best drill press for less then 2000

As soon as I unboxed the WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press, I was struck by its surprisingly sturdy build for the price. The 85-pound frame instantly gives you a sense of stability that’s often missing in budget-friendly models.

Unlike smaller or lighter drills I’ve tried, this one feels like it’s ready to handle serious woodworking projects.

The digital speed readout is a game-changer—it’s straightforward to see the current RPM, which makes precise drilling a breeze. I appreciated how smoothly the variable speed dial operates, allowing me to tweak the RPM from 580 all the way up to 3100 without any jerks or hesitation.

The 12-inch swing gives you plenty of room for larger workpieces, and the 3-1/8 inch spindle travel means you can drill deeper without fuss. The overhead light and laser guide are thoughtful touches that really help when lining up delicate cuts or working in less-than-ideal lighting.

Setting the adjustable depth stop is simple, and the table roller extension adds extra support for longer pieces.

What stood out most is how well-balanced and precise this drill press feels during extended use. The included chuck is robust, and the onboard chuck key storage is a nice convenience.

Overall, this is a powerful, versatile machine that exceeds expectations for under $400, especially if you need professional features without the hefty price tag.

The first thing that catches your eye when you unbox the WEN 2.3-Amp 8″ drill press is how surprisingly compact it feels for a machine with a cast iron body. Its 23-inch height and sturdy 7 by 11-inch base give it a solid, stable presence on your workbench without overwhelming your space.

As you fiddle with the 6.5×6.5 inch worktable, the bevel adjustment up to 45 degrees in both directions feels smooth and precise. The onboard key storage for the 1/2-inch keyed chuck is a thoughtful touch that keeps everything tidy and accessible.

Switching speeds through the five options—750 to 3200 RPM—is straightforward, thanks to the clearly labeled dial. You’ll notice the 2.3A induction motor provides enough power for most hobbyist projects, and the 8-inch swing covers a nice range of drill sizes.

Using it for a variety of materials, from wood to plastics, the drill press performs steadily. The spindle travel of 2 inches feels just right for most drilling depths, and the overall operation is quiet enough to not be disruptive in a small shop.

While it’s not a heavy-duty industrial beast, this drill press offers impressive value for its price. You get solid build quality, variable speeds, and a compact footprint—making it perfect for DIYers and small workshops looking for reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Imagine pulling out a drill press that’s surprisingly compact, only to find it has a laser guide that actually works—who knew such a feature would be this precise and useful? That was my first thought when I unboxed the WEN 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press.

The first thing I noticed is its sturdy build. The 8.2 x 13.5-inch base feels solid, giving me confidence that it won’t wobble during delicate or heavy-duty tasks.

Its adjustable worktable smoothly glides up and down, and the beveling feature made angled drilling a breeze without any fuss.

The 6.2A motor handles most materials with ease—wood, plastic, even some thin metal. Switching between the five speeds is straightforward, thanks to the belt adjustment, and the RPM range covers a lot of ground.

The LED work light and laser guide added precision, especially when working in less-lit areas or intricate projects.

The chuck is a generous 1/2-inch, and the onboard chuck key storage is a small touch but a smart one—no more losing tiny tools. Plus, the two-year warranty offers peace of mind that this isn’t a fleeting purchase.

Overall, I was impressed by how much this drill press offers at this price point, making it a versatile tool for hobbyists and small workshops alike.

I remember unboxing the NovelLife Mini Drill Press CNC 795 and immediately noticing its solid metal build. It felt sturdy in my hand, with a compact size that surprisingly packs a punch.

The three metal axes and dual linear bearings give it a stable, vibration-reducing setup—something I really appreciated during precise drilling tasks.

As I started testing with different materials, I was impressed by how smoothly the motor ran. The 795 DC motor delivers up to 7000RPM, and the adjustable speed feature made switching between wood, plastic, and aluminum effortless.

The 24V power supply meant I could fine-tune the speed without any jerking or lag. Even with the compact dimensions—just under 6x5x9 inches—it handled a 40mm drilling stroke comfortably.

Setup was straightforward, thanks to the add-on expansion slots on the base. I installed a mini bench vise easily, which made holding small pieces stable.

The B10 drill chuck accommodated drill bits from 0.6 to 6mm, perfect for detailed DIY projects. I also appreciated the multipurpose design—beyond drilling, I used it for polishing and grinding, especially on hobby crafts and jewelry.

The included mini flat table vice opened up more clamping options. Plus, the 10-piece HSS twist drill bit set was a nice bonus, giving me everything I needed to get started right away.

The low noise level made working at home less intrusive, which is a big plus.

Overall, this drill press offers impressive precision and versatility at a very attractive price point. It’s sturdy, adaptable, and great for a range of small to medium projects.

Imagine grabbing a drill press expecting it to be a basic, no-frills tool, only to find a surprisingly sturdy machine with a sleek laser guide staring back at you. I was instantly curious how this SKIL DP9505 would handle tougher tasks, especially with its 6.2 amp motor and multiple speeds.

The first thing that caught my eye was the solid build. The cast iron table feels hefty but smooth, making adjustments easy without feeling wobbly.

Turning the five-speed dial is straightforward, and I appreciated how smoothly it shifts between 610 and 2800 RPM, accommodating everything from delicate woodwork to metal drilling.

The laser alignment system is a real game-changer. I tested it on several projects, and it was impressively precise—no more guessing where the drill bit will land.

Plus, the LED worklight brightens up the workspace, so even in dim corners, I could see clearly.

The adjustable depth stop and tilting work surface make angled drilling accurate and effortless. I found it especially helpful for projects requiring precise measurements and angles.

The bump-off switch adds a layer of security, which is reassuring when working with more powerful setups.

At just over $200, this drill press punches above its weight, offering professional features in a budget-friendly package. It’s not perfect—there’s some minor vibration at higher speeds, and the maximum tilt is limited to 45 degrees.

Still, for most DIY or hobbyist projects, it’s a reliable, versatile tool that’s worth considering.