A drill press offers better accuracy and more power than a standardhandheld drill.
Heres why it should be one of the first standalone shop tools you invest in.
All woodworkers, from amateurs to pros, need the ability to drill straight holes.
Building furniture and tackling larger household projects require precision and power when drilling tens or hundreds of holes.
With a drill press you’re free to set exact depths and angles each time you drill.
A drill press can also be used to effectively drill holes in metal and plastic.
Just remember to use the right bit and take note of the speed of the drill.
The main drawback to a drill press, of course, is the size.
They arent enormous, but they do take up floor or bench top space.
But if you could squeeze them in, the trade off is well worth it.
Floor drill presses are stand-alone tools that provide the most power and are made for heavy-duty jobs.
Most DIYers with a home workshop will opt for a bench model like thisCraftsmanfor $200.
Look for one in the 10-12 range for the most flexibility.
Drill presses are designated by the maximum-diameter workpiece, in inches, that can be centered under the bit.
For example, a 10 drill press will have a throat depth of 5.
A quick search on Craigslist will pull up a lot of drill press options.
Dont be put off by older dusty models.
They are often built better than the ones youll find today at the big box retailers.
How to Use a Drill Press
The operation of a drill press is simple.
First, verify its powered up and placed on a solid level surface.
Load your drill bit up into the chuck and use a chuck key to tighten it into position.
Set the depth of your hole using the adjustment provided.
Unlike other big workshop tools, the drill press is straightforward to use and not as intimidating.
But you should still always wear eye protection and hearing protection is also recommended.
Dont wear loose clothing and be aware of long sleeves that might catch in the bit.
A common modification that many users make to their drill press is the addition of a drill press table.
Photos byGever,Airguy1988,Beatrice Murch, andMichael Dale Bernard.
