Floor-standing drill presses are large, powerful machines that can make precise holes in tough materials. They are superior to benchtop drills in every way other than their lack of mobility.
If you have a workshop with enough space to accommodate one, a floor-standing drill will be a great addition to your tool collection. However, it will be a significant investment, which is why it is important to ensure you choose the right one.
To help you find your ideal drill unit, we have reviewed seven of the best floor drill presses that are currently available. We chose these drills for their drilling power, size, how adjustable their tables are, and extra features such as lighting and laser guides.
- 1.5-horsepower motor
- 12 speed settings
- 20-inch swing
- ¾-horsepower motor
- Rotating and pivoting table
- 16 speeds with easy adjustment
- Oscillation feature
- 250 to 3,050 RPM
- Budget-friendly
- Tilting head for angled drilling
- Radial head increases capacity
- 32.5-inch swing
- 90-degree table tilt
- 1.5-horsepower motor
- Weighs 350 lbs
Product Reviews
A floor drill press will likely be among the largest (and most expensive) tools in your workshop, so it is important to choose one carefully. This is why we have reviewed seven of the best floor drill presses that are currently available, chosen for their speed and torque, size, and extra features such as laser guides and lighting.
JET JDP-20MF 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
Best Floor Drill Press for Woodworking
This JET drill press has a 1.5-horsepower motor, providing enough power to tackle the toughest drilling jobs and materials. It has a 0.75-inch keyed chuck and 12-speed settings ranging from 150 to 4,200 RPM, so it is equally capable of cutting fragile materials and
It has a depth stop with dual locking nuts for quicker adjustment. The table can be tilted to make angled cuts and a built-in light will ensure you have a clear view of your work at all times.
What We Like
Powerful Motor
With 1.5 horsepower at its disposal, this floor drill press is capable of penetrating the toughest materials you are likely to encounter, including steel and cast iron.
12 Speed Settings
The lowest speed setting of 150 RPM provides high torque for drilling metals and other hard materials. For cutting softer pieces of wood, you can increase the speed up to 4,200 RPM, so this is a very versatile tool.
20-Inch Swing
The unit has a swing of 20 inches, so it can drill to the center of stock that is 10 inches in diameter.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
Some customers have complained of design faults and build quality issues, particularly relating to the depth stop.
Expensive
This is one of the more expensive drill presses we have looked at. Its price probably makes it an unrealistic option for anyone other than professionals.
Product Specs
Swing (inches) | 20 |
Chuck size (inches) | 0.75 |
Weight (pounds) | 268 |
Dimensions (inches) | 58 x 27 x 13 |
Table tilt | 45 degrees |
Price | $$$$ |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Sunex 5000A 16-Speed Floor Drill Press
Best Variable Speed Floor Drill Press
If versatility is a priority, the Sunex 5000A is an excellent choice. It has 16 different speed settings, ranging from 200 to 3850 RPM. The belt tension lever enables you to switch speeds quickly and easily.
Other notable features include a rotating and pivoting table, a ¾-horsepower motor, and enough capacity for large pieces of material. This is a powerful, versatile drill press that will be suitable for the majority of drilling tasks.
What We Like
¾ HP Motor
This is a heavy-duty drill press with a ¾-horsepower motor, providing enough strength to penetrate tough materials.
Rotating and Pivoting Table
This drill press has a 360-degree rotating table for greater flexibility. It also pivots up to 45 degrees on each side. An indicator shows the current angle so you can drill precise holes for joints and other tasks.
16 Speeds and Easy Adjustment
A wide range of speeds is good but it is also helpful to have multiple settings within that range. With 16 speed settings, ranging from 200 RPM to 3850 RPM, this drill is versatile enough for any material. It is easy to change speeds thanks to the tension lever.
What We Don't Like
Vague Instructions
The instruction manual is brief and doesn’t provide a detailed walkthrough for setting up the tool. If you don’t have much experience with drill presses, this can make it challenging to install.
Flimsy Construction
This is one of the cheaper drill presses we have seen and customer reviews suggest that the build quality reflects this. If you want a tough drill for heavy-duty work, it is worth spending more for a better-quality model.
Product Specs
Swing (inches) | Not specified |
Chuck size (inches) | 0.625 |
Weight (pounds) | 138 |
Dimensions (inches) | 45.13 x 18.5 x 10.88 |
Table tilt | 45 degrees on both sides |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press
Best Oscillating Floor Drill Press
This is an oscillating Shop Fox floor drill press, which means it not only rotates but also moves back and forth. With the right attachment, it can also be used as an oscillating sander to give the holes you drill a smoother finish.
Your purchase includes a set of sanding drums that fit the 0.625-inch chuck, so you can start using the sander immediately. The motor is 0.75 horsepower, so it is the most powerful, but it is excellent for woodworking.
What We Like
Oscillation Feature
The oscillation feature makes this drill press very versatile. It means you can use the drill as a sander to make smoother holes.
Adjustable Speed Range
A wide range of speeds from 250 to 3,050 RPM makes this tool suitable for various materials. Slower speeds suit harder stock while higher speeds cut softer materials quickly.
Low Price
Despite its extra ability to oscillate, this Shop Fox drill press is still surprisingly affordable. It is among the cheaper units we have seen during our research.
What We Don't Like
Weighs Just 122 lbs
This drill press weighs just 122 pounds. Unlike handheld power tools where lighter weights are preferable, it can be a drawback for stationary tools. This is because light drill presses can become unstable when heavy pieces are placed on their tables.
Product Specs
Swing (inches) | 13.75 inches |
Chuck size (inches) | 0.625 |
Weight (pounds) | 122 |
Dimensions (inches) | 24 x 15 x 63 |
Table tilt | 90 degrees left and right |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Shop Fox W1680 1-Horsepower Floor Drill Press
Best Floor Drill Press for Metal
Shop Fox is one of the most popular names in drill presses and it is easy to see why. This is a 17-inch model that has a slower maximum speed of 1,720 RPM, making it more suitable for harder materials. When drilling into metal, it is best to work at low speeds to generate greater torque.
This unit also has a tilting table that measures 14 inches in diameter and can swing up to 90 degrees for a wider range of drilling angles.
What We Like
Reasonably Priced
While there are cheaper Shop Fox models available, this one is still reasonably priced, especially compared to some of its more expensive competitors.
90-Degree Table Tilt
A 45-degree tilt is the industry standard but this table is more versatile, with a tilt of 90 degrees. This makes it great for drilling angled holes for joints and other purposes.
Enhanced Safety Features
This model has a spindle guard to protect you during use and an oversized cut-off switch to ensure the drill can be turned off quickly during an emergency.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality
To make this drill as affordable as possible, Shop Fox has had to make some compromises with the quality of its components.
Delivery Issues
We have seen multiple reports of customers receiving damaged drills. It isn’t clear whether this is due to careless delivery or inadequate packaging.
Product Specs
Swing (inches) | 17 |
Chuck size (inches) | 0.625 |
Weight (pounds) | 178.1 |
Dimensions (inches) | 56.5 x 21 x 10 |
Table tilt | 90 degrees |
Price | $$$ |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Delta 18-900L Laser Drill Press
Best Floor Drill Press With Laser
This Delta drill press has a laser guide to help you drill holes with pinpoint accuracy. It uses two lasers to highlight the exact drilling spot, removing any guesswork. This is a very helpful feature, especially if you don’t have much experience in using a drill press.
It has a 0.75-horsepower motor with 16 speed settings, a work light, and an oversized table that pivots 90 degrees left and right and tilts forward to 48 degrees. This makes it a versatile, user-friendly drill that is great for beginners.
What We Like
Twin Lasers
If you want to drill as accurately as possible, a twin laser guide will help you significantly. You will be able to drill holes quickly and accurately, without any guesswork.
16 Speeds
The more speed settings a drill has, the greater its versatility will be. Slower speeds are better for hard stock and quicker speeds will make short work of softer materials such as wood and plastic.
5-Year Warranty
Delta guarantees this drill with a generous 5-year warranty, which is as long as you are likely to find on a power tool. This is a very expensive drill press, so receiving a generous warranty is even more important.
What We Don't Like
Very Expensive
This floor drill press is one of the most expensive we have seen during our research. Unless you are a professional, you should be fine with a more affordable model, and even then you should consider whether it is a necessary investment.
Poor Customer Service
We have seen multiple accounts of people being dissatisfied with the customer service they received when encountering issues with this drill press.
Product Specs
Swing (inches) | 18 |
Chuck size (inches) | 0.50 |
Weight (pounds) | 240 |
Dimensions (inches) | 59 x 30.5 x 13 |
Table tilt | 90 degrees left and right |
Price | $$$$ |
Warranty | 5-year |
Our Ratings
Shop Fox W1670 0.50-Horsepower Radial Drill Press
Best Radial Floor Drill Press
Radial drill presses are specialist tools. They have a head that extends out over your stock to increase the maximum size of your workpiece. This Shop Fox model has a swing of 32.5 inches, giving it a superior reach to the majority of other floor drill presses out there.
This unit has a 0.50-horsepower motor, so despite having a higher capacity, it probably won’t be suitable for heavy-duty drilling. Another unique aspect of this model is that the drill head tilts as well as the table, so you have even more freedom to create angled holes.
What We Like
Tilting Head
The tilting head makes this tool suitable for sanding and it provides a wider range of drilling angles. When combined with its tilting table, you will have a multitude of different options.
Radial Head
The radial head increases this tool’s stock capacity significantly and means you will be able to drill the centers of larger pieces of material.
Reasonable Price
Despite its extra features, this drill is still reasonably priced and is not one of the most expensive we have looked at during our research.
What We Don't Like
Build Quality Issues
For this drill to be reasonably priced, even with its extra features, compromises have been made in other areas. This drill’s build quality is questionable, based on the customer reviews we have read.
Do You Need One
Ask yourself if you need this tool’s extended capacity. If you don’t, you can find a better-quality floor drill press for the same amount of money.
Product Specs
Swing (inches) | 32.5 |
Chuck size (inches) | 0.625 |
Weight (pounds) | 138 |
Dimensions (inches) | 54.5 x 20 x 10 |
Table tilt | 90 degrees left and right |
Price | $$ |
Warranty | 2-year |
Our Ratings
Grizzly Industrial G7948-20-Inch Floor Drill Press
Best Industrial Floor Drill Press
This Grizzly drill press is designed for industrial use, so it will tackle heavy-duty drilling tasks. It has a 1.5-horsepower motor and a table that can swing left and right by 90 degrees.
This is a heavy unit, weighing 350 pounds, so you won’t want to move it again once it is in position. This weight has the advantage of making the unit very stable, so it can hold heavier pieces of material without a loss of stability. It is an ideal tool for production lines and other commercial applications.
What We Like
Durable and Sturdy
This tool is built to last and is intended for heavy-duty use. Its weight means it is very stable, so you won’t have to worry about it potentially tipping over if you place heavy pieces of material on it.
1.5-Horsepower Motor
1.5 horsepower places this among the most powerful drills we have looked at and means it will be more than strong enough for any task you ask of it.
Weighs 350 lbs
The more weight you place on the table, the heavier the unit should be to hold it safely. It weighs 350 pounds, which is more than enough to cope with the most substantial pieces of material.
What We Don't Like
Expensive
This is a professional-grade drill press with a price to match, so you should consider whether or not you need such a high-end model. If you only need a drill press for occasional use, you can save money by looking elsewhere.
Size Concerns
Make sure you have a space suitable to accommodate a large, heavy drill press. Ideally, this means placing it on a concrete floor. If you need to put it on a wooden floor, make sure the boards can hold the weight safely.
Product Specs
Swing (inches) | 20 |
Chuck size (inches) | 1.25 |
Weight (pounds) | 350 |
Dimensions (inches) | 26 x 62 x 14 |
Table tilt | 90 degrees left and right |
Price | $$$$ |
Warranty | 1-year |
Our Ratings
Product | Best | Swing | Chuck size | Weight | Dimensions | Table tilt | Warranty |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
JET JDP-20MF Floor Drill Press | Woodworking | 20″ | 1″ | 268 lbs | 58 x 27 x 13″ | 45 deg | 2-year |
Sunex 5000A Drill Press | Variable Speed | N/A | 0.625″ | 138 lbs | 45.13 x 18.5 x 10.88″ | 45 deg | 1-year |
Shop Fox W1848 Floor Drill Press | Oscillating | 13.75″ | 1″ | 122 lbs | 24 x 15 x 63″ | 90 deg | 2-year |
Shop Fox W1680 Floor Drill Press | Metal | 17″ | 1″ | 178 lbs | 56.5 x 21 x 10″ | 90 deg | 2-year |
Delta 18-900L Laser Drill Press | Laser | 18″ | 0.5″ | 240 lbs | 59 x 30.5 x 13″ | 90 deg | 5-year |
Shop Fox W1670 Radial Drill Press | Radial | 32.5″ | 1″ | 138 lbs | 54.5 x 20 x 10″ | 90 deg | 2-year |
Grizzly Industrial G7948 Floor Drill Press | Industrial | 20″ | 1.25″ | 350 lbs | 26 x 62 x 14″ | 90 deg | 1-year |
When to Use a Floor Drill Press
A floor drill press is the best tool for heavy-duty drilling tasks. Drill presses are primarily used to drill cylindrical holes but there is much more to them than simple brute force. They can also bore, countersink, ream, and tap.
The main advantages of floor drill presses are that they provide excellent accuracy and power. They can be used to drill numerous holes to the same depth, by setting a simple depth stop. This means you won’t need to manually measure or adjust the drill each time you need to make a hole.
It is the perfect tool for woodshops, factories, and other production lines.
What Size Floor Drill Press Should You Choose?
The right floor drill press size to choose will depend on the type of stock you work with. The maximum size will unavoidably be limited by how much space you have in your workshop. If you have a large workpiece with a wide diameter, you will need to consider the “swing” of the drill press.
A drill’s swing is twice the throat distance (the measurement from the center of the spindle to the nearest side of the column). An 18-inch drill press will have a swing of 9 inches, which means it can drill holes 9 inches from the edge of a piece of material. Most floor drill presses are 16, 18, or 20 inches.
What to Look for in a Floor Drill Press
At a glance, most floor drill presses look quite similar but there will be some important differences from model to model. When trying to find the right one, take the time to think about these features and it should help narrow your search.