Power tools make this easy enough when straight cuts are on the line – power planers, sanders, and all manner of saws can slice wood more precisely than ever. The real challenge to woodworkers arises when there is a need to bore the wood. Saws are fine for working from edge to edge, but what’s a craftsman to do when a straight hole is called for?
Of course, there are electric drills as well, but they will often lack the precision or variety of functions that a straight bore requires. The solution for many of these problems is the stationary, or benchtop, drill press, a tool designed to hold a subject in the exact position fixed beforehand to give you a straight and smooth bore through the wood.
Although performing only a narrow slice of the tasks that good woodworking requires, the drill press’s contributions to your projects cannot be overlooked. Here are five of the best models you can get to get your projects done quickly and correctly.
Read Article: Best Hand Planer in 2023 [Our Reviews & Comparisons]
Best Bench top Drill Press – Comparison Table
| PRODUCT | FEATURES | LATEST PRICE |
|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 1. Genesis GDP1005A
| Check Price |
RUNNER UP | 2. WEN 4210T
| Check Price |
  | 3. SKIL 3320-01
| Check Price |
  | 4. ShopSeries RK7033
| Check Price |
  | 5. JIANGSU JINFEIDA ZJ4116QC
| Check Price |
Our Best Benchtop Drill Press Reviews Reviews and Comparisons
1. Genesis GDP1005A
Product Highlights
A small and quiet drill press that gets the job done without mess or fuss.
Features
- 4.1 amp motor
- ⅝” chuck
- 45 degree tilt and 360 degree rotation
- 5 speed gearbox
What We Like About Genesis GDP1005A
This drill press is exceptionally simple to assemble and use, with an adjustable control wheel for highly varied depth control.
What We Don’t Like About Genesis GDP1005A
Although extremely effective on wood, the drill will struggle with metal or stone elements.
PROS
- Small footprint
- Relatively quiet
- Powerful LED table illumination
- Wide chuck to accept larger drill bits
- Two-year manufacturer warranty
CONS
- Control wheel is relatively stiff
- Does not handle stone or metal well
2. WEN 4210T
Product Highlights
This machine focuses on accuracy, with lockable depth stops and a laser guide to keep your drilling where you want it.
Features
- Up to 3100 rpm
- ½” chuck
- 3.2 amp motor
- 45 degree bevel, left and right
What We Like About WEN 4210T
With several lockable depth gauges, you can be sure that you’re getting the exact hole you wanted every time
What We Don’t Like About WEN 4210T
Because the machine is built of aluminum and not steel, the skeleton and table are not as resilient as comparable tools.
PROS
- Laser guided
- 2.3 horsepower is a cut above the usual
- Locking depth stops
- Cast iron base adds stability
- Ball bearings in motor lengthen machine lifespan
CONS
- Does not resist damage like a steel tool would
- Laser does not come aligned and will need to be adjusted manually
3. SKIL 3320-01
Product Highlights
A versatile drill press suitable for everyone from casual hobbyists to large-scale woodworkers.
Features
- 3.2 amps
- Up to 3050 rpm
- ½” drill chuck
- 45 degree table bevel
What We Like About SKIL 3320-01
With more than 3,000 rpm and a dual-beam laser guide, this machine cuts quickly and precisely enough for novice and expert alike.
What We Don’t Like About SKIL 3320-01
Although it packs plenty of carving power, this drill has little else to offer, and skilled carpenters will likely want to replace it soon enough.
PROS
- Adjustable depth locks let you preset our preferences
- Dual-beam laser guide
- Three-year warranty
- Constructed of resilient stainless steel, with cast iron base
- Easy to assemble
CONS
- Does not come with any replacement parts
- More experienced woodworkers may look for more accessories
4. ShopSeries RK7033
</center >Product Highlights
This drill emphasizes power more than anything, with nearly double the amperage of comparable tools.
Features
- 6.2 amp motor
- ½” drill chuck
- Up to 3100 rpm
- 16 clutch positions
What We Like About ShopSeries RK7033
This drill press doesn’t mess around, delivering top-shelf performance with double the power of other tools and highly customizable speed and positioning.
What We Don’t Like About ShopSeries RK7033
As might be expected from such a high-quality tool, this drill is more costly than some of the more basic models.
PROS
- Exceptionally powerful motor
- Battery or power indicator
- Rugged construction and materials
- Keyed safety switch
- Two year warranty
CONS
- Fairly expensive
- Does not come aligned out of the box
5. JIANGSU JINFEIDA ZJ4116QC
Product Highlights
This drill may come from an unknown brand, but its quality is no secret.
Features
- 3.6 amp motor
- Up to 2800 rpm
- 13.8” stroke depth
- Adjustable bevel and stops
What We Like About JIANGSU JINFEIDA ZJ4116QC
This drill is designed to minimize its footprint in your shop while still delivering the precision performance you need.
What We Don’t Like About JIANGSU JINFEIDA ZJ4116QC
While this drill does offer a good balance of power and accuracy, its manufacturer does not have the reputation that backs many other tools.
PROS
- Small footprint
- Laser guided
- All-steel construction
- Customizable depth and bevel stops
- Relatively large stroke depth
CONS
- Unknown manufacturer
- Relatively costly
Final Verdict
These drills will help keep your dowels and countersinks spot on, making sure your projects turn out great every time. Pick one that suits your budget and needs then watch your woodworking go to the next level.
It is worth pointing out that even though they are neither bladed or moving much, a power drill of any description is still dangerous and should be treated with the appropriate caution. You can stay safe by keeping loose hair, clothing, and jewelry away, taking note of where all parts of your body are during operation, and keep the drill safely turned off and unplugged when not in use.
