WEN vs. SKIL vs. HICO vs. Euro Tool vs. General International Benchtop Drill Press

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Product
WEN 4214
HICO DP4113
General International 75-010 M1
Euro Tool DRL-300.00
Rating
-
Power Type
Corded
Corded
Corded
Corded
AMPS
5 Amp
-
3.1 Amp
-
Horsepower
2/3 HP
2/5 HP
1/3 HP
-
No Load Speed
580 to 3200 RPM
760-3,070 RPM
580 to 3000 RPM
8,500 RPM
Swing
12 Inch
8 Inch
12 Inch
-
Spindle Travel
3-1/8 Inch
2 Inch
3-1/8 Inch
-
Drilling Capacity
5/8 Inch
1/2-Inch
5/8 Inch
-
Chuck Size
5/8 Inch
1/2-Inch
5/8 Inch
-
Table Size
9-1/2 x 9-1/2 Inch
6-1/2 x 6-1/2-Inch
9-1/2 x 9-1/2 Inch
6-3/4 x 6-3/4-Inch
Laser Mark
Variable Speed
Easy Assembly
Includes
Drill press, mechanical variable speed, laser, table roller extension, 5/8" keyed chuck & key, tools for assembly
Drill Press, 1/2" Keyed Chuck, Chuck Key and Tools for Assembly
Bare Tool Only
Bare Tool Only
Weight
89 pounds
31.6 pounds
75 pounds
11.55 pounds
Warranty
2 Year
-
2 Year
1 Year
Product
WEN 4214
Rating
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
5 Amp
Horsepower
2/3 HP
No Load Speed
580 to 3200 RPM
Swing
12 Inch
Spindle Travel
3-1/8 Inch
Drilling Capacity
5/8 Inch
Chuck Size
5/8 Inch
Table Size
9-1/2 x 9-1/2 Inch
Laser Mark
Variable Speed
Easy Assembly
Includes
Drill press, mechanical variable speed, laser, table roller extension, 5/8" keyed chuck & key, tools for assembly
Weight
89 pounds
Warranty
2 Year
Where to Buy
Product
HICO DP4113
Rating
-
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
-
Horsepower
2/5 HP
No Load Speed
760-3,070 RPM
Swing
8 Inch
Spindle Travel
2 Inch
Drilling Capacity
1/2-Inch
Chuck Size
1/2-Inch
Table Size
6-1/2 x 6-1/2-Inch
Laser Mark
Variable Speed
Easy Assembly
Includes
Drill Press, 1/2" Keyed Chuck, Chuck Key and Tools for Assembly
Weight
31.6 pounds
Warranty
-
Where to Buy
Product
General International 75-010 M1
Rating
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
3.1 Amp
Horsepower
1/3 HP
No Load Speed
580 to 3000 RPM
Swing
12 Inch
Spindle Travel
3-1/8 Inch
Drilling Capacity
5/8 Inch
Chuck Size
5/8 Inch
Table Size
9-1/2 x 9-1/2 Inch
Laser Mark
Variable Speed
Easy Assembly
Includes
Bare Tool Only
Weight
75 pounds
Warranty
2 Year
Where to Buy
Product
Euro Tool DRL-300.00
Rating
Power Type
Corded
AMPS
-
Horsepower
-
No Load Speed
8,500 RPM
Swing
-
Spindle Travel
-
Drilling Capacity
-
Chuck Size
-
Table Size
6-3/4 x 6-3/4-Inch
Laser Mark
Variable Speed
Easy Assembly
Includes
Bare Tool Only
Weight
11.55 pounds
Warranty
1 Year
Where to Buy

No workshop is ever complete without an efficient benchtop drill press, which is useful for all woodwork whether you are a hobbyist or a professional. A benchtop drill press can not only cater effectively to your drilling requirements, but it can also be purchased at a significantly lower price as compared to a floor-standing model. What makes it even more attractive is how it provides the same working capacity as the full-size model but occupies significantly less space.

However, when acquiring a benchtop drill press, you must consider which model shall best address your needs. Let us analyze five benchtop models, namely SKIL vs. WEN vs. HICO vs. Euro Tool vs. General International, and judge which model will offer you the greatest utility.

1. WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange
3,313 Reviews
WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press,Orange
  • Infinitely variable speed ranges from 580-3200 RPMS. Mechanical variable speed delivers equal torque throughout the range. LED read out displays speed.
  • Spindle Travel of 3-1/8" with easy to read, locking linear depth stop for accurate and repeatable drilling operations. Front to the back of the motor is 22 inches
  • Quill diameter of 2.17 inches. Durable 2/3hp induction motor develops ample torque and power. Motor: 120 V, 60 Hz. Laser Module: Class III
  • 9-1/2 x 9-1/2" cast iron worktable features rack & pinion height adjustment and bevels up to 45 Degree left & right. Width with the handles: 14-1/2"
  • Includes drill press, mechanical variable speed, laser, table roller extension, 5/8" keyed chuck & key, tools for assembly.Drill press Height from the Floor to the top: 37 inch

The WEN 4214 is one of the more high-end models mentioned on this list and arguably one of the most powerful. Simply put, it can drill into wood, plastic, and metal with relative ease. What is even more impressive is that it is able to drill into heavy-duty cast iron with depths of up to half an inch.

The flexible speed gauge allows the user to drill at the required speed as the drill has a range of 530 to 3100 RPM and the digital screen allows the user to constantly keep the RPM in check. The drill press has been built to last as it has been constructed out of cast iron, which means it is somewhat on the heavier side. Ball bearings are an essential component of its induction motor in order to ensure durability, which allows the drill to perform admirably even at higher RPMs.

The drill in question should be given marks for adaptability as it has an onboard chuck key storage along with a 1/2-inch chuck and a JT33 spindle taper. The worktable can also swivel clockwise and anti-clockwise to a certain degree. The icing on top of the cake is the laser focuser, which is shaped like an X to ensure the drill performs with optimum precision.

2. SKIL 3320-01 10-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

The SKIL 3320-01 is flexible as it allows for the screwing and unscrewing of the jaws that then protrude from the drill. This multipurpose drill is equipped with a set of five different speeds. As a result, the speed can vary from 570 RPM up to 3,050 RPM, depending on the requirement of the user. An alterable depth cog allows the user to carry out repetitive drilling without losing out on accuracy.

Similar to the WEN model, this drill press’s worktable can be swiveled from left to right, depending on the user’s requirement up to a maximum of forty-five degrees. It also has a laser light beam, which allows for precise alignment and accurate drilling.

This drill is primarily for beginners who intend to acquaint themselves with workshop tools. This by no means signifies that the drill is a poor choice. On the contrary, it offers precise drilling capabilities along with a stable base. However, if one delves deeper into drilling, they will feel slightly curtailed by this drill and may want to buy alternate models for more professional work.

3. HICO DP4113 8-Inch Bench Top Drill Press

HICO 8-Inch Bench Top Drill Press 5 Speed Rotary Tool Work Station, Height Adjustable
  • Includes: Drill Press, 1/2" Keyed Chuck, Chuck Key and Tools for Assembly
  • 5-speed settings (760-3070 RPM Range)to accommodate various materials and thicknesses
  • Spindle Travel of 2" with easy to read, locking linear depth stop for accurate and repeatable drilling operations
  • Durable 2/5HP induction motor develops ample torque and power
  • 6-1/2 x 6-1/2" cast iron worktable, height adjustable and bevels up to 45 Degree left & right

Similar to the model mentioned above, the HICO drill press has 5 options when it comes to speed. The RPM range falls between 760 and 3070. It too provides a work-based along with adjustors, which ensure that the material being drilled into stays in place, thereby ensuring accuracy. This table can also be swiveled up to a maximum of 45 degrees.

Therefore, the HICO model does not lose out in terms of adaptability and flexibility. However, its build quality suffers in terms of durability due to certain plastic components. The plastic components have been incorporated in order to make this drill usable in any weather condition, including the rain. This also means that the drill is lighter and safer than its competitors. Which is further exemplified by the safety switch provided in order to avoid any high-speed mishaps.

While the unit is supposed to easily drill through less arduous materials like wood, plastic, and cheap metals, it most certainly will struggle to drill through tougher materials like heavy-duty cast iron. Certain users have also complained that the attachment of the chuck is not a simple affair.

4. Euro Tool DRL-300.00 Small Benchtop Drill Press

Small Benchtop Drill Press, 3 Speed | DRL-300.00
191 Reviews
Small Benchtop Drill Press, 3 Speed | DRL-300.00
  • Ideal for all drilling projects, not just the small ones
  • 3 Variable Speeds: 5000, 6500, 8500 RPM
  • Platform Dimensions: 6-3/4 inches by 6-3/4 inches
  • Max Drill Height: 8 Inches; Max Drill Bit Capacity: 6mm
  • Easy-to-use tiny benchtop drill press is space-saving and economical

This drill weighs in at 12.2 pounds and measures at a miniscule 10? x 12? x 8?. It is safe to say that this is the lightest and smallest drill on this list, making it very handy for those hard-to-reach crevices. However, the size is not a good indicator of durability as the drill appears to be quite sturdy. It is made up of a combination of both metal and plastic.

The drill is equipped with an adjustable speed knob, which allows for speeds up to 8,500 RPM. The base, while somewhat diminutive, does not compromise on stability and can be fixed or mounted to the workbench. The package also includes the 1/4-inch chuck, a 5.5-inch cord, and a one-year warranty.

Unlike the other models whose spindles can be swiveled, this drill’s spindle is fixed, which allows for repetitive accurate drilling but does not give room for maneuverability.

The controls have been simplified to just a couple of knobs and settings, which makes this benchtop drill press an ideal fit for beginners. While it does not possess the power of certain other models present on this list, this drill can still hold its own.

5. General International 75-010 M1 Benchtop Drill Press

Sale
GENERAL INTERNATIONAL 12' Commercial Benchtop Drill Press - Variable Speed Drilling Machine with Built-in Light Guide & Anti-Vibration Technology - 75-010 M1
21 Reviews
GENERAL INTERNATIONAL 12" Commercial Benchtop Drill Press - Variable Speed Drilling Machine with Built-in Light Guide & Anti-Vibration Technology - 75-010 M1
  • PRECISE CUTTING - Global patented light guided pointer with “X” crosshairs for drilling accuracy.
  • HIGH-POWERED DRILLING - Comes equipped with a 1/3 HP industrial-quality, 120 V motor.
  • VIBRATION-FREE - High-quality bearings for smooth vibration-free operation.
  • SPEED CONTROL - Simple hand lever controlled mechanical variable speed from 500 to 3000 rpm.
  • DESIGNED FOR MOBILITY - Extremely portable and lightweight for a heavy-duty drill press. This drilling machine weighs only 75 lbs, allowing for workshop mobility.

This drill comes fitted with an industrial-quality, 1/3 HP, 120 V motor. An adjustable speed dial gives the user the option to fine-tune the motor’s output according to the density of the material being drilled into. A spring-loaded hand lever has also been provided, making it easy for the user to tweak the speed which adds to the adaptability of the drill.

The drill has a minimum output of 500 RPM, which can go up to a maximum of 3000 RPM, and is capable of carrying out rudimentary tasks.

The product’s build is seemingly sturdy as its head, base and table have been constructed out of cast iron. This means that while the drill is quite heavy, it does not budge, allowing for it to perform steadily and not suffer from inaccuracy caused by vibrations. Durable bearings also add to the stability of the drill. This drill also sports a laser pointer, which allows for precise drilling.

An adjustable dual-depth cog has also been provided, which allows for control of downstroke and upstroke movement. In short, the General International 75-010 M1’s variable speed motor can be classed as a capable all-rounder which performs most tasks smoothly and with steadiness.

Conclusion

After gauging the apparent efficacy of the all the benchtop drill presses in question, namely SKIL vs. WEN vs. HICO vs. Euro Tool vs. General International, there is one clear winner. The WEN 12″ Variable Speed Drill Press performs admirably and reliably. With the power it offers, its build quality and embedded features adding to its adaptability, this drill is a clear winner, whether you are a professional or a hobbyist.