We all love getting things done faster and efficiently. If you operate a carpentry or welding business, there are tools you can afford to miss. Otherwise, getting great results will mean lots of slogging and unnessary expenses.
You might also not be a carpenter or welder, but you might have those one-off tasks that would require DYI drilling.
Either way, you will need to invest in one of the best drill presses for metal out there to get the job done.
[table “25” not found /]If you follow the right procedures, these tools will drill multiple holes accurately, and in a short time.
Best Drill Press for Metal Reviews
Getting the best drill press for metal is easier said than done. There are many of them out there. Some are specifically meant for woodworking, others are designed for drilling plastics and then there are those that can do both.
In this review, we rounded up 3 best drill presses for metal that are keeping tails wagging out there:
1. Wen 4208 8-Inch Drill Press
If you are looking for a compact and reliable pocket-size powerhouse of a press drill for your workshop or garage, Wen 4208 8-Inch Drill Press will make a great choice.
The press drill packs great features and phenomenal build quality that you won’t find in most drill presses out there.
The size and the friendly price makes this tool a great choice for drilling metals in your home workshop. The cast-iron construction makes the drill press sturdier so that once the metallic material is bolted to a level surface, it won’t wobble.
Their handles don’t play either while the lightheartedness of the equipment (30lbs) makes it easy for you to tuck it away into a corner for storage after a long day of use.
On top of that, the drill is powered by a 1/3 HP motor. While the motor might sound not so powerful to you, rest assured this tool is a beast when it comes to drilling soft metal and wood. However, the motor won’t produce enough torque for drilling metals thicker than ½’’.
If you are looking for something that can drill hardened steel, this is not your kind of drill press. The drill press comes with 5 variable speeds starting from 740 RPM all the way to 3140 RPM. That way, you can easily adapt the different materials you are using.
Whether you need a smooth, polished drill for low-density material or low RPM for high-density materials, the Wen 4208 8-Inch Drill Press will deliver beyond your expectations.
The easy tilt table means you can easily turn the table 450 to the right or left without much ado. Plus, the adjusting spindle travel allows you to make quick depth adjustments so that you can adjust to the bit depth that will allow you to drill different material sizes.
Overall, this drill press is a great choice for you if you are looking for user friendly, portable, and a performer for your daily drilling demands.
Strengths
- Comes with a variable speed system,
- Pocket friendly price.
- Durable metal construction.
- Bit depth adjustment knob.
Limitations
- Motor not ideal for drilling hardened steel or metals thicker than ½’’.
2. SKIL 3320-01 120-Volt 10-Inch Drill Press
Skil 3320-01 would make a great choice for you if you are looking for an efficient yet affordable press drill to help you with day to day drilling tasks.
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There various reasons we chose to include it in our list of best drill presses for metal. To start with, compared to other models out there, this model has the best price to power ratio. Secondly we loved the model’s pack of features that you would barely find in most drill presses within this price range.
Skil 3320-01 might look intimidatingly expensive to you. But the truth is, it is affordable yet the price tag doesn’t mean poor maneuverability, poor construction quality or less power.
For example, the adjustable depth stop ensures that you can make precise measurements and also perform repetitive drilling tasks. The integrated Beam Laser system, on the other hand, ensures that the materials are properly aligned to the unit’s drilling end.
Another feature that deserves mention is a bump-off switch that reinforces the model’s already established safety systems. All that awesomeness is powered by a powerful 3.2 AMP motor that can reach top speeds of 3,050 RPM. At this speed, the unit will produce polished, splinter-less drill holes.
The 3.2 AMP motor, however, might not work well with thicker metals. It is a perfectly designed drill thin sheets of metal and wood. If you have heavy-duty drilling takes, this press drill might not be ideal for you.
The model weighs 52.2lbs which is an average weight compared to other drills out there under the same price range. Thanks to the tilt table that can tilt 450 to the right and left, you can easily create angled holes with ease.
What’s more? The unit doesn’t come wholly assembled. But assembling it doesn’t take as much time.
Strengths
- 5-speed presets
- Friendly price
- Bump-off switch
- The table can be tilted
- Laser X2 2-beam laser for precise hole alignment
Limitations
- Doesn’t come with an automatic speed changing button
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3. Shop Fox W1668
This is a popular, highly versatile drill press that has sold thousands of units since its inception, 10 years ago.
Shop Fox W1668 still attracts top ratings and rave reviews today, making it one of the best drill presses for metals out there.
Sporting a ¾ horsepower motor, it means the unit is more than adequate when it comes to heavy-duty drilling. So if you are looking to drill thicker metallic materials, this is a great choice.
On top of that, the built-in metal heat dissipates implies that the unit can easily cope with high levels of heat generated during heavy-duty drilling tasks. However, Shop Fox W1668 uses 110 V, making it unsuitable for international users connected to 220V – 230 V grid lines.
However, if that is where you are and can’t wait to use it, then you can make use of a step up transformer.
Just like the other models discussed here, this model features a variable speed that runs from 250 RPM to 3050 RPM. Lower speed is ideal if you want to drill through resistant/harder surfaces while the 3050 is ideal for piercing soft material like plywood.
This unit can execute 12 pre-defined speeds, all which can be achieved by a mere pressing of a button.
What we liked the more about the unit is that it remembers the last setting if you switch it off. So when you switch your drill press on, you won’t have to feed it with your preferred setting. It is easy to use. The swivels and straightforward form factor make it easier for you to adjust both tilt and the height of the table. The table is easily tiltable to the right or left though a 450.
Well, on matters pricing, this is your budget drill press. It has a price to match its capabilities. You get what you pay for at the end of the day. But if you are looking for a serious drill press, the few extra dollars are not enough to keep you off.
Strengths
- Great horsepower
- Can achieve greater drilling depths
- Well package, featured packed unit
- The machine is well packaged
- Easy to assemble and use
- Sturdy construction, heavy duty performance
Limitation
- No lever to move your motor back and front thus making it harder to change belt speed
It isn’t easy to get the best drill press for metal given the number of brands out there. While some are just good, you want to invest in the best drill press that gives you the best ROI.
So that you don’t burn hours on end looking for the best, we have done the dirty job for you. The SKIL 3320-01 unit features sturdy cast-iron construction and great performance. The Wen 4208 8-Inch Drill Press, on the other hand, is a pocket-size powerhouse any serious wood/metal worker might want to use.
Both of these drill presses deliver 1/3 HP, a torque that is ideal for drilling holes through material up to ½’’ in thickness. But, if you want to drill thicker metals, Shop Fox W1668 will make a great pick. However, you must be ready to pay a little more.