Review of the Top Wen Drill Presses – High-Quality Choices

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Do you often drill holes into various materials such as wood and steel? If you do, then you must understand the stability and inaccuracy that comes with a handheld drill. We could attribute this to the torque and power that the tool packs.

If you want your drilling task to be more stable and accurate, you should consider investing in a drill press. Besides the stability and accuracy, this is a unit that you could also use for other tasks such as tapping, countersinking, and counterboring.

There are many brands of drill presses available in the market, and all of them have something different to offer. A popular name that you may come across is Wen, and it is typically associated with high-quality products that are up to the task.

So, we decided to do a detailed Wen drill press review so that you can make up your mind whether products from the brand are as effective as the manufacturer claims.

Our Top Picks

Editor’s Top Choice:WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press
Amazon's Choice:Wen 4208T 5-Speed Drill Press
Review Champion:WEN 4212T Variable Speed Drill Press

Comparison of the Most Popular Wen Drill Presses

In this section, we have taken our time to analyze a select few drill presses from the Wen brand. In the end, we hope you find one that meets all your set criteria in a drill press.

Here are the products.

Editor’s Top Choice
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange
Amazon's Choice
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill...
Review Champion
WEN 4212T 5-Amp 10-Inch Variable Speed Cast Iron...
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill...
WEN 4212T 5-Amp 10-Inch Variable Speed Cast Iron...
Speed Range:
580 to 3200 RPM
740 to 3140 RPM
530-3100 RPM
Swing:
12 Inches
8 Inches
10 Inches
Spindle Travel:
3-1/8 Inches
2 Inches
2-3/8 Inches
Number of Speeds:
Variable Speeds
5 Speeds
Variable Speed
Amperage:
5 Amps
2.3 Amps
4.5 Amps
Chuck Capacity:
5/8 Inch
1/2 Inch
1/2 Inch
Height:
36-1/2 Inches
23-1/8 Inches
34 Inches
Table Size:
9-1/2 x 9-1/2 Inches
6-1/2 x 6-1/2 Inches
8 x 7-2/3 Inches
Prime Status
-
-
Editor’s Top Choice
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange
Speed Range:
580 to 3200 RPM
Swing:
12 Inches
Spindle Travel:
3-1/8 Inches
Number of Speeds:
Variable Speeds
Amperage:
5 Amps
Chuck Capacity:
5/8 Inch
Height:
36-1/2 Inches
Table Size:
9-1/2 x 9-1/2 Inches
Prime Status
-
Amazon's Choice
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill...
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill...
Speed Range:
740 to 3140 RPM
Swing:
8 Inches
Spindle Travel:
2 Inches
Number of Speeds:
5 Speeds
Amperage:
2.3 Amps
Chuck Capacity:
1/2 Inch
Height:
23-1/8 Inches
Table Size:
6-1/2 x 6-1/2 Inches
Prime Status
-
Review Champion
WEN 4212T 5-Amp 10-Inch Variable Speed Cast Iron...
WEN 4212T 5-Amp 10-Inch Variable Speed Cast Iron...
Speed Range:
530-3100 RPM
Swing:
10 Inches
Spindle Travel:
2-3/8 Inches
Number of Speeds:
Variable Speed
Amperage:
4.5 Amps
Chuck Capacity:
1/2 Inch
Height:
34 Inches
Table Size:
8 x 7-2/3 Inches
Prime Status

 

Review of the 3 BEST Drill Presses by Wen on the Market

 

1. WEN 4214 12-Inch Drill Press – Editor’s Top Choice 

Wen-4214-3200-rpm-review

Main Features
  • Power Source: AC
  • Swing: 12 Inches
  • Spindle Travel: 3-1/8 Inches
  • Speed Range: 580 to 3200 RPM
  • Number of Speeds: Variable Speeds
  • Amperage: 5 Amps
  • Chuck Capacity: 5/8 Inch
  • Height: 36-1/2 Inches
  • Table Size: 9-1/2 x 9-1/2 Inches
  • Features:
    – Digital Speed Readout
    – Work Light
    – Table Roller Extension
    – Laser
    – Key Storage

 

TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

Here is another high-quality drill press from the Wen drill press line up that you ought to think about. The 4214 press may not be as budget-friendly as the first one on our list, but you will understand why we believe it is worth the price once you see its features.

Product Description

Wen-4214-drill-press-product-addons-and-features Let’s start with the solid cast iron construction that makes this unit stable and ensures it serves you for a decent duration.

The other outstanding aspect is the large worktable with a roller extension. This table measures 9 ½” by 9 ½” to provide you with sufficient surface area to handle large projects.

Further, the table bevels 45-degrees left or right whenever it is needed to do so.

There is also the variable speed setting ranging between 580 RPM and 3,200 RPM that allows you to make the necessary adjustment depending on the material you are working on.

Other Features and Benefits

We also noted the LED screen that displays the current speed setting you are using. This screen is bright enough so that you can easily see what is displayed.

The other thing to discuss is the 5/8-inch chuck with MT2 spindle taper that enables you to work with various drill bits. Further, this spindle is designed such that you can easily make the depth adjustment as required.

Lastly, the product comes with a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty.

Positive Feedback
  • Depth adjustment gauge
  • Has onboard work light
  • Easy assembly
Negative Feedback
  • Has no spindle lock

 

2. Wen 4208T 5-Speed Drill Press – Amazon’s Choice

Wen-4208-Drill-Press-features

Main Features
  • Power Source: AC
  • Swing: 8 Inches
  • Spindle Travel: 2 Inches
  • Speed Range: 740 to 3140 RPM
  • Number of Speeds: 5 Speeds
  • Amperage: 2.3 Amps
  • Chuck Capacity: 1/2 Inch
  • Height: 23-1/8 Inches
  • Table Size: 6-1/2 x 6-1/2 Inches
  • Feature:
    – Key Storage

 

TODAY’S DEAL on HOME DEPOT              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

This is a drill press unit that we believe would be the best choice for your home workshop. The main reasons for this suitability are compact sizing and affordability, which ensures it is within ordinary individuals’ reach.

Let’s see what this product is about.

Product Description

Wen-4208-Drill-Press-description-and-addons The first aspect of this unit is its stability. As you use it, there is no wobbling whatsoever, and we could attribute this to the cast iron construction.

The unit is then powered by the 1/3 HP induction motor, which makes it a high-performer that would easily drill through all types of material, including wood and metal.

Another thing worth mentioning is the five-speed setting from a low of 740 RPM to 3,140 RPM. This means you can make the necessary adjustment as per the task ahead of you, but you have to deal with a cumbersome pulley system.

Other Features and Benefits

This unit comes with a ½” keyed JT33 chuck that accepts a wide range of bits. Additionally, the drill press has onboard chuck storage to minimize the chances of misplacement.

As for the depth, it allows for pre-setting, especially for repetitive jobs.

Positive Feedback
  • Budget-friendly
  • Has a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
  • On-board chuck storage
Negative Feedback
  • Speed adjustment a bit hard.

 

3. WEN 4212T Variable Speed Drill Press – Review Champion

Wen-4212T-Drill-Press-features

Main Features
  • Power Source: AC
  • Swing: 10 Inches
  • Spindle Travel: 2-3/8 Inches
  • Speed Range: 530-3100 RPM
  • Number of Speeds: Variable Speed
  • Amperage: 4.5 Amps
  • Chuck Capacity: 1/2 Inch
  • Height: 34 Inches
  • Table Size: 8 x 7-2/3 Inches
  • Feature:
    – Digital Speed Readout
    – Laser
    – Key Storage

 

TODAY’S DEAL on HOME DEPOT              TODAY’S DEAL on AMAZON

 

There are a lot of positives that we could draw from the Wen 4212T drill press. In general, we could say that it is a semi-professional unit that can work on a wide variety of materials.

Here is a brief review of the drill press.

Product Description

First, this is a well-made unit that is sure to serve you for a long time to come. This is due to the sturdy cast iron construction that also offers the stability needed for wobble-free operation.

Next is the variable speed ranging between 530-3100 RPM. Even better is that the speed is not locked on any preset, which gives you the freedom to use any speed within the range. This is crucial for the unit’s versatility.

Then, the 4.5 Amp motor offers good power for drilling through metal and wood effortlessly.

Other Features and Benefits

We cannot leave out the digital speed readout meter that displays the speed you are working with. Further, the worktable bevels 45-degrees left or right for more precise angles. More on this table is that it is large enough to accommodate the bigger materials.

And with the X-pattern laser, you can take the guesswork out of the equation.

Positive Feedback
  • Has a digital speed display
  • Durable and stable
  • Beveling worktable
Negative Feedback
  • No depth stops

 

Buying Guide for a Wen Drill Press

As you shop for the ideal Wen drill press, there are several factors that should guide you in your search. This will help in boosting your chances of finding the item that meets all your preferences.

1. The Motor Power

The power that the motor gives determines the ease and efficiency with which the unit will drill into different materials, including the dense ones. So, the sturdier the material ahead of you, the more powerful the motor ought to be.

2. Bench VS Floor Press

As we went through the Wen drill press’s leading models, you must have noticed that they came either as a bench or floor presses. If you are wondering what the difference is, let us spell it out for you.

The bench drill press is one that has to be secured to a bench and is ideal for boring small holes. They are quite portable to enable you to move from and fix them on different benches. Further, bench presses tend to be compact for easy storage after use.

So, we can say that the bench press is an ideal option for small projects around the household.

The floor drill press is more powerful and is designed to drill more holes than the bench drill press. Besides that, the floor press is also more stationary and confined to a particular location. Therefore, if you are an individual who needs the services of a drill presses more often, we recommend that you go for the floor press.

3. The Construction

Besides longevity, the quality of the construction determines how stable the unit will be during operation. Ensure that the drill press has a solid build so that it is not wobbly as you go about the business.

Luckily for you, most units by Wen are made of cast iron, and this offers sufficient stability for the job.

4. The Size

The drill press’s size is another thing to consider as you look for the perfect Wen unit. Although a large press is ideal for holding the materials you are drilling properly; you should ensure that it does not take up too much space in your workstation.

Still, on the sizing, you should also look at the throat depth, which is the section between the drill bit and the drill press post. This area’s significance is that it determines the size of the material you can work on. So, a wider throat depth allows you to deal with larger material.

5. The Drill Speed

If you intend to work on different materials, it would be wise if you got a unit with varying speed so that you can make the necessary adjustments. And if you are dealing with one type only, a single-speed unit would be ideal.

Most users of the drill presses fall in the first category of different materials and will be glad to know that most Wen presses in the market come with variable speed settings.

6. Depth

Another thing you should not ignore is the ability of the unit to drill deep holes. This is an aspect that is often ignored, especially when your upcoming project seems to be one that would not require deep drilling.

Other important factors that you should think about include:

  • Stoppers to prevent the drill from getting to the material underneath
  • Laser guides for accuracy

FAQs

We thought it wise to include some queries we came across as we researched the Wen drill press. Hopefully, this section shall help in boosting your knowledge of the topic.

Q: What is the importance of speed variation?

A: Different materials require different levels of speed to work on them. So, a unit with different speed settings allows you to drill into different materials effortlessly without having to switch tools. All you have to do is adjust the speed to the appropriate level.

Q: What is the function of a stopper?

A: A stopper ensures that you do not drill too deep, which may end up damaging the material you are working on. This feature would help you save a lot of money as the material remains in good condition all through.

Our Top Pick

In our Wen drill press review, the product we felt was superior to the rest is the Wen 4210T Drill Press. This is a budget-friendly option built to be stable and durable and operates silently for a peaceful work environment.

These are just some of the reasons why we believe this unit outdoes the other units on the list.

Final Thoughts

For close to six decades, the Wen brand has developed a reputation as one of the best firms in the power tool industry, and its products tend to be of the best quality. The drill presses from this brand do not deviate from these standards, and we believe they are some of the best in the market.

We hope our review has touched on everything you needed to know about the products so that you are in a better position to make the right choice when it comes to looking for the right item.

These presses may be from the same brand but have slight differences among them, so it is vital to know where your interests lie. Good luck in your search!

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