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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 about 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 of the Top-Rated Drill Presses for Jewelry
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.
The Best 10 Jewelry Making Drill Presses (Ranked & Reviewed)
To introduce you to drill presses, we have the WEN 4208T 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.
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.
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 P-DP30 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.
The WEN 4212T 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.
Positive Reviews by Users
Various speed ranges
Easy installation process
LED display
Negative Reviews by Users
Unreliable laser function
5. Dremel Rotary Workstation Drill Press
Feature List - Model no. 220-01
Material: Alloy Steel
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.
If most of your projects are home-based, the WEN 4212T 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 a laser, adjustable depth stop, beveling 8″ by 7-2/3″ work table, 1/2-inch capacity keyed chuck, a chuck key with onboard storage. What we loved most is that this table rotates to make precise and consistent angled holes..
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 Chuck has been reported as very wobbly. 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.
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.
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.
If you are more into mini drill presses, this drill press is just for you. Sized at 5-7/8″ x 4-3/4″ x 8-3/4″, this compact Mini CNC drill press offers a remarkable 1-1/2″ max drilling stroke.
Well, the CNC 795 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.
The OUYANG Mini Bench Drill Press comes with powerful drilling options that can handle heavier tasks compared to most benchtop drills.
It’s designed for DIY small items, but powerful enough, easy to operate and stable in speed. This is all you need about a drill press.
What we liked
This tool is as powerful as they come. It runs on 7 different speeds with a maximum of 8,000 RPM. It has a 6″ swing, and the legs have anti-vibration function.
In addition, the legs can be disassembled and screwed to a table or wood for easy use.
What Could Have Been Better
The base feels a bit light, which affects stability during tougher jobs. Also, the speed control lacks clear RPM labels, making precise adjustments harder for beginners.
Positive Reviews by Users
Easy to put together
Precise
Powerful motor
Negative Reviews by Users
Lacks clear RPM labels
Using a Drill Press for Making Jewelry
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 4208T 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.
