A drill press can drill holes onto an exact depth. This tool works with pulleys and belts. A motor drives the pulley and belts to spin the quill and chuck. The chuck holds the bit. When the lever is pulled down, the bit will drop onto the wood.



A drill press has two main types: the bench top and the floor model. It comes with motors of ¼ to 1 horsepower with a 5 to 12 speed setting. Mortise-machine-like function is achieved when a spindle sander and pocket hole machine are attached.

Four of the best drill presses that became the best sellers of all time include the: 1. Delta 14-651 Professional Bench Top Mortising Machine ($229-$249)

2. Craftsman Professional 17 in. Drill Press ($479)

3. Jet JBM-5 / 708580 Benchtop Mortiser ($249) and

4. the Cummins Industrial Tools 5 Speed - Bench Top Drill Press ($39.99-$59.99).

Delta 14-651 Professional Bench Mortising Machine

Delta 14-651 1/2-HP Bench Mortising Machine became one of the most honored brands in woodworking tools that offers more precision at ½ horsepower motor. It has a cast iron base (16-3/4-by-13-1/2-inch) and a gas-filled head stabilizer.

Other features include:

• Multi-position hand lever

• A rack-and-pinion system that raises and lowers the head.

• Head column that swings 180 degrees

• Single phase induction motor

• Easy open access to drill chuck

• Adjustable dovetail

• Magnetic starter

• Easy bit and chisel changing

• 3/8 inches capacity chuck and key

• Weight: 77 pounds

• Diameter: 3-3/4 in. (95 mm)

• 2-year warranty

The set includes 1/4, 3/8, 5/16 and 1/2-inch chisels and bit sets; along with a tool and chisel tray, a gas-filled head stabilizer and multi position feed lever.

Craftsman Professional 22901 Drill Press

The Craftsman Professional 22901 is a 17-inch drill press that includes a single-arm quill handle. This enables easy presetting and repetitive drilling operation. It has a state-of-the-art column mounted on laser attachment that delivers pinpoint accuracy.

Other features include:

• Drill bit replacement.

• Battery powered

• 4-7/8 inches of quill stroke capacity power

• 16 spindle

• 3/4 hp 115/230-volt motor

• large cast iron table for expandable work support

• column-mounted laser

• adjustable work lamp

• Push button industrial style switch

• Tool tray and extension table

Jet 708580 JBM-5 1/2 Horsepower Bench Mortiser

The Jet 708580 is an affordable benchtop mortiser which was designed to take up to ½ in. chisel bits. It runs with a ½ horsepower induction motor. This tool weighs 44 pounds, is easily maneuvered and reverses on its base, allowing a long stock mortising. Bits are easily changeable by flipping the steel to open the door on each side. The Jet 708580 allows a carpenter to create good looking tennon joints.

Product Details:

• Made with cast-iron and steel

• 4 3/4-inch head stroke, 1/2-inch chisel capacity

• Quick-setting depth stop

• Four predrilled mounting holes

• Removable safety toggle switch

• Long and multi-position splines

• Includes a mortiser, three bits, chuck key

• 2-year limited warranty

Cummins Industrial Tools 5 Speed - Bench Top Drill Press

The Cummins 5 Speed is important to have in every workshop. It has 5 quick-change speed settings. The tool has a long quill for mortising. Its drilling depth is adjustable, stopping the quill positively. Cummins bench top drill presses have an adjustable table that tilts left and right, for an angled drilling operation.

Technical Details:

• ½ in. drill chuck

• Press height: 22 ½ inches

• Quill travel – 50 millimeter

• Sturdy 11 in. x 7 in. base

• 1/2 Horsepower

• Power: 60 Hz ,120 V, 2.4 amperes

• Table size 6 3/8 in. x 6 3/8 in.

• No load speed 760-3070 rpm

• 3 prong plug

• UL listed

Other known brands of drill presses include the following:

• Wilton

• Fisch Precision Tools

• Tradesman

• Dremel

• Milwaukee

• Grizzly, etc

Featured above the top-selling modern drilling tools. Consider the versatiliy of the tool you are looking to buy.