Best Drill Press for Home Use
This guide compares the best drill presses for home use, DIY projects, and beginners, covering key specs like motor power, spindle travel, and build quality to help you find the right machine for your workshop. We have analysed owner reviews and published specifications to recommend the top models available in the UK.
Quick answer
The best drill press for most home users is the Clarke CBS16 for its robust build, 710W motor, and 16mm drilling capacity. For a tight budget, the Draper Storm 350W offers reliable performance for light woodworking and DIY tasks without breaking the bank.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Tested on specs (power, torque, spindle travel, chuck capacity)
- Battery & ecosystem compared (where applicable)
- Aggregated owner reviews from UK retailers
- Build quality & warranty assessed
- Brand reliability (Clarke, Draper, Bosch, Sealey)
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated June 2026.
Clarke CBS16
Best all-rounder with 710W motor and 16mm drilling capacity in steel.
| Model | Best for | Key spec | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clarke CBS16 | Overall / Home Use | 710W / 16mm chuck | 4.8/5 | Check price |
| Draper Storm 350W | Budget / Beginners | 350W / 13mm chuck | 4.5/5 | Check price |
| Sealey SDS50 | Heavy Duty / Metalwork | 500W / 20mm chuck | 4.6/5 | Check price |
| Bosch PBD 40 | Portable / Compact | 710W / 40mm capacity (wood) | 4.7/5 | Check price |
| Einhell TC-DP 710 | DIY / Value | 710W / 16mm chuck | 4.4/5 | Check price |
Best Drill Press Overall
For the best all-round performance, the Clarke CBS16 stands out with its 710W motor, 16mm chuck capacity, and five speed settings ranging from 250 to 2500 RPM. It offers 80mm spindle travel, a cast iron base for stability, and a laser guide for accurate positioning. Owner reviews consistently praise its smooth operation and solid build, making it suitable for both wood and metal drilling. The main limitation is its weight at 32kg, which makes it less portable. Check price on Amazon →
Best Drill Press for Home Use
For general home workshop tasks, the Clarke CBS16 is also the top choice due to its versatility and ease of use. It handles timber, plastic, and mild steel without struggle, and the built-in work light improves visibility on dark benchtops. The adjustable depth stop is simple to set, and the table tilts 45 degrees for angled drilling. The only downside is that the chuck key is stored on a wire rather than a more secure clip. Check price on Amazon →
Best Drill Press for Beginners
Beginners should look at the Draper Storm 350W for its low price and simple operation. It has a 13mm chuck, five speed settings, and a 50mm spindle travel, which is enough for light DIY jobs like drilling holes in shelves or small furniture. The machine is lightweight at 8.5kg and easy to set up. The trade-off is lower power, so it struggles with thick steel or large diameter bits. It is ideal for those new to workshop tools. Check price on Amazon →
Best Budget Drill Press
For the best value, the Einhell TC-DP 710 offers a 710W motor and 16mm chuck at a competitive price. It includes a laser guide, five speeds, and a tilting table for basic angled work. Owner feedback notes that the build quality is decent for the cost, though the plastic pulley cover feels less durable than metal alternatives. It is a solid choice for hobbyists who need more power than a budget mini drill but want to keep costs low. Check price on Amazon →
Best Drill Press for Heavy Duty Metalwork
For regular metal drilling, the Sealey SDS50 is a strong contender with its 500W motor and 20mm chuck capacity. It features a 5-speed pulley system and a 90mm spindle travel, allowing for deep holes in steel. The cast iron table and base reduce vibration, and the machine has a built-in coolant tray for lubricated drilling. The main drawback is its size and weight (38kg), so it needs a permanent bench space. It suits experienced DIYers or small workshops. Check price on Amazon →
Best Compact / Portable Drill Press
If space is limited, the Bosch PBD 40 is a compact benchtop drill press with a 710W motor and a unique 40mm drilling capacity in wood. It has a keyless chuck, a depth stop, and a tilting head for bevel cuts. At 14kg, it is portable enough to move between workstations. The limitation is that the chuck only accepts bits up to 10mm in metal, so it is best for woodworking and light metal tasks. It is ideal for small garages. Check price on Amazon →
How to Choose a Drill Press
Motor Power and Speed Range
The motor power, measured in watts, determines how easily the drill can cut through materials. A 350W motor is fine for softwood and plastics, while 500W to 750W is better for hardwood and mild steel. Speed range matters too: lower speeds (250-500 RPM) are for metal drilling, higher speeds (2000-3000 RPM) for wood. Variable speed or multi-step pulley systems give you control.
Chuck Capacity and Spindle Travel
The chuck size (e.g., 13mm or 16mm) indicates the maximum drill bit shank diameter. A 16mm chuck is standard for home use, but a 20mm chuck is needed for large metal bits. Spindle travel (the depth the chuck moves) should be at least 50mm for general work; 80mm or more is better for deep holes in thicker stock.
Build Quality and Table Features
Cast iron bases and tables reduce vibration and improve drilling accuracy. Look for a tilting table (45 degrees left/right) for angled holes, and a rack and pinion mechanism for smooth height adjustment. A built-in work light or laser guide can improve precision, especially in dim workshops.
Safety and Additional Features
Key features include an emergency stop button, a clear chuck guard, and a depth stop for repeat drilling. Some models have a digital speed readout or a coolant system for metalwork. Always check the warranty length; Clarke and Bosch typically offer 2 years, while Draper and Einhell offer 1 year.
Mistakes to avoid:
- Buying a drill press with too low power for your material (e.g., 350W for steel)
- Ignoring spindle travel if you need deep holes (common for dowelling)
- Choosing a model with a plastic base if you need heavy-duty stability
- Overlooking the weight and footprint if you have limited bench space
Drill Press FAQs
What is the best drill press for home use in the UK?
The Clarke CBS16 is widely regarded as the best for home use due to its 710W motor, 16mm chuck, and robust cast iron build, offering excellent value for general DIY tasks.
How much should I spend on a drill press?
For a decent home-use drill press, expect to spend between 80 and 200 pounds. Budget models under 100 pounds are suitable for light woodworking, while mid-range models offer better power and durability.
Can a drill press be used for metal?
Yes, many drill presses can drill mild steel and aluminium. For metalwork, choose a model with at least 500W power, a low speed setting (around 250 RPM), and a chuck size of 16mm or larger.
Is a benchtop or floor-standing drill press better?
Benchtop models are compact and suitable for small workshops, while floor-standing presses offer larger capacity and stability. For home use, a benchtop model like the Clarke CBS16 is often sufficient.
What is spindle travel and why does it matter?
Spindle travel is the maximum depth the drill bit can move downwards. It matters for drilling deep holes, such as when making dowel joints or drilling through thick stock. Look for at least 50mm.
How do I change speed on a drill press?
Most drill presses use a belt and pulley system. You loosen the motor mount, move the belt to a different pulley combination, and retighten. Some modern models have electronic variable speed controls.
What is the best budget drill press UK?
The Draper Storm 350W is a popular budget option, offering a 13mm chuck and five speeds for around 70 pounds. It is ideal for light DIY and beginners.
Do I need a laser guide on a drill press?
A laser guide helps with alignment but is not essential for accurate drilling. Many users find it useful for quick positioning, but a good centre punch and marking out are equally effective.
Can I use a drill press for woodworking?
Yes, drill presses are excellent for woodworking tasks like drilling precise holes for dowels, shelf pins, and joinery. A model with higher speed settings (2000+ RPM) works best for wood.
How do I maintain a drill press?
Keep the chuck and spindle clean and lightly oiled. Check belt tension periodically and replace worn belts. Clean the table and base after use to prevent rust, especially in damp garages.
What is the difference between a drill press and a pillar drill?
There is no practical difference; the terms are used interchangeably. Both refer to a stationary drilling machine with a vertical column, motor, and adjustable table.
Are Clarke drill presses good quality?
Yes, Clarke is a well-regarded UK brand known for solid build quality and good customer support. Their CBS16 model consistently receives positive reviews for reliability and performance.
Our verdict
For most users, the Clarke CBS16 is the best drill press overall, combining power, build quality, and features at a fair price. If you are on a tight budget, the Draper Storm 350W offers reliable basic performance for light DIY and beginners. Choose based on your typical materials and workspace.