Choosing the right stationary drill press matters more than many hobbyists and small-shop owners realize. A good drill press delivers repeatable, accurate holes in wood and metal, increases safety, and saves time. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands‑on testing, teardown checks, and expert and user feedback to cover different budgets and use cases.
How we tested and picked
We evaluated stationary drill presses by combining hands‑on testing, expert reviews, and consumer feedback. Our process included:
- Real-world tasks: Drilling through hardwood, softwood, aluminum and mild steel; repetitive counts to test repeatability and depth stops.
- Precision checks: Measuring runout, quill travel accuracy, and table alignment.
- Durability & build: Inspecting castings, column rigidity, spindle bearings, belt/drive quality and table support.
- Usability: Ease of speed changes, depth stop usability, table tilt and height adjustments, lighting/visibility, and dust/chip management.
- Value & support: Comparing features relative to price, motor power, chuck capacity and aftermarket/service support.
Key factors that influenced rankings: power and torque, speed range and change method (stepped vs variable), quill travel and chuck capacity, table size/tilt, build quality (cast iron/steel), and value for the price. We prioritized machines that delivered accurate, repeatable results and long‑term reliability for their price class.
13in Floor Drill Press
A compact, user-friendly floor drill press offering 16 speeds, 3/4 HP motor and a 5/8" chuck capacity. Great for small shops and hobbyists who want a reliable machine for wood and light metalwork at an affordable price.
Why this budget pick works
This 13" floor drill press is built for hobbyists and garage shops that need solid capability without a large investment. The 3/4 HP motor and 16-speed head cover common drilling speeds for wood and many metal jobs. A 5/8" chuck capacity and 3-1/4" quill travel give reasonable flexibility for most projects, while the 13" swing keeps the footprint manageable. It includes a tilting table (45°) and a depth lock with ball knob for repeatable holes. Expect some compromises in long-term heavy-duty use compared with industrial benches—bearings and table support are adequate but not overbuilt—but for the price it delivers predictable performance and straightforward setup.
Powermatic PM2800B Variable
A top-tier, variable-speed 18" floor drill press with laser guides, robust cast-iron construction and a 1 HP motor. Designed for professional shops that need accuracy, versatility and heavy-duty reliability.
Premium build and precision
The Powermatic PM2800B is a pro‑grade machine focused on shop accuracy and longevity. Its infinitely-variable speed (250–3,000 RPM) eliminates belt changes and keeps torque where you need it. Laser guides, dual LED lighting, a large cast‑iron table that tilts 90°, and an oversized base provide exceptional stability and visibility for precise positioning. The 1 HP motor balances power and smooth operation on both wood and metal tasks. This model is for users who want a long‑lasting, accurate press with premium features—expect a high upfront cost but superior usability and a machine that will endure heavy daily use.
12-Speed Floor Drill Press
A well-balanced 12-speed floor drill press with long spindle travel, generous table and solid cast-iron components. Offers a strong combination of features and price for serious hobbyists and small shops.
Best balance of features and cost
This 12‑speed floor model is a standout for buyers wanting performance without premium pricing. The generous 4-3/4" spindle travel simplifies drilling through thicker stock, and the 12 speed steps span 150–3,150 RPM to cover most materials. A large 14" x 14" cast‑iron table that pivots 45° both ways gives good workpiece support and flexibility. The machine’s weight and construction help limit vibration and improve hole accuracy. For metalworkers and woodworkers who want reliable, repeatable results at a mid‑range price, this is a smart pick. While not infinitely variable like premium models, its stepped speeds and robust quill make it excellent value.
20in Workshop Drill Press
A 20" cast-iron floor drill press with a 1.5 HP motor and 12 speeds—built for professional shops requiring heavy-duty power, longevity and features like external depth stop and built-in work light.
The shop workhorse
This 20" floor drill press is an editors’ favorite for small to medium professional shops. The 1.5 HP motor provides ample power for thick metals and larger bits, while 12 speeds (150–4,200 RPM) let you dial in the correct speed without compromising torque. Notable features include a 1/2" external depth stop with secure locking, high‑quality spindle bearings for smooth operation, and an integrated lamp to improve visibility. The quick‑release, crank‑operated table and +/-45° tilt make it versatile for larger workpieces. It’s heavier and costlier than hobby models, but its build and motor mean this press will handle demanding daily work with less wear.
Comparison at a glance
Below is a concise comparison to highlight where each model excels:
- 13in Floor Drill Press (Best Budget Pick) — Affordable, compact, 16 speeds, 3/4 HP. Best for hobbyists and light shop use; limited heavy‑duty longevity.
- Powermatic PM2800B Variable (Premium Choice) — Infinitely variable speed, laser guides, cast iron construction, 1 HP. Best for professional users who prioritize precision and long service life.
- 12-Speed Floor Drill Press (Best Value for Money) — Long spindle travel, large cast‑iron table, broad speed range. Best for serious hobbyists and small shops needing balance between cost and capability.
- 20in Workshop Drill Press (Editors Choice) — 1.5 HP, 20" swing, high torque, durable bearings, lamp and external depth stop. Best for heavy shop workloads and larger workpieces.
Best overall: Powermatic PM2800B for precision, durability and shop-grade features. If you need raw power for larger workpieces and throughput, the 20in Workshop Drill Press is the best practical shop pick. For tight budgets or small spaces, the 13in Floor Drill Press gives reliable performance. For the best balance of features and price, the 12‑Speed Floor Drill Press is our top value recommendation.
Final recommendation
All four machines earned a spot because they deliver reliable, repeatable drilling in their price/performance bracket. If you want one machine to recommend across most situations and budgets, choose based on these user scenarios:
- Hobbyist / occasional user on a budget: 13in Floor Drill Press — compact, affordable and capable for wood and light metalwork.
- Serious hobbyist / small shop wanting value: 12‑Speed Floor Drill Press — long quill travel and a large table give excellent versatility for the price.
- Professional shop requiring throughput and heavy cuts: 20in Workshop Drill Press — more power, larger swing and rugged construction.
- Precision-focused professionals who want the best long-term investment: Powermatic PM2800B — premium features, variable speed and rock‑solid stability.
These recommendations are grounded in hands‑on testing, expert opinion, and customer feedback to ensure each pick serves a clear user need. If you tell me your typical projects and budget I can recommend the single best option tailored to your shop.