Drill presses are fundamental tools that ought to be in a metal shop or workshop. The best floor drill press for metal comes in handy in drilling several holes with absolute precision within a short time. The drill ought to have ample power to accomplish this task of metal holing.
But, What is the best floor drill press for metal? The SKIL 3320-01 drill press is a remarkable drill with outstanding features that distinguish it from the rest. It is affordable, powerful and capable of running at varying drilling speeds, depending on the metal thickness. The drill is also incredibly stable to ensure a high level of accuracy while metal drilling.
What Is The Best Floor Drill Press For Metal?
Here are some of the best floor drill press for metal:
1. Best Floor Standing Drill Press For Metal: SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
2. Best Industrial Floor Drill Press For Metal: JET JDP-20MF 20″ Drill Press, 115/230V 1Ph (354170)
3. Best Drill Press For Metal And Wood: Dremel Drill Press Rotary Tool Workstation Stand with Wrench
4. Best Drill Press For Sheet Metal: ShopSeries RK7033 6.2-Amp 10″ Drill Press
5. Best Metalworking Floor Drill Press Under 1000: JET J-2500, 15″ Drill Press, 115V 1Ph (354400)
Top 05 Best Floor Drill Press for Metal Reviews and Buying Guide
The following are the leading floor drill press for the metal in the market:
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1. Best Floor Standing Drill Press For Metal: SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
This high-quality machine is well dependable in the production of quality works. Its features are as follows:
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Salient Features:
| Power | 3.2-Amp motor, 2HP |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Speed | no-load 750-3050 RPM |
| Size of chuck | 1/2 inches |
| Center drill | 10 inches |
| Tilt of work surface | 0 to 45 degrees |
- Laser Beam:
The drill is fitted with a laser beam which may be aligned variably for accuracy of the puncturing end. The drill also possesses a depth alteration system that allows one to drill uninterruptedly each time.
- Speed:
The drill is capable of working at 5 interchangeable speeds and rates enabling it to bore holes neatly through wood and metal. The drill also accepts a large diameter of material to be worked on. The 3.2-Amp motor enables the drill to operate at a maximum speed of 3050 RPM.
- Work Area:
The drill’s working area may be tilted between 0 and 45 degrees, making it appropriate for making holes at an angle with ease. A simple non-complex procedure is followed in order to partially assemble the work table.
The broad working surface supports larger sizes of materials coupled with the ½ inch chuck key allows liberty to work with and boreholes through large pieces of wood and metal.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Adjustable speed between 750-3050 RPM
- Tiltable work surface
Cons:
- Laser system requires AA batteries
2. Best Industrial Floor Drill Press For Metal: JET JDP-20MF 20″ Drill Press, 115/230V 1Ph (354170)
This drill is user friendly and compliant with the user’s needs having some of the best features available in the market.
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Salient Features:
| Power | 1.5 HP |
| Voltage | 115/230 volts |
| Speed | no-load 150-4200 RPM |
| Size of chuck | 3/4 inches |
| Center drill | 20 inches |
| Tilt of work surface | 0 to 45 degrees |
- Power and Speed:
This drill incorporates a 1.5 HP motor that runs on 115 volts or 230-volt power sources. The drill boasts of 12 variable speeds that range from 150-4200RPM. This enables one to conveniently control the motion of the drill and adjust material on the work surface with ease.
The procedure followed in switching the speed is simple and easy to learn as it only requires disconnecting the motor, followed by switching the belt onto the pulley on the right after which things are set to run smoothly once again.
The motor provides enough power to drive the ¾ inch chuck drill mounted on the MT-3 spindle down thick materials. In addition to this, the drill has an added safety feature involving a switch on the front of the drill, used to turn the drill on or off.
- Work Surface:
The worktop can be slanted and tilted from 0 to 45 degrees. The broad work surface measuring 19 x 16 inches provides ample space for the support of big pieces of materials to be worked on.
- Additional Features:
The tension of the spindle, supported on ball bearings, may be altered using the reinstating spring that keeps the tension of the spindle within a normal range. The drill also possesses an inbuilt light that improves the illumination for the purpose of clarity of vision while working.
Pros:
- Powerful
- Variable speed
- Inbuilt lamp
- Broad working surface
Cons:
- The gauge for measuring depth is challenging to use
- Difficulty in assembling the drill
3. Best Drill Press For Metal And Wood: Dremel Drill Press Rotary Tool Workstation Stand with Wrench- 220-01- Mini Portable Drill Press- Tool Holder- 2 inch Drill Depth- Ideal for Drilling Perpendicular and Angled Holes- Table Top Drill
This highly versatile tool is a craftsman’s best friend. It enables one to complete various tasks with the utmost precision and quality. It serves triple functions as a drill press, holding tools and a shaft transmitting rotatory motion between close objects.
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Salient Features:
| Power | 1.5 HP |
| Voltage | 115/230 volts |
| Speed | no-load 750-3050 RPM |
| Size of chuck | 1/2 inches |
| Center drill | 10 inches |
| Tilt of work surface | 0 to 45 degrees |
- Drill Press:
The tool bores right-angled and slanted holes at angles ranging from 15-45 degrees. This is possible when the material is placed lying on the work surface in a horizontal position. The work surface is conveniently marked out to ensure precise boring of holes on the material.
- Bearer of Tools:
The drill bears tools in a horizontal position at a right angle. These tools are meant for tasks including buffing of metals, rubbing out different shapes, and milling metal pieces.
- Flexible Tool Stand Shaft:
The tool allows composite vision and alteration of height between 16 and 29 inches. In addition to this, the drill is also equipped for the keeping of bits used in drilling, drafts among other attachments.
Pros:
- Bears tools for buffing and rubbing out objects
- The working surface may be tilted at an angle
- Clips on the cords for safekeeping of power cords
- Markings for depth
- Clamps that steadfastly hold down the material to be worked on
Cons:
- Assembling the drill can be challenging
4. Best Drill Press For Sheet Metal: ShopSeries RK7033 6.2-Amp 10″ Drill Press
This light, easily portable drill press is ideal for metal press and offers an exceptional level of flexibility to move it around the workshop as the need arises. The features of this drill press include:
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Salient Features:
| Power | 6.2-Amp |
| Voltage | 120 volts |
| Speed | no-load 620-3100 RPM |
| Size of chuck | 1/2 inches |
| Center drill | 10 inches |
| Tilt of work surface | 0 to 45 degrees |
- Power and Speed
The drill press is powerful with a 6.2-Amp motor that is well suited for continual accuracy in drilling and cutting materials such as metal, wood or plastics repetitively. The drill also has enabled speed regulation with speed ranging from with speeds ranging from 620-3100 RPM.
- Performance
The ½ inch chuck size is suitable for working on wood and metal alike with much ease. The height may be altered and the working surface may be slanted at an angle of 0 to 45 degrees. Thus the drill may be comfortably used for a variety of materials having different sizes with minimal complications.
The 2-inch spindle enables one to make quick successive holes and with a high level of precision.
Pros:
- Ease in carrying
- Low weight
- Great range in speed.
Cons:
- The working surface is small
- Unsteady while working on tough materials.
5. Best Metalworking Floor Drill Press Under 1000: JET J-2500, 15″ Drill Press, 115V 1Ph (354400)
This highly reliable drill press was specifically built to offer a solid base while drilling. This top-quality press provides a wider range in speed of spindle as compared to other drill presses. Some of the outstanding features of this press include:
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Salient Features:
| Power | 3/4 HP |
| Voltage | 115 or 230 volts |
| Speed | no-load 200-3630 RPM |
| Size of chuck | 5/8 inches |
| Center drill | 15 inches |
| Tilt of work surface | 0 to 45 degrees |
- Power and Speed
This floor drill press is extremely powerful, owing to the fact that it is fitted with ¾ HP motor capable of supporting and working through a 120 or 240 voltage. This power provides ample strength to drive the spindle through a wide range of speeds from 200-3630 RPM.
The iron cast head consists of four permanent ball bearings that are always lubricated enclosed in a separate compartment for durability. All these features make this ideal for commercial purposes.
- Tilting Work Surface
The broad work surface is capable of being tilted at a 0 to 45-degree angle. This provides for the articulation of better-drilled holes which can be made either straight or at an angle depending on the desired outcome.
- Performance and Depth of Holes
The larger shaft around the spindle allows for increased precision in the boring of holes. The powerful 3-1/8 inch stoke provided by the puncturing end enables one to make deep holes with precision whenever necessary. Also, the depth gauge is also marked for this purpose.
- Additional Features
The drill also features a composite guard that ensures the safety of the spindle.
Pros:
- High range of speed
- Worksurface tilts
- Maximum stability from the steel base
Cons:
- Heavy with a 167 pound (75 kilos) weight
- Difficulty in assembly and putting the parts together.
Which Floor Drill Press is Best for Metal Cutting?
The best floor drill press is the ShopSeries RK7033. This is because it is a user-friendly drill which is readily available at an affordable price. Other features that contribute to this preference are:
- Size and Portability
This drill has a conveniently small size that enables it to fit comfortably on any worktop around the workshop. This coupled with its lightweight allows you to be able to carry it around and shift its position tirelessly.
- Power
The small size has no bearing on the power of this drill as it is well capable of drilling through a wide range of materials with ample power provided by the 2/3 HP motor. This power is also sufficient to drive the spindle at a speed of about 3200 RPM.
The speed of the spindle can also be regulated by the 5 gears that are in place. This allows one the much-desired liberty to work with different materials of varying thickness without restrictions.
- Ease of Use
The drill is user friendly and easy to use without much of a learning curve in learning how to operate it. The height of the spindle may be easily altered and the working surface may also be easily manipulated and tilted for the achievement of superior, high-quality holes and cuts.
The 2-inch shaft around the spindle is capable of moving and this ensures that the holes are drilled in quick succession and with utmost precision.
Tips For Buying the Best Floor Drill Press for Metal
A good floor drill press for metal ought to enable you to boreholes with a high level of accuracy each and every time. This is fundamental, especially when working on metal objects. The drill press should also be able to completely eliminate burred edges on the finished product as these are sharp and cause a safety risk to the operator.
Among the factors to consider when choosing a floor drill press are:
- Size and Weight
A good floor drill press is heavier and stable. This is essential for the provision of adequate support when working on large and dense materials such as metals. This may, however, be disadvantageous as it will pose a challenge while moving the machine and may require the use of extra gadgets to lift.
- Motor Power
A high amount of power is preferable as it will simplify the process of completion of tasks on the various materials of varying thicknesses without unnecessary delays.
- Speed
A drill having a wide range of speed is more ideal as it allows you to bore holes on metals and various other materials with ease. Drills with a higher number of predetermined speeds are preferable as they allow you to vary the speed and power depending on the desired outcome.
- Material to be Cut
Drill presses that operate under lower speeds enable one to cut through thicker and denser materials such as metals. Most drill presses can also be applicable for working on plastics and wood.
- Distance Moved by The Quill
The quill moves up and down while drilling. A large distance covered by the quill corresponds to a greater thickness of the material being worked on to boreholes.
- Chuck Size
The chuck is a triple jawed clamp that tightly holds the bit. Most standardized chucks are capable of accepting almost all bits. Some chucks either smaller or larger and need bits that fir the size accordingly.
- Size of Worktop
A big working table is able to support large materials that one may need to work on. Some work tables are fitted with clamps that help to secure the material to be worked on in place.
- Durability
It is important to choose drill presses that are built of tough, long-lasting material such as metal components to ensure a long duration of the machine in working condition. This is because working with dense materials such as metals and thick wood requires a tough machine that will not be easily worn out.
How to Use a Floor Drill Press for Metal
- Ensure that you put on your protective gear such as goggles and earplugs.
- Select the appropriate drill bit for the desired task.
- Fasten the bit onto the chuck with as much tension as possible using the key.
- Place the material onto the working table and secure its position.
- Move the work table to a height in which the bit is slightly above the level of the material to be worked on. This helps reduce the risk of injury.
- Switch on the drill press.
- Cut through the piece at the pace of the drill.
- Back out the bit once the hole has been drilled.
- Apply the use of the lock bolt on the spindle for drilling to the required depth.
- When working on thick materials, retrieve the bit occasionally to expel waste. If the material comes loose from the clamp, it is mandatory to stop the drill to avoid accidents.
- Stop the drill before evacuating the work.
- Disassemble the drill on completion of the task.
- Clean the drill press and store it appropriately, while covered to avoid the accumulation of dust.
Conclusion:
Drill presses are important tools in any workshop. The best floor drill press for metal should have the ability to produce ample power, be of variable operating speeds, and allow for the tilt of the working table at an angle. These will enable it to provide superior, top-quality cuts and give desirable results on completion of a task.
FAQ’s
[sc_fs_multi_faq headline-0=”h3″ question-0=”What makes a good drill press?” answer-0=”A good drill press should essentially be capable of providing ample power, variable speed of spindle and capacity to drill through different materials of varying thickness with ease.” image-0=”” headline-1=”h3″ question-1=”What is spindle travel on a drill press?” answer-1=”This is the area of the depth of holes that are produced as a result of the spinning of the spindle. For instance, a spindle distance of 2 inches corresponds to a hole, 2 inches deep.” image-1=”” headline-2=”h3″ question-2=”How tall should a drill press stand be?” answer-2=”A floor drill press stand should be about 34 inches. For on top of the bench drill presses, the stand should be about 15 inches tall. These enable one to have good visibility of the task at hand and ease with which to maneuver the material.” image-2=”” headline-3=”h3″ question-3=”How do you make a drill press table?” answer-3=”• Cut parts to be used on the top and for the inserts from a 1/2 inch MDF board. The parts to be inserted are 5×5 inches and are to be set off the drill bit by 1 inch. • Curve out a groove on one of the ½ inch pieces where the T track will be fitted. • The top parts are then glues together • Once the glue is dry, the corners ought to be rounded using a jigsaw followed by sanding to level them out. • The T mold is then attached using glue. This is done while ensuring the center is as tight as it could be. • The new table is attached to the drill press with the help of 1/2inch thick cleats cut out from an MDF board of ½ inches thickness. • Parts of the fence are cut-out, assembled and attached to the T tracks. • A finishing polish of polyurethane is then applied for a neat look. ” image-3=”” count=”4″ html=”true” css_class=””]
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