Jet Drill Press: Well, in this post, I’ll walk you through some of the best Jet Drill presses available on the market.
Moreover, I’ll also discuss all the essential parameters that you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to buying the best Jet Drill Press.
Lastly, I would be responding to the queries related to the Jet Drill press review to help you make an informed buying decision.
But, before we proceed with reviewing some of the best Jet drill presses, allow me to ask you a couple of questions as it would help us to enhance the review and buying section as well as help the readers of this blog with the superlative reading experience.
So, which is your favorite drill press brand?
Would you prefer a benchtop drill press over a floor drill press?
How much are you willing to spend on a drill press?
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Best Jet Drill Press Review
Jet is a well-known and highly trusted brand.
Moreover, the JET drill press can perform other operations as well such as reaming, countersinking, counterboring, or even tapping big or tiny-sized holes.
These drill presses are known to have high accuracy and precision.
Jet 354301 IDP-22 | Best Jet Industrial Drill Press For Metal
The Jet 354301 is perhaps one of the best Industrial drill presses available on the market.
It goes without saying that the Industrial drill press is a unique blend of accuracy, stability, and versatility.
To be honest, in spite of you being a newbie, you don’t have to worry at all about the accuracy of the holes that you want to drill as the JET 354301 helps you to achieve it without any hassle.
Not only the machine is CSA/CUS certified but also comes with an oversized table to help you experience a superlative drilling experience and achieve the best result.
It would be of great help if your project involves huge workloads.
Moreover, JET 354301 has a robust construction and idiosyncratic design that helps in enhancing stability.
Lastly, the machine comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- The JET 354301 is available in both 17 and 22 inches
- CSA/CUS certified
- Comprises of an over-sized table
- Highly accurate, stable, and versatile
Cons
- Expensive
Jet 716200 Jdp-15B | Best Jet Benchtop Drill Press For Woodworking
The JET 716200 is a 15-inch drill press with a 3-1/8” spindle travel.
The drill press comprises a powerful motor that is capable of generating RPM that falls in the range of 210 – 3500.
Personally, I like its integrated depth stop feature that makes the repetitive drilling quick and easy.
Not only that, but it also comes with a power switch that features a safety key and a large paddle-style off button to help you with a hassle-free user experience.
Another good thing about this little beast is that it comes with a large 12-1/2 x 17″ precision ground work table that features twin t-slot grooves and 4 table slots in order to help you accommodate any sort of project.
Well, even though you’re a first-time user, you don’t have to worry at all about the speed change as you can change it at a very rapid pace with the help of a one-handed belt tensioning that the machine comes with.
Furthermore, the machine has a unique design and is bulky and impressive.
The JET 716200 comes with a LED light and performs really well when it comes to drilling large holes, that is, 3 inches and above.
And, of course, the worktable is large and makes the clamping quite easy.
The drill comes with an impressive chuck that is capable of holding bits in the range of 1 mm to 16 mm.
Pros
- Comprises of integrated depth stop that makes the repetitive drilling hassle-free
- 3-1/8” spindle travel
- 12-1/2 x 17″ ground worktable
- RPM fall in the range of 210 – 3500
- Highly stable
Cons
- Assembling might be a tedious task for the newbies
Jet JDP-17 Drill Press | Best Jet 17 Inch Drill Press For Woodworking
The Jet JDP-17 is one of its kind and comprises of sturdy cast iron head and a poly v-belt drive system.
Moreover, the little beast is capable of 5″ of spindle travel and comes with a built-in LED light to provide direct lighting.
Not only that, but the Jet JDP-17 also comes with a large 14 x 19″ work table that is capable of providing plenty of support with an edge designed for easy clamping.
The off button comes with a paddle-style design and the depth stop helps in making repetitive drilling less time-consuming and hassle-free.
Pros
- With just one turn the spindle is capable of traveling 5-inches
- The 14 x 19-inch accuracy ground table for work comprises dual T-slot grooves
- Comes with four table slots
- Also, comprises of belt tensioning feature that helps you with rapid speed changes
- The power switch of the drill press comes with a safety key for security
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Some of you might find Chuck’s key to be cumbersome
Jet Tools – JDP-17MF (354169) | Best Jet Drill Press For Professional Workshop
The 354169 is a perfect drill press for woodworkers and comes with 16 speeds.
Moreover, it comes with an adjustable tension spindle return spring which makes it ideal for repetitive drilling for the same depth.
To deal with the dim light situation, this little beast has a built-in work light.
Furthermore, the floor-standing drill press comes with a 3/4-horsepower induction motor that is capable enough to produce RPM which falls in the range of 200 and 3630.
The 13-3/4-inch worktable is large enough to accommodate most of your drilling needs and can be tilted 45 degrees left and right so as to help you can expedite angled drilling without any hassle.
Trust me, the access to the motor mount isn’t tough as the drill press comes with a hinged metal belt and pulley cover.
Lastly, the 200 pounds 354169 comes with a year limited warranty.
Pros
- 3/4-horsepower, 1-phase motor with 16 speeds
- Quick-release, crank-operated worktable
- 1-year limited warranty
- 16-1/2 inches swing
- 5/8-inch drilling capacity
Cons
- The machine may vibrate at certain speeds
Jet 716000 JWDP-12 | Best Jet 12 Inch Drill Press With Laser For The Money
Well, allow me to introduce JET 716000 to you in the simplest way I could.
The 12-inch drill press is powerful enough to tackle big jobs and portable enough to do it anywhere.
The variable speed drill press comprises a powerful 1/2 HP induction motor that is good enough to generate enough power to take care of most of your drilling needs if NOT ALL.
Furthermore, the 10″ x 16-1/8″ cast iron base enhances the stability of the machine so that you’ll not have to face problems such as toppling and walking the machine during the operation.
It also comes with a large paddle switch that not only provides an easy shut-off but also lockout protection.
To cater to the needs of the multiple drilling needs of the end-users the 716000 comes with an industrial 5/8″ drill chuck.
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Easy shut-off and lock-down protection
- 5/8″ drill chuck
- 1/2 HP induction motor
- X-shaped XACTA laser for enhanced drilling accuracy
Cons
- The motor may get overheated in case you’re using it continuously for a longer duration
JET J-2550 – JET354402 | Best Jet Floor Drill Press For Metal
The JET 20″ floor model drill press is a perfect choice for heavy-duty projects.
The credit goes to the steady iron heads that it comes with.
Moreover, in spite of you being a novice woodworker, you don’t have to worry at all about the precision because the little beast comes with a big quill and head casting to help you with the precision.
The worktable is not only large enough but also can be tilted 45 degrees so that you can perform angled drilling without any hassle.
Pros
- Comprises of large T-slotted operation work table
- 1 HP powerful motor
- Cast iron head and big quill
- The table is capable of tilting up to 45 degrees
Cons
- Relatively less portable
JET 354170/JDP-20MF | Best Jet Variable Speed Floor Drill Press For Home Shop
To be honest, the JET 354170 is one of the best 20-inch floor drill presses that I’ve come across.
Not only it comprises a powerful 1.5 HP motor but also 12 spindle speeds that fall in the range of 150 and 4200 RPM.
To tackle the dim light issue, the JET 354170 has a built-in work light.
Keeping safety in mind, the manufacturer has positioned the ON/OFF switch in the front of the drill press head.
Understand the importance of quick adjustment during metal drilling or even wood drilling, the manufacturer has inculcated a 1/2″ diameter external positive depth-stop with a dual nut locking feature.
Furthermore, the spindle can travel 4-5/8 inches and is supported by high-quality ball bearings.
Lastly, the JET 354170 weighs 288 pounds and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- 1.5 HP powerful motor
- 12 spindle speeds
- 3/4 inch chuck
- Built-in work light
Cons
- Overheating may be a cause of concern in case you’re running the machine for a longer duration
JET J-2550 | Best Versatile Jet Floor Drill Press
The J-2550 is a one-horsepower 20-inch floor drill press model that comprises a cast-iron head, and a 45-degrees tilting worktable.
Keeping in mind the importance of accuracy while drilling, the manufacturer has inculcated a large quill.
With 4-3/4 inches spindle travel and 5/8-inch drilling capacity for mild steel, the little beast position itself in a different league altogether.
Not only that, but it is also capable of 4-3/4-inch stroke which would definitely be of great help in case of deep hole applications.
Similar to the other Jet models, it also comes with an accurate depth stop to help you with the precision for hole depths.
Lastly, the 421 pounds drill press comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- Cast iron head
- Large quill and T-slotted worktable can tilt 45 degrees
- 15 to 4,200 RPM
- 1 HP powerful motor
Cons
- Assembling can be a tedious job, especially for the newbies
JET J-2530 | Best Jet 15-Inch Benchtop Drill Press For Accuracy
Well, the 15-inch drill press comprises of 3/4 HP motor, and a spacious tilting table in order to help you with the angled drilling.
The machine includes a robust cast iron head as well as a large quill to help you deal with the precision problem.
Since the JET J-2530 comprises 16-speeds so you can use it for drilling a wide variety of materials.
Moreover, the assembling of the machine is quite easy with clear instructions so even though you’re a novice woodworker you can perform the task without any hassle.
A majority of the machine is cast iron and steel.
However, the switch assembly and the table crank handle are plastic.
Furthermore, the huge 5/8″ chuck holds bits firmly.
To be honest, the 15″ swing is one of the largest swings available for any benchtop model.
Lastly, the 157 pounds J-2530 comes with a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- 2-year warranty
- 3/4 HP double ball-bearing motor
- 5/8″ chuck holds bits firmly
- The table can be raised easily with a [heavy] 5″ cross vise mounted
- No vibration or belt chatter
Cons
- Assembling the machine could be tedious and time consuming
Buying Guide
To be honest, this section is very important for the ones who are on the lookout for the best Jet drill press.
It goes without saying that I would walk you through all the important parameters that you should consider in order to make the best buying decision.
Let’s discuss each one of them in detail.
Model Type
The Jet drill press gives you the option to choose from the floor model and benchtop model.
Both these models have their own advantages and are meant to target certain segments of the end customers’.
For example, a floor model is ideal for projects that are complex and are expedited on a large scale.
Most of the floor models are bulkier and are capable of generating a high and wide range of RPMs.
The floor drill presses are highly accurate and precise.
On the other hand, if you’re a novice woodworker, a hobbyist, or a DIYer, then definitely, a benchtop drill press will suffice your project’s drilling needs.
The good thing about benchtop drill presses is their portability and compactness.
Depth Stop
Well, if you haven’t heard before about the depth stop then let me tell you it’s an important feature and your drill press should’ve it.
It not only helps you but in fact, guarantees that all the openings that you make share the same depth.
The importance of the depth stop comes into play when your project demands boring a considerable number of holes that have equal depths.
Horsepower
If you frequently deal with drilling thick metal sheets of iron and steel then definitely, you need a powerful motor.
On the other hand, drilling materials such as softwood require less powerful motors.
So, choose the horsepower as per your project requirement.
High-Quality Table
I highly recommend my clientele choose tables that are easily adjustable and can swivel.
If your drill press worktable can tilt 45 degrees then it will help you in expediting angled drilling.
Weight
Your drill press weight would influence parameters such as stability and portability.
For example, benchtop models are mostly portable and weigh less.
On the other hand, the floor models are bulky and more stable.
Accessories
Always look for the drill press models that come with essential accessories.
For example, accessories such as a heavy-duty stand with rollers, drill press clamp, etc are some of the accessories that should come with your drill press model.
Speed Adjustment
Look for models that come with hassle-free speed adjustment features.
Most of the drill press models nowadays comprise multiple speed settings so as to help you work on a wide range of materials.
If your drill press model has a wide range of speeds then you should definitely ensure that the speed adjustment is less time-consuming and even a novice driller could perform it without minimum guidance.
Serviceability
Look for the brands and models whose parts are easily accessible.
Always refrain from buying drill press models that have high maintenance costs associated with them.
However, JET has good serviceability so you don’t have to worry at all.
Drill Press Head
Always look for drill presses that have adjustable heads.
The best thing about an adjustable head is that the client can handle working on compound angles quite easily.
Drill Bits
To be honest, you can’t ignore the importance of drill bits.
In fact, for successful drilling, you need to select the correct drill bit, and if need it must be sharpened as well.
For example, high-speed steel bits are suitable for drilling most types of material.
The good thing about HSS is that it can stand up to high temperatures.
Another popular drill bit is carbon steel which is mainly used for drilling woods and you should refrain from using it for drilling metals as these are more brittle and less flexible as compared to the HSS.
Warranty
To be honest, I’ve seen quite a few of my clients not taking warranty seriously.
However, the fact is that the more warranty a manufacturer gives you for a product the better confidence he shows in that product.
So, always look for a JET drill press that comes with a good warranty period.
FAQs
Well, in this section, I would be answering questions related to the best Jet drill presses to help you make an informed buying decision.
Can I use a drill press as a milling machine?
To be honest, there can’t be a YES/NO answer.
The best answer could be DEPENDS.
Allow me to walk you through some of the key points that would definitely help you to reach some conclusions.
- Traditional milling machines are meant to handle sideways loads whereas drill presses are designed for up/downloads
- Even though you get the bit speed right, you might have to tackle premature wear of the bearings
So, now it’s your turn to decide whether you should use a drill press as a milling machine or not.
What is a spindle in a drill press?
The spindle is nothing but the main part of a drill press that has rotational movement when we expedite the drilling operation.
In other words, it is a shaft that holds cutting tools and to which drilling bits can be attached.
Moreover, the spindle gets damaged if the drilling is getting expedited under too much pressure.
When it comes to buying a JET drill press “spindle travel” is an important parameter to look for.
So, what is spindle travel?
Well, it is nothing but the measure of the depth of the holes that you can achieve success due to spindle rotation.
Let’s understand it with an example.
Suppose if a JET drill press has a specification of spindle travel of 2 inches then it simply depicts that you can drill a hole of 2 inches and nothing else.
Since it does the majority of the job so it is prone to tear and wear.
However, the good news is it can be easily repaired once it gets damaged.
Moreover, you can even replace the spindle on your own without any professional help.
[Also Read]What is a sleeve or quill in a JET drill press?
A sleeve/quill is a cylindrical object that provides a layer of security to the spindle while it rotates.
If you’ve used a vertically mounted drill press then definitely you would be aware of the fact that the sleeve/quill doesn’t rotate rather it moves up and down.
As per your requirement, you can either lower or move upward the sleeve.
In layman’s terms, a sleeve is a hollow metal shaft that is designed to not only adapt but also protect the spindle.
What is the throat depth in a drill press?
Well, throat depth is the distance between the chuck and the column of a drill press.
It is very helpful in determining the size of a drill press.
In fact, the size of a drill press is two times the throat depth.
What is a head in a drill press?
The head is a very important component of any drill press, be it a benchtop drill press or a floor drill press.
It comprises the sleeve, spindle, speed motor, and feed mechanism.
Needless to say, the head is a very crucial component of a JET drill press as the motor resides there.
The spindle is driven by the power delivered by the motor.
It’s A Wrap
I hope you would’ve thoroughly enjoyed the comprehensive buying guide on “JET drill press”.
Trust me, I and my woodworking team have literally put hours to come up with this informational buying guide.
Needless to say, the best JET drill press for me may or may not be the BEST FOR YOU.
Depending upon your requirement and budget, you can either buy a JET benchtop drill press or a JET floor drill press.
Lastly, please share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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