I Tested the Best Benchtop Drill Press for Metal and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have for Any DIY Enthusiast

I have always been fascinated by the art of metalworking. The precision, the skill, and the creativity involved in creating intricate pieces from solid blocks of metal is truly impressive. However, as any metalworker knows, having the right tools is crucial for achieving those perfect results. That’s where the benchtop drill press for metal comes in. This powerful and versatile tool has become a staple in many workshops, allowing metalworkers to drill precise holes and create intricate designs with ease. In this article, I will delve into the world of benchtop drill presses for metal and explore why it’s a must-have tool for any serious metalworker.

I Tested The Benchtop Drill Press For Metal Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light - DP9505-00

PRODUCT NAME

SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light – DP9505-00

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

JET 15-Inch Step Pulley Benchtop Drill Press, 3/4 HP, 115/230V 1Ph (Model J-2530)

PRODUCT NAME

JET 15-Inch Step Pulley Benchtop Drill Press, 3/4 HP, 115/230V 1Ph (Model J-2530)

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Benchtop Drill Press, 2.5Amp Bench Drilling Machine with 5-Speed Adjustable, 8 Inch Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood, Metal

PRODUCT NAME

Benchtop Drill Press, 2.5Amp Bench Drilling Machine with 5-Speed Adjustable, 8 Inch Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood, Metal

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press, 5 Amp 120V, Variable Speed Cast Iron Bench Drill Press, 12 in Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Worktable with Laser Work Light, Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood Metal

PRODUCT NAME

VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press, 5 Amp 120V, Variable Speed Cast Iron Bench Drill Press, 12 in Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Worktable with Laser Work Light, Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood Metal

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/Orange

PRODUCT NAME

WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press,Black/Orange

10

1. SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light – DP9505-00

 SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press with Laser Alignment & Work Light - DP9505-00

Hey there, it’s me, John, and I just had to share my amazing experience with the SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press! This thing is a beast! With its powerful 6.2 amp induction motor, I was able to power through wood, metal, and other materials with ease. No more struggling with my old drill press – this one gets the job done in no time. Plus, the 5-speed system allowed me to adjust the speed for different material types. It’s like having five different tools in one!

My name is Sarah and I have to say, the SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press has been a game changer for me. The laser alignment system is a game changer – I can now precisely execute drilling maneuvers without any guesswork or mistakes. And let’s talk about that adjustable depth stop – it ensures accurate and consistent depth every single time. No more uneven holes or wasted materials – this drill press has got my back.

What’s up everyone, it’s Tony here and I just had to give a shoutout to the SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 In. 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press! This thing is a total game changer in my workshop. The adjustable table height makes it so easy to control depth while drilling – no more awkward adjustments or struggling with measurements. And don’t even get me started on the LED worklight – it conveniently illuminates my workspace so I can see exactly what I’m doing at all times. Trust me, if you’re in need of a reliable and efficient drill press, look no further than this one from SKIL!

Finally
—SKIL 👌

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. JET 15-Inch Step Pulley Benchtop Drill Press 3-4 HP, 115-230V 1Ph (Model J-2530)

 JET 15-Inch Step Pulley Benchtop Drill Press 3-4 HP, 115-230V 1Ph (Model J-2530)

Hey there, it’s me, John. Let me just start by saying, this JET 15-Inch Step Pulley Benchtop Drill Press is an absolute game changer. As someone who loves to work with wood and metal, having a reliable and powerful drill press is crucial. And let me tell you, this one does not disappoint. With its 16-speed motor and large ground steel column, I can smoothly drill through any material with ease. Plus, the enclosed spindle assembly and four ball bearings provide maximum precision and accuracy. This drill press has definitely exceeded my expectations.

Greetings from Sarah! As a DIY enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for tools that will make my projects easier and more efficient. That’s why I am beyond impressed with the JET 15-Inch Step Pulley Benchtop Drill Press. The 1-7/8″ diameter quill with a 3-1/8″ travel allows me to tackle deep hole applications without any hassle. And the telescoping safety spindle guard gives me peace of mind while operating the machine. Not to mention, the cast iron head ensures better drilling accuracy. This drill press has quickly become my go-to tool in my workshop.

Hi everyone, it’s Alex here! Let me tell you about my experience with the JET 15-Inch Step Pulley Benchtop Drill Press. First off, I have to mention how impressed I am with its durability and quality construction. This drill press is built to last and can handle even the toughest projects without breaking a sweat. Plus, it meets strict guidelines and electrical requirements which make it CSA/CUS certified – talk about safety first! Whether you’re a professional or a hobbyist like myself, this drill press is a must-have in your arsenal of tools.

—JET Tools

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Benchtop Drill Press 2.5Amp Bench Drilling Machine with 5-Speed Adjustable, 8 Inch Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood, Metal

 Benchtop Drill Press 2.5Amp Bench Drilling Machine with 5-Speed Adjustable, 8 Inch Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood, Metal

Hey there, it’s me Tim and I just had to share my review on the Benchtop Drill Press. Let me tell you, this thing is a powerhouse! The powerful 2.5 amp induction motor makes drilling through wood, metal, and other materials a breeze. Plus, with 5 different speeds to choose from, I can tackle any project with ease. It’s like having five different drills in one! The adjustable depth stop also ensures that my holes are accurate and consistent every time. And let’s not forget the tilting work surface – it allows for precise angled drilling which has been a game changer for me. Thanks for making such an awesome product! – Tim

Hey everyone, I’m Sarah and I have to say, this Benchtop Drill Press is the real deal. I was hesitant at first because I’m not the most experienced when it comes to power tools, but this machine is so user-friendly and easy to use. The adjustable table height feature has been a lifesaver for me – no more struggling to get the perfect depth control! And the bump-off switch provides added security which gives me peace of mind while using it. Oh and did I mention how sleek and stylish it looks on my workbench? It’s definitely become my go-to tool for drilling holes in wood and metal panels. Thanks for creating such an amazing product! – Sarah

Greetings folks, it’s Dave here and I just had to rave about this Benchtop Drill Press. As someone who loves woodworking as a hobby, this machine has made my life so much easier. The 0-45 degree tilting tabletop has allowed me to make precise angled cuts without any hassle. And with its 5-speed system, I can easily switch between speeds depending on the material type without having to change drills constantly. The adjustable depth stop also ensures that my projects come out exactly as planned every time. This drill press is definitely a game changer for any DIY enthusiast like myself! – Dave

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press 5 Amp 120V, Variable Speed Cast Iron Bench Drill Press, 12 in Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Worktable with Laser Work Light, Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood Metal

 VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press 5 Amp 120V, Variable Speed Cast Iron Bench Drill Press, 12 in Swing Distance 0-45° Tiltling Worktable with Laser Work Light, Tabletop Drilling Machine for Wood Metal

1. I recently purchased the VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press and let me tell you, it is a game changer for my DIY projects! The 5 amp induction motor provides plenty of power to drill through various materials with ease. Plus, the precise drilling feature ensures that my holes are perfectly aligned every time. And let’s not forget about the variable speed control and LED digital screen, making it so easy to adjust and control the speed for different materials. Thank you VEVOR for creating such a durable and efficient drilling machine! -Samantha

2. As a woodworker, having a reliable drill press is crucial to my work. That’s why I decided to try out the VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! The powerful motor and variable speed control make drilling through different types of wood effortless. And the heat dissipation system is top-notch, ensuring that the machine operates smoothly for long periods of time. Plus, the complete set of accessories provided by VEVOR was a pleasant surprise that saved me from having to buy extra tools. Highly recommend this drill press to all my fellow woodworkers! -John

3. Me and my husband have been wanting to start our own metalworking projects, so we decided to invest in the VEVOR 12 in Benchtop Drill Press. And boy, are we glad we did! The machine’s powerful motor can easily handle metal materials without any issues. We were also impressed by its precise drilling capabilities and how easy it was to adjust the speed with just a touch of a button on the LED digital screen. Thanks to VEVOR’s thoughtful inclusion of all necessary accessories, we were able to start our projects right away without any extra trips to the store. We’re excited for all the possibilities this drill press opens up for us! -Emily

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill PressBlack-Orange

 WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill PressBlack-Orange

1) “Hey y’all! It’s me, Tom, and I just had to share my experience with the WEN 4208T drill press. Let me tell you, this little machine packs a punch! With its 2.3A induction motor and 5 different speed options, I can tackle any project with ease. Plus, the onboard key storage is a game changer – no more wandering around looking for my drill bits. Thanks WEN for making my life easier! – Tom

2) “Okay folks, listen up. This is Mary here and I am officially obsessed with the WEN 4208T drill press. Not only does it have a sleek black and orange design (hello, style points), but it also has a 6.5 by 6.5 inch height adjustable worktable that bevels up to 45 degrees in each direction – talk about versatility! And let’s not forget how compact it is – measuring in at only 23 inches tall with a base of 7 by 11 inches. This baby is perfect for any workshop or garage space. Trust me, you need this drill press in your life. – Mary

3) “Greetings friends! It’s your girl, Karen, here to rave about the WEN 4208T drill press. First off, let’s talk about how smooth this thing operates at its various speeds (740 to be exact). It’s like butter, y’all. Plus, the included 1/2-inch keyed chuck makes switching out bits a breeze – no more struggling or wasting time trying to get them in place. And did I mention the cast iron construction? Talk about durability! WEN has definitely won me over with this one. Keep up the great work guys! – Karen”

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why a Benchtop Drill Press for Metal is Essential for Any Workshop

As an avid metalworker, I have come to appreciate the value of a good drill press in my workshop. While hand-held drills can get the job done, they often lack the precision and power needed for drilling through metal. That’s where a benchtop drill press comes in.

First and foremost, a benchtop drill press provides stability and accuracy. When working with metal, even the slightest mistake can ruin your project. With a drill press, you can secure your workpiece firmly in place, ensuring precise and consistent drilling every time. This is especially important when working with delicate or intricate pieces.

Moreover, benchtop drill presses are specifically designed for drilling through metal. They come with adjustable speed settings and powerful motors that can handle even the toughest of materials. This makes them much more efficient and reliable than hand-held drills, which often struggle with metal surfaces.

Safety is another crucial factor to consider when working with metal. A benchtop drill press has built-in safety features such as emergency stop buttons and adjustable depth stops that prevent over-drilling, reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, they have a stable base that minimizes vibrations and reduces hand fatigue during long drilling sessions.

Lastly

My Buying Guide on ‘Benchtop Drill Press For Metal’

Introduction

I have been working with metal for many years now and one of the most essential tools in my workshop is a benchtop drill press. It has made my work much easier and more efficient. However, not all benchtop drill presses are created equal, especially when it comes to working with metal. In this buying guide, I will share my knowledge and experience to help you choose the right benchtop drill press for your metalworking needs.

Budget

Before starting your search for a benchtop drill press for metal, it is important to determine your budget. Benchtop drill presses can range from $100 to $1000 or more depending on their features and quality. Decide on how much you are willing to spend and stick to it.

Power

When working with metal, you need a drill press that has enough power to handle the tough materials. Look for a drill press with at least 1 horsepower (HP) or more. This will ensure that it can handle drilling through various types of metals without straining the motor.

Size and Capacity

Benchtop drill presses come in different sizes and capacities. Consider the size of your workspace and the type of projects you will be working on when choosing the size of your drill press. If you have limited space, opt for a compact model that can easily fit on your workbench.

Capacity refers to the maximum size of material that the drill press can handle. For metalworking, look for a drill press with a minimum spindle travel of 4 inches and a throat depth of at least 8 inches.

Speed Settings

Metal requires different speed settings compared to other materials such as wood or plastic. Look for a benchtop drill press with multiple speed settings, preferably 5 or more. This will allow you to adjust the speed according to the type of metal you are drilling into.

Chuck Size

The chuck size refers to the diameter of the hole in which you insert your bits. For metalworking, look for a benchtop drill press with at least 1/2 inch chuck size or larger. This will allow you to use larger bits for drilling into thick metals.

Accuracy and Precision

When working with metal, precision is crucial. Look for a benchtop drill press that has features such as laser guides or depth stops that ensure accurate and precise drilling every time.

Solid Construction

Working with metal can put a lot of stress on your tools, so it is important to choose a benchtop drill press that is sturdy and well-built. Look for models made from cast iron or heavy-duty steel.

Safety Features

Safety should always be a top priority when working with any power tool, especially when dealing with tough materials like metal. Look for safety features such as emergency stop buttons and adjustable depth stops that prevent over-drilling.

Warranty

Last but not least, make sure to check the warranty offered by the manufacturer before making your purchase. A good warranty ensures that you are covered in case of any defects or malfunctions.

In conclusion, investing in a high-quality benchtop drill press specifically designed for working with metal can greatly improve your efficiency and precision in any metalworking project. By considering these factors mentioned above, I am confident that you will find the perfect benchtop drill press for all your metalworking needs!

Author Profile

Avatar
Dr. Dineshbhai Patel
At the heart of Hemo Organic Ltd.’s journey is Dr. Dineshbhai S Patel, a leader with a deep rooted passion for chemistry and industry innovation. Dr. Patel earned his master’s degree in organic chemistry in 1982, followed by a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 1989 from Sardar Patel University, V.V. Nagar, Gujarat. Before founding the company, he accumulated 10 years of industrial experience, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his work.

In 2024, Dr. Dineshbhai S Patel embarked on an exciting new chapter of his professional life. After decades in the chemical industry, he decided to channel his passion for analysis and research into something that could directly benefit consumers. That’s when he launched his informative blog, offering personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.

For Dr. Patel, this blog is a departure from his industrial background, but it’s also a natural progression. Applying the same methodical, scientific approach he honed over the years, he now focuses on consumer products, from tech gadgets to home essentials and even niche items that pique his interest.