How to Pick Out the Right Drill Press
A drill press is a piece of equipment used for precision drilling in wood, metal and other materials. It works just like a hand-held drill, but offers a much greater level of control and accuracy. Because drill presses are relatively costly, it's important to compare different models before making a purchase. When choosing a drill press, consider factors such as horsepower, speed, size and added features before making your final selection. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Decide what type of drill press will work best for you. Drill presses come in two basic varieties, including floor and table-mounted units. Table, or bench, models are the most compact, and are suitable for most applications. Floor-mounted units are more powerful and versatile, but are also larger and more expensive.
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Check the horsepower rating for each unit. The horsepower on a drill press generally ranges from 1/4 to 1, with higher-rated models capable of drilling heavier and denser materials. Choose a unit based on the types of materials you plan to work with.
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Compare speed options on each drill press. The most basic units have a fixed drill speed, while more advanced units come with variable speed settings. Choose a unit with a high level of adjustability if you plan to work on a wide variety of materials and projects. If you only plan to perform basic woodworking tasks, a single-speed drill press will be sufficient.
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Determine the size of each drill press. The size represents the distance from the support column to the rotating spindle. According to Bob Vila Home Improvement, a 15-inch drill press can cut to the center of a 15-inch piece of wood. Look for larger sizes if you plan to work with larger objects.
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Review quill depth, also known as "stroke." The higher the stroke, the deeper the tool can drill into an object. When checking quill depth, make sure to also check for quill stops, or depth stops, which help to improve cutting accuracy.
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Consider the different table options. Basic drill presses often come with stationary tables, while more advanced units can be raised or lowered, or even swiveled around the central column. Some units even come with tables that can be tilted for easier access on special projects.
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Look for specialty features like fences or guides, which help users cut multiple objects in the same location. Other possible options you may want to look for include built-in planers and sanders or mortise attachments.
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