Jewelry making is a popular hobby and can be very satisfying! Having the right tools can give you more time to design and less time tinkering. Today let’s talk drill presses for jewelry making and how they can help your project.
Below we explain the benefits of using a drill press for accuracy and share our favorites. Let us know what tools are your must-haves for jewelry making!
Comparison Chart
Top Pick
Wen 8-Inch 5 Speed Drill Press
Drill Press Mini Benchtop
Foredom Jewelry Making Drill PressShop Fox W1668 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill
Buying Guide – Choosing a High-Quality Drill Press for Jewelry Production
As you search for a high-quality jewelry drill press, you want to consider several factors. These will help you make an informed purchase.
Built-In Storage
Perhaps you are not aware of this but you will definitely appreciate a drill press with in-built storage to store your tools as you work.
The last thing you want is having to interrupt your work to go look for other tools. Onboard storage ensures that you have all your tools in one place.
Drill Accuracy
This is particularly important if you plan to do precision drilling. In that regard, you will be better off buying a model with laser guides, and locking depth stops.
Still on that, you want to consider the drill bits.This is especially important if you intend to drill hard materials such as natural pebbles, sea glass, semi-precious stones, and titanium.
Drill Press Function
Any drill is suitable if you just want to drill holes for your DIY projects, or general-purpose building. Since we are talking about jewelry drilling tools, you want to get one that will fit your project.
If you will be doing precision cutting, consider getting one with locking depth stop and laser sight.
Built-inLight
Having an in-built light fixture adds value to your drill press. Not only will it help you see, what you are doing, but also you can keep working if you need to later.
Available Space
How much space do you have? You want to be able to easily move your drill press as well as put materials in and bring them out from it.
If you have limited space, you want to get a mini drill press for jewelry because it is compact and portable.
Picking the best-priced drill press for making jewelry is not an easy task mainly because there are many products to choose from.
To that effect, we have come up with the following list of some of the best-sellers in that category. This should help make the decision-making process easier for you.
Power Source: AC Voltage: 120 Volts Speed: 3140 RPM Amperage: 2.3 Amps Number of Speeds: 5 Speeds Swing: 8 Inches
To introduce you to drill presses, we have the WEN 42O8 Drill Press and it is a great choice to start our list because it works perfectly for plastic, metal, and wood.
This makes it a versatile choice for whatever kind of jewelry you are making.
What we liked
This tool comprises everything you will need as you make your jewelry. It has an adjustable worktable to guarantee maximum comfort.
This worktable rotates in either direction, which means that it can easily accommodate bigger materials at awkward angles.
However, what we loved most about this drill press is that it delivers balanced, seamless performance even at high speeds. It is also compact so you can comfortably use it even in a small apartment.
What Could Have Been Better
There are complaints that the handle on the drill is difficult to turn. This makes it difficult to use for persons with bone and joint issues such as arthritis.
We think that the manufacturer should have made the handle sturdy but flexible to make it easy to use for everyone.
Power Source: AC Voltage: 110 Volts Speed: Low speed – 5000 RPM; Medium speed – 6500 RPM; High speed – 8500 RPM Rated Power: 10 Watts Number of Speeds: 3 Speeds
If you are working with wood, plastic, or soft non-ferrous metals, this drill press will be perfect for the job. This means that this is one of your best options if you are looking for versatility.
That is not all; this tool is also compact and therefore saves space on your worktable.
What we liked
Although this drill press is small, it is powerful and can handle most drilling projects. It can drill metals such as steel with a maximum of 3mm thickness. That is quite powerful wouldn’t you say?
Nevertheless, what we found most enticing about this tool is that it can also drill non-metals such as wood and plastic.
Moreover, the drill is compact and can be used even in small spaces.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, this drill press is not designed to be used along with a foot pedal. This automatically excludes persons with hand disabilities from using it.
We feel that the manufacturer should have made the foot pedal function available to add on to the convenience of using this drill press.
Weight: 9.6 pounds Jaw width: 1-1/4″ Jaw capacity: 1-1/2″ Jaw height: 1/2″ Mounting slots: 11/64″ wide x 1-7/8″ long
Essentially, this precise and rugged stand transforms your stretchy shaft power tool into a drill press.
It does this by firmly and securely holding the drill press in a vertical position so that it can drill straight, precise holes.
What we liked
It is not easy to get your magnification and head close-up when micro-drilling. Nonetheless, this product counters this issue remarkably well.
With its lower price, you would think that it does not deliver as much but the opposite is true. We love that this product is adjustable when it comes to height.
Therefore, if you are looking for something that combines affordability, design, and precision, this drill press is worth considering.
What Could Have Been Better
The PDP30 Drill Press is just a stand. It does not include a handpiece or motor. The worst part is that the manufacturer does not mention this in the product description.
We feel that they should have been more transparent in describing their product so as not to mislead customers.
Power Source: Corded Electric Voltage: 120 Volts Speed: 3200 RPM Amperage: 5.0 Amps Number of Speeds: Variable Speeds Swing: 12 Inches
The WEN 4212 is not like other drill presses that feature predefined speeds. Rather, this tool allows you to adjust the speed to your liking.
This means that you can work on both heavy and light projects. You can read the speed from the LED display that this product comes with.
What we liked
You cannot avoid using different drill press speeds when making jewelry. Luckily, this tool offers you a great speed range to make your work perfect and accurate.
This particular model comes with a modern laser III module alongside a 120 V, 60 Hz motor that makes it possible to reach the highest speed without overheating or experiencing any other problems.
We love that this drill press comes as a package with everything you might need for installation.
What Could Have Been Better
There have been reports that laser for this drill press inadvertently goes off which can be very frustrating.
We feel that the manufacturer should have worked on that during the production of the device to guarantee seamless performance.
Material: Metal Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters Item Weight: 4.85 Pounds Flex shaft tool stand height: Between 16″ and 29″ Tool holder: 90 degrees horizontal Features: – Articulating drill press: drills perpendicular and angled holes in 15-degree increments, up to 90 degrees horizontal – Tool holder: holds tool at 90 degrees horizontal – Flex shaft tool stand: allows telescopic adjustment to any height between 16″ and 29″
On the horizontal, this drill press can make angled and perpendicular holes in 15-degree increments going up to 90 degrees. This is great especially when micro-drilling, grinding, or polishing.
What is more, it features a workstation tool holder to accommodate all your tools as you make jewelry.
What we liked
No doubt, the Dremel is a solid build that features clamping pins and a full metal column. The worktable can be adjusted to provide you with comfort irrespective of your height.
However, what we loved most about this product is that it is compatible with most of the accessories within the Dremel stable.
We are also not mad about the fact that this drill press features an onboard tool holder.
What Could Have Been Better
This drill press is only suitable for DIYs and general projects. If you intend to do more accurate drilling, you may have to look for something else.
The manufacturer should have made the tool all-purpose.
Power Source: Corded Electric Speed Range: 600 to 3100 RPM Number of Speeds: 5 Speeds Amperage: 3.2 Amps Swing: 10 Inches
If most of your projects are home-based, the WEN 4210 is one of your best options. What is more is that it comes as a package comprising of a keyed chuck, a laser, a drill, press, and all the tools you need to set up the unit.
Of course, this means that you do not need to source for the additional tools separately.
What we liked
This tool has received a decent amount of praise going by online reviews and understandably so. For one, it is easy to adjust the speed from the five available.
It also comes with an adjustable worktable to suit people of different heights. What we loved most is that this table rotates to make angled drilling extremely easy.
Moreover, WEN is a reputable manufacturer in this sector so you can rely on the quality of its products.
What Could Have Been Better
In some cases, the worktable casting has been reported not to be as sturdy. Of course, this is bound to compromise the quality of your work.
We think that the manufacturer should have checked on that before releasing the product to the market.
Power Source: Corded Electric Voltage: 110 Volts Speed: 3050 RPM Number of Speed: 12 Speeds Special Features: – Table: Round 12-3/8″ diameter – Table tilt: 45 degrees left & right – Table swing: 360 degrees – Dust port size: 2-1/4″
Obviously, the Shop Fox W1669 is a drill press, but it doubles up as a sander too. The tool comes with powerful drilling options that can handle heavier tasks compared to most benchtop drills.
Along with the ability to sand, this drill press makes for a great addition to any jewelry-making shop.
What we liked
This tool is as powerful as they come. It runs on 12 speeds ranging between 250-3060 RPM. The Shop Fox drill also acts as a sander and comes with features such as a dust collection slot.
This will ensure that your space remains free of debris and dust as you sand. What we liked most however is that this drill press features a table and 13-inch swing that can rotate 90 degrees to suit bigger projects.
What Could Have Been Better
It appears that this product is not properly packaged and is therefore prone to damage especially during shipping.
We feel that the manufacturer should have handled the packaging better by making it sturdier to reduce the chances of damage.
Power Source: AC Maximum Power: 30 Watts Number of Speed: 5 speed Amperage: 4.1 Amps Features: – Easy to Access pulley housing – Integrated Work Light – The table tilts 45° and rotates 360°
Whether you feel like you are too tall or too short, this drill press will suit you because it features table height adjustment.
It also comes with an in-built work light to illuminate your work.
What we liked
The GDP1005A is the perfect drill press for bigger projects that call for more versatility and power. It features a 4.1 amp motor that can deliver the performance you need for your jewelry making.
With its in-built light fixture, you will also be able to deliver more accurate work. However, what we loved most is that this product comes with a 2-year warranty.
This says a lot about the products from the Genesis stable.
What Could Have Been Better
Although this product comes with an adjustable worktable, there have been reports that it is quite rigid and requires a lot of effort to do.
The manufacturer should have checked on the adjustability mechanism to ensure that it was just right before letting the product into the market.
Power Source: Corded Electric Voltage: 115 Volts Speed: 3100 RPM Amperage: 4.1 Amps Horsepower: 1/2 hp Features: – X-shaped XACTA Laser – Clear, linear scale with depth stop – LED work light
If you are looking for something portable that can easily be moved around, the Jet JWP should be one of your best options.
It features a cast iron base that can fit effortlessly in limited spaces. This base is also sturdy hence allowing for easy re-positioning.
What we liked
We feel that this drill press is invaluable. How so? It is so powerful that it can handle huge projects yet so portable that it can fit the most limited of spaces.
Its powerful induction motor can push through whatever you throw at it. Its spindle guarantees maximum depth cutting while its x–shaped laser allows for precision drilling.
What caught our attention most about this product is that it is ideal for different drilling applications.
What Could Have Been Better
This drill press weighs 90 pounds, which means that it is not something that you can easily move around. We feel that the manufacturer should have fitted it with wheels to make movement easier.
Power Source: Corded Electric Wattage: 100 watts Voltage: 110 Volts Speed: 8500 RPM Number of Speed: 3-Speed
If you intend to drill into stones, glass beads, or other objects, you will require a drill press that can make intricate and accurate cuts.
Well, the SE 97511 comes in a small size that is ideal for cramped counters and smaller desktops. This makes it very easy to carry around.
What we liked
Do not be fooled into thinking that because this drill press is small, it is not powerful because nothing could be further from the truth.
This drill features a powerful motor and diamond bits so that you can easily drill holes in sea glass and small rocks. Therefore, whether you are a woodworker, hobbyist, or jeweler, this tool will be ideal.
We love that this tool is easy to use hence suitable for beginners. To add on to that, it comes with adjustable height and speeds.
What Could Have Been Better
There have been a few complaints that this drill press does not always deliver a penetrative feed. We feel that the manufacturer could have done a better job of filing the castings and edges to eliminate that problem.
Power Source: AC Amperage: 4.1 Amp Maximum Power: 30 Watts Number of Speed: 5-Speed Features: – 5/8″ chuck handles larger bits – Table rotates 360° and tilts 0-45° – Integrated work light
The Genesis GDP1005A features a 4.1-amp induction motor. What does that mean? Simply that it is not as noisy as other drill presses in the market.
You will also appreciate the fact that this tool is easy to use.
What we liked
This drill press features a gearbox that allows you to pick from five available speeds according to your needs.
We have already mentioned that it comes with a 4.1 amps less noisy induction motor. This also means that the motor is powerful and a great option for when you have a backlog of work.
We love that the tool comes with an in-built work light to bring clarity to whatever you will be working on.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, this product is reported not to do very well with metals and twist drills. We feel that the manufacturer should have thought of that when creating this product and corrected it.
Power Source: Corded Electric Voltage: 120 Volts Speed: 3100 RPM Amperage: 6.2 Amp Feature: – Durable cast iron work table bevels up to 45 degrees left and right
When we talk about drill presses with powerful motors, this is one of them. It features a 6.2 amp motor that is best for repetitive accurate cutting for metal, plastic, and wood.
It also comes with five speeds to suit the kind of drilling you intend to do.
What we liked
We love how powerful the motor of this particular drill press is. It simply means that you can handle any large project seamlessly.
Another thing we found captivating about this tool is that it features a sturdy worktable that rotates at 45 degrees to both the left and the right to improve accuracy and flexibility.
The fact that the drill press also comes with a 2-year warranty is a plus because it says a lot about the credibility of its manufacturer.
What Could Have Been Better
The unit does not come with a laser guide and you have to outsource if you need it. We feel that the manufacturer should have included this in the drill to make it easier to use.
Now that you have an idea about the products available in the market, it is only fair for us to explain how a drill press works so here goes.
Step 1
First, you want to identify the rock you want to make jewelry out of. As you, do that, consider the hardness of your rock of choice and to what level it is prone to cracking and splitting.
Just so, you now, quartz stones will harder to drill compared to river stones. Either way, as long as you have the right drill press, this should not be an issue.
Step 2
At this point, you want to pick your drilling tool. We would advise to use a small hole saw or diamond tipped bur.
A good drill press should come with different speeds to suit different rocks. In addition, you want to put on eyewear to protect your eyes because there is no telling when that rock will explode!
Step 3
This is where you get to drill away. However, you have to use lubricant and while there are several brands in the market, water will do just fine.
Lubricant works to stop your rock from exploding as well as preventing your drill bit from breaking. In other words, the lubricant absorbs the heat generated by drilling.
Step 4
At this stage, you are done, drilling your rock and all you need to do is get a narrower bit to link the drilled holes.
You can then opt to thread your drilled rock, put it on a jump ring, or whatever else pleases you. From earrings, necklaces, and anklets you can now make exceptional jewelry pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that you may have several queries as far as drill presses are concerned. We have answered a few commonly asked ones below to give you a clearer picture.
How do I drill holes in rocks for jewelry?
The first step involves getting the best jewelry drilling tools. You want to use the specified drill bit for the particular rock you intend to drill.
Next, you want to drill the hole and use lubricant while at it. It is as simple as that, you now have drilled holes in your rocks for jewelry.
What is a drill press used for?
A drill press or drill machine is mainly used to create holes or enlarge an already existing hole in wood, plastic, metal, or rock.
Is it possible to drill a hole in a diamond?
Yes, it is. You can do it with laser drilling. The procedure entails using a laser to create extremely tiny holes from the surface to the inside.
Usually, laser drilling is employed to eliminate things such as black spots from rocks.
Safety Tips
At this point, we can all agree that you need a drill press if you are into jewelry making. However, you need to handle yours carefully to ensure that you remain safe and deliver exceptional results.
Read the user manual first and understand it before you begin using the drill
Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes
Secure the material you are working on the worktable
Roll back long sleeves, tie long hair up, and secure loose clothing when drilling
Stay away from moving parts
Remove materials from your worktable only when the drill has completely stopped
Our Top Pick
After reviewing all twelve drill presses, our top pick has to be the WEN 42O8 Drill Press. First, it is versatile in that it can drill through various materials including metal, wood, and plastic.
It also comes as a package that includes all you may need in your jewelry making. Besides, it features an adjustable worktable to suit persons of different heights.
That said; what has us sold on this particular drill press is that even at high speeds, it delivers a unified and balanced performance. To add on to that, this tool is compact and can comfortably fit even in the smallest of spaces.
Final Thoughts
Did you know that owning the best drill press for jewelry making could save you a significant amount of money?
With this tool at hand, you can transform any shell, stone, or glass into a beautiful piece of art to make the most breathtaking jewelry designs.
The biggest challenge arises when it comes to picking the best drill press for the job but we have done all the hard work for you. It is now up to you to make an informed and right choice.
