Corded and cordless drills benefit from their compact size and portability, but soon show their limitations when drilling through thicker and harder materials. Outlet and battery power can only muster enough torque in internal motors, but will struggle when drilling to larger depths, or provide the precision and accuracy of machines that working professionals use daily – drill presses.
These stationary tools are the mainstay of every metal fabrication and woodworking shop, with the power, accuracy, control and flexibility for a variety of drilling and machining tasks and when working with different materials.
The Basics of Drill Presses
Drill presses are larger, more powerful and undoubtedly more versatile versions of handheld drills. They’re stationary tools used to precisely drill holes to desired depths in wood, metal, ceramics, plastic and other materials. The machines aren’t limited to drilling, but can take numerous attachments. This makes the drill press a versatile option for common machining processes such as boring, countersinking, reaming and spot facing, among other techniques.
The machines consist of several key components:
- The base: this is the foundation that provides stability and support, often made of thick-gauge cast iron.
- Column: the vertical pillar that connects the base to the machine head. Columns provide height adjustability in the head and table on which the workpieces sit.
- Head: this is business’s end of drill presses, housing the motor, pulleys and feeding mechanism to drive drill bits and tooling.
- Spindle: spindles protrude from the bottom of the head. They house the drill bit and provide rotation. Controlling drilling depth is provided by a feed handle that moves the spindle up and down. Attached to the spindle is the chuck that secures the bit and tooling in place.
- Table: Tables are suspended from the column and support the workpiece. They can be adjusted for height and angle, ensuring higher drilling precision and safety.
Drilling involves adjusting table height and angle, securing the workpiece with clamps on the table, inserting the drill bit in the chuck and adjusting drilling speed. Start the drill by pressing the start/stop button and slowly pulling the feed handle down.
For deeper holes in thicker materials, pull the drill bit out periodically to prevent chip and sawdust buildup. Once holes are drilled to the desired depths, shut down the drill press, remove the bit and clear the table of scrap. For higher safety and precision, the machines are also fitted with fixed or adjustable guards, depth stops, emergency stop buttons and motor brakes.
Common Types
Based on size and where they’re used, drill presses can be divided into two basic types – benchtop and floor drill presses. Benchtop types are smaller, often with less-powerful motors (up to 1hp), capable of drilling through thinner metals and most soft and hardwoods, and provided with simple features such as adjustable drilling speeds, tilting tables, precision guides and safety essentials. They’re easier to use and more common in smaller workshops and DIY projects.
Floor presses are bigger in every dimension, built to a higher, heavy-duty standard and house considerably more powerful motors (some up to 5hp). They’re also more suitable for drilling and machining through exceptionally thick and hard metal, wood and ceramic workpieces and offer more versatility and precision with additional machining processes such as reaming and tapping. This also ensures lower machining times, higher consistency and machines geared towards high output.
Based on designs and purpose, drill presses can also be categorised into magnetic drill presses that use powerful magnets to keep workpieces stable. These come in a variety of sizes, from smaller and portable types to larger floor-standing presses seen in larger shops. And into radial arm presses with automated systems to lift and lower the spindle and allow drilling over a larger area, especially in larger, oddly-shaped pieces.
Uses
The main role of a drill press is to drill straight and accurate holes in the desired depths and widths. This is crucial for correct fastener placement, proper parts assembly or further fabrication. Presses can also create holes for countersunk screw heads (countersinking), enlarge existing holes (boring), create internal threads in existing holes (tapping), machine flat, raised surfaces (spot facing) and enlarge and refine pre-existing holes to specified diameters and finishes (reaming).
With attached milling attachments, drill presses can also do basic milling tasks. Everyday products that utilise drill presses, often in the initial fabrication stages, include car and machine parts, electronics, cutlery and knives, furniture pieces (chairs, sofas, tables, etc.), fences, garden sheds, jewellery and more.
Choosing the Right Drill Press
Several crucial factors determine which drill press meets your needs. Drill capacity, or the largest hole diameter the machine is capable of, means more versatility across a wider selection of materials and workpieces. This depends on motor power, drill bit size and that of the chuck.
Accuracy or drilling holes in the desired location and to exact depths and widths is just as important and heavily relies on durable and quality builds, precision adjustment and optimal workpiece clamping. Stroke distance also plays a part. This is how far the drill bit can travel vertically.
Consider press power, drilling speeds, table adjustment and tilting and chuck types among other buying considerations. Set a budget, consider operating and maintenance costs and define where and how the machine will be used.