This article reviews the top 10 standing drill presses that can be purchased online.
Floor standing drill presses are made to handle demanding tasks that are beyond the capacity of their bench-top cousins. They offer the power and versatility needed for large projects, making up for their lack of portability in the process.
Floor drills come in a variety of swing sizes, motor capacities, cut capacities, and speeds. For this list, we have considered the best standing drill press units with swing sizes in the 13” to 20” range. So, if you’re looking for the best floor drill press for the money or the best product full stop, here are 10 options to consider.
1. Shop Fox W1848
The best standing drill press on our list, the Shop Fox W1848 is designed for drilling and sanding operations. The press features a 13-3/4″ swing, 1/64″-5/8″ drill chuck, and a 3/4 HP, 110V motor that delivers 12 speeds ranging from 250 RPM to 3050 RPM. The unique 3/4″ oscillating spindle reduces heat buildup for efficient sanding. The 12-3/8″ table tilts 90 degrees in either direction and moves out of the way when needed. The unit also features sanding drums and a 2” dust port.
2. Delta 18-900L
The 18” Delta standing drill press features an auto-tensioning belt drive system for consistent tension and easy speed changes and 16 speeds ranging from 170 RPM to 3000 RPM. The 20”x 14” table has a rack and pinion system for height adjustment, t-slots, tilt capacities of 90 degrees left/right and 48 degrees forward, and a removable center insert. The machine has a full 6” spindle travel and is powered by a 3/4 HP motor. To enhance precision, there’s a micro-adjustable depth stop and a depth scale. There are also two lasers projecting a crosshair at the point of bit contact, and a work light for better visibility.
3. JET 354170/JDP-20MF
The 20” Jet floor model drill press has a 1.5 HP 115V/230V motor that that spins 3/4“ at 150 RPM to 1200 RPM with 12 speed levels. The quill sizes are 2.44”; 4-5/8”, and the drilling capacity is 3/4″ for mild steel and 1” for cast iron. The crank-operated worktable rotates and tilts 45 degrees. Adjustments are made easy on the floor standing drill with a 1/2″ external positive depth stop and an adjustable tension spindle return spring.
4. WEN 4227
The 17″ Wen 4227 drill press offers a spindle travel capacity of 4-3/4” and accepts bits 1/8” to 5/8” in size. The 13 amp induction motor has ball bearings for smooth operation and provides 12 drill speeds from 180 RPM to 2940 RPM. The 14”x14” work table bevels 45° left and right and is illuminated by a work light. A depth adjustment gauge and a laser light assist with the drilling. The base is made of cast iron for stability, and the outer lip has a cooling channel to prevent overheating.
5. Powermatic PM2800B 1792800B
The Powermatic floor drill press features an 18” swing and spindle travel of 6”. The 1 HP 115V/230V single phase motor delivers variable speeds without the need for any belt changes. The 20” x 14” table tilts 0 to 90° and has a 19-13/16” x 2-11/16” adjustable fence. The drill also features laser guides and an adjustable material stop for accurate drilling, two independent LED bulb lights for eliminating shadows, a 5/8” chuck, an oversized cast iron base, and a safety key.
6. JET J-2500
The 15” J-2500 drill press has a 3-3/8” spindle travel with MT-2 taper and drill capacity of 5/8” for cast iron and 1/2“ for mild steel. The versatile JET has 16 speeds in the 200 RPM to 3,630 RPM range and is powered by a 3/4 HP 115V motor. A permanently lubricated ball bearing spindle assembly adds to the durability of the machine. And an accurate depth stop increases precision. The drill also features a cast iron head, 11-1/2” x 11-1/2”, 45-degree tilt table, work light, and 5/8” chuck.
7. Shop Fox W1680
The 17” Shop Fox W1680 is a reasonably priced machine fitted with a 1 HP, 110V motor and is capable of operating at 12 levels from 140 RPM to 3,050 RPM. The drill saw has an MT3 spindle taper, a 3-1/4 spindle travel, and 1” steel drilling capacity. The 14” diameter precision ground cast iron table adjusts up to 90 degrees. The machine comes with a built-in light socket, spring-loaded guard, pedal switch, sealed ball bearings and quick-adjust handles and accepts 5/8” chuck.
8. Klutch 2705S060
The 17” floor standing Klutch drill press features a powerful 1.5 HP motor, a chuck capacity of 1” and size of 5/8”, and a vertical stroke of 6”. The variable speed range of 600 RPM to 2,400 and 45-degree tilt capacity of the 14”x 14” table allow for a variety of cuts. The machine also comes with a depth lock with a ball know handle, storage space for the chuck key, and a gooseneck LED light.
9. Klutch 2705S058
The 13” 16-speed drill press offers a vertical stroke capacity of 3 1/4”, drilling capacity of 1” with the 5.8” chuck, and speeds of 260 RPM to 3410 RPM. The Klutch floor mount has an 11 3/8” diameter work table with a 45 degree tilt. A gooseneck LED light ensures that there’s ample light. And, to improve precision, there’s a depth stop. The machine runs on a 3/4 HP, 120V motor. Additional features include a chuck key storage spot.
10. General International 75-165M1 1
The 17” General International drill press has a cast iron table, head and base and drill capacity of 1-1/8”, and chuck size 5/8”. The spend travel is 3-1/8” with the MT3 taper, and the spindle speeds are 282 RPM to 2,100 RPM, controlled mechanically by a hand lever. The unit runs on 3/4 HP, 120V motor, and a 13-3/16” x 13-3/16” work surface. The 75-165M1 also has an adjustable spindle tension return spring, laser pointer, dual depth stop, flip-up chuck guard, and a rack and pinion table adjustment.
By BCR Staff
May 2019
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