Having a drill press around in your shop or garage for times when you need to bore spaced holes or holes of precise depths is extraordinary handy. This is a versatile piece of equipment, with its different accessories and bits, can serve a number of purposes and can even double up as a mortise machine or a spindle sander. When looking for a drill press to purchase, consider these tips that will help you make the right choice and invest in a unit that will truly do the job.

Choose the Right Model

There are two basic model variations of drill presses - the bench top and the floor model. As the name suggests, the bench top model mounts on to a workbench or on a stand. They are rather compact and are useful for small jobs. The Delta drill press is the most popular and comes as a floor or table top model

Floor models are ideal for heavy-duty work. With their powerful motors and wider range of accessories, they are ideal for larger DIY projects and are also used in commercial centers.

Consider Different Features

Invest in a drill press depending on the jobs you foresee that you will use it for. Look for features that will allow the drill press to be used efficiently. For example, consider the horsepower of the drill press. The horsepower (HP) determines the maximum power that the motor can produce. The general HP range of drill presses is 1/4 HP to 1 HP. If you would need to bore holes through tougher material, you need higher horsepower.

Check on variable speeds which regulate how well different diameter holes are drilled into material without damaging it. Choose a drill press that has a number of speed settings, because this makes it more versatile. Also take into account the center drilling capacity of the press and the flexibility of the table, so that you will be able to get holes the right size without difficulties.

To get the right depth of holes, ensure that your drill press has extended quill travel. This gives you control over the depth of holes, while allowing you to go deeper if required. Controlled by accurate depth stops, you can get holes of precise depths for even the most serious or heavy duty boring work.

Drill Press Accessories

A drill press is incomplete without its accessories, and you need to determine whether the drill press you choose is compatible with the accessories you require. The extras might seem unnecessary if you are new to the world of drilling, but they become a necessity as time goes on and you become more proficient. A few basic accessories are planer heads, fences, sanding drums and mortising attachments. These surely can be a boon when you are sanding edges or even doing something as basic as drilling repetitive holes.

Drill bits are the most important accessories of the drill press and a good practice is to get bits of different sizes and types. For hardwood drilling, steel bits are great, while cobalt bits are used for more heavy duty metal drilling. Other options are titanium-coated bits, carbide-tipped bits and high-speed steel bits. Choose your bits carefully and ensure that they are of good quality if you want to get the best out of your drill press.

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