Are you looking for the best floor drill press to add to your woodworking armory? You are in the right place.
After countless hours of testing over 25+ floor drill presses and more sleepless nights than a doctor would recommend, I have reviewed 5 of my top picks based on power, speed, design, and price.
So whether you are a seasoned professional looking for something more advanced or a newbie that needs something cheaper, there’s something for everyone.
Our Top Recommendation for Floor Drill Press!
This drill press by Jet, the JDP-20MF, has a variable 12 speeds motor that runs 4200 rpm. And to add versatility to the performance, there is a quick-release crank-operated worktable that can tilt +/- 45 degrees.
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If you do not have the time to read all the detailed reviews and want a quick purchase, here’s a lowdown of my favorite floor drill presses.
In case you are looking for more details about these models, let’s dig right into them.
Best Floor Drill Press for 2023
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Jet 354170/JDP-20MF (For Commercial use) | • 1.5HP motor • Built in work light • Excellent durability | |
 | BILT HARD 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press (Best Floor Drill Press on a Budget) | • 1.5 HP motor • 12-speed setting • Worklight | |
 | JET J-2500 (Excellent Durability) | • Table tilts 45 degrees • Low noise • 16-speed settings | |
 | Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press | • easy to adjust • Pretty durable • help reduce dust | |
 | Powermatic PM2800B | • 2 LED lights • Handles are reversible • Digital display |
1. Jet 354170/JDP-20MF (For Commercial use)
QUICK SUMMARY
- Comes with 12-speed settings
- Powerful 1.5HP motor
- Weighs 288 pounds
- Built in work light
This floor drill press by Jet is an absolute powerhouse and perfect for commercial drilling.
One of the reasons for it is its 1.5 HP motor that in tandem with its 12-speed settings i.e. 150 to 4200rpm can drill through pretty much everything and anything (metal, plastic, wood, there’s nothing this one can’t take).
Adjusting the speed is easy and takes only a few seconds. Simply adjust the belt on the pulley and voila, you are good to go.
In case you want to do some angle drilling, you will be happy to know that the worktable can bevel at 45-degrees. Plus, it has been equipped with a quick-release clamp that allows you to raise and lower the table in seconds.
In fact, it can be completely removed as well offering you versatility most floor drill presses won’t, in turn, allowing you to take up more complex projects.
Another thing I love about this bad boy is its durability. I have been using this for over 6 months now for heavy-duty drilling and so far haven’t had to worry about breaks or damage.
This sturdy build means it can easily handle up to 80 pounds further cementing its place as a top-notch commercial floor drill press.
The on/off switch is located right in the front and further adds to the ease of using the drill press.
In case you are working at night, there’s also a light bulb socket to ensure you get everything inch-perfect. Though it is a bummer that the light bulb hasn’t been included even though it is a pricier model.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Comes with 12-speed settings
- Quick speed change
- Powerful 1.5HP motor
- Ideal drill press for commercial drilling
- Built-in light socket for additional illumination
- Worktable bevels at 45-degrees for angled drilling
- Conveniently located on/off switch
- Excellent durability
- Supports up to 80 pounds
Cons
- Light bulb not included
- Costs above $1000
- Does not have laser alignment
2. BILT HARD 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press (Best Floor Drill Press on a Budget)
QUICK SUMMARY
- High Power
- Power Induction
- Speed Regulator
- High Precision Laser
- Worklight
- Worktable
- Durable construction
BILT HARD 12 in, 5 Amp Benchtop, Variable Speed, Power Magnetic Drill Presses, with Laser & Worklight Drilling Machine The BILT HARD 12 in., 5 Amp Benchtop Floor Drill Press is a true workhorse and ideal for commercial drilling.
One of the reasons for this is its 1.2 HP motor, which, when combined with its 12-speed options (580 to 3200rpm), can drill through almost anything (metal, plastic, wood, there’s nothing this one can’t handle).
One feature we like about this tool is its toughness. I’ve been using this for heavy-duty drilling for over 6 months and haven’t had any issues with breakage or damage. And owing to its durable construction, it can readily handle up to 80 pounds, solidifying its position as a top-tier commercial floor drill press.
Note- Please bear in mind that items with electrical plugs are meant to be used in the U. S. Since outlet and power standards differ from region to region, these devices may necessitate the use of a dongle or adapter in your area. Before making purchases, kindly double-check congruence.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- It has a 12-speed setting.
- The rapid & smooth shift in speed
- 1.5 horsepower motor
- For commercial drilling, this drill press is ideal.
- Additional lighting is provided through a built-in lamp socket.
- The worktable has a 45-degree bevel for angled drilling.
Cons
- Expensive
- Lacks laser alignment
3. JET J-2500 (Excellent Durability)
QUICK SUMMARY
- Solid cast-iron head
- Table tilts 45 degrees
- Low noise and vibrations
- Comes with a light to illuminate the work area
If you’d rather prefer a cheaper JET Floor Drill Press that has better belt durability and easier to assemble, the JET J-2500 is where your search ends.
The Jet J-2500’s motor is a tad lacking when compared to the WEN at 0.75HP but it gives you greater speed variations.
Not only can it go up to 3630rpm from 200 rpm but you get 16-speed settings allowing you greater control and ability to work with both thin and thick materials.
And to ensure the drill doesn’t break or wear down quickly when you drill through those materials, it has been equipped with a permanently lubricated ball bearing spindle.
Furthermore, adding to this are the 4 strong ball bearings and that have been mounted inside of a quill for better durability (this one can take a real beating). Oh, and then there is the rock-solid cast-iron head as well.
Like any premium floor drill press, this one also allows you to make angled drills with its 45-degree tiltable worktable.
And then there is a light as well to help the night owls get their drills right. Though it isn’t a LED bulb like with some of the high-end drill presses and thus draws more power.
I also love that it has a telescopic spindle guard which means you can extend it or retract it based on your needs ensuring the utmost safety of the user.
As with the previous jet floor press, even this has a belt speed change system that is easy to get a hang of even for newbies. Plus, the on/off buttons are again located in the front for easy access.
One of the downsides of this floor drill press is that you need to have some experience with drill presses for precise drills since it doesn’t come with lasers.
Even the key sizes are a bit obsolete and considering the model has been in business for about 7-8 years now, that’s understandable.
But those drawbacks aren’t dealbreakers. For a drill press that costs less than $800, it is one of the sturdiest floor drill presses on the market.
Read more: 10 Best Cordless Hammer Drill Reviews
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Permanently lubricated ball bearing spindle for durability
- Easy to change, 16-speed settings
- The worktable can be beveled at 45-degrees
- Comes with a light to illuminate the work area
- Telescopic spindle guard for increased safety
- On/off buttons are in the front
- Low noise and vibrations
- Solid cast-iron head
Cons
- No laser for precise drilling
- Low powered motor than the WEN
- Use of obsolete key sizes
4. Shop Fox W1848 Oscillating Floor Drill Press
QUICK SUMMARY
- 2″ dust port
- Speed is easy to adjust via the belts
- Ideal floor drill press for home use
- Comes with a 0.75HP motor and 12-speed settings
What makes the Shop Fox W1848 oscillation floor drill press one of my favorite drill presses for 2023 is its dual functionality. In less than 25 seconds, you can turn it into a sander. And you don’t even require additional tools or help for it.
And since it is an oscillating press, the sanding is smooth without the material becoming burning hot. This reduces the need for a separate sander saving you both money and space in your workshop.
But does dual functionality mean it compromises the drilling? Absolutely not, as long you do not use it for heavy-duty tasks.
It comes with a 0.75HP motor and 12-speed settings. Though speed range is limited as it goes from 250rpm to 3050rpm (much lower than the above-mentioned drills), it should drill through thin and medium-sized materials with ease whether wood or metal.
One other advantage this floor drill press has over other drill presses is that the worktable bevels to 90-degrees rather than the usual 45-degrees thus, giving you greater flexibility when it comes to angled drills.
Adjusting the height is simple and if and if needed, the table can also be removed and used separately for drilling and sanding.
To reduce the mess that comes with all the sanding the drilling, it also has 2-inch table dust ports (because you do not want to be cleaning for hours after all that work, right?)
On the downsides, the base isn’t the sturdiest of all. Furthermore, it has a lower-powered motor and lesser speed range which means its usage is limited to thinner materials (more suited for home DIY projects).
It also doesn’t have any laser alignment system like with the WEN. But considering it costs less than $500, comes with dual functionality, and is pretty solid, I’d still call it a bargain.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Costs less than $500
- Ideal floor drill press for home use
- Works as both a floor drill press and sander
- Sanding is smooth and doesn’t generate too much heat
- 2” table dust ports help reduce dust
- Worktable bevels at 90-degree rather than 45-degrees
- The worktable can be removed if needed
- Pretty durable for a low costing floor drill press
Cons
- Does not have laser alignment
- The base isn’t very sturdy
- Speed range is lesser than others on the list
5. Powermatic PM2800B
QUICK SUMMARY
- Comes with laser alignment
- 2 adjustable LED lights
- Worktable bevels to a full 90-degrees
- Handles are reversible
The Powermatic PM2800B is another highly recommended floor drill press across the web for commercial use and yes, it does have its pros.
For example, unlike the Jet 354170/JDP-20M, it comes with laser alignment, so getting precise drills is easier with this one. Not just that, it also has a digital display for speed so you never left guessing and ‘hoping’ for precise drills.
And while most drill presses come with one light, this one gives you better illumination with its 2 adjustable LED lights that use minimal power so you can use them all night without worrying about high bills.
It also features a worktable that can bevel to a full 90-degrees, in turn, giving you more freedom when it comes to making angled drills whereas the Jet 354170/JDP-20M bevels only to 45-degrees.
The cast-iron base doesn’t disappoint in terms of solidity and is oversized by design as it provides better stability when working with harder materials like wood or metal.
The handles are reversible which means you can mount them on any side thus making it easier to work when you aren’t using the quill.
So if this is more precise and easier to use why the Jet 354170/JDP-20M at #1?
That is because it has a more powerful motor and a higher speed range. The Powermatic PM2800B features only a 1Hp motor compared to the 1.25HP of the Jet.
Furthermore, it has a speed range of 250rpm to only 3000rpm, much lower than that of the Jet, and considering this floor drill press costs almost $500 more than that, it is a bit overpriced for me.
Another drawback here is that the belts come under a lot of strain due to which its particles get stuck between the center spindle and the center double belt drive pulley. This causes it to jam rather than continue its up and down movement.
Though a call to customer care will ensure it is repaired within a few days and for free if the drill is under warranty.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Better suited for commercial use
- Comes with laser alignment for precise drilling
- Worktable bevels to a full 90-degrees
- 2 adjustable LED lights for better illumination
- Digital display for accurate speed setting
- Comes with an oversized base for better stability
- Cast-iron build gives the base excellent durability
- Handles are reversible
Cons
- Costs above $1500
- Lower speed range and motor power than the Jet 354170/JDP-20M
- Belt drive pulley freezes as belt particles get stuck in the housing
Yes, there are some cons but if you prefer a commercial drill press with laser alignment, dual lights, and other fancy frills it comes with, it is a good buy and no doubt will last you for years if taken good care of.
Conclusion
Whether you are a professional woodworker or a hobbyist doing lots of DIY woodworking projects around the house, a floor drill press is a must. But with so many models and brands out there, picking one can be tough.
That is exactly what we aim to solve with this detailed guide on the best floor drill press for 2023. These presses have been on the market for quite some time and have a proven track record amongst professionals.
If you have any questions about the drill presses above, drop them in the comments below. Feel free to also share your experience with any floor drill press that you have used in the past.
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