Metals can be the hardest of any material to drill accurately. That is why you need the powerful torque and accuracy that drill presses provide as opposed to other types of drills. They also do not leave as many burred edges as other style drills, which is important for both fit and safety.
Here are our reviews of the 4 best drill presses for metal on the market:
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
This is a sleek little drill press that Wen has manufactured that will be a welcome addition to any workshop. It not only gives you all the benefits of having a full 12 inch swing level to work with but it is also laser guided for accuracy when you start to bore your holes; those are two very key points in any metal drilling process. When you factor in the variable speed settings you should be able to drill quality holes in metal time after time.
There are other features that make this Wen product a nice drill press to own too. For starters, it is moderately priced compared to others in its class, yet it still has the same power and features of many of them. It can accommodate drill bits up to 5/8 inches and bore holes in such tough metals as 1 inch thick cast iron. While you drill you will also have the luxury of indefinite drill speeds from 580-3200 RPM at your disposal; this will enable you to drill quickly through metal when you are not concerned about the bore hole quality or to go extremely slow when accuracy and smoothness are paramount.
The WEN 4214 drill press is also a quality built machine that should last you a very long time. It has a solidly built cast iron frame and features and induction motor with ball bearings for extended life. It also comes with a full 2 year warranty. If you’re on a budget, this is a serious contender for the best drill press for metal.
Powermatic PM2800B 1792800B Drill Press
If you need to do tough metal drilling jobs on a regular basis that also require smooth precision drilling then this model will fit the bill nicely. The Powermatic PM2800B 1792800B (see full specs) has many features that any quality high end drill press needs. It all starts with the mechanical variable speeds that are super accurate because of this presses remarkable digital readout; there is no more reliable way to know your exact drill RPM’s. It incorporates a fence that ensures perfect 90 degree angle alignment and fence stops for quick and accurate drilling when multiple holes of the same size are being done.
How does the manufacturer feel about the quality that is built into this machine? The full 5 year warranty should tell you all you need to know there. If you can afford it, this is likely the best drill press for metal period.
SKIL 3320-01 120-Volt 10-Inch Drill Press For Metal
If you want a drill press that can do some tough work but does not cost a lot of money, then this nice little model built by SKIL may be exactly what you are looking for. It features a full 10 inch swing that is available when drilling and allows you to choose from one of five drill speeds too. It has enough torque to handle thick metal drilling and can go slow enough for precision drilling also; its RPM range goes from 570 to 3,050 RPM. It also features laser guidance which ensures the most accuracy when it comes to precision hole drilling.
It has a powerful 3.2 amp motor, a cast iron base and a depth adjustment system that can be turned to accommodate up to a 45 degree angle cut. It has a compact size for a portable drill press and its 55 pound weight makes it ideal to carry on your work truck if you need to do a lot of precision drilling at multiple job sites. This SKIL drill press is solidly built and comes with a full 1 year warranty and a 30 day no questions asked money back guarantee.
Jet JDP-17 3/4 hp Drill Press for Metal
For a high-quality press which will punch its way through any metal with ease, this 3/4hp drill press is ideal. It’s also a bit on the costly side, but it’s not quite industrial pricing yet. In addition to the extreme amounts of power, however, you’re looking at a lot of convenience.
This press allows for one-handed bit changes, has integrated stop depth, and a large work table to keep your piece in place. Add in pinpoint accuracy and an LED worklight so you can see the piece clearly and you have a winner. Give it a shot if you’re looking to make sure you get a ton of value for your dollar. This is, without a doubt, among the best drill presses for metal.
DRILL PRESSES FOR METAL — SAFETY
It is important to remember that drilling can be a dangerous activity if not done properly. Always read the user’s guide before using any drill that you have purchased and take note of any safety measures and precautions in the literature. NEVER use a drill press without wearing proper safety goggles or try to drill through material that is not safely locked into place (If there are others in the area then ask them nicely to put on their safety eyewear too). Always exercise caution when drilling and do not put your hands anywhere near the drill bit when the machine is in operation.
If you buy a quality drill press like the ones above and use caution as you work, you will be able to handle your metal drilling tasks with no problems whatsoever. Hopefully, you’ve found the best drill press for metal here in this article, and we wish you luck on all your mechanical endeavors, now or in the future.
