Best Drill Press Under 500 (Reviews and Buying Guide 2022)

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Best drill press under 500Drill presses are usually used to drill or enlarge a hole in a workpiece. They come in different sizes and specifications but we will be talking about the best drill press under 500 in this article. Having the best drill press for your specific needs and at the best price can be just sublime.

So, what is the best drill press under $500? In a nutshell, the best drill press under 500 today is Shop Fox W1668 ¾-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander. With its 360° turnaround and minimal dust spread, it is already ahead of most other drills. It, however, sealed the deal with its 3-piece pin sander drum pack and mandrel.

What Are The Best Drill Press Under $500?

Here’s a list of the best drill press under 500 we found on the market:

1. Best Benchtop Drill Press: Shop Fox W1668 ¾-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander
2. Best Industrial Drill Press: Grizzly G7943 12 Speed Heavy-Duty Bench-Top Drill Press
3. Best Drill Press For The Money: WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange
4. Best Radial Drill Press: RIKON 30-140 Bench Top Radial Drill Press
5. Best Floor Drill Press Under $500: SHOP FOX W1670 1/2-Horsepower Floor Radial Drill Press

 

Top 05 Best Drill Press Under 500 Reviews and Buying Guide 

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1. Best Benchtop Drill Press: Shop Fox W1668 ¾-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander

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When Shop Fox created this machine, they must have known that it would be on the high side of budgeting. But it probably didn’t matter because that machine was going to be worth every penny spent on it.

With a ¾ HP engine and an Axle speed that stands between 250-3050 pivots, this machine outperforms most others in the same price range. It comes as one of the best drill press under $500 and it has shown enormous ability to deliver beautifully. 

Shop Fox W1668 ¾-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander boasts of a 3-piece axle sander drum unit. This also comes with a mandrel.

A simple well-controlled consultant ensures that you don’t have to do too much cleaning afterward. The powerful machine gives you a flawless finish that even gloss would envy.

Created to take only as much space as necessary, this piece of equipment leaves your workshop as tidy looking as possible while still doing the very dirty and messy work you need to be done. The driller is limited to about 3inches and thus you don’t have to sit with it.

This machine turns left and right at full 90°. Most of the best versions of this product in the same price range just do a 45°. You can increase or reduce the height to fit your personal requirements and it definitely helps that you’re not left with a huge pile of dirt to clean up afterward.

Pros 

  • 360° turnaround
  •  Less waste generated and thus less cleanup
  • Multiple size sanding paper
  •  3-piece pin sander drum pack and mandrel

Cons 

  • It can only handle so much weight

2. Best Industrial Drill Press: Grizzly G7943 12 Speed Heavy-Duty Bench-Top Drill Press

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At 14 inches and weight a lot, Grizzly industrial benchtop drill press packs a lot of force behind it.  It has stronger and more durable parts than most other machines in the same price range. The best floor drill press for the money is floor mounted and seems to be able to handle nearly any amount of work.

G7943 press is blessed with a special light that helps you to provide maximum efficiency and accuracy in drilling holes. This machine stands as an essential part of your wood workshop.

A strong efficient motor of 3.4 HP helps the machine to deliver maximum speed and accuracy. Either light or heavy, your task will be completed without stress.

The G7943 will afford you a travel swing of about 14 inches. It also has spindle travel of a whooping 3/4 inches. There is a table for precision adjustment. It wings at a complete 360° and levels up at 45° in the left direction and another 45 in the right.

With a total voltage of 110v. , A complete dozen speed levels, a precise iron table that is cast into the ground, built-in light for the night or darkroom workers, and a threaded depth stop.

The table boasts of functional lock levers and even a special cooling compartment. Your hands are protected with the padded grip that the handles have. The machine leaves powder on the surface as a finishing touch.

The dimension for this machine is precisely 30 x 20 x 12 inches.

It stands at a maximum height of 38 inches. with a total input voltage of 110 volts through a corded electric power source. Perhaps most notably, this machine has a footprint of 18/11 inches. It is indeed a great equipment. All 81 pounds of it.

Pros

  • Very powerful motor.
  • A variety of 12-speed levels. 140 – 3050 rpm.
  • Long-lasting and durable.
  • Co stricter with cast iron materials.
  •  360-degrees tilting capability.
  •  light for easy work even in the dark

Cons

  • Quite heavy and difficult to move around.
  • May take up more space than necessary.

3. Best Drill Press For The Money: WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press, Orange

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This drill press stands out first for its guiding lights. There is a LED light for when you are working, and there is a laser guiding light too.

Another popular feature of this machine is the fact that you can change the speed of work to suit the material you are working on.

One other thing that makes this machine stand out is the table extension feature that allows you to extend the table for about 17in more. With power relying on a 2/3 HP motor and 120V/60Hz, you have more than enough horsepower for your work.

From wood to plastic and metal, these machines drill them all.

Speed 580 RPM to 3,200 RPM speed level. The speed level is displayed on the screen a d you can monitor it from there. You can increase and decrease the speed at will. From 580 RPM to 3,200 RPM, you are on a roll with this device.

As though the amazing Wen 4214 drill press doesn’t already have enough features to floor many of its counterparts, this beautiful machinery provides a laser guiding feature that helps you increase accuracy and flawless delivery.

This laser-sharp delivery can also be replicated even as the light guide your every move on the workpiece. The manual for the machine is well detailed and in clear concise language that even teenagers would understand. This increases the ease of use.

Pros

  • A good readout display
  • It can switch from 580 to 3,200 RPM in a short span of time.
  • It has a repeatable hole drilling feature
  • It contains an ability to adjust the depth
  • Digital speed read the meter on the front panel.
  • Easy to use. Manual is easy to understand.
  • Easy to assemble and install
  • Can handle tough workpieces
  • Durable and long-lasting

Cons

  • Absence of a spindle lock. Many similar machines have the spindle lock
  • It is more suitable for wood and may give trouble with other materials.
  • Its chuck, though strong and solid may not work on other models.

4. Best Radial Drill Press: RIKON 30-140 Bench Top Radial Drill Press

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Rikon 30-140 is more affordable than many drill press machines in its standard. Don’t be deceived by its affordability though, this machine does a fairly good job on materials too.

Fortified with all of 1/3 HP motor, it will take on any wood or metal work of about 3 inches without stress. It has a speed capacity of about 620 RPM to 3,100 RPM.

With a swing size of about 34-inch, it is able to cover more space on a workpiece. It has a headstock that bends a full 90° to the left, and half of that to its right side. This allows the machine to be even more effective and versatile.

It also has a cast-iron table that spans of about 7-¾ by 7-¾ inch. This table helps to keep the machine and workpiece.

Pros

  • The head can rotate properly to make the machine more versatile.
  • You can reach long drilling distances because of the 34inches long arms.
  • The table is made of Cast-iron. The whole of the machine is long-lasting and strong. Well built equipment.

Cons

  • The spindle travel distance is rather small at about 3/8 inch.
  • It can’t drill deeper holes.
  • There is only about 43° Head tilt to the right.

5. Best Floor Drill Press Under $500: SHOP FOX W1670 1/2-Horsepower Floor Radial Drill Press

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You can almost never go wrong with The Shop Fox W1670. This drill press is rather tall from the floor. It measures an awesome 64-1/2 inches from the floor. It also has a 1/2 HP motor which makes it stronger and more powerful than most similar grade machines.

Fox W1670 has a 1/2 HP motor. This motor sends extra torque to its spindle and influences its drilling such that it is more effective in workpieces like metal. This drill press will work on almost any workpiece without any problem.

This machine hashall of fame for its different speed control. You can select the appropriate speed to match the corresponding materials that you are working on. Even though it is not quite the best speed so far, it does its job impressively.

This amazing machine comes packaged with a 5/8-inch chuck. But what stands out the most about this machine is the satisfactory spindle drive of 31/4 inches. That is some really deep hole you are going to drill.

With a 0 – 90 degrees to the right and 0 – 45 degrees to the left angle drilling point, this machine proudly takes its place as a really good drill press for the money.

Pros

  • Powerful motor that helps drill through tough things including metal.
  •  The cast-iron table which can be bent for angular drilling.
  • Rotatable head help with  drills in angles
  •  An averagely good spindle allows you to drill deeper holes.
  • Long-distance of 34 inches swing.
  • Five different speed control to help with different workpieces

Cons

  • Shorter individuals may have issues controlling this drill because of the table height.
  • Head bends only about 45 degrees left.

How to choose the Best Drill Press under 500? 

Drill Press Type:

There are two major types of drills.

  • The rotary drill: This drill is a small handheld device that can also be used for screw driving. If someone needs a rotating type of drill then one can use this. It is particularly useful for small project workers and basic domestic repairs. Nothing fancy here. So it is cheap also. And everyone can buy it. So when one wants to use it for a small project then it is useful.
  • Impact drills or percussion drills: These are like the rotary drill bit with a little more functionality in the sense that they can be used on brick and concrete. If someone wants to use it for a complex structure and on a hard surface, then it is useful for them. Their make up is also a little more complicated. So it is high in cost in comparison to Rotary drill. And when one wants to use it for big and complicated projects, then he can use this.

Power:

Power is a very important part of any and every machinery. If you need to make bigger holes, you would require more power than of you only needed small holes.

In the same vein, you would need more power for harder material than wood. Materials like iron or steel would require more power or more time.

You should, therefore, check for machine power that matches your needs.

Height and Chuck Capacity:

You need to Measure the chuck size. This will tell you the size of the widest bit that you can put in the chuck. Most are about 1/2 inch or 5/8 inch.

The vertical capacity will tell you how the length of a drill bit that you can use on your machine. This is important because it will determine how deep you can drill in your materials.

Speed Adjustment Options:

A lot of drill press have speed adjustment. The more expensive your drill press is, the more your speed levels are likely to be. You need to get a machine with the appropriate speed adjustment options that you need. For instance, you will need to tone your machine down very when you work on metals and some sorts of wood.

Swing Size:

The swing size you need is usually dependent on the size of the workpiece that you will be working on. If all you work with is a small material or workpiece, a 5” swing will be more than enough for you. The larger your material, the more swing size you need. To be on the safe side, just buy the maximum swing size you can afford.

Angles and Depth Stop:

The job of a depth stop is to make sure that all the holes you make are exactly the same in-depth. This is a very important feature of your drill press

A depth stop is an object that ensures that all drills you make have exactly the same depth. This option is very important when you intend on making quite a number of drills and you need them all to be the same in terms of depth. For example, if you needed to create a hole with a depth of 3”, you will have to get to a depth of 3” into the workpiece you are working on. It won’t matter if you are making five or 50 holes on that workpiece. The holes will all be exactly 3 inches deep because there will be an object to stop the machine from working any further at exactly 3 inches deep.

Suitable Size of The Work Table:

The work table is also a very important part of your drill press. It can be a determinant in whether or not your work come out great or if you jumble it all up. Your work table must be compatible with your drill press size such that it has accommodation for the right weight. Big or small, your work table should be compatible. No matter what.

Budget & Warranty: 

Needless to say that you should not overstretch yourself. We are talking about the drill press under 500 after all. Consider your pocket when you are making a purchase of this nature. But perhaps more importantly, look out for machines with a really good warranty. The warranty will tell you how much faith the manufacturer has in their own product and this will help inform your choice.

Why do I need a drill press? 

  • Accuracy

The main aim of using a drill press is to have an accurate job done. You could have used an ordinary handheld drill. You, however, can’t make exactly the same holes in terms of depth and location as you would if you were using a drill press.

With a drill press, you will be able to present your needed depth, angle, and even the width of each drill. You can make these holes and you can make dozens of them too without worrying about whether or not they match.

  • Speed

Now being accurate is one thing. Being accurate and on time is a whole different ball game entirely. With a drill press, you can make many accurate holes in a fraction of the time it would take to do it manually.

Drill presses afford the luxury of just setting the machine to your specifications and stepping back to let it work its magic. They are faster, with less possibility of errors

  •  Power

You need the strength of a device that doesn’t feel human fatigue of you intend to work on many pieces. Besides… The power of the machine is what helps you with accuracy and speed. You can cover a much bigger work mass than when you are working manually. 

  •  Functionality

The average drill press doesn’t just work on wood. They work on metal and plastic too. This makes them incredibly useful in your workshop.

  • Versatility

Most of these machines can achieve way more than drilling. You can often use them as sanders, you can make shapes with them. From squats to circles. And you can definitely make holes in metals too. This sort of machine isn’t just handy in your workshop. It is a must-have.

  •  Safety

You want to work. And you want to be safe while working. Your security and safety are very important factors in any machine that you choose to operate. Now with drill presses, you can preset the speed of your machine. You are in control of what the machine is achieving at any given time. Get a drill press with good clamps to hold down your workpiece. And perhaps more importantly, read all the safety tips on your machine manual.

How do you use a wood drill press? (Step by step guide)

As a general rule of thumb, you should set a faster speed if you’re working on a wooden workpiece. You should, however, endeavor to read your machine manual very closely to be sure of how it works exactly. There may be slight differences in the product.

  • Match your bit 

In order to do this, just open the chuck. Then slide the drill with your hand. Make sure that the chuck is snug in the shaft of the bit. Ensure that the three jaws of the chuck are taut. Retract the chuck once you are done and put it away.

  • Fine-tune the table 

Most drill press tables can be adjusted. Make sure that your work table is in tandem with your specific height needs as this may make be the difference between good work and horrible work.

  • Measure the depth 

Measure for the depth that you prefer your holes to have and adjust your machine accordingly. If you are just making random holes with no specific need for calculation, you can as well just freestyle.

  • Lock your workpiece 

Forsake your excitement to use your machine and make sure that your workpiece is secured on the work table properly to prevent hazards.

  • Start making holes 

Once you have successfully set up your device, you can start making holes. Start your drill and make sure that it rotates at the fastest possible. Lower your drill to your material.

You can let go of the pressure on the machine arm when you have finished making your holes.

  • Sanding

When you sand irregular shapes, apply some sanding flap control to your fling. Make tap sanders and sanding flap your friend if you do use your machine for sanding.

Conclusion

Drilling doesn’t have to be such a hard chore. But the only way it wouldn’t be just that is if you have the right equipment for the chores that you need to be done. With a close study of this text, you will be able to make an informed decision about what you need. And also you will be able to find the best drill press under 500.

In every situation though, one important takeaway from this text should be that it is important to study equipment before we buy them. To read about them after we buy them and even when we are using them. This is because new information comes every day

 

FAQ’s

[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”Which is the best drill press for metal cutting?” answer-0=”The WEN 4208 8-Inch five Speed Drill is believed to be the best metal drill today. It is popular for its effective performance with metal workpieces in spite of its small nature. The good thing is that it can be used to also drill woods, plastics, metal, etc. this machine functions on five different speed levels that can be switched between in moments. ” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”What is drill press swing?” answer-1=”The swing size sounds all fancy and technical bit it is not. It is really the distance from the center of the chuck to the nearest point of the bench column. The answer to that will them be divided by 2. (The bench column is the supportive rod of the drill press). When you say for instance that a press drill has a 12 inches swing, it means that the Furcular material which will effectively produce a hole at the point of six inches on it. This is also known as the radius.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”How big of a drill press do I need?” answer-2=”It depends. How big a project do you intend to carry out? The bigger your project, the bigger your drill press should be if you can afford it. Other factors that should influence how big your drill press will be is how much space you have in your workshop and how much money you can afford for a drill press. Needless to say, if your workspace isn’t that big, you should not get a drill press that is too big either.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”How do you adjust the depth of a drill press?” answer-3=”You can take string of copper electrical wire. You will then put one end into your drill chuck. After this, wrap it round your chosen bit in a clockwise manner. You need to make sure that you wrap it clockwise while you are in front of the machine so that it doesn’t unwrap later. You can wrap it for as long as you want till you are satisfied and then you can stop and use tiny nose pliers to push them in. It will help your machine stop when it gets to the point you want it to. ” image-3=”” headline-4=”h3″ question-4=”What is a depth stop? ” answer-4=”A depth stop is any kind of device you add to your drill, bit, or chuck to help your machine stop drilling at a specific depth.” image-4=”” count=”5″ html=”true” css_class=””]

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