsepower and 12 different rotation speeds ranging from 250 to 3050 RPM. The worktable has a swing of 360 degrees and can tilt up to 45 degrees. It offers precise drilling with a depth scale feature; it can stop drilling at a specified depth.
Furthermore, in terms of safety, this model offers a paddle switch for ease of turning the drilling on and off. This drill also offers a precision ground sanding spindle. It can be used with sanding drums between 1 and 2 inches in diameter and up to 401/4 inches long.
Shop Fox w1668 is recommended to those with a small workspace and a large budget since this particular model is not cheap.
4. MINIQ Bench – drill press for metal

MINIQ Bench Drill Stand 710W Mini is a small but a precise drill stand. It comes with an aluminum alloy base; it is gear driven without a belt design making it power strong. It can easily drill through surfaces such as wood, plastic, and aluminum, it has six rotation speed ranges, from 0 to 2800 RPM. It is equipped with the power of switch to increase devise safety.
This drill has a power consumption of 710 WATT and a drilling capacity for the wood of 130mm and iron 18mm. We recommend this drill for small scale projects, such as jewelry work, arts, and craft projects.
5. Genesis GDP1005A 10 inches – good drill press for metal

The Genesis GDP1005A is a great choice for projects demanding power, precision, and versatility. It has 5/8″ chuck and 4.1 AMP motor. This drill is equipped with a smaller footprint leaving more room for your workshop. It comes with a workbench that can tilt up to 45 degrees and has a 360-degree rotation. Also, it has a 5-speed pully shaped gearbox, making it easy to switch speed.
The height is also adjustable. This drill also comes with a work light to illuminate the drill press table. This product comes with a two-year warranty.
6. SE 3-Speed Mini – sublime metal drill press

If you have a small space and a small project, then it is worth looking at the SE 3-Speed Mini Drill Press bench, it offers 3 rotation speed modes: 5000 RPM, 6500 RPM, and 8500 RPM. It comes with 3 wrenches. It has a max drilling capacity of 6 mm and a max drill height of 7 and a half inches making it perfect for small scale projects.
It has a power consumption of 110V/60Hz with 100W and a small spindle travel of 1”. This drill press bench is perfect for hobbyist, mechanics, and jewelers or anyone that plans on using it for small scale jobs in general.
7. Small Benchtop – a top pick for a drill press for metal

Small Benchtop Drill Press is an entry-level drill offered by EURO PRESS, that are known for their drill press, this particular model is designed for basic usage. It is easy to set up and use, we recommend this model for very small scale projects that do not require long term drilling or heavy drilling.
This drill has variable speed up to 8500 RPM, it is also energy-efficient, as it only uses 110 volts and 100 WATTS. It comes with a one-year warranty and is worth checking out.
8. JOYABEST 3 Speed Mini – metal working drill press

JOYABEST 3 Speed Mini Drill Press machine is a good starting drill for a hobbyist. It has a small drilling diameter of 0.6 to 6.5mm making it a perfect drill for small scale projects. Furthermore, it comes with three-speed modes: 0-3500RPM, 0 to 5000 RPM, and 0 to 7000 RPM.
It uses 150 WATTS of input power with a voltage frequency of 110V./60Hz. According to user reviews, this model is easy to setup. It can easily work with circuit boards, plastic, wood, and glass material. It can also work with 1cm of metal thickness.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drill press can be overwhelming and somewhat daunting, markets are overflowing with different products varying in price, size, and features. A good drill press makes all the difference in your ability to precisely drill.
In this article, we discussed how a drill press can ease your work. We then discussed what are some important things you need to consider narrowing down a drill press that best suits your need. Whenever buying a drill press, you should have prior knowledge about chuck size, voltage, controls, motor speed range, and many other factors that we listed above. Afterward, we presented to you a list of top eight drill press that would suit your need.
FAQs
- What is the best way to clean a drill press?
ADrill press does not require frequent cleaning. However, if you see dust or something else is building upon any part, then a clean it with a cloth. WD-40 would be sufficient for cleaning. - How do I assemble my drill press?
Assembling varies from model to model. All you need to do is assemble the main parts. The product user manual, guides on how to assemble the main parts. - Can drill use it for tapping?
Yes, you surely can. Just make a little hole with a drill. And then use the tap to press making the drill power off. - Can a Dremel drill through metal?
Yes, the Dremel 7-Piece Drill bit is recommended for precise metal surface drilling. - Can a drill press be used as a milling machine?
It is not recommended to use a drill press as a milling machine, it may result in broken end mills. - What’s the difference between a mill and a drill press?
The key difference is, a drilling machine also known as a drill press can make vertical holes on a work surface, whereas a milling machine can perform the same task but can also cut with a set of cutting tools. - What is the difference between grinding and milling?
The main difference is, in a milling operation your tools would require rotation, whereas, in a grinding operation where you grind the edges and make them sharp and flat, your workpiece will rotate.
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