After researching and testing various budget drill presses, we have identified the top options that offer great value for the money. Our top pick for the budget drill press is the WEN 4206T 2.3-Amp 8-inch Benchtop Drill Press.
A drill press is a versatile tool that can be used for various tasks, including drilling holes in wood, metal, and other materials. It is a must-have tool for DIY enthusiasts, woodworkers, metalworkers, and professionals.
A budget drill press is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable yet reliable tool that can handle basic drilling tasks.
When looking for a budget drill press, there are a few critical factors to consider.
One of the most important things to consider is the power of the drill press. The power of a drill press is measured in horsepower (HP), and the higher the HP, the more powerful the drill press will be.
Another important factor to consider is the size of the drill press. The size of the drill press is determined by the distance between the center of the chuck and the column, and it is usually measured in inches.
In addition to power and size, other factors to consider include the type of chuck, the speed settings, and the build quality of the drill press. A good budget drill press should have a sturdy construction, a reliable chuck, and a decent range of speed settings.
These drill presses are perfect for those who are looking for an affordable yet reliable tool that can handle basic drilling tasks.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at each of these drill presses and highlight their key features and benefits.
Best Budget Drill Presses
If you’re looking for a reliable drill press that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck. There are plenty of budget-friendly options on the market that offer decent performance without sacrificing quality.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best budget drill presses that are worth considering. Each of these models has been thoroughly tested and vetted by experts in the field, so you can be confident in your purchase.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional woodworker, there’s a drill press on this list that will suit your needs and budget.
1. WEN 4206T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly drill press, the WEN 4206T is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The 2.3A induction motor provides smooth and balanced performance, even at high speeds.
- With five different operating speeds, you can adjust the drill press to suit your needs.
- The locking depth stop allows for accurate and repeatable drilling operations.
Cons
- The drill press is compact, which may not be ideal for larger projects.
- Some users have reported issues with the chuck and key storage.
- The low power may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects.
This drill press is a great option for those who need precision and accuracy in their drilling operations.
The 2.3A induction motor provides smooth and balanced performance, even at high speeds, and the five different operating speeds allow you to customize the drill press to suit your needs.
The locking depth stop also ensures that you can achieve accurate and repeatable drilling operations.
However, the drill press’s compact size may not be ideal for larger projects, and some users have reported issues with the chuck and key storage. Additionally, the low power may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects.
Overall, the WEN 4206T is a solid choice for those in need of a budget-friendly drill press that still delivers precision and accuracy.
2. SKIL 6.2 Amp Benchtop Drill Press – DP9505-00
If you’re looking for a budget drill press that can handle a variety of materials, the SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light – DP9505-00 may be a good option for you.
Pros
- The powerful 6.2 amp induction motor allows you to easily power through wood, metal, and other materials.
- With 5 speeds ranging from 610 to 2800 RPM, you can take advantage of different speeds for different material types.
- The laser alignment system helps you precisely execute drilling maneuvers.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the motor is loud and sounds “off.”
- The table may wobble as you raise and lower it, which could be a concern for some users.
- While it gets the job done, some users have reported that the components don’t feel particularly beefy.
The SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light – DP9505-00 is a solid option for those in need of a budget drill press.
The powerful motor and 5 speeds allow you to tackle a variety of materials, and the laser alignment system helps you make precise cuts. However, some users have reported that the motor can be loud and the table may wobble.
That being said, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that gets the job done, this drill press could be a good choice for you.
3. PioneerWorks Benchtop Drill Press
If you’re looking for an affordable drill press that can handle a variety of materials, the PioneerWorks Benchtop Drill Press is worth considering.
Pros
- The powerful 2.5 amp induction motor allows you to drill through wood, metal, and other materials with ease.
- The 5-speed system gives you the flexibility to choose the right speed for the job, from 740 to 3100 RPM.
- The laser alignment system helps you drill with precision and accuracy.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the dimensions listed on the website are not accurate, and the drill press is larger than expected.
- The safety guard may arrive broken, but it’s not necessary for all users.
- The motor’s higher amperage may not necessarily translate to more power.
With its adjustable depth stop, tilting work surface, and bump-off switch, this drill press provides the accuracy and safety features you need for your projects.
The PioneerWorks Benchtop Drill Press is easy to assemble and provides a stable and accurate cutting experience.
While the safety guard may not be necessary for all users, it’s a nice feature to have. The drill press’s higher amperage may not necessarily translate to more power, but it’s still a reliable option for those on a budget.
Overall, if you’re in need of a budget-friendly drill press that can handle a variety of materials, the PioneerWorks Benchtop Drill Press is a solid choice.
4. Woodskil 8 Inch Drill Press
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly drill press, the Woodskil 8-inch Drill Press is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The cast iron work table and base ensure a steady and accurate drilling experience.
- The mechanical 5-speed allows for high-speed drilling on different materials.
- The heavy-duty cast iron work table can be adjusted to bevel 45 degrees left and right, and the work table is free to adjust the height.
Cons
- The mechanism to change the speed of the drill may not work properly.
- The chuck may be bad, causing bits to slip.
- The table may slide down the shaft even when tightened.
This drill press is a great choice for those on a budget who still want a reliable and accurate drilling experience (check out the best benchtop drill press).
The cast iron work table and base ensure that the drill press stays steady while in use, and the mechanical 5-speed allows for high-speed drilling on different materials.
However, some users have reported issues with the mechanism to change the speed of the drill and the chuck may be bad, causing bits to slip. Additionally, the table may slide down the shaft even when tightened.
Despite these issues, the Woodskil 8-inch Drill Press is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly drill press.
5. BUCKTOOL 10-Inch Drill Press
If you’re looking for a budget drill press that can handle a variety of light-duty drilling tasks, the BUCKTOOL 10-inch Drill Press is a solid choice.
Pros
- The 3/4HP 6.0-Amp motor is powerful and CSA-certified.
- The 5 different speeds (650/1100/1700/2300/3100 RPM) allow for versatility in drilling different materials.
- The 45-degree tilted worktable and built-in LED lights provide a clear and accurate view of your workpiece.
Cons
- The removable switch keys can be a bit inconvenient if you’re constantly starting and stopping the drill press.
- The compact construction may not be suitable for larger projects.
- The table sleeve is slightly too big on the pole, allowing for some wobbling.
The BUCKTOOL 10-inch Drill Press is a great option for the DIY enthusiast or hobbyist who needs a reliable and affordable drill press. With its powerful motor and adjustable speeds, it can handle a variety of materials with ease.
The 45-degree tilted worktable and built-in LED lights make it easy to get a clear and accurate view of your workpiece, and the fence and head assembly help support stock on the edge.
While the removable switch keys can be a bit of a hassle, the safety feature is appreciated. The compact construction may not be suitable for larger projects, but for light-duty drilling tasks, it gets the job done.
Overall, the BUCKTOOL 10-inch Drill Press is a solid choice for anyone looking for a budget-friendly drill press that can handle a variety of tasks.
Buying Guide
When looking to buy a budget drill press, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some features to look for:
Motor Power
One of the most important factors to consider when buying a budget drill press is the motor power. The motor power determines how fast and how efficiently the drill press can work.
Generally, a motor with a power of 1/3 to 1/2 horsepower is sufficient for most household and light-duty workshop tasks.
Chuck Size
The chuck size is another crucial factor to consider when buying a budget drill press.
The chuck size determines the maximum diameter of the drill bit that can be used with the drill press.
Most budget drill presses come with a chuck size of 1/2 inch, which is suitable for most household and workshop tasks.
Speed
The speed of the drill press is another important factor to consider. Most budget drill presses come with variable speed settings, which allow you to adjust the speed to suit different materials and tasks.
Look for a drill press with a range of speeds that can handle a variety of materials, including metal, wood, and plastic.
Table Size and Adjustability
The table size and adjustability are also important factors to consider.
Look for a drill press with a table that is large enough to accommodate your workpiece and can be adjusted to different angles for greater versatility. Some drill presses also come with a tilting table, which allows you to drill at an angle.
Depth Stop and Laser Guide
A depth stop and laser guide are also useful features to look for in a budget drill press. A depth stop allows you to set the depth of the hole you want to drill, while a laser guide helps you to drill accurately and precisely.
By considering these factors when buying a budget drill press, you can ensure that you get the best product for your needs and budget.
For other applications, you might also be interested in checking out the following guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top features to look for in a budget drill press?
When searching for a budget drill press, it is important to consider the features that will best suit your needs.
Some important features to look for include the drill press’s motor power, the size of the drill chuck, the depth of drilling, and the overall build quality of the machine.
How do I choose the best drill press for metalworking within a budget?
When looking for a budget drill press for metalworking, it is important to consider the size and power of the motor, as well as the type of metal you will be working with.
A drill press with a high horsepower motor and a sturdy build quality is ideal for metalworking (check out the best metal drill press).
Can you recommend a reliable but affordable drill press for home use?
There are many reliable and affordable drill presses available for home use.
Some popular options include the WEN 4208 8-inch Drill Press, the SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-inch Drill Press, and the Shop Fox W1668 3/4 HP Benchtop Oscillating Drill Press.
What are the best budget-friendly drill presses currently on the market?
Some of the best budget-friendly drill presses currently on the market include the WEN 4208 8-inch Drill Press, the SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-inch Drill Press, and the Jet JDP-15B 15-inch Benchtop Drill Press.
What should I consider when looking for a high-quality, low-cost drill press?
When looking for a high-quality, low-cost drill press, it is important to consider the motor power, the size of the drill chuck, the depth of drilling, and the overall build quality of the machine.
It is also important to read reviews and compare prices to ensure you are getting the best value for your money.
How much horsepower is sufficient for a budget drill press intended for regular use?
A budget drill press intended for regular use should have a motor with at least 1/2 horsepower. However, if you plan on working with tougher materials or drilling larger holes, a motor with 3/4 horsepower or more may be necessary.