Regardless of whether you intend to work with softer materials like wood or harder ones like metal, the drill press you pick will have a lot to do with how your project turns out.
You may also want to carry out your projects in different places. In that regard, you want to get yourself the best portable drill press.
In this review, we are going to cover everything you need to consider before making your purchase so you may want to keep reading.
Top Picks
Editor’s Top Choice: | DEWALT Portable Magnetic Drill Press | |
Runner Up: | Euroboor ECO.55 Portable Drill Press | |
Most Simplistic: | Mophorn 1200W Portable Drill Press | |
Highest Drilling Rate: | EUROBOOR ECO.100/4 Portable Drill Press | |
Amazon's Choice: | Dremel Mini Portable Drill Press | |
Budget Friendly: | Mophorn 980W Electric Portable Drill Press |
Comparisons of Top-Ranked Portable Drill Presses of 2023
We recognize that you may not have the time to go through this entire guide. The following comparison table will help you make a quick choice as it summarizes our top options.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Perfect Portable Drill Press
Before paying for a drill press, you need to consider several important factors to ensure that you get value for your money. Some of these factors include:
Model Type
When it comes to drill presses, you can pick either a benchtop or a floor model. Floor models are ideal for heavy-duty projects that require more accuracy while benchtop models work perfectly for smaller tasks that do not require a precise finish.
Moreover, benchtop models take up less space compared to floor models so you may want to keep this in mind as well while making your choice.
Motor Power
As you can imagine, you would require more power if you are drilling through thicker material such as iron or concrete.
The greater the power the motor of your drill press has, the better it is for you if you are dealing with tougher materials.
You can opt for a less powerful motor if you will only be handling smaller tasks that require you to drill through softer material like plastic.
Drill Press Weight
You want to consider the weight of the particular drill press you intend to buy for two reasons: stability and portability.
If portability matters to you, a benchtop model could be your best bet, as it is easy to move from one spot to another.
On the flip side, a heavier drill precise is likely to produce fewer vibrations hence giving you more accuracy while drilling.
Your choice here will be determined by what you prefer.
Best 11 Review of the 11 Best Drill Presses that are Portable (Ranked)
You may be wondering where to begin your search when it comes to portable drill presses. Worry not; we have reviewed some of the best-rated options in the market to make your job easier.
1. DEWALT DWE1622K Portable Drill Press – Editor’s Top Choice
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Maximum Power: 300 Watts
- Speed: 450 RPM
- Amperage: 10 Amp
- Special Features:
– Overload protection electronics
– Quick Change chuck system
– Magnetic self feed cooling tank
Other than that, it comes with 2-speed settings that you will find useful for different projects.
What We Liked
This drill press is fitted with an overload protection mechanism and what this does is to protect the motor from overheating and ultimately succumbing to damage.
However, what we love most about this unit is that it is designed with durability in mind. This means that you do not have to think of replacing yours anytime soon.
What Could Have Been Better
According to some users, this unit does not drill accurate holes because it is poorly designed. We feel that the manufacturer should have used a better design to counter this.
- Durable
- Adjustable speeds
- Overload protection
- Poor design
2. Euroboor Magnetic Portable Drill Press – Runner Up
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Maximum Power: 1600 Watts
- Voltage: 14.5 Volts
- Amperage: 14.5 Amp
- Speed: 500 RPM
- Special Features:
– Digital display
– Smart restart technology
The manufacturer of this unit included a powerful gearbox in its construction. This provides you with maximum drilling speed as well as versatility while drilling.
Besides, the drill press features a spindle that is internally lubricated and a high precision slide to provide accurate and faster drilling.
What We Liked
With this drill press, you never have to worry about overheating because the manufacturer has put a mechanism in place to handle that.
Still on that, the unit has LED indicators to alert you of any overload. We love that it comes with various accessories including safety goggles, safety chains, and gloves all of which will come in handy as you drill.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have reported that the chuck of this drill press breaks easily. We feel that the manufacturer should have fitted the drill press with a better quality chuck to avoid this.
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Overheat protection
- Not as durable
3. Mophorn J1Z-23 Portable Drill Press – Most Simplistic
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Speed: 500 RPM
- Maximum Power: 1200 Watts
- Maximum Drill Size: 1-23mm
- Special Features:
– Ergonomic design handle
You will also find this tool extremely useful when handling heavy-duty applications because it comes with a powerful motor. This also translates to accuracy and speed.
What We Liked
This tool comes with an aluminum guide rail that not only adds stability but also allows you to adjust the height of the motor to suit your preference.
That said; what we found most appealing about this unit is that it features an electromagnetic base that facilitates back and side suction as well as stability to guarantee safety and efficiency.
What Could Have Been Better
This unit is a bit on the heavier side making it hard to maneuver for some people. The manufacturer should have used lighter material in the construction to avoid this.
- Easy to use
- Versatile
- Fast
- Too heavy
4. EUROBOOR ECO.100/4 Magnetic Drill Press – Highest Drilling Rate
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Wattage: 1900 Watts
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Amperage: 17.3 Amp
- Speed: 480 rpm
- Special Features:
– Electrically and mechanically adjustable torque
– Rotational speed settings
– Moser Taper 3 spindle lock
– 4-speed gearbox
– Safety chain or strap
With a 4-speed gearbox, this drill press offers optimal drilling speed and versatility. This makes it ideal for an assortment of projects.
It is also designed to be user-friendly so you will not experience any issues when it comes to operating this unit.
What We Liked
You can rotate this unit from the left to the right but how is that beneficial? Well, the rotation expands the functionality of the unit and we are sure you will appreciate that.
Moving on swiftly, the unit comes with a magnetic swivel base that allows you to accurately and rapidly position the tool. We love that the unit comes with useful accessories such as gloves, safety goggles, and ear protection.
What Could Have Been Better
This unit does not provide precise drilling according to some users. We feel that the manufacturer should have used heavier material in the construction process to reduce vibrations and provide more accurate drilling.
5. Dremel 220-01 Mini Portable Drill Press – Amazon’s Choice
- Drill Depth: 2 inches
- Maximum Chuck Size: 13 Millimeters
- Height: Extend between 16 and 29 inches
- Special Features:
– Drills perpendicular and angled holes in 15-degree increments, up to 90 degrees horizontal
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What We Liked
If you are looking for a drill press that will offer you the accuracy and flexibility you need to sand, shape, and detail, this unit is definitely up for consideration.
We love that this tool comes with stability as well so you can work on your projects without injuring yourself or compromising the finish.
What Could Have Been Better
Contrary to what the product description claims, this tool is not ideal for precision drilling. The manufacturer should have put more thought into its design to make it suitable for the same.
- Stable
- Flexible
- Versatile
- Poorly designed
6. Mophorn Portable Electric Drill Press – Budget Friendly
- Power Source: AC
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Speed: 680 RPM
- Power: 980 watts
- Max. Drilling (with core drill): 12-35mm
- Max. Drilling depth (core drill): 2″(50mm)
- Max. Drilling (with full drill): 1.5-13 mm
- Max. Travel distance: 150 mm
- Magnetic holding force: 10,000 N(2250Lbs)
Moreover, the unit comes with a guide rail that not only adds to its stability but also allows you to adjust the motor’s height.
What We Liked
Looking at this tool, it features a rocker-type rod that is fitted with an anti-slip rubber sleeve. This will make your user experience easy and fast.
We love that the handle is designed to be comfortable and ergonomic to provide easy carrying and handling.
What Could Have Been Better
Although this drill press comes with a chuck, it does not fit standard bits. This can be inconveniencing since most projects require the same bits.
The manufacturer should have fitted the tool with a chuck that fits standard drills.
- Sheer
- Thick
- Value for money
- Not as versatile
7. Champion Cutting Tool AC35 Portable Drill Press
- Power Source: Wind Powered
- Speed: 600 RPM
- Maximum Power: 1200 Watts
- Magnetic Strength: 2200 lbs
- Twist Drill Use: Yes (with QX1220 Adaptor sold separately)
- Application: Steel fabrication, Bridge and highway maintenance, truck and trailer manufacturing, Construction sites, Mining, ship building, refineries, welding, etc.
- Size: 1-3/8-Inch Diameter by 2-Inch Depth Capacity, 6-1/2-Inch vertical travel
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Whether you want a drill press for heavy-duty use in your workshop or on-site, this particular unit from RotoBrute clean holes rapidly.
What We Liked
This unit is one of the most lightweight options on this list so you will not have a hard time operating it. That makes it easy to carry it around as well.
Nevertheless, what we loved most about it is that it is designed to offer durability. As such, you can rest easy knowing that you will not need to replace yours frequently.
What Could Have Been Better
Regrettably, this unit comes with a chuck that constantly slips on the cutter and does not lock well. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this before releasing the product to the market.
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Faulty chuck
8. SHZICMY Mini Portable Bench Drill Press
- Power Source: Wind Powered
- Voltage: 240 Volts
- Speed: 11000 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 10 mm
- Maximum Power: 480 Watts
- Drilling diameter: 1-10mm
- Max Spindle travel: 40mm
- Drill capacity: Woods:φ25mm, Iron:φ7mm
What We Liked
Looking at the performance of this unit, we can assure you that it is good enough. However, the best part is that it offers that at a reasonable price since is one of the most affordable pieces on this list.
We love that the tool is sturdy because it means you will be able to handle all your projects safely and effectively.
What Could Have Been Better
This unit’s user manual is quite unclear according to some users. We feel that the manufacturer should have checked on this and corrected it before launching the product.
- Sturdy
- Powerful motor
- Value for money
- Unclear manual
9. Ewanyo 3-Speed 110V Drill Press
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Speed: 16000 RPM
- Maximum Chuck Size: 10 Millimeters
- Maximum Power: 340 Watts
- 3 Ajustable Speeds: I:0-8000r/min, II: 0-11000r/min, III:0-16000r/min.
- Clamp Diameter:1-10 mm; Drilling Diameter: 0.6-6.5 mm / 0.02-0.2 6inch.
What We Liked
This drill press is corrosion-resistant so you can expect it to last longer. Other than that, it is designed to provide precision drilling, which means that you can easily give your projects that finished look.
We love that this tool comes with enough sturdiness to guarantee your safety and accuracy while drilling.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that this unit’s chuck is quite loose and will not hold bits in place for long. The manufacturer should have ensured that everything was perfect before allowing the product into the market.
- Accurate
- Sturdy
- Durable
- Loose chuck
10. Euroboor ECO.40S Magnetic Portable Drilling Machine
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Voltage: 110 Volts
- Wattage: 1150 Watts
- Amperage: 10.5 Amp
- Special Features:
– This drill press comes with a strong dual coil CNC machined magnet for optimal use
– The high efficiency motor comes with less heat generation and thus a longer lifespan
– This drilling machine’s oil lubricated one-speed gearbox ensures optimal motor efficiency and lifetime of key components
If you are looking for a drill press that will provide you with optimal drilling speed and versatility, you need to consider this one from EUROBOOR.
It allows for height adjustment making things easier for you.
What We Liked
This unit is as lightweight as they come so you will find it easy to handle and operate. Other than that, it is user-friendly hence ideal for beginners.
We love that it comes with extra accessories that you may need while drilling such as gloves and safety goggles.
What Could Have Been Better
Some users have complained that this unit is not as durable as it fell apart after several uses. The manufacturer should have used better quality material in its construction to avoid this.
11. Milescraft 1097 Drill Press Stand
- Power Source: Corded Electric
- Compatible with Dremel: Yes
- Size: The steel 13-1/2″ support column of the ToolStand, fits securely into a 6″ x 6″ formed steel base plate
- Lock tools in horizontal position: Yes
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What We Liked
The Milecraft stand easily attaches to the base plate and comes with a cord clip to hold your working surface in place hence allowing you to drill with better precision.
We love that this unit is versatile and can drill through an assortment of materials.
What Could Have Been Better
This tool is not ideal for beginners because it requires a lot of assembling and disassembling. The manufacturer should have designed the drill press in such a way that does not need much assembling and disassembling.
- Accurate
- Versatile
- Value for money
- Not suitable for beginners
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have addressed several commonly asked questions when it comes to the fanciest portable drill press. This should give you a clearer insight.
What can I do with a drill press?
Typically, a drill press is used for boring holes through surfaces but it can also be used as a spindle sander.
Can I use regular drill bits in a drill press?
Yes, but only if it is an electric one. However, these bits come with an aggressive twist that is not suitable for a drill press because they tend to grab on surfaces.
Our Top Pick
Having analyzed all 11 products, our top pick has to be the Dewalt DWE1622K Drill Press. We picked this one because it comes with a powerful motor that easily handles heavy-duty projects.
Another great thing about it is that it comes with overload protection to prevent it from overheating. We also love that it is designed with durability in mind hence giving you value for your money.
Sum Up
It is not easy picking a portable drill press. However, have addressed everything you need to know before making your purchase.
With the knowledge you have now, it should not be hard to make the right choice.