Certainly, a Drill Press is one handy tool you wouldn’t dare working without.
In fact, a drill press is one of the most versatile devices that preferably all workshop consumers should own given that it can be used to drill holes on both the wood and the metal together with other materials.
With a drill press, you can drill evenly sized holes of any desired depths into materials.
However, many drill press consumers tend to get confused when they get to the shopping part. With all the models and types of drill presses in the market, it is quite possible not to know where to begin from.
Am sure that we are all familiar with magnetic drill presses; basically magnetic drill presses are this type of drill presses reputably known for their great unit’s swing.
Magnetic drill presses are pretty easy to move from site to site and more importantly are profoundly capable to handle heavy duty metal work.
In this article review, we will discuss in details different types of magnetic drill presses; top magnetic drill presses and a brief discussion on magnetic drill presses buying guide.
But first, let us go through magnetic drill press specifics you need to know before reviewing the top magnetic drill presses in the market.
Top 3 our pick for Best Magnetic Drill Press
>> First: Skill 3320-01, 120-Volt 10-inch Drill Press
>> Second: WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
>> Third: Powermatic Pm28800B 1792800B Drill Press
Drill Press Specifics
When purchasing a drill press, it is to be noted that a consumer is in liberty to purchase best drill presses with varying size motors. When measuring motor sizes, they are usually available in sizes starting from a quarter to one horsepower with the highest horsepower versions designed to cut larger holes on practically hard materials like diamond.
When shopping for motors, you as a consumer should first consider the depth you require your drill press to archive. Precisely, when talking about drill press depth potential, we often use the term Quill travel. Therefore, if your intentions are to have a unit with capability to drill deeper holes, the absolutely what you need is a drill press with a higher quill travel.
Again, drill presses are designed to offer varying speeds from five to twelve, which in turn enables users to drill holes with different diameters. It is to be firmly noted that the variable speeds besides drilling holes of varying diameters; they also prevent damage to the drill bits and even importantly to the materials.
Additionally, there are drills with more versatility which comes integrated with exceptional speed settings. Another specific you should consider when purchasing drill presses is the depth blocks. Basically, depth blocks are special depth stopping mechanism designed to enable users to limit penetration to their desired level. In addition, depth blocks are the mechanisms that allow users to drill holes without stopping.
There is then a feature popularly known as a fence. A fence is mechanism which will allow the user to drill more than one hole without interfering on other holes. And finally, when talking about drill presses, there is a working area that is better called a table. Mostly, drill tables are supposed to swivel 360 degrees around the stand. This flexibility is meant to give the user much comfort when working with odd shaped materials.
Top 4 Best Drill Press Reviews
As said before, magnetic drill presses are quite suitable for people whose work mainly involves hard metal material. Therefore, it goes without saying that unlike other types of drill presses, magnetic drill presses are somewhat expensive but effective. Under this section, we will be reviewing a few magnetic drill presses that don’t annoy. They include:
1. Skill 3320-01 120-Volt 10-inch Drill Press
Skill 3320-01, 120-Volt 10-inch Drill Press is a rather small bench top drill press designed with these super capabilities of handling wide range of drilling tasks. Even more convenient, they are incorporated with laser which is pretty effective when it comes to drilling small holes.
Who is it designed for?
Skill 3320-01 owing to its durability and impeccable performance is a perfect tool for people with workshops with limited spaces and garages. In addition, it is also suitable for people with few personnel. With this magnetic drill press, you can practically make all types of holes. Worth mentioning is also its safety feature which ensures that the user doesn’t get involved in any sort of accidents.
Key features
Power variables and speed
This magnetic drill press is incorporated with a powerful 3.2 amp motor fashioned to provide the power needed to drill holes on nearly all types of materials. Its power system comes with an adjustable speed pulley located just above the motor.
Using the pulley system, users can adjust the press to staggering five different speeds. The speeds in drill press world are measured in Revolution per minute and with Skill 3320, users have the following options:
- 570 RPM
- 900 RPM
- 1390 RPM
- 2050 RPM
- 3050 RPM
Other features include; laser X2™ Laser system- designed to permit users make accurate hole alignments, 3.2 Amp Motor, 0-45 left and right tilting area, Depth adjustment mechanism and a half inch keyed chuck fixed to accept bits with surprisingly larger diameters.
Pros
Skill 3320-01 is fashioned from high quality material, and hence endures the test of time. The material used is seemingly the same one used to design large drill presses and hence accords the user the liberty to work on larger and harder materials.
In addition, this model comes with a nice and huge front paddle incorporated with on/off switch designed to guarantee safety. Together with all its safety features, users can have peace of mind knowing that their workshop is safe even for the most playful children.
Conclusion
You will be surprised to know that this drill press is easy to use and comes with an easy to read and understand manual. If you have a workshop with limited space and few operators, then this is just a drill press for you. Its also easy to use, you can be sure you will operate it without difficulties.
2. WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press offers the varied features in the good package. In the package, people will get drill press, laser, fence, mechanical variable speed, table roller extension, tools for assembly and 5/8” keyed chuck and key.
Based on the drill press reviews, it is also equipped with infinitely variable speed range from 530 up to 3100 rpm. The mechanical variable speed also designed to deliver the equal torque to the entire range. To help the operator to know the speed mode, there is LED display speed.
What about the people said? Based on the customer reviews, many of them look satisfy enough. This drill press is solid and well made. Assembly is easy and the instruction manual is pretty good. The laser is also easy to adjust and helps the operator to drill much better. Many users also impressed with the accuracy. This is what you need for the make the better drilling work. But the best thing about this product is about the price. Considering about the product and the price, it looks pretty good. At least, this is worth to buy.
The bad thing about this product is about the cheap design. Although it looks solid and well-built, the cheap plastic knob is something undeniable. At the drill press reviews, some people experienced about how bad the cheap plastic knob is. Even it looks fragile and easily damaged.
3. Powermatic Pm28800B 1792800B Drill Press
With PM2800B, you are guaranteed of nothing but highest level of mechanical elegance. This magnetic drill press is designed for fellows who like embracing innovativeness and creativity.
Key Features
Among the adorable features of this magnetic drill press are:
- Its mechanical variable speed is designed to allow for full range of speed without belt shift.
- It is capable of 6 inch quill travel with only one revolution to the handle.
- Its fitted with a fence system that can make a perfect 90 degrees turn allowing rapid alignment.
- Conveniently, it has a digital RPM readout which allows the user to optimize the spindle haste to the application.
Customers’ reviews and rating
Majority of verified customers are satisfied with its services with a few only dissatisfied with the fact that the table does not have slots to bolt down the drill press vise.
Conclusion
Probably, if your workshop is one among the busy workshops, then this is the perfect magnetic drill for you. With this magnetic drill press, you will be able to achieve a lot in quite a few minutes.
4. POWERTEC DP801 Baby Drill Press, 5 speed
Price range and Customers’ Rating
POWERTEC DP801 Baby Drill Press is available in the market and goes for under $100. Based on verified customers, this magnetic drill press is a good choice. The only concerns they had was the time it consumes trying to set the belt.
Key features
- Its 2/5 Horsepower motor produces 5 speeds; 620 RPM, 1100 RPM, 1720 RPM, 2340 RPM and 3100 RPM.
- It is incorporated with safety power switch device designed to prevent accidental operations.
- It weighs 39.4 pounds making it ideal for people whose work involves moving about.
Pros
With Power Tec DP801 baby drill press, you get to enjoy the flexibility that comes with a table that can swivel to up to 360 degrees. In addition, with its quill diameter of 1-9/16 inches, you can attain a lot in terms of penetration.
Conclusion
POWERTEC DP801 Baby Drill Press sounds just perfect for people with considerably moderate drilling work. With its safety features, you can have the peace of mind knowing that accidents are controlled. In addition, its compact size allows mobility and can therefore be used both for onsite and offsite works.
Drill Press Buying Guide
When purchasing a magnetic drill press, one needs to be keen with a few things. Among the features to look for in a magnetic drill include:
- Poly V Belts – This feature is designed to enhance the drill presses’ performance, basically, this mechanism emits power to the drill’s machine engine giving it much potency.
- TEFC Motor – When purchasing a magnetic drill press, you should consider including a TEFC or an enclosed fan. Conditioned environment is crucial in protecting the motors working component from debris. In addition, it generally increases the durability of the drill press.
- Mortising Package– with this feature, you can be able to drill rectangular shaped holes.
- Table Shifting – This is important in those drill presses that cuts at varying angles. A tilting table will ensure that you make accurate adjustments and also provide you with enough space ideal for attaching fences and vises. Alternatively, you can consider a rotating unit which also provides you with more cutting flexibility.
- Built in Light Fixture – You may also consider purchasing a magnetic drill press with a lamb to enhance visibility. It often helps when your workshop is poorly lit.
- Drill Bits – When purchasing a drill press, it is important to assess the nature of work you intent to achieve with the drill press machine. Doing so puts you in a better position to know exactly what size of bits you need for your work. You may consider purchasing 18 inches drill bits that works well with hardened steel and other hard material.
Conclusion
Of course there are many magnetic drill presses in the market. It will be prudent for you to put in mind what has been discussed in this article before purchasing any drill press. Be keen on details including the pricing and the warranty. Finally, before using any magnetic drill press, you are advised to first read the users’ manual and understand it in order to prevent accidents and inconveniences.