Drill presses are machines used for the precise drilling of holes to the accurate depths. Drilling is a very common machine process utilized in virtually all types of shops. Drill presses that are on the market can range from small bench-top models that are suitable for home workshops to larger floor models used for commercial applications.

For the proper selection of drill presses, there are many important features to review for the proper selection of these machines. Some of these are horsepower, size drilling capacity, variable speed, chuck size and depth-stop. Drill presses are available with various horsepower motors and speed settings. Machines with motors that have higher horsepower are capable of drilling larger holes in stronger materials. Variable speeds facilitate the drilling of different size diameter holes through a variety of materials without causing material damage.

Before purchasing a press drill for your business need, there are some choices you should consider that include:

1. Determine the correct type of drill presses you require for your business.

2. Consider buying accessories, attachments or guards for drill presses.

3. Choose the correct drill bits for drill presses depending on material selections.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a drill presses provider that carries the specific type of machine for your requirements

Whether you are searching for a bench-top, floor model press drill or one with certain horsepower requirements, there are manufacturers that carry these machines in many sizes and for a variety of uses that include industrial. Manufacturers should also provide good drill presses information to help you find drill presses that have the features, capacity and power to meet all your application requirements.

I recommend: Clausing Industrial offers 15 and 20 inches drill presses for metalworking applications with many features. At American Machine Tools, there are Wilton variable speed products available in bench style and floor model; other brand name machines are also available. CPO Delta Woodworking Tools has a drill presses directory of products that includes Delta 12 inches variable speed bench drill presses and many more items at varying prices.

Select a distributor that offers drill presses accessories, attachments or guards

In the selection of a drill press, it is important to determine what accessories and attachments are standard for the particular machine you need and if it can accept additional attachments. Some attachment/accessories are sanding drums, planer heads and mortise attachments. Likewise, drill press guards may be necessary to protect workers from injuries while these machines are in operation. Choose suppliers that have quality products and offer a diverse selection of products.

I recommend: Southern Tool offers drill press accessories and attachments that include mortising attachments and sanding drums. The company also has a good drill presses list of products that includes JET and Wilton brands in floor model and bench mount versions. Rockford Systems offers different types of drill guards from heavy-duty aluminum shields to telescoping drill shield for operator safety.

Buy drill presses from suppliers that offer different types of products

An important part of any drill press is the bit. Choose the drill bit in accordance to the type of material you need to drill. Some common bits available are high-speed steel, titanium coated, carbide tipped and cobalt. Cobalt bits are a good choice for drilling in stainless steel and various other metals. If you require an assortment of these products then purchase them from a supplier with a good variety of items.

I recommend: Advantage Drill and HermansCentral both carry a huge inventory of bits that include titanium coated, high-speed steel, cobalt and more at good prices. You can find drill bits for countless applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Chuck size for bench-top drill presses is usually 1/2-inch.