When it comes to woodworking or drilling into metal, one of the most important tools you can have in your shop is a drill press. A drill press allows you to make perfectly perpendicular holes in your workpieces and can be used for a variety of other operations as well. If you’re in the market for a drill press, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making your purchase. In this blog post, we’ll go over what to look for in a drill press so you can be sure to get the best tool for your needs.
If you have a limited idea about a drill press, I recommend you to read our article on the anatomy of a drill press first.
Size of the drill press
Drill presses come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will be able to handle the projects you have in mind. Here is a breakdown of the most common sizes of drill presses:
Mini drill press: These small machines are perfect for light-duty projects, such as drilling small holes in soft materials.
Benchtop drill press: A step up from the mini drill press, benchtop models are still relatively small and lightweight, making them easy to move around. They have more power than mini drill presses and can handle tougher projects.
Floor standing drill press: Floor-standing drill presses are designed for heavy-duty use, and can handle even the most challenging drilling tasks. With a robust construction and a powerful motor, a floor-standing drill press can handle even the most challenging drilling projects.
If large or deep holes need to be drilled, then a larger model will be required. Conversely, if only small holes need to be drilled, then a smaller model will suffice. ( read more on different types of drill press)
Speed of the drill press
When choosing a drill press in terms of speed, it is important to consider the type of material you will be drilling. For example, if you are drilling through metal, you will need a higher speed drill press than if you are drilling through wood. The speed of the drill press is measured in RPMs (revolutions per minute). The higher the RPM, the faster the drill press will be.
Most drill presses have a range of speeds, from around 800 RPM to 3,000 RPM. Depending on the material you’re drilling, you’ll want to use a different RPM. For example, when drilling through softer metals, you’ll want to use a lower RPM to avoid damaging the material.
Motor size and power
Choosing the right drill press for your needs involves considering the motor size and power. A drill press with a larger motor will be able to handle tougher drilling jobs, while a smaller motor will be more suited for lighter work. You’ll also want to consider the power of the drill press, as this will dictate how quickly it can complete a job. A powerful drill press will be able to work faster, meaning you can complete your project in a shorter amount of time.
Warranty
When choosing a drill press, one important factor to consider is the warranty. Some manufacturers offer longer warranties than others, so be sure to compare before making your final decision.
There are a few things to keep in mind when evaluating warranties. First, find out what is covered and for how long. Some warranties only cover the drill press itself, while others may cover parts and service. Make sure you know what you’re getting before making your purchase.
Find out what is not covered by the warranty. This can include things like wear and tear, damage from misuse, or damage from natural disasters. Be sure to ask about these exclusions so you can make an informed decision.
Chuck size
When choosing a drill press in terms of chuck size, it is important to consider the type of work that will be performed with the drill press. For instance, if large chunks of metal will need to be drilled, a larger chuck size will be required. However, if smaller, more delicate work will be performed, a smaller chuck size may be sufficient.
It is also important to consider the type of drill bits that will be used with the drill press. If large, heavy-duty drill bits will be used, a larger chuck size will be necessary in order to accommodate them. Conversely, if small, delicate drill bits will be used, a smaller chuck size may be sufficient.
Spindle travel
When it comes to choosing a drill press in terms of spindle travel, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the type of materials you’ll be drilling into. If you’re working with thicker materials, you’ll need a drill press with more spindle travel. Second, think about the size of the holes you’ll be drilling.
Larger holes will require more spindle travel. Finally, consider the depth of the holes you’ll be drilling. Deeper holes will also require more spindle travel. With all of these factors in mind, you should be able to choose a drill press that will suit your needs.
Table size
When choosing a drill press in terms of table size, it is important to first consider the size of the projects you will be working on. If you will be working on large projects, you will need a larger table.
Conversely, if you will only be working on smaller projects, you can opt for a smaller table. Additionally, it is important to consider the physical space you have in your work area – a larger table will obviously take up more space than a smaller one.
Another factor to keep in mind is the weight of the drill press – a larger table will be heavier, so make sure you can comfortably move it around if needed.
Price
When it comes to choosing a drill press in terms of price, it is important to consider your budget and what you need the drill press for. If you are looking for a high-quality drill press that will last you a long time, then you may want to invest in a more expensive model. However, if you are only looking for a drill press to use occasionally, then you can probably get away with a cheaper model.
It is also important to consider the features of the drill press and whether or not you need them. For example, some drill presses come with built-in light fixtures, which can be very helpful when working in low-light conditions. These additional features will cost you additional money.
The type of projects
When choosing a drill, you’ll want to consider the type of material you’ll be drilling into. If you’re working with softer materials, a lower-powered drill will suffice. However, if you’re working with tougher materials, you’ll need a more powerful drill. You’ll also want to consider the size of the drill bit you’ll be using. Larger drill bits require more power, so keep that in mind when making your selection.
When choosing a drill press, the first step is to identify the type of projects you’ll be working on. If you’re only drilling small holes, a bench-top model will suffice. For larger projects, you’ll need a floor-standing drill press.
Features of the drill press
When choosing a drill press, it is important to consider the various features that are available. Some of the most common features to look for include:
- The ability to change the speed of the drill. This is important because it allows you to drill at different speeds for different materials.
- A depth stop. This feature allows you to control how deep the drill bit goes into the material.
- A drill press vice. This is a very handy feature that allows you to clamp the material you are drilling into place.
- An adjustable table. This is a great feature if you plan on drilling into various thicknesses of materials.
- An LED light. This is a helpful feature that allows you to work in dark.
Model of the drill press
When choosing a drill press, one of the most important factors to consider is the model of the drill press. There are many different models on the market, and each has its own unique features and benefits. It’s important to take the time to research the different models before making a purchase, in order to find the one that best suits your needs.
Some of the things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing a model include the type of projects you’ll be using it for, the size of the projects, and the budget you have to work with. There are drill presses designed for both home and commercial use, so it’s important to find one that’s right for the type of work you’ll be doing.
Compactness
When it comes to choosing a drill press in terms of compactness, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider the space you have available in your workshop or garage. If you have a smaller space, you’ll want to choose a drill press that doesn’t take up a lot of room.
Another thing to consider is the type of projects you’ll be using the drill press for. If you’re only going to be using it for smaller projects, a compact drill press will be just fine. However, if you plan on using the drill press for larger projects, you’ll want to choose a model that is more powerful and has a larger work surface.
Precision
There are a few factors you should consider when choosing a drill press in terms of precision. Smaller projects generally require more precise drilling, so a smaller drill press might be a better option. If you need to drill very small or intricate holes, you’ll need a drill press with a higher level of precision.
Another factor to consider is the level of detail required – if you need to drill very precisely, you’ll need a drill press that offers more control. Finally, think about the materials you’ll be working with – some materials require more delicate drilling, so a more sturdy and powerful drill press might be necessary. With all these factors in mind, you should be able to choose the perfect drill press for your needs.
Protability
When choosing a drill press in terms of portability, you need to consider a few factors. First, decide what type of work you’ll be doing with the drill press. If you plan on using it for small, delicate projects, you’ll need a lighter, more compact model. If you plan on doing larger projects or projects that require more power, you’ll need a heavier, more industrial drill press.
Second, consider how often you’ll be moving the drill press. If you’ll be transporting it frequently, look for a model with wheels or a built-in handle. Third, decide what size drill press you need. If you’re only working on small projects, a compact drill press will be sufficient.
Stroke distance
There are a few factors you’ll want to consider when choosing a drill press in terms of stroke distance. First, consider the size of the projects you’ll be working on. If you’re only drilling small holes, you won’t need a drill press with a very long stroke distance. However, if you’re working on larger projects, you’ll need a drill press that can accommodate a longer stroke.
Another factor to consider is the type of material you’ll be drilling into. If you’re only drilling into soft materials, you won’t need a drill press with a very long stroke distance. However, if you’re drilling into harder materials, you’ll need a drill press that can accommodate a longer stroke.
Ease of adjustment
Ease of adjustment is an important factor to consider when choosing a drill press. Adjustability affects the machine’s ability to accommodate different sizes and shapes of workpieces, as well as the operator’s comfort and productivity. There are a few things to keep in mind when assessing the ease of adjustment on a drill press.
First, consider the quill handle. Is it easy to reach and operate? Is it comfortable to grip? Can it be quickly and easily adjusted to the desired position?
Second, take a look at the depth stop. Is it easy to adjust? Can it be quickly and easily set to the desired depth? Third, check out the table. Is it easy to tilt and swivel? Consider all these to make your mind for the drill press you are going to buy.
Chuck type
There are three primary types of chucks used on drill presses: keyed, keyless, and gear-driven. The type of chuck you choose will depend on the specific needs of your drill press application.
Keyed chucks are the most common type of chuck and are typically used for general drilling applications. Keyed chucks have a key that is inserted into the chuck to secure the bit in place.
Keyless chucks are typically used for more specialized applications where a keyed chuck is not necessary. Keyless chucks do not have a key and instead rely on a collet to secure the bit in place.
Gear-driven chucks are the most specialized type of chuck and are typically used for high-speed applications
Finally, I have found the below video helpful that you can follow:
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you’re a home handyman or a professional contractor, having the right drill press can make your job much easier. Whether you’re looking for the right wood or metal drill bits, or a blanking plug or chuck, there are so many options that shopping for your first drill press can be daunting. I hope the quick checklist in this article will help you organize the process of shortlisting the drill presses you are going to buy.