Buzz
A drill press provides greater accuracy and more power than a typical handheld drill. Here's why it should be one of your first major shop tool investments.
Every woodworker, whether beginner or expert, needs the capability to drill perfectly straight holes. Hand drills are compact and perfect for smaller tasks, but for serious woodworking, a drill press becomes essential. Whether you're building furniture or taking on larger home projects, drilling precise and powerful holes—sometimes in large quantities—requires the reliability a drill press offers. With it, you can set specific depths and angles for every hole.
A drill press is also highly effective for drilling through metal and plastic. Just be sure to select the correct drill bit and adjust the speed accordingly.
The primary downside of a drill press is its size. While not massive, it does require space on your floor or workbench. But if you can accommodate it, the benefits far outweigh the space it occupies.
The Two Variants of Drill Presses
Drill presses come in two main types: floor models and bench models.
Floor-standing drill presses are powerful, standalone tools built for tough, heavy-duty tasks. They start at around $550 for a model from JET, though you might score one at a garage sale for much less.
Most DIY enthusiasts with a home workshop will prefer a bench model like the Craftsman, priced around $200. These are compact enough to store in a cabinet when not in use, saving valuable space on your workbench. A 10”-12” model offers great versatility.
Drill presses are categorized by the largest diameter workpiece they can accommodate under the drill bit. Divide this diameter by two to determine the throat depth, which is the distance from the bit to the main column at the back of the machine. This measurement shows how far from the edge of your material you can drill. For example, a 10” drill press has a 5” throat depth.
A quick search on Craigslist will reveal numerous drill press options. Don’t be discouraged by older, dusty models—they’re often more durable and better made than many of the newer ones available at big-box retailers.
How to Operate a Drill Press
Using a drill press is straightforward. First, ensure it’s powered up and positioned on a firm, level surface. Insert the drill bit into the chuck and secure it tightly with a chuck key. Adjust the depth for your hole using the built-in settings.
Start the drill press at your preferred speed, then use the lever on the right-hand side to lower the bit into the material.
It’s a good idea to clamp the wood to the drill press surface to prevent it from spinning, and to keep your hands safely away from the bit. Watch the video above for a live demonstration of a drill press in action, along with some tips on selecting the right bits.
Unlike other large workshop tools, the drill press is relatively simple to use and less intimidating. However, you should always wear eye protection, and hearing protection is advisable as well. Avoid loose clothing, and be cautious of long sleeves that could get caught in the bit.
A popular upgrade many users make to their drill press is the addition of a drill press table. This modification enhances the small workspace of the press, and if you add a fence to the table, you gain even more versatility.
Photos by Gever, Airguy1988, Beatrice Murch, and Michael Dale Bernard.
