10 Best Drill Presses 2025 in the United States

The JET 20-Inch Floor Drill Press is a solid choice for both hobbyists and professional woodworkers looking for a reliable and versatile tool. With its 1-1/2 HP motor and 12-speed settings ranging from 150 to 4,200 RPM, it offers a wide speed range suitable for various drilling tasks, from delicate woodwork to more demanding metal drilling. The quick adjustment features, including a 1/2-inch diameter external depth stop, enhance usability, allowing for precise and repeatable drilling depths.

One of the standout strengths of this drill press is its smooth operation, thanks to high-quality ball bearings that support the spindle. This feature ensures minimal noise and vibration during use, providing a more comfortable working experience. Additionally, the built-in work lamp is a significant advantage, as it illuminates the workspace, helping you see your work clearly, especially in dimly lit areas.

The worktable is another highlight, as it can tilt up to +/- 45°, making it easier to work on angled projects. However, it might be on the heavier side, weighing 282 pounds, which could make moving it around a challenge if you're limited on space. The chuck size is also a consideration; it accommodates up to 0.75 inches, which may restrict you from using larger bits, potentially limiting some users. The two-year warranty is commendable, providing peace of mind regarding durability. The JET 20-Inch Floor Drill Press is a powerful and feature-rich option, ideal for serious DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, but may not be suitable for those who need a lightweight and portable tool.

The JET 18-Inch Mill Drill Machine stands out as a powerful option for both hobbyists and professionals looking for a versatile drill press. With a solid 2 HP motor, it provides robust performance, easily handling various materials, including wood and metal. Its significant drilling capacities—up to 3 inches for metal and 12.5 inches for wood—make it suitable for a range of projects, from intricate woodworking to heavy-duty metalworking. The machine supports a maximum speed of 3000 RPM and offers 12 speed settings, allowing users to fine-tune operations according to their needs.

A key strength is its sturdy construction, with a one-piece cast iron column that ensures stability and durability during use. The positive quick-stop knob and external depth gauge enhance user experience by making measurements and adjustments easier. Additionally, the 360-degree head swivel feature adds flexibility, enabling users to drill at various angles, which is particularly useful for complex projects.

There are some considerations to keep in mind. Weighing 660 pounds, the machine is quite heavy, which can make mobility and setup a challenge in smaller workspaces. The maximum chuck size of 0.5 inches may limit the compatibility with larger drill bits, potentially restricting some users who need more versatility. Furthermore, while the machine is equipped with a reverse rotation feature, which is great for clearing out chips or performing specific tasks, it might be more complex for beginners to navigate without prior experience. This drill press is ideal for serious DIY enthusiasts or small business owners who require a reliable, heavy-duty machine for various drilling tasks.

The Powermatic 15-Inch Floor Drill Press (Model PM2815FS) stands out in the drill press category with a robust set of features designed for versatility and precision. Its 3/4 horsepower motor and electronic variable speed ranging from 250 to 3000 RPM make it highly adaptable for various materials and drilling tasks. The gear-driven power transfer ensures consistent torque, enhancing its efficiency and reliability.

Users will appreciate the 5 inches of quill travel, which accommodates larger projects with ease. The cast iron work table is notably versatile, tilting 90 degrees left and right and rotating 360 degrees around the column, allowing for a wide range of drilling angles and positions. Precision is a key strength of this model, highlighted by the laser cross hairs for accurate drilling and a highly-visible digital readout for precise speed control. The additional feature of a five-year warranty offers peace of mind regarding the product's durability and quality.

However, at 164 pounds, the drill press is quite heavy, which may be a consideration for those with limited mobility or space. Additionally, while it ranks reasonably well in stationary drill presses, it may not be the top choice for those looking for the most lightweight or compact option. This model is best suited for serious DIY enthusiasts or professionals who require a reliable and versatile drill press with advanced features for precision work.