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A drill press earns its bench space when repeated holes, controlled depth or angled setups matter more than portability. These three US-market machines were listed below $300 by their manufacturers or official seller when checked. Amazon prices may differ. We reviewed product pages and manuals; HandyTested has not operated or measured these machines.
Quick picks
- Standard 10-inch benchtop: SKIL DP9505-00.
- Variable-speed 10-inch benchtop: WEN 4212T.
- Drilling plus oscillating sanding: Shop Fox W1667.
Compare the drill presses
| Model | Swing | Speed control | Chuck | Key distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SKIL DP9505-00 | 10 in. | Five steps, 610-2,800 RPM | 1/2 in. keyed | Laser and work light |
| WEN 4212T | 10 in. | Mechanical variable, 530-3,100 RPM | 1/2 in. keyed | Digital speed readout |
| Shop Fox W1667 | 8-1/2 in. | Five steps; consult manual for exact variant | JT33 keyed | Oscillating sanding function |
Swing is twice the distance from spindle center to column, not a claim about the maximum board thickness or drilling depth. For depth, inspect spindle travel and the workpiece setup separately.
Which machine fits your bench?
SKIL DP9505-00: straightforward 10-inch drilling
SKIL lists a 6.2-amp induction motor, five belt-selected speeds from 610 to 2,800 RPM, a 1/2-inch keyed chuck, a laser, a work light and a table that tilts 45 degrees left or right. Its depth stop helps with repeated holes. This is a conventional benchtop press for someone who wants documented basic features without paying for a larger swing.
Best for: small-shop woodworking and repeat drilling. Trade-off: five fixed speed choices rather than continuously variable adjustment; confirm your bit and material call for a speed in that range.
Check current SKIL DP9505-00 listings on Amazon → (paid link) (search results; confirm model).
WEN 4212T: variable speed without a larger footprint class
WEN documents a 5-amp motor, 10-inch swing, 2-inch spindle travel and a mechanical variable-speed range of 530 to 3,100 RPM. The digital readout helps identify the selected RPM; the manufacturer also lists a laser and a 1/2-inch keyed chuck. Its 8 x 7.5-inch cast-iron table bevels 45 degrees. It is the stronger choice here when dialing in intermediate speeds matters more than a work light.
Best for: buyers wanting a 10-inch press with finer speed selection. Trade-off: 2-inch spindle travel limits single-pass depth, and the machine still needs a stable, secured bench.
Check current WEN 4212T listings on Amazon → (paid link) (search results; confirm the T suffix).
Shop Fox W1667: compact press with an oscillating option
Grizzly, the official Shop Fox seller, identifies W1667 as an 8-1/2-inch benchtop oscillating drill press, not a 13-inch floor model. It has a 1/2-horsepower motor, 2-inch spindle travel and can also run an oscillating sanding spindle with appropriate drums and sleeves. Its smaller swing gives less reach from column to bit than the two 10-inch choices. The product page contains inconsistent speed-range figures in different sections, so we do not rely on a single RPM range; check the manual for the actual version shipped.
Best for: a compact shop that also needs contour-sanding capability. Trade-off: smaller drilling envelope and additional setup for sanding; it is not a substitute for a full-size floor drill press.
Check current Shop Fox W1667 listings on Amazon → (paid link) (search results; confirm W1667, not W1668).
How we chose
We checked manufacturer or official-seller records for model identity, swing, motor, speed selection, spindle travel, table and current budget fit. The old guide listed WEN 4214; WEN’s US listing for 4214T exceeded this guide’s ceiling when checked. We replaced the old SKIL 3320-01 recommendation in this guide with the documented DP9505-00. The JET JDP-15B is a real 15-inch benchtop tool, but a major US woodworking retailer listed it far above $300. The old Shop Fox W1667 description used the wrong size and form factor. All invented hands-on findings, star ratings and fixed article prices were removed.
Buying and safety essentials
Capacity: match swing, spindle travel, chuck and table space to your workpiece. A laser is an alignment aid, not proof of drilling accuracy. Verify the bit, material and recommended speed in the machine’s manual.
Secure the setup: fasten the press as instructed and clamp the workpiece instead of holding it by hand. The W1667 manual warns that a loose workpiece can spin or be thrown. It also calls for eye protection, no loose clothing or gloves near rotating parts, and disconnecting power before setup or service. Follow the manual for your exact machine, not a short buying guide.
Frequently asked questions
Does a 10-inch swing mean a 10-inch-deep hole?
No. Swing describes reach across the table; spindle travel and setup determine how deep a single feed can go.
Is a laser necessary?
No. It can help position a mark, but proper bit choice, secure workholding and setup matter more.
Are these guaranteed under $300 on Amazon?
No. The category was supported by US manufacturer or official-seller listings at research time. Current Amazon offers can differ; confirm seller, exact model and final price.
Can the W1667 sand as well as drill?
Yes, when fitted and operated as its manual specifies with the appropriate sanding accessories. It does not have the reach of larger press models.