Perhaps you like DIY projects, or you own a workshop and you need tools to make things work. Among these tools, you will need a drill press.
Think about all the holes you need to actualize your projects. However, the best drill presses do not come cheap so what to do?
Well, our aim for putting together this review is to help you get your hands on a decent drill press at a budget-friendly price. Simply put, we are going to help you pick the best drill press under 500.
If you are interested in getting one within that price range, stick around to learn more.
Our Top Picks
 | Top Pick: | Shop Fox W1848 Drill Press |
| | Runner Up: | RIKON 13-Inch Drill Press |
| | Highest Drilling Rate: | Shop Fox W1670 110V Drill Press |
| | Review Champion: | WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press |
| | Amazon's Choice: | JET 716000 Drill Press |
| | Best Rated: | Wen 4210 Drill Press |
Comparisons of the Top Drill Presses Below $500
If you don’t have the time to read our detailed discussion, here’s a summed-up table for you. You can use it to get quick insights, on-the-go.
Highlighted Features
There are numerous options to choose from when it comes to drilling presses. Therefore, you can expect to have quite a bit of a hard time when choosing yours especially if you do not know what to look for.
Luckily, we have compiled a list of some of the most important factors to consider when making your choice. They include:
Drill Speed
When it comes to drilling, speed has to be among the first factors to consider. Why? Mainly because we are sure, you do not want a tool that takes too long to get the job done.
Besides, different kinds of material call for different speed settings. For instance, the speed you will require to drill through the wood is not the same one you will require for metal.
Therefore, you should consider getting a drill with variable speed settings to match the different materials you will be working with.
Available Space
How much space do you have? You need to determine the workspace you have and match it with the size of drill you intend to buy.
Essentially, benchtop drill presses take up less space because they can directly be mounted on a workbench while floor drill spaces take up more space.
With this in mind, you will be able to pick a tool depending on the space you have. The last thing you want is a drill press that you cannot use because there is no space.
Drill Weight
Drill presses are quite powerful and it is normal for them to generate vibrations. Needless to say, these can cause distractions or untidy and inaccurate work.
This also has to do with the speed because higher speeds cause greater vibrations. Now we know you are probably thinking that a lightweight drill will be better since it will be easier to handle but that is not the case here.
You want to get a heavier drill press as it will deliver results that are more accurate and a smoother experience.
Motor Power
This is another factor that you have to consider as you shop for a drill press especially if you plan to drill through thicker or tougher materials.
You want to look at the horsepower of a drill press before purchasing it because it is what determines whether the drill can handle the applications you intend to work on.
We would advise you to go for greater horsepower as you are guaranteed that your tool will drill deeper, larger holes into a broader range of materials. Simply put, it offers you flexibility.
Depth Stop
We can bet that you want as seamless and precise drilling experience and for that, you want a good depth stop. This comes in handy especially when you need to drill several holes consistently and rapidly.
Still on that, you want to consider the swing of your drill press or rather the shaft distance. This refers to the distance that the drill spindle can move, as it will ultimately determine the deepest you can drill with your machine.
Adjustable Height
It is important to pick a drill press that comes with a sturdy and durable worktable but aside from that, you want the height of this table to be adjustable.
As you know, people have different heights so what works for you might not work for the other person. It is for this reason that the worktable needs to be adjustable.
You want to modify the height so that it is comfortable for you to work on.
Accessories and Attachments
As you will soon find out, drill presses come from different manufacturers and not all of them are equal when it comes to providing attachments and accessories with their products.
While some machines will only function with specific attachments, others can use universal accessories. You want to get a drill that comes with several attachments if you are looking for versatility.
Some common attachments include mortising, polishing, and sanding while accessories could be drill bits, grinders, and circle cutters.
Chuck Capacity
The chuck is the slot where you place your drill bits and its size will dictate the size of drill bits you can use. Moreover, the chuck size will also determine the additional accessories and attachments your machine will be able to handle.
To that effect, we recommend going for a drill with a bigger chuck. Of course, this is not a serious consideration if you intend to work on smaller or medium projects but if you intend to go bigger, a larger chuck size will give you more freedom.
Warranty and Serviceability
This particular factor has a lot to do with the credibility of the drill press manufacturer. A manufacturer that offers a reasonable warranty on their products is considered to believe in the durability and reliability of their products and this is usually the case.
In that regard, you want to pick a drill press that comes with a decent warranty period. Beware of any product that does not feature a warranty, as you are likely to regret your decision.
Also, consider manufacturers who offer after sales services for their products. The last thing you want is to be stuck with a tool that you are unable to use and not get any help from the manufacturer.
Your Budget
Certainly, you have to consider your budget before settling on a particular drill press. The thing is, you do not want to overspend on a product that is not worth the investment, and neither do you want to get a cheap product that will not provide the service you need.
In that regard, you want to strike the perfect balance between the quality of the tool you are getting and the price it goes for.
11 Best Drill Presses under $500 (Reviewed & Ranked)
If you own a workshop, investing in a drill press is one of the wisest decisions you can ever make. Nevertheless, a significant number of people would rather not because these tools do not come cheap.
Well, we are here to let you know that there are feature-filled and durable models that will work just fine if you are on a limited budget.
We are also aware that you may not have the time or patience to go looking for the perfect tool and that is why we decided to review the top 11 affordable drill presses in the market. Check them out!
1. Shop Fox W1848 110V Drill Press – Top Pick
Swing: 13-3/4″
Drill chuck: 1/64″-5/8″
Range of speeds: 250-3050 RPM
Special Features:
– Patented oscillating Spindle
– Efficient contour sanding
– Includes sanding drums
– Tilting table
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Moving on swiftly, this tool can rapidly and effortlessly be transformed into a spindle sander. This will help when it comes to smoothing your wood and giving the perfect finish.
What we liked
We love that this drill press comes with a benchtop and although it is quite small, it does make using this tool easier.
At a height of 63 inches, we feel that this tool is a back saver and you will not have to strain too much when using it.
Generally, this is a big machine and it derives its power from a 120V motor and with speeds of up to 3050 RPM, we doubt that there is any job that this bad boy will not be able to handle.
What Could Have Been Better
Unfortunately, the user instructions for this tool are a bit vague so if you have never assembled one before or you are not mechanically inclined, you are bound to experience problems when setting up.
We feel that the manufacturer should have given clear and detailed instructions.
- Very flat milled table, no ridges
- Parts fit together well
- Controls are easy to use
- No mortising attachment available
- The vertical travel is only 3.5″
2. RIKON 30-120 Drill Press – Runner Up
Swing: 13″
Drill chuck: 0.79 Inches
Range of speeds: 200 – 3,630 RPM
Special Features:
– 16 Spindle Speeds
– Solid Steel and Cast Iron Construction
– Clutch Depth Stop
– Easy-Adjust Table Height
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Now, we know that other brands offer fancy accessories along with their tools but this one does not. To make up for that, the RIKON 30-120 drill press delivers sterling performance owing to its powerful motor.
What we liked
This unit comes attached with a worktable and although you may find it small, this will only be an issue if you do not have a work surface already.
Moving away from that, we love that the drill press features drive belts and that they are easy to change. This is made even easier with a speed chart positioned on the top cover.
Moreover, this unit does not produce as much noise as we expected seeing, as it is large. Assembling it is not as hard either.
What Could Have Been Better
The cast-iron handle of this tool is not positioned properly and this puts your fingers at risk of being bashed whenever you use it.
The manufacturer should have checked on the positioning of the handle to guarantee a hassle-free drilling experience.
- Solid construction and materials
- Very easy to put together and flexible capabilities
- The spindle has zero runout
- The packaging is poor
- The handle wheel is hard to operate sometimes
3. SHOP FOX W1670 Drill Press – Highest Drilling Rate
Drill chuck: 5/8″
Maximum chuck size: 16 Millimeters
Range of speeds: 550-3,470 RPM
Special Features:
– 5 Different speeds
– Can work as a horizontal boring machine
– Can drill at any angle necessary
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Another thing is that this tool is extremely durable and versatile so you can count on it to handle all your projects.
What we liked
When we talk about the versatility of this drill press, we mean that it can be used for a broad range of drilling applications and sanding as well as a horizontal tool.
However, what we found most appealing about it is that it comes in adjustable speeds that you will find easy to regulate.
Besides, it comes pre-installed with a depth stop and what this does is give you the freedom to drill numerous holes steadily at a fixed depth.
What Could Have Been Better
This unit takes up a little more space compared to the others on this list so you would have to consider that before buying it.
We feel that the manufacturer should have designed it in such a way that it did not take up too much space to avoid any inconveniences.
- This Drill Press is Heavy Duty, well built
- Good quality in an affordable price
- Assembly is simple and this works perfectly
- Excessive vibration
- Plastic parts not compatible
4. WEN 4214 Variable Speed Drill Press – Review Champion
Spindle travel: 3-1/8″
Range of speeds: 580 to 3200 RPM
Special Features:
– Mechanical variable speed delivers equal torque
– LED read out speed display
– Class III Laser Module
– On-board chuck key storage
First, WEN is a popular name in the market and that has to count for something right? Anyway, this tool comes with all the power you will need for your projects owing to its powerful 120V motor.
What we liked
Looking at this unit, the thing that really stands out for us is the speed selection that ranges between 580-3200 RPM. To add to that, you can view the speeds on the LED display that comes with the tool.
You would think that is all but there is more. The speed of this tool can be adjusted even when it is in operation and we cannot forget to mention how extremely easy this tool is to use.
We also love that its motor is strong enough to drill through some of the toughest materials and this includes cast iron and other metals.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this tool generates extremely high and noisy vibrations, which can cause great distraction and inconvenience.
The manufacturer should have included a vibration-control mechanism to avoid this.
- Variable speed is well functioning
- Convenient Laser funtion
- Easy to assemble
- Chuck, arbor and spindle are reasonably concentric
- No spindle lock
- Ttable adjustment screw latch is too small
- Location of switch for light and laser are not so relevant
5. JET 716000 Benchtop Drill Press – Amazon’s Choice
Spindle travel: 3-1/8″
Range of speeds: 530-3100 RPM
Special Features:
– X-shaped XACTA Laser
– Clear, linear scale with depth stop
– Retractable roller extension support
– LED work light
– Large paddle switch for extra safety
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Now, although this unit has a solid build, it is quite compact so you will not have issues moving it around.
What we liked
The Jet JWDP-12 comes with an induction motor that will deliver enough power to drill effortlessly and accurately into an array of materials and with a 3-1/8″ spindle travel; you can always get the depth you want.
Aside from that, this tool comes with easy to change variable speeds that are easy to regulate. However, what we found most attractive about it is that it comes with a solid base to keep your machine stable and steady without consuming too much space.
Another thing that is worth noting is that this drill press comes with a large paddle switch that makes operation easier and improves safety.
What Could Have Been Better
Users have complained that the laser adjustment of this unit is a bit complex and this can lead to time wastage and frustration.
We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this and corrected it before allowing the product into the market.
- Great overall build and speed control
- Easy and straight-forward setup
- Well built laser functions
- Has some smoke and fire issues
- The table cannot be made to be at 90 degrees
6. Wen 4210 Drill Press with Laser – Best Rated
Spindle Travel: 2-1/2″
Chuck Capacity: 1/2″
Range of speeds: 600-3100 RPM
Special Features:
– Adjustable five speeds
– Durable 3.2-amp motor
– X-pattern Class II 1mW laser
It is a 10-inch drill and does not feature speed display or variable speeds but you can rest assured that it will give you value for your money.
What we liked
The motor of this tool comes in a ball bearing design so you do not have to worry about the longevity of this unit. To add to that, it is built from cast iron.
Just like its counterpart, the 4214, this drill press features an X-pattern laser guide to allow for precision, easy operation, and an in-built LED work light.
That said; what we love most about this tool is that it is versatile in that it comes with an assortment of accessories such as circle cutters, and drum sanders to make your drilling job easier.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that the assembling process for this tool is quite difficult and of course, that is not a good thing.
The manufacturer should have designed the tool to be simple so that it can be easy to set up.
- Base is nice and heavy
- Very much cost efficient and good quality
- The assembly process is straight forward
- Laser is not much accurate
7. Grizzly G7943 14-Inch Drill Press
Swing: 14″
Spindle Travel: 1/2″
Drill chuck: 1/64″ – 5/8″
Special Features:
– Includes built-in light
– Table has lock levers and coolant trough
– Threaded depth stop
– Number of speeds: 12
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It is a sturdy machine that offers years of service. Still, on its solidity, this machine is able to reduce vibrations that are synonymous with lighter machines.
What we liked
This tool comes with 18-speed options that you can easily adjust. Of course, this enables you to effortlessly perform tasks such as carving and polishing.
Another great feature when it comes to this drill press is that it can tilt 90-degrees to both the left and right and swivel an entire 360-degrees. We loved this about it.
To add on to that, this tool comes with an in-built work light to illuminate any dark areas as you work.
What Could Have Been Better
Due to its solid construction, this machine is a bit on the heavier side and some people find this inconveniencing since they cannot move it around.
The manufacturer should have used lightweight yet durable material to make the tool portable.
- All the handles run smoothly
- Has zero wobble and drills perfect holes
- It is accurate, relatively quiet, and solid
- The bed is difficult to attach
- The table has no through holes to mount items
8. Shop Fox W1669 Drill Press
Swing: 34″
Spindle Travel: 3-1/4“
Range of speeds: 550-3470 RPM
Special Features:
– Table swing: 360-degrees
– Threaded depth stop
– Safety paddle switch
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That said; this tool does sacrifice some of its floor model power. To make up for this, it comes with a range of features that make it outstanding.
What we liked
The SHOP FOX W1669 comes with a right-angle rotation feature that you will find extremely useful when it comes to adjusting the tool.
Just like the RIKON drill press, this one features adjustable height and a user-friendly side crank. However, we are more excited about the cushioned grip that you will find comfortable to hold as you use the tool.
What Could Have Been Better
Although this drill press comes with a decent amount of power, it cannot match the power of floor models. This means that it is not suitable for heavy-duty applications.
We feel that the manufacturer should have installed a more powerful motor that will be able to drill through an assortment of materials.
- The head moves back and forth smoothly
- The band used to adjust the speed is easy to move/adjust
- The hardware to mount it to the base is not good
- High vibration isues
9. Rikon 30-140 Bench Top Drill Press
Spindle travel: 3/8″
Drill chuck: can fit bits up to 5/8 inch size bits
Swing: 34″
Speed: 620-3,100 RPM
Special Features:
– Head moves back and forth for different board widths
– Head tilts 45-Degree right, 90-Degree left
– Includes a chuck key holder
– Large feed handles for smooth operation
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Now, we are sure that you will appreciate that this tool comes with a telescopic design that provides you with additional options. For instance, its head tilts at 45-degrees to the right and 90-degrees to the left. You will find this feature useful whenever you are angle drilling.
What we liked
We love that this drill press comes in a benchtop design that makes it more compact compared to other similar models in this guide.
Moreover, this tool comes with an adjustable table height. All you need to do is simply rotate the handle to obtain the most comfortable position for your drilling work.
Do not even get us started on the head of this tool that moves backward and forward so that you can achieve a range of board widths that make it easier to bore multiple holes. Built from cast iron, this tool is sure to last longer and comes with a 5-year warranty to back that up.
What Could Have Been Better
The quality of this product appears to be questionable according to users who have complained about parts falling out right out of the box.
We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this before releasing the product to the market.
- High adjustable depth
- The press is very solid and heavy
- Very good quality, easy to use, and solid drill press
- Misinformed manufacturing country
- No bearings in the horizontal support
10. Shop Fox W1667 Bench-Top Drill Press
Swing: 13″
Drill chuck: 5/8″
Range of speeds: 3410 RPM
Special Features:
– Oscillating spindle (1/2 inch)
– 2 inch Dust Port
– Table tilt left and right
– 360° Table swing
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This product comes with a detachable lockout paddle switch and what this does is to increase your safety.
What we liked
We have already mentioned that the W1667 comes with a paddle switch, which is better than other types of switches. With its detachable lockout key and oversize paddle, you will not have issues locating the on and off button.
Aside from that, this drill press comes preinstalled with a depth stop to allow for boring holes at a fixed depth. You simply have to read the depth scale to find your preferred depth.
However, what we love most when it comes to this tool is that it comes with a dust port that you can connect to a waste collection system to help keep your workspace clean.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users who have bought this product claim that its product description is misleading and you do not get what you see.
The manufacturer should have given a correct product description to gain the trust of customers.
- Easy to change from a drill press to a sander
- Oscillates to help preserve the longevity of the sanding cylinder
- Very compact for a limited space
- The pulleys are made of metal and it runs smooth
- Has wobbling and vibrations
- The stop is mounted to plastic which flexes
- Inadequate packing material
11. Klutch 120V Floor Drill Press
Swing: 13″
Drill chuck: 5/8″
Range of speeds: 260-3410 RPM
The drill press also features 16-speed options that can go up to 3410 RPM. With this range, you can accurately drill on an assortment of materials.
What we liked
This Klutch drill press comes with a work table that can tilt by 45 degrees and this allows you to work even at weird angles. This table features a depth lock that is controlled by a ball knob for efficiency and accuracy.
That said; what we found most appealing about this tool is that it features an in-built LED light to illuminate your work. You also get a storage area to keep your chuck key when you purchase this baby.
What Could Have Been Better
This drill press features just an inch of spindle depth which some users found limiting. We feel that the manufacturer should have included more spindle inch depth to counter help achieve deeper holes.
- Nice drill press for the price
- Very stable and easily mounted
- Functions at a very basic level
- The chuck has wobbling issues
Using a Drill Press
Now that you know the options available when it comes to the best drill press under 500, it is only fair that you learn how to use this tool so here goes.
Step 1
The first step involves setting up the speed and for most drill presses, you can do this by moving the drive belt from one crank to another.
Generally, smaller cranks spin faster. You want to use faster speeds for wood and faster ones for metal. In addition, it is important to check your user manual to see what the manufacturer of the tool recommends.
Step 2
At this point, you want to fit the drill bit and you do that by opening the chuck and sliding the bit you want to use in.
Fit the bit using your hand then tighten the chuck’s jaws using the provided chuck key. Always remember to remove the chuck because it is likely to turn into a missile as soon as you turn the drill on.
Step 3
It is now time to adjust your worktable. Some drill presses come with a crank that modifies the table height while others just move as soon as you release the clamping lever.
Either way, you want to ensure that the table is at a height that allows you to comfortably do your work.
Step 4
Here, you want to secure your workpiece. You see, the movement of the machine is likely to move it around and you do not want that.
As such, you want to have your workpiece clamped to a worktable and firmly secured to avoid this.
Step 5
Sometimes, you need to apply a bit of cutting oil to a surface before doing the actual drilling. This particularly applies to metal.
It is important to apply the cutting oil as a precautionary measure because when you drill through metal, which is a dense material, your drill bit, is likely to burn out.
Step 6
At this point, you are ready to begin drilling because you will have completed the setup process. Set your drill to spin at full speed then introduce the drill bit to your surface.
Swing the revolving lever to lower the bit. Once you are done, let go of the lever and it will return to its original position.
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe you have several questions as far as the best drill press under 500 and we are here for that. However, we cannot address all of them here but we have answered a few below.
Why does my drill press vibrate?
It could be that you have a bent spindle, bad spindle bearings, worn chuck jaws, or even a bent chuck mounting. That said; you need to take your time to try to find out what the problem is or refer to the user manual.
What is a drill press used for?
Drilling presses or drill machines are mainly used to enlarge or bore holes on surfaces. Granted, a drill press is primarily for drilling holes but it can also be used for tapping, counterboring, countersinking, and reaming.
Can I mill using my drill press?
Yes, you can try that but you want to keep in mind that a drill press is not as rigid as a milling machine so you should expect broken end mills and a lot of chattering.
What is the difference between a drill and a mill press?
A drill press otherwise known as a drilling machine is primarily used to bore vertical holes on surfaces using a rotating motion.
On the other hand, a milling machine has the same capability only that it can also cut and that is the main difference between the two.
Safety Tips for Working with a Drill Press
As long as you are using a drill press, you are subjected to injuries. In that regard, you want to practice safety precautions to reduce the chances of being injured.
Here are several tips to help you remain safe.
(i) Always wear a face shield or safety goggles to protect your eyes and face
(ii) Never turn the power on before removing the chuck key from the chuck. It is best to use a self-ejecting key to avoid this
(iii) Disconnect the drill from the power outlet whenever you are not using it to avoid accidental starting
(iv) Always use bits and drills designed for machine use. Do not use a hand auger bit for a drill press as it may present a hazard
(v) Ensure that your workpiece is held firmly in place so that it does not spin or fly off the table. Ideally, you should securely fasten the workpiece with clamps.
(vi) Hold your hair up, remove any jewelry and remove loose clothing to ensure that it is not caught when using your drill press
(vii) Always use the manufacturer recommended chuck and spindle
Other Important Safety Pointers to Consider
Other than the seven crucial pointers discussed above, you always want to check to see the cutting tool or drill bit is securely locked in the chuck. Any adjustments or repairs should be done when the power is switched off.
Also, try to remain as close to as the endorsed speeds as possible. Never use extremely high speeds and if you are in doubt, lower the speeds. A wrong application of speed can cause the cutting tool to overheat or hurl your workpiece off the table.
And if you are making deep cuts, ensure that you raise the bit regularly to remove chips out of the hole. Turn the machine off before raising the bit
Last but No Least
Use a soft-bristled brush to sweep chips or sawdust from your workpiece and working area. Remember to disconnect the drill from the power source before doing this
Ensure that your work area is properly ventilated when using abrasive accessories such as sanding drums
Also, do not attempt to grab the chuck after you turn the power off in a bid to stop the drill. You also do not want your machine to run unsupervised. Simply turn off the power and stay there until the chuck stops completely
Our Top Pick
Ultimately, when picking a drill press, you will need to consider several crucial factors as we mentioned earlier on in this review.
Based on that, our top pick has to be the Shop Fox W1848 and although it is not suitable for metal, it makes up for that by working on wood seamlessly. Remember that it is not easy to get a drill press specifically designed for wood and this has to count for something.
Anyway, this drill can also be easily and speedily changed into a spindle sander to help you get that perfect and smooth finish on your wood.
What we love most about this tool is that it has a powerful motor that can handle some of the toughest applications out there.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it is important to own a drill press whether it is for your workshop or DIY projects. However, these drills are not cheap especially if you want to get your hands on a quality one.
We took it upon ourselves to research on some of the most affordable options in the market and brought them to you in this review. To that effect, we believe you are armed with all the knowledge you need to make the right decision so go ahead and do it.