A benchtop drill press holds a drill motor on a column so holes go in straight and at a repeatable depth. Swing size, motor amps, speed range and table features are the main differences between models.
The six presses below run from an 8 inch swing to a 13 inch class machine. Specs come from each listing page. We have not used these machines ourselves. Power and speed figures are the makers’ own, and where a listing disagrees with itself we say so.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Swing | The distance from column to chuck center sets how wide a piece fits |
| Speed range | Low speeds suit metal; high speeds suit small bits in wood |
| Table | Tilt, size and cast iron affect setup |
| Weight | Heavier machines are steadier but harder to move |
Specs at a Glance
| Press | Size | Motor and speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 4206T | 8 in swing; 1/2 in chuck | 2.3 amp; 5 speeds, 750 to 3200 rpm | 6.5 x 6.5 in table, bevels 45 degrees; 23 in tall |
| VEVOR DP8 | 8 in; 1/2 in chuck | 2.5 amp; 5 speeds, 750 to 3200 rpm | LED work light; belt speed change |
| SKIL DP9505-00 | 10 in; 1/2 in chuck | 6.2 amp; 5 speeds, 610 to 2800 rpm | Laser, LED light, depth stop, 45 degree tilt |
| JET 12 in | 12 in swing; 5/8 in chuck | 5 amp; 530 to 3,100 rpm | Digital RPM readout; 85 lb; lasers and LED |
| VEVOR 12 in | 12 in swing; 0.6 in chuck | 6.2 amp; 530 to 3140 rpm | Laser, LED; 84.3 lb; 45 degree tilt |
| Klutch 13 in | 13 in; 5/8 in chuck | 4.6 amp; 220 to 3,300 rpm | 16 speeds; 3-3/8 in stroke; 83.2 lb |
The 6 Best Benchtop Drill Presses
1. WEN 4206T 8-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press
A 2.3-amp induction motor press with an 8 inch swing, 2 inch spindle travel, a 1/2 inch keyed chuck with onboard key storage and five speeds of 750, 1100, 1500, 2100 and 3200 rpm. The table is 6.5 by 6.5 inches and bevels up to 45 degrees each way, and the unit stands 23 inches tall.
Suits: a small shop or a hobby bench. Strengths: compact size and key storage. Weaknesses: short 2 inch travel. Skip it if you need a deeper stroke.
View WEN 4206T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press on Amazon
2. VEVOR 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
A 2.5-amp induction motor press with a 1/2 inch chuck, five speeds from 750 to 3200 rpm and an LED work light. The listing calls it variable speed, but changes are made by moving the belt.
Suits: a basic 8 inch press. Strengths: an LED light. Weaknesses: belt speed changes. Skip it if you want electronic speed control.
View VEVOR 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP8 on Amazon
3. SKIL 10-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press (DP9505-00)
A 6.2-amp induction motor press with five speeds from 610 to 2800 rpm, a laser alignment system (Class II, 0.83 mW), an LED work light, an adjustable depth stop and a table that tilts 0 to 45 degrees left and right. It comes with a hex wrench and chuck key.
Suits: a mid-size press with a laser. Strengths: laser, depth stop and a bump-off switch. Weaknesses: the listing gives no weight. Skip it if you want a larger swing.
View SKIL 6.2 Amp 10 Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press DP9505-00 on Amazon
4. JET 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
A 12 inch swing press with a lever that changes speed from 530 to 3,100 rpm while the motor runs, a digital RPM readout, two lasers, an LED light, 3-1/8 inch spindle travel, and a cast iron base and 9-1/2 inch table that tilts 45 degrees. The details list a 13 mm chuck while the bullets say 5/8 inch.
Suits: a woodworking bench. Strengths: speed change without moving a belt. Weaknesses: heavy at 85 lb and a chuck-size mismatch on the page. Skip it if you want a small footprint.
View JET 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press Variable Speed with Digital RPM Readout on Amazon
5. VEVOR 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
A 6.2-amp, 1 hp press with a 12 inch swing, 530 to 3140 rpm variable speed with a digital readout, an X-laser, an LED light and a 0 to 45 degree tilting table. The listing shows a 0.6 inch chuck, 110 volts and an 84.3 lb weight.
Suits: a large press with a digital readout. Strengths: variable speed with a laser. Weaknesses: the 1 hp claim sits beside a 110 volt entry on the page. Skip it if you want a long-established brand.
View VEVOR 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press 6.2 Amp on Amazon
6. Klutch 13-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
A 3/4 hp, 4.6-amp press with 16 speeds from 220 to 3,300 rpm, a 5/8 inch chuck, a 3-3/8 inch stroke with depth lock and an 11-3/4 inch quick-release table that rotates 360 degrees and tilts 45 degrees. The details table lists 3.75 hp, which conflicts with the 3/4 hp bullet.
Suits: a large table and a deep stroke. Strengths: the lowest speed (220 rpm) and the longest stroke here. Weaknesses: 83.2 lb and a conflicting hp entry. Skip it if you want a laser.
View Klutch 13-Inch Benchtop Drill Press 3/4 HP on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Read the maker’s manual before first use.
- Bolt the press to a stable bench.
- Match speed to bit size and material.
- Clamp the workpiece and keep the table clean.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing by swing alone and ignoring stroke.
- Using one speed for every material.
- Skipping the bench mounting.
- Trusting a hp figure that conflicts with the amps.
Benchtop Drill Press FAQ
What does swing mean?
It is the distance across the table, twice the reach from the column to the chuck center, so it sets the widest piece you can drill in the middle.
Belt or electronic speed?
The WEN, VEVOR 8 inch and SKIL change speed by moving a belt. The JET lists a speed lever, and the VEVOR 12 inch lists variable speed with a readout.
The Short Version
For a compact 8 inch, the WEN. For a basic 8 inch with a light, the VEVOR DP8. For a mid-size laser model, the SKIL. For a digital readout, the JET. For variable speed with a laser, the VEVOR 12. For a deep stroke and 16 speeds, the Klutch.
