While working with a variety of materials like different types of metals and wood, you must have a good Drilling tool by your side. 

And in this regard, nothing can beat a good-quality budget Drill Press as it can yield accurate holes of different sizes, which may be positioned at different angles. The best part is that many of the models available are priced quite reasonably. 

But since the market is flooded with a ton of options, choosing a suitable model often becomes difficult. That’s why we’ve tried to help you out but putting forward this list of the 11 best options to consider. As a bonus, we’ve included a buyer’s guide so that you can make a well-informed decision. 

With all said and done, let’s get going!

Best Budget Drill Press  

1. WEN 4208 Drill Press

This drill press from WEN offers one of the best combinations of utility and efficiency you will find in the market. Coming with a couple of high-quality features, it facilitates creating accurately positioned holes to ensure that your projects are completed with utmost efficacy. Besides, the reasonable price tag has made it popular among many DIY lovers. 

Why Did We Like It?

To begin with, this unit consists of a keyed-chuck capable of drilling holes of ½ inch size, making it suitable for a range of projects. A key storage chamber is also attached to ensure that the keys are always within close reach.

What’s more, its spindle can travel up to 2 inches and comes with knobs for depth adjustment to enable more accurate and multiple drilling operations. The measurements marked for the adjustment are easy to read and the worktable can be beveled 45 degrees to the left and right to create precisely-angled holes on any side. 

Beyond that, it has a strong, rugged, and durable induction motor of ⅓ HP that helps complete every work with ample torque and power. 

Last but not least, the head, base, and table of this unit are made from high-quality and durable cast iron. So, rest assured that it will provide long-lasting service.

What Could’ve Been Better?

The one-year warranty offered by the brand is not effective enough as it only covers minor issues. Also, the response from the manufacturer may be delayed in some cases. Nonetheless, the drill press works effectively to provide great results every time. 

2. SKIL 3320-01 3.2 Drill Press

This is another excellent drill press to carry out all your home improvement projects with absolute finesse. Suitable for many different materials including metal and wood, it can also be used for large-scale building and furniture projects. Plus, the brand offers an impressive 3-year limited warranty on the unit.

Why Did We Like It?

What we liked the most about this unit was its effective variable speed functionality, which lets you adjust the working speed by 5 levels based on your needs. This makes it possible to drill clean holes in different materials. 

Another great feature that this unit offers is a 2-beam laser, which plays an important role in aligning the holes precisely. Accompanied with this is the depth adjustment system that facilitates consistent drilling each time. 

As for the chuck size, it’s the same as that offered by our previous pick, so you can comfortably insert larger bits for cutting and woodworking. Also, the work surface can be tilted by a maximum of 45 degrees, which makes sure that the angled drilling is precise. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

Although this unit does its job quite well, it may arrive with some missing parts missing. For instance, some customers complained that the central column used for supporting the other parts was not included in the package. So, make sure you check whether all the components are there as soon as it arrives. 

3. DEWALT DWE1622K Drill Press

The DEWALT DWE1622K drill press is an extremely reliable option to go for as it provides optimal performance while working on a range of materials. This unit also offers great user convenience as it incorporates a number of utility-based features. The components included in the package are a safety chain, a tool for height adjustment, and a keyed chuck.

Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, the unit offers relatively more drilling power than many other drill presses in the market. What makes this possible is a 10-Amp motor that helps the unit deliver a powerful and accurate performance. Additionally, you get to adjust the speed by two levels, viz., 300 RPM, and 450 RPM, as per your drilling needs. 

Another beneficial feature is the spindle travel distance of 4⅜ inches, which provides great drilling capacity and makes it suitable for heavy-duty applications. On top of that, the height adjustment functionality gives greater accessory compatibility. 

We were also impressed with the magnetic cooling tank provided in the package that lets users control the flow of the cooling fluid. All you have to do is make sure that it’s placed close to the unit for proper functioning. Finally, the grip handle can be quickly released by just pressing a button and may be attached on either side of the unit. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

The only disadvantage of using this unit is that it is comparatively heavier than other models. As such, it offers limited portability and won’t be suitable for people who may require shifting their tools frequently. However, we have no complaints regarding the efficiency of this unit. 

4. Shop Fox W1848

Next in line is this advanced model from Shop Fox, which is useful for both drilling and sanding operations. Notably, sanding helps in removing sawdust and other materials that may be stuck on the surface of drilled holes to make them smooth. Several unique functionalities have been incorporated into the model so that users can derive a steady and efficient performance.

Why Did We Like It?

First things first, the oscillating spindle is what makes this unit a dual-purpose tool as it helps in proper contour sanding besides holding the chuck in position for efficient drilling. This helps you obtain a smooth finish after the drilling process is complete and also reduces the heat build-up during use. 

Moving forward, we loved its variable speed motor of ¾ HP which offers as many as 12 speed settings, whereby you can adjust the speed between 250 to 3050 RPM. As such, users get great flexibility during work and can carry out different drilling and sanding projects. 

Another significant advantage of this unit is that its table can be tilted to 90 degrees either to the left or right. So, you can position the workpiece as per your requirements to achieve unique sanding or drilling angles. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

The instruction manual included with this unit is not quite comprehensive enough as a few of the steps for set-up are a bit vague. Hence, beginners might find the assembly to be somewhat challenging. Also, the manual doesn’t have an inventory list, and some parts of the unit are not labeled properly.

5. Delta 18-900L

This powerful laser unit from Delta offers great precision for all drilling projects to achieve perfectly drilled holes in the first attempt. It also provides users with considerable convenience by virtue of its diverse and highly useful features. From our experience, it’s safe to conclude that this unit is among the best-performing models in the market.

Why Did We Like It?

What places this unit a step ahead of many other models is its auto-tension belt drive system. In simple words, it promotes easier and faster speed changes during use while ensuring maximum efficiency of transmission with the help of proper motor alignment and steady belt tension. 

In addition, it comes with a heavy-duty ¾ HP motor, which makes it capable of handling a range of demanding projects. There is a 6-inch quill stroke capacity that makes it very useful for deeper industrial drilling applications and enhances its drilling capacity. 

Furthermore, there are a couple of user-friendly features integrated in the unit. Firstly, there is a depth scale and few micro-adjustable depth stops, which help users set up the unit for repetitive drilling very quickly. You will also find an LED light function that illuminates the work surface for sufficient visibility, while the non-tip base made of cast iron maintains proper stability. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

Some customers have complained that the customer support offered by the brand is not efficient enough. They have pointed out that despite having reported their issues with the unit several times, there was no substantial response or action taken. 

6. Euro Tool Small Benchtop Drill Press DRL-300.00

Euro Tool is known across the country for manufacturing some of the best quality power tools for a wide range of applications. This small benchtop drill press offers the reliable characteristics of the brand and is also priced quite reasonably, suitable for use by professionals as well as DIY lovers.

Why Did We Like It?

Firstly, the maximum speed limit of this unit is as high as 8500 RPM, which is more than the majority of drill presses that you will find out there. This enhances its flexibility of use and also makes it much more versatile. 

Moreover, its highly efficient 110V motor lets you drill tiny and accurate holes on different materials. You will also be glad to know that this machine is compact in size and weighs a mere 13 lbs, which makes it easily portable around your workshop. As such, it is highly suitable for users faced with space limitations. 

Since it has very few moving parts, it’s much easier to setup and use, so you can practically install and forget it! Last but not least, it has a cast iron base like some of our other recommendations, which takes care of the stability factor during use. 

What Could’ve Been Better?

The handle that arrives in the package may not always match or