SKIL is a worldwide brand known for making high-quality power tools. The SKIL 3320-01 benchtop drill press builds on this reputation and offers a nice set of features at an affordable price.

We know that drill presses can sometimes be expensive power tools. Luckily models like the SKIL 3320-01 bridges the gap between performance and value. It is also a fairly compact drill press that does not consume a lot of space on your workbench. But is this drill press really worth the money or are there better models out there? We will attempt to answer this question. Let's get started with this review and cut straight to the meat, shall we?

But for anything that is high density and thick metal, in the range of more than 3/4" thickness, it will underperform. Compared to models like the Shop Fox W1668 or even the cheaper Craftsman 12-Inch, the SKIL 3320-01 feels more like a toy and not suited for professional use.

Speed

The speed in this drill press is versatile enough for general-purpose wood drilling. It has 5 preset speeds that vary from 570 RPM to 3,050 RPM. 570 RPM is a little bit too high for metal drilling, but as we have stated above, this model is mostly suited for wood and not metal.

On that account, the lowest speed setting can still drill into softwood or hardwood fairly easily. At the highest 3,050 RPM, it will drill quickly in material leaving a polished drill hole. This high setting is ideal when drilling in thin material like engineered lumber or plywood.

Importantly, adjusting the speed in this unit requires manual intervention as is does not have an automatic speed changing button. You will need to open the belt cover and change the belt tensioning system to change the speed. The speed setting is clearly marked on the backcover.

Size

The key chuck accommodates 1/2" drill bits. In our opinion, we would have preferred a 1/4" chuck to balance the fairly low power of this unit.

On the plus side, this drill press is fairly compact and will not consume in lot of space on your workbench as it measures only 21.8 x 15.2 x 9.8 inches. It is hardly portable with its 52.2 lbs weight but portability is not what benchtop drill presses are known for.

The swing size is only 10" which is very small compared to more professional models. This shows that this particular model is mostly suited for small DIY tasks rather than professional work. In addition, the fairly small table size of 7-5/8" cannot hold very large materials.

Construction

The construction quality is what we like the most about this drill press. It is mostly made from cast-iron metal which is durable and long lasting. The table as well of the base are fairly thick and offer good stability by drastically reducing vibrations.

The column is sturdy and made from a metal alloy. Additionally, the pilot feed lever is also made of metal with plastic handles.

Overall, we think that the build construction quality in this unit is not bad at all, especially considering that this is a budget drill press. Lastly, moving the spindle up and down the column is smooth and easy.

Angle

The table angle can be tilted with the table handle from 0-degrees to 45-degree both left and right. This is a very handy feature that will allow you to get more accuracy especially when performing angular drills in your material.

Other functions

• Laser X2: We were surprised to see the inclusion of a laser tracking system in this budget unit. It allows you to get better accuracy and speed when drilling.
• Depth adjustment system: Adjusting the depth of the bit is very easy. It can also be locked in position to provide a consistent drilling depth.
• The bump off switch is a nice feature that adds more safety on the job.

#2. User-friendly

We also like how SKIL makes it easy to make accurate drills in both perpendicular materials as well as angular ones. Locking the table in position is very easy with the table lock handle.

You can easily open the belt cover to reveal the motor belts for speed change. Additionally, performing maintenance on this unit is easy due to the simple parts.

Lastly, the chuck is not keyless so it will require a chuck key. Despite not being keyless, changing drill bits in this unit can still be done in a matter of seconds.

#3. Price

As we have hinted many times in this review, the price is one of the greatest benefits you get. It does not cost a lot of money but still offers fairly competitive features and the power is still adequate for general purpose drilling in wood. it is great value for money. Compared to more expensive models like the Shop Fox W1668, we feel that this model feels more like a toy and will underperform, especially when used to drill high-density metal like steel. However, considering that this unit offers to the table, we think that the price is more than reasonable.

#4. Pros/Cons

Pros

• The price. Definitely the price.
• 5 Variable speed control presets - 570 RPM to 3,050 RPM
• Good quality metal build construction.
• Easy to use and make adjustments to.
• Table can be tilted at 45-degrees to both the right and to the left.
• Metal table and metal base offer great stability with little vibration.

Cons

• Chuck is 1/2". A smaller 1/4" chuck would have been better for this model.
• Not powerful enough to drill through thick metal.
• Small swing size of 10".
• Manual speed change. The speed can only be changed by tightening or loosening the belt tensioning system.

#5. Expert Reviews

Todd Fratzel from ToolBoxBuzz.com made an excellent review of the SKIL 3320-01 10" . SKIL basically sent them this drill press for review. However, Todd still delivered an unbiased analysis of this tool. He starts by talking about the speed and the adjustable work surface. He likes the metal construction of this drill press as well as the ability to tilt the table 45-degree both to the right and to the left.

He takes beautiful pictures of this drill press at work and on his review you can clearly see how handy the Laser X2™ beam system is. It adds a lot of accuracy and ease of use according to him. He also says that it is easy to adjust the lasers for even more accuracy. Overall, he likes this product especially for its low price and recommends it.

Woodworking hub Popular Mechanics made a small overview of this product. They like how budget oriented it is. This product has no dislikes on this site and is therefore, a recommended model.

Who Should Buy?

The SKIL 3320-01 10" is mostly suited for DIY enthusiasts or casual woodworkers who do not work with large materials. Its small 10" swing size and 7-5/8" table will not allow large material anyway. The smaller motor in this drill press also makes it more suitable for woodworking rather than metal drilling. Bottom line, if you require a more performing and professional drill press, models like the Shop Fox W1668 and Craftsman 12-Inch are much more powerful and versatile. Of course, they are also more expensive. If you work mostly with small wood or plastic material, this model will work just fine.