Nearly every woodworker will tell you a drill press is a must-have. You may be just the weekend hobbyist who likes making things from wood and other light materials. Or, you may be an avid 'Do It Yourself' type of person (DIY'er) who loves making and creating things in and around your home. Or maybe you're a professional who earns a living from woodworking or using other light materials. Either way, one of the machines you won't be able to live without is a drill press.
™
Anybody who's had the privilege of buying their own will know there are many pitfalls when choosing the best model for yourself. How much power do you want? What sort of jobs does it need to do (are you drilling soft woods, are you using thicker/harder woods)? Will it only be used at weekends, or are you a professional who will be using it nearly every day of the week? How much space do you have in your workshop? These are just a few of the questions you'll want to ask yourself before you buy a new drill press.
Let's explore some of these in more detail. First ask yourself each of the following questions below. By doing so, I'm sure you'll easily be able to find the right press for yourself. Here we go:
Do I need a bench or a floor drill press?
Well, that depends mainly on the space you have. Do you have a big workshop or a small workshop? Do you have space for a full-sized drill press, or just enough space to squeeze one in? Floor drill presses are generally more expensive, and weigh more. They do generally however come with more features and more power under the hood.
How powerful does it need to be?
This depends on what you'll be doing with your press. If you're just a hobbyist woodworker and drill press will only use the press every so often - weekends for example - then you don't need such a powerful unit. However, if you're going to be using the press a lot - like every day - then you'll want something with a bit more power to handle the heavy-duty workload.
What about extra features? Are they worth the price?
As with most hardware of this sort, you pay for what you get. More expensive models generally come with better quality, more durable components, and many more features and add-ons then their cheaper counterparts. Are the laser cross hairs, built in flexi-lamp, extra-large worktable and 16 speed motor really what you need? Well...the most common answer is yes. When it comes to drill presses, manufacturers include all these features to make your drilling experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. If you have the extra cash, then get a drill press with the extra features. You won't even look back.
Do I need a powerful motor?
This again is determined by what you are going to be using your drill press for. If you're just going to be using it for soft or thin woods, then a less powerful motor will do. However, if you intend to use it day in day out with hard woods and on larger projects, you'll want to opt for a more powerful engine to take the heavy-duty workload.
Should I get the cheapest model available?
Keep in mind that you usually get what you pay for. Cheap presses are great if you're just using them for smaller projects, and the workload isn't going to be that great. However, you'll want to buy a more expensive model if you want durability, and a drill press that will be able to handle a heavier workload.
Cordless drills are electric drills using rechargeable batteries. They are commonly used in carpentry, construction and metalworks.
A cordless drill is a portable machine for hand-held drilling tasks. It comes in various sizes and types, each with varying features. Here are some features to consider:
The Weight of the Drill
Take into consideration the weight. Drills with lower battery voltage are usually smaller and lighter. Heavier drills though have higher-voltage batteries.
Batteries
Cordless drills are available in 9.6 to 24 volts. The capacity of the drill depends on the battery voltage. Not all 12-volt batteries are the same. A battery with a higher mAh (milliamp-hours) can hold a drill for long periods. On the other hand, battery types like Lithium-ion and nickel-metal-hydride help add more power and running time. These drills are relatively lighter and don't contain toxic cadmium.
Check the prices also. Most modern batteries sell for more than $200 or more. NiCd cells are priced lower costing as little as $25. The Li-Ion and NIMH cells cost more than $90.
Cordless drill batteries last 2 to 4 years on the average. It is recommended to use rechargeable batteries. It will be more economical in the long run.
The Brand
Generally, branded drills are more efficient and reliable in performance although more costly. There's Black & Decker, Craftsman, Ryobi and Skil to name a few. Bosch, Hitachi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ridgid and PorterCable are do-it-yourself brands that are more expensive. Search the internet for other recommended brands.
The Price
Depending on the voltage, good cordless drill costs $60 to $100. Most 9.6-volt drills cost around $100. A 12-volt model costs about $50 to $130. A 14.4-volt is usually sold for $60 to $200. An 18-volt usually sells for $100 to $300. Impact drivers are sold for $150.
Additional features:
o Smart Charger. Many recent models come with a charger that can be optimized to extend battery life. A fully-charged battery will switch into a trickle-charge mode. Some models offer a charger with built-in spare batteries.
o Chuck. A cordless drill uses a 3/8 inch chuck to hold the bits. Chucks can be 12 inches long, allowing one to use the drill bit for up to ½ inches in diameter. This includes a hammer drill feature for woodworking and for drilling holes in masonry.
o Kits. Some cordless drills come with a flashlight, circular and reciprocating saws and a carrying case.
Here are some tips on choosing the right cordless tool that will suit your budget and personal preferences.
1. Look for a drill with a work-saving feature. Most suited drills have long running power and requires fewer pauses.
2. Check out the latest sales and promos. Some drills when bought include freebies and additional kits.
3. Hold the drill and check the grip for sharp edges and bumps. The trigger should work smoothly.
4. Check if the specifications in ads and displays are true. Don't be satisfied with the speed test in stores.
Have a basic understanding of the parts and functions of a cordless drill. Buy the right drill depending on your budget and needs.