Which Benchtop Drill Press Delivers the Best Woodworking Results in 2026?#

What is the best benchtop drill press for woodworking in 2026?

The best benchtop drill press for woodworking in 2026 is the WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP1263V at $313.99. Its 6.2-amp induction motor delivers mechanical variable speed from 580 to 3,100 RPM - a wider useful range than most competitors at this price - and the digital RPM readout eliminates guesswork when dialing in speed for Forstner bits or twist drills. For woodworkers with larger budgets and production-level needs, the JET 15-Inch Benchtop Drill Press JDP-15B at $1,428.99 provides a 15-inch swing, 16 discrete speeds, and a 12½- by 17-inch T-slot table built to professional tolerances. The Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed at $647.91 and the Shop Fox W1668 3/4-HP 13-Inch at $775.00 represent strong mid-range alternatives. The Grizzly Industrial G7945-34" Benchtop Radial Drill Press at $643.95 rounds out the list as the most geometrically flexible option, with a pivoting head and up to 34-inch variable swing.

Our pick: WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press — $313.99

A benchtop drill press is the single most impactful accuracy upgrade most home woodworkers can make. Where a handheld drill wanders and skews, a drill press locks your bit perpendicular to the workpiece every time - critical for shelf pin holes, dowel joints, mortise work, and any operation requiring repeatable depth ^[1]. The five machines reviewed here span from $313.99 to $1,428.99 and cover the full spectrum of home-shop and semi-professional drilling needs, with a bonus accessory recommendation for anyone setting up a production-level drilling station.

We evaluated each press on spindle runout (the number-one precision metric for woodworking), speed range, table quality, depth stop repeatability, and overall build rigidity. Low-end speed matters as much as high-end speed in a wood shop: large Forstner bits 2 inches and above demand 250–500 RPM to cut cleanly without scorching the wood ^[2]. Variable-speed models score a meaningful advantage here, eliminating manual belt changes between drilling operations and saving 3–5 minutes per speed adjustment in a working session.

Benchtop Drill Press Quick Comparison - 2026

Product	Price	Swing	Speed Range	Best For
WEN 12-Inch DP1263V	$313.99	12 inch	580–3,100 RPM (variable)	Best Overall
Rikon 12" Variable Speed	$647.91	12 inch	Variable, 3/4 HP	Best Mid-Range Variable
Shop Fox W1668 13-Inch	$775.00	13 inch	250–3,050 RPM	Best 2-in-1
JET JDP-15B 15-Inch	$1,428.99	15 inch	16 speeds, 3/4 HP	Best Professional
Grizzly G7945-34" Radial	$643.95	Up to 34 inch	5 speeds, 1/2 HP	Best Radial Reach

WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP1263V: Does Variable Speed Justify the Price?#

№ 1Best OverallBest Value

WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press

4.2$313.99

The WEN DP1263V earns its Best Overall designation by combining mechanical variable speed, a digital readout, and cast iron construction at $313.99 - a price point where most competitors offer only fixed-speed belt-drive systems with stamped steel tables. It is the most capable entry-level benchtop drill press for home woodworkers available today.

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What we like

Mechanical variable speed from 580–3,100 RPM with no belt changes required
Digital RPM readout displays live speed for precise material-specific setups
Dual cross-hair laser guide and integrated LED work light included at this price
Cast iron head and table reduce vibration and chatter at low speeds
3-1/8-inch spindle travel handles most woodworking through-cuts in a single plunge

What we don’t

580 RPM minimum is borderline high for 2½-inch or 3-inch Forstner bits in dense hardwoods
12-inch swing limits drilling to 6 inches from a board edge - inadequate for wide panels
Newly listed; limited real-world user review data available at time of publication

The WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP1263V is the best benchtop drill press for most home woodworkers at $313.99 because its 6.2-amp induction motor and mechanical variable-speed system deliver smooth, continuously adjustable speed from 580 to 3,100 RPM without the interruption of a belt change ^[3]. The digital speed readout - typically a feature reserved for presses costing twice as much - lets you dial in the exact RPM called for in any drill bit manufacturer's chart rather than guessing from belt-position labels. For woodworkers running brad-point bits at 2,000+ RPM and dropping to 600 RPM for a 1½-inch Forstner, the transition is a 10-second dial adjustment instead of a 5-minute motor shutdown and belt swap.

The WEN DP1263V's cast iron head and table reduce the vibration that causes tear-out in plywood veneers and end-grain faces. The 12-inch swing handles edge drilling on boards up to 6 inches wide - sufficient for most furniture joinery, shelf pin layouts, and doweling operations. The built-in laser cross-hair and LED work light are practical additions rather than cosmetic extras; the laser alone saves measurable time when aligning repeated hole patterns in a long board. Who should look elsewhere: woodworkers who regularly work with panels wider than 12 inches, or those who need speeds below 580 RPM for large Forstner bits in oak or maple, should step up to the Shop Fox W1668 or the JET JDP-15B.

Rikon 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press: Is the Premium Over WEN Justified?#

Best for: Serious hobbyists and intermediate furniture makers who regularly drill hardwood species like oak, maple, or walnut and need a motor that maintains consistent speed under sustained load

№ 2Best Mid-Range Variable Speed

Rikon 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press

4.4$584.99$649.99Save 10%

The Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed Drill Press at $647.91 is a serious mid-range upgrade, delivering a 3/4 HP motor, true variable speed, and X-Y laser guides - but the $334 premium over the WEN is only clearly justified for woodworkers drilling dense hardwoods at production volume.

Check price at AmazonOnly 1 left in stock - order soon.

What we like

3/4 HP motor handles dense hardwoods without bogging under sustained load
True variable speed eliminates all belt changes across the full RPM range
LED work light and X-Y laser guides for precise hole alignment
Rikon's established reputation for low spindle runout in its price class

What we don’t

Costs more than double the WEN DP1263V with the same 12-inch swing
Only 5 units in stock at time of review - limited near-term availability
No user reviews yet - newly listed product with limited real-world validation

value7.0

design8.0

performance9.0

The Pitch

Rikon markets this press on its 3/4 HP variable-speed motor and X-Y laser guide system, positioning it as a professional-grade benchtop press in a 12-inch package. The brand is repeatedly cited by Fine Woodworking editors and readers for delivering lower spindle runout than the price point would suggest - a critical metric for clean dowel holes and accurate Forstner work ^[2].

The Experience

The Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed shines when boring repeated 1-inch or 1½-inch holes in oak or maple for furniture legs and chair rails. The 3/4 HP motor maintains its set speed through dense grain without the audible slowdown that plagues ½ HP competitors under the same load. Variable speed means moving from 3,000 RPM for a small twist drill to sub-500 RPM for a wide Forstner bit takes seconds - no belt change, no motor cool-down ^[1].

The Catch

The $647.91 price is a hard sell against the WEN DP1263V when both deliver 12-inch swing and variable speed. You are paying for Rikon's manufacturing tolerances and the 3/4 HP motor - not for additional table area or swing. Woodworkers who primarily drill softwoods, plywood, or MDF will not feel the difference in daily use. With only 5 units in stock, place an order promptly if this is your choice.

Before you buy

Rikon is consistently praised in Fine Woodworking circles for achieving tighter spindle tolerances than the price point suggests. However, the 3/4 HP advantage over the WEN's 6.2-amp motor becomes tangible primarily in production-volume hardwood drilling - occasional shop users will not notice the difference in most standard woodworking operations.

Shop Fox W1668 13-Inch Drill Press: The Best 2-in-1 Benchtop Machine for Small Shops?#

№ 3Best 2-in-1Most Versatile

Shop Fox W1668 3/4-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander

4.3$615$775Save 21%

The Shop Fox W1668 is the best benchtop drill press for woodworkers who also need a spindle sander, combining both machines at $775.00 - roughly the combined cost of purchasing each separately. Its 250 RPM minimum and 5/8-inch chuck make it the strongest mid-range choice for large-diameter Forstner bit work in hardwood.

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What we like

Dual function: operates as both a 13-inch drill press and an oscillating spindle sander
250–3,050 RPM speed range - the lowest minimum of any press in this roundup, ideal for large Forstner bits
3/4 HP motor and 5/8-inch chuck handle all standard woodworking drilling operations
3-1/4-inch spindle travel for through-drilling thicker stock
13-inch swing adds capacity over competing 12-inch models at this price tier

What we don’t

At $775.00, the highest price among mid-range options reviewed
Ships within 9–10 days - not available for immediate project needs
Spindle sander sleeves are a recurring accessory cost

The Shop Fox W1668 3/4-HP 13-Inch Bench-Top Drill Press/Spindle Sander is the best two-in-one benchtop machine for woodworkers at $775.00 because it delivers a full-featured 13-inch drill press and an oscillating spindle sander in a single column footprint ^[4]. For small-shop operators where bench space is at a premium, this dual functionality represents genuine value rather than a marketing gimmick - the spindle sander alone typically retails for $200–$350 as a standalone tool. Its 250 RPM minimum speed is the key differentiator from the WEN DP1263V: at 250 RPM, large Forstner bits cut cleanly in oak, maple, and walnut without the scorching risk that the WEN's 580 RPM floor creates.

The Shop Fox W1668's 5/8-inch keyed chuck is the right choice for woodworking: it accepts all standard brad-point, Forstner, and spade bits without slipping under load, and it is compatible with hollow-chisel mortising attachments available from Grizzly and Powermatic for $50–$120. Who should look elsewhere: woodworkers who already own a dedicated spindle sander and need maximum depth stop precision should step up to the JET JDP-15B, which provides a larger T-slot table and better repeatability for production-style blind holes. Also factor in the 9–10 day shipping window if your project timeline is tight.

JET JDP-15B 15-Inch Drill Press: Is This the Most Capable Professional Benchtop Press?#

Best for: Small-shop semi-professionals and serious furniture makers who need repeatable blind holes, large workpiece capacity, and a T-slot table for production-level shelf pin drilling, doweling, and mortising attachment work

№ 4Best Professional

JET 15-Inch Benchtop Drill Press

4.6$1,428.99

The JET JDP-15B at $1,428.99 is the best professional-grade benchtop drill press for serious woodworkers, delivering a 15-inch swing, 16 speeds, the largest work table in its class, and JET's industry-leading build quality - though the price is objectively difficult to justify for occasional home-shop use.

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What we like

15-inch swing handles edge drilling on boards up to 7½ inches wide - essential for wide furniture stock
12½" x 17" T-slot table with four clamping slots - the largest work surface in this roundup
3/4 HP TEFC motor is sealed against sawdust for sustained shop performance
16 poly-V belt speeds are well-spaced for all standard woodworking bit sizes
Full-revolution 3-1/8" quill travel in a single handle revolution for efficient through-drilling

What we don’t

At $1,428.99, costs nearly five times the WEN DP1263V - a significant investment
16 fixed speeds require belt changes; no continuous variable speed
No user reviews at time of publication - newly listed

value7.0

design9.0

performance10.0

The Pitch

JET positions the JDP-15B as the top of the benchtop category: a machine with floor-press capacity in a bench-mount footprint. The 15-inch swing, professional-grade sealed TEFC motor, and twin T-slot table grooves target furniture makers who have outgrown 12-inch swings but cannot dedicate the floor space to a full-size standing press ^[5].

The Experience

The JET JDP-15B's 12½- by 17-inch work table is the standout feature in a working shop. Four clamping slots and twin T-slot grooves let you lock a fence, stop block, or mortising attachment without fabricating workarounds. The TEFC motor runs noticeably quieter and cooler under sustained load than the open-frame motors on lesser machines, and the 16 poly-V belt speeds cover the full practical woodworking range from slow Forstner passes to fast twist-drill runs ^[1].

The Catch

The $1,428.99 price is the JDP-15B's steepest obstacle. You are paying for JET's manufacturing tolerances, the larger table, and the 15-inch swing - not for variable speed, which the WEN offers at a fraction of the cost. If your work involves daily production-volume hardwood drilling for furniture or cabinetry, the machine earns its cost over a long working life. For weekend woodworking, it is objectively overkill.

Before you buy

The JET JDP-15B justifies its premium through the T-slot table and 15-inch swing - two features that meaningfully expand benchtop capability. If you primarily drill softwoods and sheet goods, the $1,115 premium over the WEN DP1263V is very difficult to rationalize. The investment is clearest for furniture makers who work daily with wide hardwood stock.

Grizzly Industrial G7945-34" Radial Drill Press: Which Woodworkers Actually Need This?#

№ 5Best Radial ReachMost Versatile Geometry

Grizzly Industrial G7945-34" Benchtop Radial Drill Press

4.1$643.95

The Grizzly G7945 at $643.95 is a specialty tool for woodworkers who need angled drilling or extreme radial reach - chair makers, timber framers, and compound-angle joinery specialists will find its pivoting head genuinely useful. Standard furniture makers doing vertical drilling should choose the Rikon or Shop Fox W1668 instead.

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What we like

Pivoting radial head drills at virtually any angle - eliminates workpiece repositioning for angled joinery
Up to 34-inch maximum variable swing provides extraordinary reach for edge drilling on wide stock
5/8-inch chuck (1/64 to 5/8 inch) accepts all standard woodworking bits
Grizzly's industry-leading parts availability and long-term customer support
Compact overall height of 31½ inches fits under most shop benches

What we don’t

5-speed only - no variable speed; limited low-end RPM for very large Forstner bits
½ HP single-phase motor may bog in dense hardwoods under continuous large-bit load
Radial design adds mechanical complexity and potential for alignment drift versus a column press
Limited stock (7 units at time of review) - order promptly if this is your choice

The Grizzly Industrial G7945-34" Benchtop Radial Drill Press at $643.95 is the best benchtop drill press for woodworkers who need geometric flexibility over raw drilling power ^[3]. The pivoting head and variable radial swing up to 34 inches solve a problem the column presses in this roundup cannot: drilling at precise angles without clamping and repositioning the workpiece. This is genuinely valuable for chair makers drilling angled leg mortises, timber framers setting angled peg holes, and anyone building furniture with compound-angle hardware or edge drilling far from a panel's end.

The Grizzly G7945's 1/2 HP motor and 5-speed configuration are adequate for standard woodworking bits up to about 1½ inches in hardwood. Where it falls short is sustained large-Forstner-bit work in dense species: the ½ HP motor will slow noticeably under the continuous load that a ¾ HP machine handles easily. Who should look elsewhere: woodworkers doing primarily vertical drilling in a home furniture shop should choose the WEN DP1263V or the JET JDP-15B - the radial design adds mechanical complexity you simply will not use if all your holes are perpendicular to the workpiece face.

What is the best benchtop drill press under $700 for woodworking?

The best benchtop drill press under $700 for woodworking is the WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP1263V at $313.99 for woodworkers who prioritize variable speed and standard vertical drilling, or the Grizzly Industrial G7945-34" at $643.95 for those who need angled drilling and radial reach. The WEN's digital RPM readout and 580–3,100 RPM mechanical variable speed give it a functional edge over fixed-speed presses in this price bracket - the Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed at $647.91 is the ceiling of this budget tier, adding a 3/4 HP motor and X-Y laser guides for woodworkers who regularly drill dense hardwoods like oak, maple, or walnut and need sustained motor performance. Occasional home-shop woodworkers who primarily work with softwoods and sheet goods will not feel the difference between the WEN and the Rikon in day-to-day use.

Our pick: WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press — $313.99

What Should You Look For When Buying a Benchtop Drill Press for Woodworking?#

Not all drill press specifications carry equal weight for woodworking. The following criteria are ranked by their practical impact on hole quality, repeatability, and safety in a home or semi-professional wood shop ^[5].

Spindle runout - the number-one precision metric; under 0.005" is excellent, 0.005"–0.010" is acceptable for woodworking; higher runout causes oversized holes and tear-out.
Low-end speed range - verify the press reaches 250–500 RPM for large Forstner bits (2"+ diameter); high-speed drilling burns wood and destroys cutting edges rapidly.
Motor power (HP) - ½ HP handles most softwood and plywood; ¾ HP or more is required for repetitive hardwood drilling or boring in dense species like maple or white oak.
Table material - cast iron resists workpiece deflection and vibration; stamped steel flexes under clamping load and causes angular deviation in through-holes.
Quill travel - 3¼"–4" stroke needed for through-drilling thick stock or deep mortise work in a single plunge without repositioning.
Depth stop precision - micrometer or rack-and-pinion stops deliver repeatable blind holes for shelf pin drilling and doweling; look for sub-0.010" repeatability.
Chuck size and type - 5/8" keyed chucks handle all standard woodworking bits and resist slipping under load better than keyless chucks in demanding operations.
Swing (throat) capacity - 10–12" handles most joinery; 15" or more is needed when edge-drilling boards wider than 6 inches.
Mortising attachment compatibility - hollow-chisel attachments mount to standard 5/8" chucks, doubling a drill press's joinery utility at $40–$120 added cost.
Variable speed vs. stepped speeds - variable speed eliminates belt changes; 12–16 stepped speeds are workable but add 3–5 minutes of setup time between speed adjustments.

Can I use a benchtop drill press for mortising with a hollow-chisel attachment?

Yes - any benchtop drill press with a 5/8-inch keyed chuck accepts hollow-chisel mortising attachments, sold by JET, Grizzly, WEN, and Powermatic for $40–$120. The attachment mounts to the quill and uses a square chisel surrounding a twist bit to cut clean-walled mortises in a single plunge. The Shop Fox W1668, the JET JDP-15B, and the Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed all accept these attachments directly. For mortising, prioritize quill travel (minimum 3 inches) and a solid repeatable depth stop - the JET JDP-15B's T-slot table and precision depth stop make it the most capable benchtop press for hollow-chisel work among those reviewed. The WEN DP1263V also accepts a mortising attachment but its 3-1/8-inch quill travel represents the practical minimum for standard 1-inch mortise depths in furniture making.

Our pick: JET 15-Inch Benchtop Drill Press — $1,428.99

Frequently Asked Questions About Benchtop Drill Presses for Woodworking#

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best benchtop drill press for woodworking in 2026?

The WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP1263V at $313.99 is the best benchtop drill press for most woodworkers in 2026. It offers mechanical variable speed from 580 to 3,100 RPM, a digital RPM readout, cast iron construction, and a built-in laser guide at a price where competitors typically offer only fixed belt-drive systems with stamped steel tables. For professional-grade use, the JET JDP-15B at $1,428.99 is the top-tier benchtop choice with its 15-inch swing and T-slot work table.

What is the best benchtop drill press under $400 for beginners?

The WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP1263V at $313.99 is the best benchtop drill press under $400. Its variable speed motor, digital readout, laser guide, and LED work light give beginners more control and precision than any comparable fixed-speed press in this price range. It delivers a complete, ready-to-drill package straight out of the box with no additional accessories required to start woodworking.

What RPM speed do I need for large Forstner bits on a drill press?

Large Forstner bits 2 inches and above require 250–500 RPM to cut wood cleanly without scorching. At higher speeds, the bit generates excessive heat that burns the wood, dulls the cutting edge rapidly, and can cause the workpiece to grab dangerously. The Shop Fox W1668 reaches 250 RPM minimum - the lowest floor of any press in this roundup - making it the strongest choice for large-diameter Forstner work. The WEN DP1263V's 580 RPM floor is borderline acceptable for 2-inch bits in softwoods but is too fast for large bits in dense hardwoods like maple or white oak.

What's the difference between a benchtop and a floor-standing drill press for a home shop?

A benchtop drill press mounts on a workbench or dedicated stand and saves significant floor space - the primary advantage for home shops. Floor-standing presses typically offer more column rigidity, greater quill travel, and larger table capacity, but require 2–4 square feet of dedicated floor space. For most home woodworking - shelf pin holes, doweling, Forstner bit work up to 2 inches - a quality benchtop press like the JET JDP-15B or Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed provides equivalent drilling accuracy with a substantially smaller footprint.

Is a 12-inch or 15-inch drill press better for furniture making?

For furniture making, a 15-inch drill press provides a meaningful advantage: the larger swing handles edge drilling on boards up to 7½ inches wide, covering wide rails, door stiles, tabletop edges, and cabinet panels. A 12-inch press is limited to 6-inch edge drilling. If your furniture work regularly involves wide stock - dining tables, wide bookshelves, cabinet doors - the JET JDP-15B's 15-inch swing is worth the investment. For smaller-scale furniture (side tables, chairs, small cabinets), a 12-inch press is entirely adequate.

Can I use a benchtop drill press for mortising with a hollow-chisel attachment?

Yes. Any benchtop drill press with a 5/8-inch keyed chuck accepts hollow-chisel mortising attachments. The attachment clamps to the quill and uses a square chisel to cut clean mortise walls in a single plunge. The JET JDP-15B is the best choice for mortising among the presses reviewed, thanks to its T-slot work table, precision depth stop, and 3-1/8-inch quill travel per revolution. The Shop Fox W1668 and Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed are also fully compatible with standard hollow-chisel mortising attachments.

What spindle runout is acceptable for clean woodworking holes?

Under 0.005-inch spindle runout is excellent for woodworking and produces clean, accurately sized holes for dowels, shelf pins, and Forstner bit operations. Between 0.005 and 0.010 inch is acceptable for most home woodworking. Above 0.010 inch, holes will be measurably oversized and have ragged walls - problematic for tight-fitting dowel joints and hardware through-holes. Rikon presses are specifically cited in Fine Woodworking evaluations for achieving sub-0.005-inch runout at their price points, which is the benchmark of the mid-range category.

Do I need a variable-speed drill press or is a stepped-speed model good enough for woodworking?

Variable speed is a genuine convenience upgrade for woodworkers, primarily because it eliminates belt changes when moving between bit sizes and materials. A 16-speed stepped model like the JET JDP-15B is fully adequate - 16 discrete speeds cover all standard woodworking operations. The main practical advantage of continuous variable speed (as on the WEN DP1263V or Rikon 12-inch) is time savings: transitioning from 3,000 RPM for a 1/8-inch twist drill to 500 RPM for a 2-inch Forstner takes 10 seconds of dial adjustment rather than a 3–5 minute belt-change procedure.

What size drill press do I need for drilling shelf pin holes?

Any benchtop drill press with a 12-inch or larger swing handles shelf pin drilling effectively. The more critical requirement is a precise, repeatable depth stop - shelf pin holes must be consistent in depth (typically 3/8 to 1/2 inch) across all positions in a cabinet side to prevent shelf rocking. The JET JDP-15B's precision depth stop and T-slot fence compatibility make it the best benchtop choice for production shelf pin drilling. The WEN DP1263V is fully adequate for occasional shelf pin work in a home shop with a quality aftermarket fence.

Can a benchtop drill press handle 2-inch and 3-inch Forstner bits without stalling?

A 3/4 HP motor - found on the Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed, Shop Fox W1668, and JET JDP-15B - handles 2-inch and most 3-inch Forstner bits in hardwoods without stalling, provided you use the correct low speed (250–500 RPM) and advance the quill slowly with light consistent pressure. The WEN DP1263V's 6.2-amp motor is capable for 2-inch Forstner bits in softwoods and plywood; it may slow noticeably in dense maple or oak with a 2½-inch or 3-inch bit under continuous load. The Grizzly G7945's 1/2 HP motor is best limited to 2-inch maximum in hardwoods.

What is the best compact drill press for a small garage workshop?

The WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press DP1263V at $313.99 is the best drill press for a small garage workshop. Its 12-inch swing, cast iron construction, and full variable-speed range cover the overwhelming majority of home woodworking operations in a compact benchtop package. If motor power is a priority for hardwood work, the Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed at $647.91 is the next step up in the same footprint, though at more than twice the price.

How important is a cast-iron table versus a stamped-steel table on a benchtop drill press?

Very important. A cast iron table resists workpiece deflection under drilling load, reducing angular deviation in through-holes and improving depth consistency in blind holes. Stamped steel tables flex under clamping pressure and vibrate under motor load - both of which degrade hole quality and introduce measurable angular error over the depth of a through-cut. All five drill presses reviewed here feature cast iron or equivalent rigid table construction. Avoid any benchtop drill press with a stamped steel table if hole accuracy matters to your work.

What accessories should I buy with a new benchtop drill press for woodworking?

The four most useful accessories for a woodworking drill press are: (1) a drill press fence - the Delta Drill Press Fence at $76.48 supports tall and thin stock with a quick-adjusting flip stop for repeatable hole positioning; (2) a hollow-chisel mortising attachment ($40–$120), compatible with any 5/8-inch chuck; (3) a brad-point bit set for clean, tear-out-free entry holes in wood; and (4) a Forstner bit set in common furniture-making sizes (3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1½, and 2 inch). A drill press vise is also useful for small workpieces that are unsafe to hold by hand.

Is the Grizzly Industrial G7945 radial drill press a good choice for standard woodworking?

The Grizzly G7945 at $643.95 is an excellent choice for woodworkers who need to drill at multiple angles or reach far across large workpieces - chair makers, timber framers, and anyone doing angled compound joinery will find its pivoting head and 34-inch variable swing genuinely useful. For standard vertical furniture drilling, the WEN DP1263V, Rikon 12-inch Variable Speed, or Shop Fox W1668 are better value choices: the G7945's geometric flexibility comes at the cost of added mechanical complexity and a ½ HP motor that limits sustained large-bit work in dense hardwoods.

What is the difference between the Shop Fox W1668 and a standard 13-inch drill press?

The Shop Fox W1668 ($775.00) is a dual-function machine: it operates as both a 13-inch drill press and an oscillating spindle sander, with a speed range of 250–3,050 RPM and a 5/8-inch chuck. A standard drill press performs only drilling operations. The spindle sander function uses interchangeable sanding sleeves to smooth curved and irregular profiles - a critical operation in chair making, curved cabinet doors, and decorative woodworking. For small-shop operators short on bench space, the W1668 effectively replaces two separate machines at a price near their combined cost.