Need the world’s best drill press?

Perhaps you are in the market for this machine tool and you’re scouring the internet for the best of the best.

In this humble author’s opinion, the best of any product could be described as the highest quality at the fairest price.

LeBlond may be known for lathes, but we supply an arsenal of indispensable machinery for your machine shop or classroom, including a drill press for metalworking.

We believe our drill press deserves “best in the show” because of the superior quality and cost-effective pricing.

Don’t believe us on the latter? Get the skinny on LeBlond’s drill press pricing by clicking HERE or calling +1 (888) 532-5663 (M-F 8 am-5 pm ET) and selecting Option 2.

What is a Drill Press?

A drill press is a vital piece of equipment for anyone who regularly works with wood, metal, or other materials.

It allows for precise drilling and can be used to create holes of various sizes. Drill presses can also be used for sanding, honing, and polishing operations, making them a useful tool for any workshop.

A drill press consists of a base, a column, a drill head, and a chuck. The drill head has a rotating spindle that holds the drill bit, and the chuck is used to tighten or loosen the drill bit.

The column is adjustable, so the drill bit can be moved up or down. The base is usually made of cast iron or steel and is heavy to provide stability while drilling.

How do Floor Drill Presses Work?

If you are looking for the best drill press, you need to know that the machine consists of a base, a column, a table, and a drill bit. The base supports the column, which in turn supports the table. The table is where the material to be drilled is placed.

The drill bit is held in place by a chuck at the end of the column. To operate the machine, the operator first feeds the drill bit into the material to be drilled.

Then, they activate the chuck to rotate the drill bit. At the same time, they lower the chuck and drill it into the material. As the drill bit reaches the desired depth, the operator stops rotating the chuck and raises it back up. This process is then repeated as necessary to create additional holes.

What Are the Different Drill Press Sizes?

Swing and spindle travel are the two primary parameters to take into account for all drill presses. Swing is calculated by multiplying the distance between the spindle and the machine’s central column by two.

The best drill presses usually have a column size of around three to four inches. LeBlond’s LDP-25VS, for instance, with a 3.6” (91.44mm) column diameter and a 2-7/16” (50.8mm) quill diameter on top of an 18.3” x 14.2” (464.82mm x 360.68mm) table.

If you are looking for an affordable yet high-quality piece, you can learn more about LeBlond’s best drill press by clicking HERE or calling us at +1(888) 532-5663 (M-F 8 am-5 pm ET) and selecting Option 2.

More Drill Press Mechanics

If you wish to bore a workpiece to the center, you can use this to determine the widest piece of material to fit on your best drill press for metalworking.

Spindle travel basically refers to how far your drill press can move downwards when rotating the handle.

Metal Drill Press vs. Wood Drill Press: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between the two is their size and type of bit. Metal drill presses use smaller bits that are made of harder materials, such as carbide or diamond.

Wood drill presses use larger bits made of softer materials, such as wood or plastic. In addition, metal drill presses typically have a higher speed than those for wood, which is necessary for drilling through hard metals.

Choosing the Best Drill Presses for Metalworking

When it comes to metalworking, not just any old drill will do. Ordinary drills are simply not designed to stand up to the rigors of metal drilling. They can overheat, break bits and ultimately cause more damage than good.

That’s why it’s essential to use a drill specifically designed for metalworking. The best floor model drill press is the one built to withstand the high temperatures and heavy-duty use that metalworking entails.

They also feature specialized bits that are designed to stay sharp longer and penetrate metal more easily. In short, a good metalworking drill is an essential tool for anyone who regularly works with metal.

When it comes to choosing the best drill press for metalworking, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.

1. Know Your Metal: The Type Matters

First, consider the type of metal you’ll often work with. For example, a less powerful drill press will suffice if you work mainly with softer metals like aluminum or brass.

However, if you’re planning on working with more rigid metals like steel or cast iron, you’ll need a more powerful machine to handle the extra torque. 

2. Let’s Talk Size: Choose According to Your Requirements

Next, think about the size of the holes you’ll be drilling. A smaller drill press will be fine if you’re only drilling small holes. However, if you need to drill larger holes, you’ll need a larger machine with more power and a more extended column.

The Power and Precision of a LeBlond Drill Press 

Let’s face it: the moment you press the drill machine’s power button, the beast comes to life. Both noobs and experienced machinists frequently lose control and drill at an incorrect angle. So, no matter how well we label the drill holes, we are all susceptible to missing the proper location.

We have the best drill press offering impeccable reliability, versatility, and outstanding features. Some of them are discussed below!

1. Helps Store Extra Drill Bits and Adapters Conveniently

The base provides a sturdy foundation for drilling while the tank allows you to store extra drill bits, drill bit adapters, and other accessories. The combination of these two features makes this drill ideal for both home and professional use

2. Gives the Power You Need for Your Projects

The LeBlond Drill Press Model LDP-25VS drill has a 2 HP, 230v/60Hz/3ph motor and can be used with a variety of drill bits to create holes of different sizes. The motor is powerful and can handle even the most challenging drilling projects.

The drill also features a built-in work light that illuminates the work area, making it easy to see what you’re doing,

3. 1″ (25.4mm) Drilling Capacity for Metal

As anyone in manufacturing knows, a drill is only as good as its drilling capacity. Our drill has a Drilling Capacity in Steel: 1″, making it ideal for various projects.

With this power, you can easily drill through metal studs, pipes, and even concrete.

4. A 5/8″ (15.875mm) Tapping Capacity

Tapping capacity is essential when purchasing a drill, as it determines the hole size it can create.

The average home drill has a tapping capacity of 1/2″ (12.7mm) which is sufficient for most tasks. However, a drill with a tapping capacity of 5/8″ may be required for larger projects, such as drilling holes for water pipes or electrical wiring. Our drill has this particular tapping capacity, making it ideal for larger and more complex projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Drill Press Worth Buying?

A drill press can be a valuable addition to the workshop for anyone who enjoys working with wood or metal. With the popular mechanics with the drill press, you can create precisely-sized holes and adjust the hole depth to get the perfect fit every time.

You can also use a drill press to sand or polish workpieces and even engrave intricate patterns. In short, a drill press provides a level of control and precision that is impossible with a hand-held drill.

What Are the Main Types of Drill Presses?

Drill presses come in two primary categories: benchtop and stationary models. Benchtop variants are more compact, lightweight, and portable. Floor models have more power, capacity, and features but are heavier and more challenging to move.

What’s the Best Horsepower for a Drill Press?

The horsepower motor (HP) measures the motor’s power and determines how quickly the drill bit will rotate. A 1/2 HP drill press will suffice for most home and commercial projects. However, if you plan on doing more heavy-duty work, such as drilling through metal, you’ll need a machine with more power.

Get the Best of Both Worlds – Price & Quality

You now have a more thorough understanding of drill press mechanics. You hopefully understand the quality built into LeBlond’s superior LDP-25VS model.

If you would like to discuss pricing, please reach out HERE or call +1 (888) 532-5663 (M-F 8 am-5 pm ET) and select Option 2.

We look forward to hearing from you!