10 Best Benchtop Drill Presses 2025 in the United States

The RIKON 30-217 benchtop drill press is a solid choice for those needing a reliable and powerful tool for precise drilling tasks. It comes with a strong 1.5 horsepower motor, which means it has enough power to handle drilling through various materials like wood and metal up to 1 inch thick. The variable speed feature, controlled by a quick-adjust pulley system and shown on a digital RPM display, lets you fine-tune the drilling speed between about 700 to 1,720 RPM, which is useful for different types of materials and drill bits.

The cast iron table measures a generous 14 by 14 inches and provides a sturdy, stable surface that can be adjusted to different angles, helping with accuracy and flexibility in your projects. The 6-inch spindle travel allows for deeper drilling without needing to reposition the workpiece frequently. This model also offers a depth stop to help maintain consistent hole depth, which is helpful for repeat tasks. The drill press is quite heavy at 214 pounds, so it is more suited to a dedicated workshop space rather than easy portability. It runs on standard 115 volts with 1.5 amps current, meaning it should work with regular household power but might require careful setup.

This drill press is well-suited for hobbyists and small workshop users who want a stable, powerful machine with good speed control and table size, but it is less ideal if you need something lightweight or highly portable.

The WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press (DP1263V) is a robust and versatile tool perfect for woodworking and metalworking enthusiasts. Its 6.2-amp induction motor is powerful enough to handle a variety of drilling tasks, and the 12-inch swing provides ample space for larger workpieces. The mechanical variable speed allows you to adjust from 580 to 3100 RPM, giving you the flexibility to work with different materials and precision needs. The digital speed readout is a useful feature for maintaining accurate speeds during operations.

Its weight of 85 pounds ensures stability, although it might be a bit cumbersome to move around frequently. The cast iron construction adds durability, ensuring it can withstand heavy-duty use over time. The table size is 9-1/2 by 9-1/2 inches and is adjustable, which helps in managing different project sizes and angles. An adjustable depth stop is included, which is great for consistent drilling depths.

The 5/8-inch keyed chuck accommodates a variety of drill bits, enhancing its versatility. Additional features such as the class IIIA 2.5mW laser and LED work light help in ensuring precision and visibility during use. While the tool's weight and size might be seen as a drawback for portability, its robustness and features make it a reliable choice for a workshop setting.

The Powermatic 15-Inch Benchtop Drill Press stands out for its solid construction and impressive features, making it a suitable choice for hobbyists and professionals alike. With a powerful 3/4 HP motor and an electronic variable speed range of 250 to 3000 RPM, this drill press allows for versatility in handling various materials, from wood to metal. The gear-driven power ensures consistent torque, which is essential for precision drilling tasks.

One of its key strengths is the cast iron work table that tilts 90 degrees and rotates 360 degrees, providing excellent adjustability for different project needs. The addition of laser crosshairs enhances accuracy, helping users make exact drill placements, while the highly-visible digital readout allows for easy monitoring of speed adjustments. The drill press weighs in at 139 pounds, which could be cumbersome for some users, particularly those with limited workspace. Additionally, while the 5-inch quill travel is decent, more demanding users might prefer a benchtop model with greater depth capacity. The maximum chuck size of 0.63 inches is standard but may not accommodate larger drill bits without additional accessories. The five-year warranty reflects Powermatic's confidence in its product quality, offering peace of mind for buyers.