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WEN 4208
- Fantastic torque
- Wide speed range
- Compact, easy to use
JET JDP-20MF
- Excellent drilling capacity
- Flexible worktable
- Simple height adjustments
SKIL 3320-01
- Adjustable depth stops
- 45° tilting table
- 5 speed settings
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Drill presses are highly versatile tools. A drill press that can bore holes into wood will most likely be able to do the same in metal sheets and bars.
If you’re looking for the best drill press for metal, then we’ve got the perfect pick for you.
We’ve researched more than 30 models to find the one shining drill press for all of your metal-drilling needs.
Best Drill Press for Metal – WEN 4208
The best drill press for metal—the one that blows over 30 models out of the water—is the WEN 4208.
This benchtop drill press offers a wide drilling speed range for metal and woodworking projects at a super-affordable price.
Below are the WEN 4208’s key specifications—
- 1/3-HP Motor
- ½-inch Keyed Chuck
- 8-inch Swing
- Onboard Key Storage
What you may have noticed off the bat is that the 4208 comes with a 1/3-HP motor. This is a lot smaller than what you may find in most benchtop models, but don’t be mistaken by the low rating.
This machine can drill up to half-inch-thick bars of metal, let alone flimsy sheets and wood/plastic.
The 4208 has an 8-inch swing to give more stability to larger stock. The half-inch chuck fits larger bits to drill wider, deeper holes into metal and wood.
You can adjust the speed from between 740 and 3140 RPM, depending on what sort of project you’re undertaking.
This video will give you a clear idea of what the WEN 4208 is capable of doing.
Pros
- Fantastic torque
- Wide speed range
- Compact, easy to use
- High-quality construction
Cons
- Could feature larger motor
Even though the 4208 excels at woodworking jobs, it’s a metalworker’s dream. This compact models really pushes the limit of what a 1/3-HP, 8-inch benchtop drill press can do.
Top drill press for metal in the Market Compared
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall -WEN 4208 |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Premium -JET JDP-20MF |
| Check Today's Price |
| Best Budget -SKIL 3320-01 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Best Magnetic Drill Press -DEWALT DWE1622K |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Shop Fox W1668 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Gino Development 01-0822 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | WEN 4225 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Jet JDP-17 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Rockwell RK7033 |
| Check Today's Price |
 | Nova 58000 Voyager |
| Check Today's Price |
Reviews of Best drill press for metal
Best Premium - JET JDP-20MF
Key Specifications
- 1.5-HP Motor
- ¾-inch Keyed Chuck
- 20-inch Swing
- 12 Drill Speeds
The JET JDP-20MF is a fantastic all-purpose drill press.
This premium-quality tool comes with a sizable 1.5-HP motor that offers 12 different drilling speeds, starting from 150 RPM and capping at 4200. A ¾-inch chuck, coupled with the heavy-duty motor, ensures perfect holes in metal workpieces with as little burring as you could hope for.
A three-nut lock system keeps the drill’s spindle at a constant level, so every plunge will result in perfectly identical hole widths and depths every time.
The spindle can travel up to 4-5/8 inches downward while the table bevels up to 45° in both directions.
Don’t rely too heavily on the included speed chart; you might end up cranking up the speed when you intended to drop it down.
Thie video of the JDP-20MF will show you what this drill press can do.
Pros
- Excellent drilling capacity
- Great all-purpose tool for wood and metal
- Simple height adjustments
- Flexible worktable
Cons
- Chart instructions could be fixed
If this is your first-ever drill press, consult with more seasoned metalworkers on how to set the drive belts to your desired speed.
Best Budget - SKIL 3320-01
Key Specifications
- 3.2-amp Motor
- ½-inch Keyed Chuck
- 10-inch Swing
- Laser X2
The SKIL 3320-01 comes with a built-in 2-beam laser system that makes it a lot easier to gauge where the bit will penetrate the surface of your metal workpiece.
This machine has a speed range of between 570 and 3050 RPM, making it ideal for all sorts of jobs, including metalwork.
The half-inch chunk does a great job at boring wider holes into all sorts of materials, thanks to the power provided by the 3.2-amp motor.
To shift between speeds, just follow the chart and see where the position the drive belts.
The perfectly square worktable ensures optimal support while working with larger objects, and it doesn’t take much effort to assign a depth with the depth-stop system.
If you want an all-purpose tool that’s easy on the wallet, the SKIL 3320-01 is for you.
Pros
- Adjustable depth stops
- 45° tilting table
- 5 speed settings
Cons
- Could produce less noise
We’re sure that the loud drilling and motor noises are more than tolerable, especially at this price range.
Shop Fox W1668
Key Specifications
- ¾-HP Motor
- 5/8-inch Keyed Chuck
- 13.25-inch Swing
- Spindle Sander
The Shop Fox W1668 is one of the best benchtop drill presses on the market. Even though it’s a portable unit, the W1668 isn’t missing out on much.
It sports a massive ¾-HP motor and a 5/8-inch chuck to penetrate heavy steel and bore wider holes at greater depths.
You can adjust the speed of this tool from between 250 and 3050 RPM, depending on what type of workpiece you’re drilling.
The W1668 has a handy spindle sander attachment to remove any burrs or rough edges on plastic, wood, and metal workpieces.
Adjusting the drive belt can be a bit tricky, but the included chart does a great job of explaining how the process is done.
Want to see what the W1668 can do? This video will put your mind at ease.
Pros
- Multi-speed settings
- Powerful performance
- Tilting table
- Spindle sander attachment
Cons
- Spindle sander attachment
The W1668 is a super-versatile, extra-powerful machine that works beautifully on all sorts of objects, even metal bars.
Gino Development 01-0822
Key Specifications
- 1/8-HP Motor
- ¼-inch Keyed Chuck
- 6.75-square-inch Work Surface
- 8500 Max RPM
The Gino Development 01-0822 is another benchtop drill press that comes with multiple speed settings.
By adjusting the belts, you can drill through metal at a speed of up to 5000 RPM, 6500 RPM, and 8500 RPM.
However, we recommend plunging the spindle slowly so as to not cause your metal workpiece to go flying.
The 1/8-HP motor is incredibly undersized compared to other products on this list. Plus, the quarter-inch chuck can make it trickier to penetrate through thicker pieces of metal.
However, for making jewelry or drilling through sheet metal, the Gino Development 01-0822 can prove to be a trusty model.
Pros
- Robust and compact
- Good torque at low speeds
- Great precision
- Easy speed adjustment
Cons
- Could provide more drilling power
The Gino Development 01-0822 is weaker than most drill presses, but if you need extra-precision drilling for more delicate jobs, this should be your go-to drill press.
WEN 4225
Key Specifications
- 2/3-amp Motor
- 5/8-inch Keyed Chuck
- 15-inch Swing
- Precision Laser
If you’re interested in a larger WEN model, then we highly recommend taking a look at the WEN 4225.
This beefy floor drill press features a 2/3-HP motor—twice as powerful as the number-on 4208—while also delivering greater drilling depths of up to four inches.
Now, working with four-inch-thick metal bars is uncommon, but the trusty depth stop adjustment system should help keep the tool from overheating.
The 4225 also comes with a precision laser system that offers a pretty good estimate of where the bit will meet the surface of your workpiece.
It may need realigning from time to time, but most users find it more annoying than helpful.
What’s not annoying is the 280-to-3300-RPM range that will allow you to drill through any object easily and quickly.
Pros
- Laser system for precision
- 4-inch stroke
- Built-in work light
- 45° beveling table
Cons
- Could reach higher RPM
The 15-inch 4225 by WEN is the perfect floor drill press for those looking to upgrade their existing model on a slimmer budget.
Jet JDP-17
Key Specifications
- ¾-HP Motor
- 5/8-inch Keyed Chuck
- 16.5-inch Swing
- Work Light
The Jet JDP-17MF is a 16.5-inch floor-standing drill press that offers 16 different drilling speeds of between 200 and 3630 RPM.
Its 5/8-inch chuck, combined with the ¾-HP motor, ensures that every plunge will result in a burr-free hole to increase work productivity.
A positive depth stop allows more consistent drilling with every pull of the lever.
Like most drill presses, the JDP-17MF’s worktable can tilt up to 45° in either direction.
The spindle is supported by robust ball bearings for stable support and convenience. It comes with a built-in work light to increase your visibility in poorly-lit rooms.
Pros
- Very stable
- Adjustable speed
- Powerful yet quiet motor
- Very minimum runout
Cons
- Could vibrate less at higher speeds
This floor drill press is a highly versatile tool that also takes up much less floor space than most models of its class.
Rockwell RK7033
Key Specifications
- 2/3-HP Motor
- ½-inch Keyed Chuck
- 10-inch Swing
- Keyed Safety Switch
If you’re looking for a compact, user-friendly, powerful benchtop drill press, then we have the perfect model for you: the Rockwell RK7033 drill press.
This tool offers five operating speeds, which allow the drill bit to cut and bore holes easily into all types of workpiece materials, including hardened steel.
Featuring a hefty 2/3-HP motor, the Rockwell offers both optimal torque and fast drilling speeds to punch holes more efficiently.
The reliable depth stop system keeps the spindle at an even level with every plunge to produce identical hole after identical hole without trouble.
It’s on the affordable side of drill presses, so you won’t get a ton of premium-quality features in this machine.
Pros
- Affordable price tag
- Easy to use
- It has a keyed safety switch
- Adjustable for different heights
Cons
- Assembly could be easier
The Rockwell RK7033 provides excellent drilling performance on nearly any material, including metal bars and sheets.
Nova 58000 Voyager
Key Specifications
- 1.75-HP Motor
- 5/8-inch Keyed Chuck
- 18-inch Swing
- Digital Interface
If you’re tired of manually changing drive belts to get your drill press at the right speed, then your best option is the NOVOA 58000 Voyager.
Not only this tool features a heavy-duty, 1.75-HP motor, but the digital interface will allow you to switch between speeds—between 50 and 5500 RPM—without breaking a sweat.
The wide speed variance will let you choose the most appropriate speed and torque for drilling through metal pieces with minimal effort and burring.
The 58000 Voyager is amazing in every way. Not only is it super-user-friendly, but connecting it to your computer to set the depths and speeds without laying hands on the tool.
Want to see what the NOVA 58000 Voyager can do? Here’s your chance!
Pros
- No manual belt adjustment
- Wide speed variance
- Powerful motor
- Compatible with spindle sander attachment
Cons
- Firmware not supported by Mac
Without a computer, you can operate the NOVA 58000 Voyager as you would with any plain drill press, but connecting it to your Windows laptop will make it a lot more convenient to adjust the depth and speed.
Best Magnetic Drill Press -DEWALT DWE1622K
For those of you who need to punch holes into standing or overhead beams, we have the perfect magnetic drill press for your—the DEWALT DWE1622K.
Here’s what this magnetic drill press has in store for you—
- 10-amp Motor
- ½-inch Keyed Chuck
- 300/450 RPM
- Quick Release Handle
Not every metalworker can take their workpiece to their drill press, which is why the portable, magnetic DWE1622K is your perfect choice.
Instead, you can take this drill press to large, one-ton-plus beams and bore holes into them easily.
Weighing just 38 pounds, you shouldn’t have any trouble taking the tool up and down ladders to drill holes into overhead steel beams.
The magnetic base of the SWE1622K can support as much as 741 pounds, ensuring that the tool does not fall when working horizontally and upside down.
Plus, the quick-release mechanism instantly shuts off the magnetic base to let you move from place to place without fighting against the force of magnets.
This tool offers two speed options with caps at 300 and 450 RPM.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Works in all angles and orientations
- Quick-release mechanism
- Low-speed, high-torque
Cons
- Chuck could be more stable
The DEWALT DWE1622K mag drill press is a great option for heavy-duty metalworkers everywhere. Plus, it’s a DEWALT production, so you know you’re getting a high-quality product!
Buying Guide for Drill Press for Metal
In this guide, we’ll quickly explain what sort of features you should keep an eye out for when shopping for a drill press for metal.
RPM
First of all, even though high-speed drill presses are ideal for woodworking, this isn’t always the case with metal drill presses.
Metal is a lot denser than wood and can lead to many broken bits if you attempt to plunge a high-speed bit into stainless steel.
Working at a lower speed will deliver more torque, resulting in better drilling with less burring.
Motor
A good way to gauge how much torque is being delivered behind the spinning drill bit is by looking at the size of the motor.
For metalworking, ideally, you’ll want to choose a higher HP or amp rating.
However, if you work exclusively with sheet metal, then a lower-HP model such as the WEN 4208 will suit you just fine.
Working Surface
Take a look at the tool’s swing. The swing will provide you with a clear idea of how wide or long a workpiece the tool can drill into.
A higher swing generally refers to a larger worktable that offers more stability when drilling.
If you’re working with smaller objects, you can save a ton of money by shopping for a drill press with a limited swing distance.
Benchtop vs. Floor vs. Magnetic
There are three types of drill presses for metal. The first is a benchtop, which dominates our list of the best drill presses for metal.
Benchtop models are the weakest of the three but don’t take much floor space. These are ideal for smaller shops and metalworkers who work with thinner bars and sheet metal.
Floor drill presses take up a lot of floor space and require several feet of clearance on each side to accommodate larger workpieces.
They’re a lot more powerful and versatile, but they’re also a bit on the pricey side.
Then we have magnetic, or mag, drill presses that stick onto metal objects and drill in any orientation.
These tools are commonly used by heavy-duty construction workers who drill holes into large beams after they’re set up. You most likely won’t need one of these tools for your at-home workshop.
FAQ’s
Here, we’ll address some of the most FAQs about drill presses for metal.
Yes, you can. Drill presses designed to bore holes into metal objects will deliver enough torque and speed to punch holes into wood, plastic, and any other material you can imagine. However, drill presses for woodworking are not guaranteed to offer the same optimal drilling results on metal as they do on wood. If you’re looking for an all-purpose drill press, find a model that can work on metal.
They can be, especially if you don’t have the floor space to dedicate to a full-sized tool. Floor drill presses take up quite a bit of space but also deliver outstanding drilling performance on nearly any material. Benchtop models are compact, portable, and user-friendly, but their drilling powers are limited by their weaker motors.
As you can see on our list, not one brand dominates drill presses for metal. However, if you’re shopping for a drill press on a slimmer budget, you can’t go wrong with one of WEN’s productions. If you want a premium-quality drill press at a premium cost, then Jet Tools might be the perfect brand.
Not always. In fact, the models mentioned above come with standard drill bits made for woodworking and drilling into plastic. If you want a drill bit for metal, we suggest taking a look at cobalt and titanium drill bits. Here are a few highly recommended options: IRWIN 29-piece set (cobalt) and DEWALT 14-piece set (titanium). Make sure that they fit the chuck of your drill press before clicking on the checkout button.
Summary
As you can see, a drill press for metal can come in any shape and size.
What matters the most is that it doesn’t drill at super-fast speeds that will either ruin the drill bit or ruin your workpiece.
Out of the 30-plus models we researched, we’re more than confident that you’ll find the best drill press for your metal needs on this list.
If not, we’re more than happy to lend a helping hand in the comment section.