What to Look for When Buying a Drill Press Stand

There are some basic and yet vital factors to keep an eye out when choosing a drill press stand. Here are a few of them:

#1. Compatibility

Probably the most important factor of them all. You need to ensure that your stand is compatible with your current rotary tool or handheld drill press machine. Not all drill press stands offer universal compatibility and some models, especially branded ones only fit a specific model(s).

#2. Build Construction

The build construction dictates two things: Accuracy and Durability. The better build quality and precision finish of your stand, the more accuracy you will get out of your drilling. Additionally, a solid metal construction finish means that it is more durable and will last longer. Always go with a branded model to ensure that you get the build quality you deserve for your money.

3. Large & Stable Base

A large and stable base help keep the unit stable when drilling. The base holds the whole weight of the device, including the hand drill so it needs to be sufficiently large as well as offer a stable support. It should not squeak or wobble. It also helps dampen vibrations making your drilling even more accurate.

Additionally, the base needs to have standard drill inserts for more drilling versatility as well as mounting inserts to secure to a workbench. Without those features, your drilling will be sub-par.

#4. Angle

You will not always use your drill press to make only vertical drills. Sometimes you will want to perform horizontal ones, as well as angular drilling. Your hand drill press stand must be able to rotate if you require angular drilling. Usually, they only rotate in increments of 15-degrees. But this is still plenty and offers a lot of angular versatility.

#5. Accessories

A drill press stand for hand drills is a very versatile tool, but it can be made into something that is more than a mundane drill press. Make sure that your stand can accept accessories like a flex shaft, router plunge, multi-vise, etc. if you need this versatility. Note that most of the time it will not come with those accessories, but you can purchase them separately.

#1. Dremel 220-01 Rotary Tool Workstation

Editor's Rating:  (4.4 / 5)

Pros

• Telescopic flex-shaft measures 16 - 29 inches
• Solid metal build construction.
• 15-degree articulation allows you to make angular drills easily.
• Crows nest to keep tools like wrenches and drill bits.
• Depth adjustment and depth stop.

Cons

• Compatible only with Dremel hand drills.

The long telescopic flex shaft and allows it to work with fairly tall materials. It is also ideal for those who already own a Dremel rotary tool which should technically be 100% compatible with this stand.

#2. Milescraft 1097 Drill Press Stand

Editor's Rating:  (4.2 / 5)

Pros

• Sturdy metal construction.
• Large 36 square-inch metal base that can be bolted to a workbench.
• Easy depth adjustment with pinion gearing.
• Works with most hand drills.

Cons

• Suitable only for vertical (perpendicular) drilling.
• Shaft is not a very tall. Can only drill in short (thickness) material.

This drill press stand is only suitable for drilling in thin material that is no thicker than 2-1/2 inches.

#3. Proxxon 28606 Micromot Drill Press Stand

Editor's Rating:  (4.3 / 5)

The feed lever is operated by a ball bearing mechanism that makes adjusting the height very easy and accurate. It can easily be locked in position to reproduce standard drilling.

Furthermore, this model has a vacuum base which means that it will stay firm without the need of securing it to a workbench. It offers great stability even on very smooth surfaces. Its small size of 13.78 x 3.35 x 9.25 inches is very compact and portable. Lastly, it can accommodate only Proxxon 38472, Proxxon 38481 AC and Proxxon Micromot rotary tools. This model is by far the best drill press stand we know of if you already own a Proxxon Micromot rotary tool.

Pros

• Excellent build construction that is second to none.
• Die cast aluminum base of 4-3/4 x 8-11/16 inches provides a lot of stability.
• Base has a fence and scale for maximum precision.
• Chromed shaft makes it easier to adjust the height as well as provide more durability.
• Feed lever uses the ball bearing mechanism that makes adjusting the depth smooth and easy.
• Small and compact form factor. Easily carried to the job in your work bag.

Cons

• Works with only Proxxon 38472, 38481 AC and Proxxon Micromot rotary tools.

The accuracy of the Proxxon 28606 MICROMOT drill stand makes it excellent for making precision work like jewelry, electronics drilling, and DIY crafts. It can also be used in the woodworking where accuracy on small wood material is required.

#4. Generic Floor Drill Press Stand for Hand Held Drill

Editor's Rating:  (4.5 / 5)

The base is made from cast iron with the possibility of being bolted to the workbench. It is a bigger stand than most models in this review measuring 400 x 155 x 155 mm but still remains portable at 4.2 lbs. This stand offers more performance when fitted with the right drill and delivers great accuracy due to its large and stable cast iron base. As a big bonus, this model should be compatible with all hand drills with a diameter of no more than 43 mm.

Pros

• Great value for money.
• Large cast iron base. Very stable.
• Ability to perform angular drills between 0 to 90 degrees.
• Compatible with all hand drills with a diameter not exceeding 43 mm.

Cons

• More expensive than other models.

This model is designed for making both perpendicular and angular drills with great ease. The angle adjustment is not limited by a certain incremental value (like the Dremel 220-01 rotary work station) and you can set your own custom angle between 0 - 90 degrees for a very versatile angular drilling.