Best Woodworking Drill Press in 2023: Top 15 Picks

Sometimes it might be quite difficult to find the best woodworking drill press. With every niche market offering so many different products, it makes sense that this is the case.

Unfortunately, this very fact can make it incredibly difficult to find the item that best suits your needs, which is why we’ve put together this woodworking drill press buying guide.

Our Favorite Picks:

Our Favorite Woodworking Drill Press Reviews:

Bestseller No. 1
Shop Fox W1668-13-1/4" Benchtop Oscillating Drill Press
  • Motor: 3/4 HP, 110V, single-phase, 1725 RPM
  • Overall height: 38"
  • Spindle travel: 3-1/4"
  • Swing: 13-1/4"
  • Drill chuck: 1/64"-5/8" (1-16mm)
Bestseller No. 2
Drills and Drill Presses (Missing Shop Manual ): The Tool Information You Need at Your Fingertips
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Skill Institute Press, Editor, John Kelsey (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 101 Pages - 04/01/2010 (Publication Date) - Fox Chapel Publishing (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 3
Powermatic PM2800B, 18-Inch Drill Press, 1 HP, 1Ph 115/230V (1792800B)
  • INFINITELY VARIABLE SPEED: Mechanical variable speed (250 to 3,000 RPM) with no belt changes
  • PINPOINT POSITIONING: Laser guides provide an accurate indication for tool point
  • ADDED STABILITY: Oversize cast iron base
  • COMFORTABLE WORK CONDITIONS: Reversible handles can be mounted on either side of the machine
  • RAPID ALIGNMENT OF STOCK: Adjustable fence system provides a perfect 90-degree relationship to the table
SaleBestseller No. 4
JET JWDP-12, 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 1/2HP, 1Ph 115V (716000)
  • Compact Profile: 10" x 16-1/8" cast iron base fits neatly on benches with limited space
  • Ease of Use: Oversized, ergonomic knobs
  • Drilling Accuracy: X-shaped XACTA Laser ensures perfection every time
  • Increased Visibility: LED work light increases visibility for intricate applications
  • Extra Support: Retractable roller extension provides support and quick work piece adjustment
Bestseller No. 5
JET JDP-17MF, 17-Inch Floor Drill Press, 3/4 HP, 1Ph 115V (354169)
  • VARIABLE-SPEED: 3/4-HP motor has 16 speeds from 200 to 3,630 RPM.
  • REPETITION: Adjustable tension spindle return spring for repeat drilling to the same depth.
  • ACCURACY: Depth stop has a quick-set bolt for fast, accurate adjustments.
  • VISIBILITY: Built-in worklight (bulb not included) provides additional visibility.
  • VERSATILITY: Quick-release crank-operated worktable can tilt +/- 45°.
SaleBestseller No. 7
Using the Drill Press: Techniques for Better Woodworking (The Workshop Companion)
  • Used Book in Good Condition
  • Hardcover Book
  • Nick Engler (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 124 Pages - 06/06/1995 (Publication Date) - Rodale Pr (Publisher)
Bestseller No. 8
Power Tool Essentials - The Drill Press & Mortiser
  • Dale, Doug (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Bestseller No. 9
Woodpeckers DP-Pro Master System, 36/36 Model, Precision Woodworking Drill Press Table
  • INCLUDES - 36" Table, 36" Fence, Drawer Base, (2) Flip Stops, and (2) Knuckle Clamps.
  • ALL NEW DP-PRO FENCE - The heart of the system is now made tall enough to support vertical work as well as horizontally. We also created the new DP-PRO Flip Stops with built-in thumbwheel micro-adjustment to match the fence perfectly.
  • INTEGRATED DUST COLLECTION - The new taller fence was turned into an integrated dust collection duct with its opening right at the center of the fence where the chips are created. Just attach a vacuum or dust collector at the port at the end of the fence (either side).
  • SLIDE OUT EXTENSION WINGS - The table is designed with extension wings that slide out for extra support when you need it and tuck back in tight to the central table and out of the way when you don't. The 36" table is 24" closed and 36" extended.
  • NEWLY DESIGNED DP-PRO DRAWER BASE - The foundation of the system solves both problems of attaching to an exisiting table and maintaining clearance fo the elevation crank. It includes hardware to fit virtually any drill press table wheter it has T-Slots or through-slots, diagonal or parallel.
SaleBestseller No. 10
JET JDP-15B, 15-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 3/4HP, 1Ph 115V (716200)
  • Plenty of Travel: Spindle travels a full 3-1/8" with one revolution of the handle
  • Large 12-1/2" x 17" Work Table: Features twin T-slot grooves and four table slots to accommodate any project
  • Accurate Drilling: XACTA-X Precision Laser System easily identifies the drill center
  • Increased Visibility: Long-lasting, built-in LED work light provides direct lighting while reducing shadows for intricate applications
  • Rapid Speed Changes: One-handed belt tensioning system
Bestseller No. 11
JET JDP-20MF, 20-Inch Floor Drill Press, 1Ph 115/230V (354170)
  • Versatile Power: 1-1/2 HP motor with 12 speeds from 150 to 4,200 RPM.
  • Quick Adjusmentments: 1/2"-diameter external depth stop with three-nut locking feature.
  • Smooth Operation: Spindle is supported by high-quality ball bearings.
  • Added Visibility: Built-in work lamp illuminates your workspace.
  • Ideal Positioning: Quick-release crank-operated worktable can tilt plus /- 45°.
SaleBestseller No. 12
POWERTEC 71539 Drill Press Table 14-Inch x 24-Inch w/Complete Aluminum Multi T-Track Fence System – Professional Woodworking Series
  • FUNCTION: This drill press kit provides you with a versatile collection of drill press tools and accessories when you need to take your drill press to the next level. Helps delivers professional looking results for many of your woodworking, plastic or composite drilling and metalworking applications
  • UNIVERSAL TABLE TOP: Allows for quick and secure mounting to most styles and sizes (includes 12” or larger) of drill press tables
  • MULTI T-TRACK FENCE: Laser etched scale, 24 inches long with exceptional straightness - Reversible profile for left or right measure), spaced 3/4” apart (on center), 3/4” thick and 3 inches high. This multi-functional tool accepts the most common accessory fasteners 1/4” T-bolts, 5/16” T-bolts and 1/4” hex bolts
  • PROJECT VERSATILITY: Comes with an assortment of woodworking clamps, adjustable inserts and knobs that put the control back into your hands – allowing you to adjust your equipment to accommodate your specific project requirements and goals
  • SET INCLUDES: Drill press table top, t-track fence, t track clamps, fence flip stops, L-shaped track brackets, knobs, inserts and other installation hardware
Bestseller No. 13
JET JDP-17, 17-Inch Drill Press, 16-Speed, 1Ph 115V (716300)
  • Plenty of Support: 14" x 19" precision-ground work table features twin T-slot grooves and four table slots
  • Rapid Speed Changes: One-handed belt tensioning
  • Safety and Convenience: Power switch features a safety key and large, paddle-style off button
  • Easy Repeat Drilling: Integrated depth stop
  • Added Stability: Large cast iron base
Bestseller No. 14
JET J-2530, 15-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, 3/4-HP, 115V 1PH (354401)
  • VERSATILITY: 16-speed motor turns spindle 200 to 3,630 RPM
  • MAXIMUM SUPPORT: Large ground steel column
  • ACCURACY: 1-7/8" diameter quill travels 3-1/8" for deep hole applications
  • ADDED SAFETY: Telescoping spindle guard
  • PRECISION: The enclosed spindle assembly is supported by four permanently-lubricated ball bearings
Bestseller No. 15
RIKON 30-140 Bench Top Radial Drill Press
  • 5 spindle speeds 620-3100 RPM
  • 1/3 HP motor
  • Head moves back and forth for different board widths
  • Head tilts 45-Degree right, 90-Degree left

Last update on 2023-06-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to find the best woodworking drill press?

Here, we’ll be going over a number of factors that you can use to ensure that you’re purchasing the best woodworking drill press for you.

Regardless of which type of item you’re looking to buy, chances are that there are existing buying guides on the internet, all of which aim to give you good woodworking drill press recommendations.

Despite these recommendations, however, it’s always a good idea to do your own research. In addition to this research, asking yourself the following questions is also super helpful:

  • What features does the woodworking drill press need to have to be perfect for my needs?
  • What is my budget?
  • Do I need to purchase a certain brand?

Once you’ve answered these questions and have a good idea of what you’re looking for and the buying process becomes much easier. Keep in mind that when looking for the best product, there’s no need to rush. In fact, very rarely are the ideal products found by choosing the first one you see or by basing your decisions on only one factor. Take your time and enjoy the process!

Now, with the answers to the previous questions in mind, we urge you to use our upcoming buying guide for woodworking drill press to find what you’re looking for:

Brand

In some cases, the brand of woodworking drill press is very important. For example, if you’re looking for an item that works in tandem with another, you might very well need both products to be the same brand. If this is the case, it’s vital to pay attention to this factor, as choosing the wrong product can mean the difference between wasting your money and buying a great product that functions as it should.

Features

The features in any given woodworking drill press are important because they can dictate which version of an item you need and how much money you need to spend. Consider all the key features that you want your item to have and don’t settle for anything that doesn’t check at least ¾ of your boxes.

Reviews

Customer reviews about woodworking drill press are crucial – especially when you’re buying a product that costs a lot of money or serves a big importance. Luckily, most products can be found online, which means that it’s common for there to be scores of customer reviews from those who have already purchased any given product.

Pay attention to these reviews. Take note of the pros and cons that they mention, and factor these into your big decision. In some cases, you’ll be forced to sacrifice one con in order to gain a particular pro, but being aware of the potential con is going to be beneficial in either case.

Quality

Of course, quality is key. You don’t want to purchase a low-quality product. If you do, you run the risk of your item breaking, not working properly, or otherwise proving to be very disappointing, as well as a waste of money.

You can compare woodworking drill press quality by researching what your potential purchases are made from, contrasting the individual items against each other to discern which one is made of the best materials.

Warranty

Warranty isn’t always going to be important, but it definitely can be. This is especially true if the item in question is tech-related or expensive. A good warranty will be valid for an extended time after purchase and cover a variety of problems ranging from item defects to random accidents, water damage, and other miscellaneous events that could ruin your product.

Conclusion

The quest to find the best woodworking drill press can be daunting – but it doesn’t have to be. It can be made much easier by asking yourself a few simple questions and then thinking critically about the items you want to buy. Consider their features, quality, brand, warranty, and customer reviews and you’re more likely to make a great purchase.