best drill press underr

While setting up this WEN 8″ drill press, I was surprised to find how sturdy the cast iron construction feels right out of the box. It’s surprisingly compact for a drill press with a 23-inch height, yet it feels solid and well-balanced.

The first thing I noticed was the smoothness of the 5-speed operation. Switching between 750 and 3200 RPM is seamless, and I barely feel any jerk or hesitation.

This makes drilling into different materials, from wood to metal, much easier and more precise.

The worktable is a real highlight—easy to adjust and bevels up to 45 degrees in both directions. I tested it on a few angled cuts and it held steady, which is a big plus for detail work.

The 2-inch spindle travel gives you enough room for different bit sizes and depths.

Handling the keyed chuck with onboard storage is simple, and the 1/2-inch chuck feels secure during use. I also appreciated how lightweight it is for a cast iron press—easy to move around the workspace when needed.

Overall, this drill press balances power and portability well. It’s perfect for hobbyists or small workshops who need reliable performance without breaking the bank.

The height adjustment and multiple speeds make it versatile for various projects.

Of course, it’s not a heavy-duty industrial machine, but for its size and price, it exceeds expectations. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their DIY setup without sacrificing quality or precision.

I didn’t expect a drill press to surprise me, but this WEN 12-inch model did exactly that—by making precision feel effortless. As I turned the variable speed dial from 580 to 3100 RPM, I was struck by how smoothly and quietly it ran, almost like it was whispering rather than roaring.

The laser guide and LED light immediately caught my attention. It’s rare to find a tool at this price point that offers such clarity.

The laser’s pinpoint accuracy made drilling perfectly centered holes a breeze, even on tricky, uneven surfaces.

The digital speed readout was another game-changer. Being able to see the exact RPM helps me dial in the perfect speed for different materials—wood, metal, or plastic.

No more guessing or relying on memory. The 3-1/8-inch spindle travel and adjustable depth stop also give you precise control, which is perfect for detailed projects.

Its sturdy build and 85-pound weight make it stable during operation. I appreciated the 12-inch swing, giving me enough room for larger pieces.

The table roller extension and beveling work table add versatility and make working on bigger or angled projects easier.

Overall, this drill press feels like a professional tool in a compact package. It’s reliable, powerful, and packed with features that make drilling accurate and less frustrating.

I’d say it’s a smart investment for serious DIYers or small workshops.

When I first powered up the SKIL DP9505, I was surprised by how compact yet solid it felt in my hands. It’s heavier than I expected, giving me a sense of stability the moment I set it on my workbench.

The 6.2-amp induction motor roars to life smoothly, effortlessly drilling through hardwood and even some metal pieces. I appreciated how quiet it ran compared to other drill presses, which can sometimes sound like a small aircraft.

The five-speed system offers a wide range from 610 to 2800 RPM, making it versatile for different materials. Switching speeds was straightforward, thanks to the clearly labeled dial, and I found the laser alignment system incredibly precise—no more guesswork when lining up holes.

The adjustable depth stop and table height were real game-changers. I could set the depth once and trust it, saving me time on repetitive tasks.

Tilting the work surface up to 45 degrees left or right was a breeze, and the locking mechanism held firm during my angled drilling tests.

The LED worklight brightened up my workspace perfectly, even in dim corners, and the bump-off switch added peace of mind when I needed to stop quickly. Overall, it’s a powerful, accurate, and user-friendly tool that makes drilling projects feel less like a chore and more like fun.

There’s a common misconception that a budget drill press can’t handle serious projects or precise work. When I took the WEN 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press for a spin, I was surprised how much it defies that idea.

The first thing I noticed is its sturdy build—despite the affordable price, it feels solid on the workbench. The 6.2A motor powers through wood, plastic, and even thin metal without any hiccups.

Changing speeds is straightforward: just adjust the belts to switch between the five RPM settings, which makes tackling different materials much easier.

The laser guide is a game-changer for accuracy. I used it to drill multiple holes in a project, and it stayed precise each time.

The LED work light brightens the workspace, which is a small feature but makes a big difference when working in dim areas.

The adjustable worktable and depth stop give you control over the depth and angle, so you can get clean, consistent results. The 2-inch spindle travel offers a good range for different project needs.

Plus, the 1/2-inch chuck fits most bits, and the onboard chuck key storage is a thoughtful touch.

All these features make it feel like a professional tool, yet it’s compact enough to keep on your bench. It’s lightweight but stable, so you don’t have to worry about it tipping during use.

Overall, it’s a reliable, versatile drill press that punches above its weight class.

Many folks assume that an affordable drill press like the WEN 4208T is just a toy or a toy-like tool that can’t handle real work. I’ve found, through hands-on use, that it’s surprisingly capable for light to medium projects.

The first thing that caught my eye is its 8-inch swing and the 2-inch spindle travel. It feels solid on the workbench, and the cast iron construction really helps keep vibrations down.

That’s a big plus when you’re trying to drill precise, clean holes.

The variable speeds are a game-changer. I appreciated how quick it was to switch between 740 and 3140 RPM, depending on whether I was working with wood or metal.

The 1/2-inch keyed chuck holds bits securely, and the onboard key storage is handy so you’re not hunting around when you need it.

The worktable is a nice feature too — it tilts up to 45 degrees in either direction. It’s easy to adjust and lock in place, making angled drilling much simpler.

Plus, at 23 inches tall, it’s compact but still stable enough for most projects.

What I really liked is how straightforward it is to operate. The controls are simple, and the motor runs smooth at all speeds.

Sure, it’s not heavy-duty industrial, but for DIY, hobbyist, or light professional work, it does the job well without breaking the bank.

One thing to keep in mind: because it’s primarily made of cast iron and steel, it’s a bit heavier to move around. Also, it’s best for smaller projects — don’t expect to tackle massive, industrial drilling tasks with this.