Best Affordable Drill Press: Top 6 Picks

A dependable drill press is essential for accurate, repeatable holes in wood, metal, and plastics—tasks that handheld drills often struggle with. For home workshops, a sturdy benchtop model can make a big difference in both results and safety.

The WEN 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press stands out for its solid cast iron build and versatile speed settings, making it a strong choice for most home users and hobbyists. It's especially well-suited for those who need a reliable, straightforward tool for a variety of light to medium-duty drilling tasks.

• 2.3A Induction Motor: Provides consistent power for a range of materials and projects.
• 5-Speed Operation: Lets you match speed to material, from 750 to 3200 RPM, for better results.
• Adjustable Worktable: 6.5 x 6.5 inch table tilts up to 45° for angled drilling and added flexibility.

Compared to smaller or more specialized alternatives, this WEN model prioritizes stability and ease of use for everyday drilling. The tradeoff is a slightly larger footprint, which may not suit very tight spaces.

Small-scale drilling tasks—like crafts, jewelry, or electronics—require accuracy and a tool that fits limited workspaces. Many standard drill presses are simply too large or powerful for these delicate jobs.

The NovelLife Mini Drill Press is designed for precision and portability, making it an excellent fit for hobbyists, model makers, or anyone working with softer materials. Its compact size and low vibration help ensure clean, accurate holes on a small scale.

• Upgraded Metal Structure: Reduces vibration for improved drilling accuracy on small items.
• Adjustable 7000RPM Motor: Variable speed and 24V power supply allow for fine control.
• Add-On Expansion Base: Compatible with mini vises and CNC tables for versatile setups.

Unlike larger benchtop models, this mini press prioritizes space efficiency and fine control. The main tradeoff is limited capacity for larger materials or heavy-duty tasks.

For many home users, the biggest challenge is finding a drill press that's easy to set up and operate without a steep learning curve. Complicated adjustments or bulky designs can be off-putting for occasional DIYers.

This WEN 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press offers straightforward controls and a familiar layout, making it a practical pick for beginners or those who want a no-fuss tool for routine drilling jobs.

• 2.3A Induction Motor: Delivers steady power for wood, plastic, and light metal.
• 5-Speed Range: Covers common drilling needs from 740 to 3140 RPM.
• Beveling Worktable: Tilts up to 45° for angled holes and added versatility.

Compared to more feature-rich or compact models, this drill press focuses on simplicity and reliability. The tradeoff is fewer advanced features for specialized tasks.

Precision drilling in jewelry, model building, or crafts demands a tool that can handle delicate materials and tight spaces. Standard drill presses are often too large or lack the fine control needed for these tasks.

The IOENC Portable Jewelry Drill Press is tailored for detailed work, offering high-speed adjustment and a compact, durable design. It's ideal for crafters, jewelry makers, and anyone needing a portable solution for intricate drilling.

• 340W Adjustable Motor: Three speed levels up to 16,000 RPM for fine-tuned control.
• Wide Collet Range: Accepts bits from 0.04 to 0.39 inches for various materials.
• Durable Cast Iron and Steel: Built for longevity and stable operation in small spaces.

Unlike larger benchtop presses, this model prioritizes portability and high-speed precision. The main limitation is its relatively shallow drilling depth and smaller work capacity.

Accurate drilling often comes down to visibility and control, especially when working with larger or more complex pieces. Poor lighting or imprecise alignment can lead to mistakes and wasted materials.

The WEN 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press addresses these issues with built-in laser guidance and LED lighting, making it easier to achieve precise results. It's a solid choice for users who value extra visibility and a larger work area.

• 6.2A Induction Motor: Handles wood, plastic, and metal with ease.
• Laser and LED Work Light: Improves accuracy and reduces eye strain during use.
• Adjustable Depth Stop: Ensures repeatable drilling depths for consistent results.

Compared to more basic models, this drill press emphasizes visibility and control. The tradeoff is a larger size and higher weight, requiring more workspace.

Some projects require a wide range of drilling speeds to match different materials and bit sizes. Many affordable drill presses offer only a handful of preset speeds, limiting their flexibility.

The ShopMax 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press stands out with nine adjustable speeds and a robust 4.2A motor, making it suitable for users who want more control over their drilling operations. It's a good fit for hobbyists and DIYers who work with a variety of materials.

• Nine Speed Settings: Ranges from 500 to 3200 RPM for broad compatibility.
• 360° Rotating Work Table: Offers full rotation and tilting for precise angle drilling.
• 1/2-Inch Keyed Chuck: Securely holds bits for accurate, stable drilling.

Compared to simpler models, this press prioritizes speed versatility and table adjustability. The tradeoff is a slightly more complex setup and learning curve.