Best Floor Drill Press for Woodworking: Reviews of Our Favorites
Contents
A drill press drills straight, repeatable holes. You have two basic options: floor models and benchtop models. This guide focuses on floor models, plus two low-cost drill stands that turn a handheld drill into a basic press.
Benefits of a Floor Drill Press
If you drill into the ends of long boards or tall workpieces, a floor model gives you far more room between the table and the chuck.
Floor models also tend to have thicker columns and more powerful motors. That stiffness helps when drilling metal or using large bits.
They usually offer bigger chucks, more stability and deeper quill drive than benchtop models.
A benchtop drill press is still a good option for smaller work and smaller shops.
Best Floor Drill Press Reviews
Look no further than the following floor drill presses:
- AmyAmy Floor Drill Press
- Generic Lukcase Floor Drill Press
- Shop Fox W1680 1-horsepower 17-inch Floor Model Drill Press
- Jet J-2500 15-inch ¾ Horsepower Floor Model Drill Press
Note that the AmyAmy and Lukcase units are drill press stands for a handheld drill, not motorized floor drill presses. Here is what each offers:
1. AmyAmy Floor Drill Press
This is a drill press stand, not a true floor drill press: you clamp your own handheld drill or rotary grinder into it. It is a very low-cost way to drill straighter holes.
It has a depth stop and a pointer for accuracy. Adapter sleeves hold a drill or grinder, and the cast iron base has four mounting points. Bolt or clamp the base to your bench before use.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- The head tilts from 0 to 90 degrees for angled holes
- Light, with a base of about 4.2 pounds
- Cast iron base
Cons:
- Needs your own drill, and is far less rigid or accurate than a real drill press
- The clamp fits a limited range of tools
2. Generic Lukcase Floor Drill Press
This is also a drill press stand for a handheld drill. It works on flat boards and round stock.
It is inexpensive and includes the parts you need to mount your drill. Depth and height adjustments help prevent drilling too deep.
Pros:
- Fits drills with different collar sizes
- Solid base
- Affordable
Cons:
- The column tube could be sturdier
- Needs your own drill
3. Shop Fox W1680 1-horsepower 17-inch Floor Model Drill Press
With a 1 HP motor, this is a floor drill press for tougher drilling. It has a cast iron frame and rubber-coated handles.
The 14-inch table tilts for angled holes, and its height and rotation are easy to adjust.
Pros:
- Easy height and angle adjustments
- A chuck guard helps shield you from chips
- Paddle switch is easy to hit to turn the press off
- Powerful enough for wood and metal
Cons:
- Some said they have difficulties aligning this unit.
4. Jet J-2500 15-inch ¾ Horsepower Floor Model Drill Press
This JET floor model has a cast iron head and a large quill for accurate drilling. Sealed, lubricated bearings help it run smoothly.
Pros:
- Well made, with a thick steel column for support on wood or metal
- The table tilts to 45 degrees
- Runs quietly
- Setup is fairly easy
- Low runout for accurate holes
- Multiple speeds, and changing them is easy
Cons:
- This unit can be a bit heavy.
Which One Is the Best Choice for You?
Now which of these recommended floor drill presses is the perfect fit for your needs?
For the Hobbyist: AmyAmy Floor Drill Press. If you already own a drill and only need straighter holes now and then, this stand is the cheapest option. It is no substitute for a real drill press.
Great for Small Projects: Generic Lukcase Floor Drill Press. Another low-cost stand for light, occasional drilling with your own drill.
Ideal for Heavier Uses: Shop Fox W1680 1-horsepower 17-inch Floor Model Drill Press. For a powerful, reliable floor drill press, invest in this one. It costs more, but it drills metal as well as wood and is stable.
Accurate Results: Jet J-2500 15-inch ¾ Horsepower Floor Model Drill Press. This drill press handles heavier drilling with good accuracy and solid construction.
Tips in Buying the Best Floor Drill Press
Here is what to look for in a floor drill press:
1. Check if it comes with a depth stop.
A depth stop makes every hole the same depth, which is essential when boring multiple holes.
2. Look for one with a horsepower that can provide you with the drilling efficiency you need.
Most floor models have 1/2 to 1 HP motors. More power helps with large bits and metal, and a wide speed range lets you run slow for big bits and metal and fast for small bits in wood. Use the right bit part of the drill for each material.
3. Measure how much space it will occupy.
Floor models take up floor space. Check the footprint and height against the space you have.
4. Consider weight.
Floor models are heavy and top-heavy. If you need to move your floor drill press, use a mobile base, and bolt it down if it feels tippy.
5. Make sure it comes with the accessories you need.
Check what comes in the box, such as the chuck, key, and table. Also compare price, brand reputation, and warranty.
6. Follow basic safety.
Per Carnegie Mellon's drill press safety sheet, wear safety glasses, don't wear gloves, and tie back loose clothing and hair. Always remove the chuck key, and clamp the work so it can't spin.
What to Do Next?
For more tool reviews and buying tips, check out our homepage.
Sources
- Drill Press Safety, Carnegie Mellon University Environmental Health & Safety
- 1910.212: General requirements for all machines, OSHA
