The WEN 4210 is a step up from the WEN 4208. It is a little bit more expensive but also has better features as well as being more powerful. But how well does it perform in the workshop and should you get this model? Here is our in-depth review of the WEN 4210 drill press.

Speed

There is also some changes in the variable speed setting of the WEN 4210. It can perform a 5 speed preset range from 600 - 3,100 RPM. We note the lower 600 RPM speed that now allows this drill press to work more comfortably with soft metal.

Indeed, metal requires a lower speed and usually 150 - 300 RPM is considered the sweet spot when drilling in this high-density material. The WEN 4210 is quite not there yet, but still close enough to drill soft metal and wood with a decent finish quality.

As with most WEN series drill presses, there is no automatic speed control. The user will need to adjust the belt tensioning system in order to change the speed. Of course, it is not as convenient as an automatic variable speed drill press but with a little practice, you can quickly change the belt tensioning speed in a matter of seconds. It is not very hard to do.

Size

The chuck capacity remains a standard 1/2 inch compatible with 1/2 inch shank drill bits. We would have preferred a 1/4 inch chuck that would have compensated the mid-size motor and boosted its performance, but we have to make do with what we’ve got. Furthermore, the table size also measures a comfortable 7-5/8 x 7-5/8 inches which is large enough to provide stability and accommodate commercially available materials like engineered lumber, wood planks, Plexiglas sheets, etc.

Construction

As a recurring feature of the WEN series of drill presses, this model is made from a nice combination of metal for the important parts like the column, table, base and plastic encapsulation for the motor pack. It also has a soft rubber-plastic material around the spindle handles which are very comfortable to hold.

In addition, this WEN 10-inch drill press also has a more professional look as it is designed and engineered differently than the budget WEN 4208. It also offers a little better efficiency and works with less noise.

Angle

The user is still able to adjust the worktable angle fairly easily in this model. It can tilt to both the left and right at 45-degree which offers a lot of versatility on the job. Additionally, the worktable can easily be locked in position for further repetitive drilling. All in all, it is a very easy and versatile drill press to work with if you need to perform angular drills.

Other Function

• Laser: This WEN drill press is equipped with a precision laser that illuminates your drill area. This boosts your drilling speed and productivity, especially if you need to perform a lot of drilling in short bursts.
• Depth Adjustment Gauge: A more professional depth adjustment gauge is fitted in this unit. Now we’re talking professional-grade accuracy when drilling through material. It locks your spindle travel very accurately and we’re amazed that such a sophisticated depth adjustment system is found in this fairly “affordable” drill press.
• Table Light: The table light illuminates your work area proving more visibility. This feature is very helpful in dim lighted workshops.

User-Friendly

This drill press is straightforward and easy to use, even by beginners. Adjustments like the speed, table tilt and table height is very easy to make. Additionally, features like the precision laser and onboard work light makes it easier to work with in an efficient and productive manner.

Last but not least, the basic features like the handles and power settings are easy to adjust. The power button is located right at the front of this unit, making it easy to power on as well as being an excellent security feature in itself.

#2. Price of WEN 4210 Drill Press

The price range of the WEN 4210 is still considered “affordable”. Okay, this drill press is not the cheapest model out there. But considering the features and benefits it offers, it is definitely value for money. It has much superior features than the WEN 4208 with not a wide gap in price. If you are looking for a budget drill press for your workshop, we cannot think of a model better than the WEN 4210. Or maybe the Craftsman 10-inch offers some tough competition to it, equally offered in the same price range.

#3. Pros/Cons of WEN 4210 Drill Press

Pros

• Decent power that allows it to drill in both wood and thin metal sheets with great ease.
• Affordable price and good price-to-performance ratio.
• Variable speed of 600 - 3,100 RPM for versatility when drilling through different types of materials.
• Quality build construction made from metal.
• Laser and LED light for accuracy and visibility.
• Depth adjustment is accurate and very easy to set.

Cons

• Still not powerful enough to comfortably drill through thick metal.

Who Should Buy?

It is a little more difficult to recommend this model. It is much more superior to the WEN 4208 and still offered at an affordable price. However, there is not a significant performance difference between the two to justify its more expensive price.

Our recommendation is that if you use this model only for wood, plastic, ceramics, tiles and soft metal, go ahead and get this WEN 10-inch drill press. It will gladly deliver on the job and offer a larger swing size. If you work with metal thicker than 1/2 inch, especially hardened steel, there are better models like the WEN 4212 or Craftsman 12” drill press. Of course, they are also more expensive.