Best Reciprocating Saw Reviews Intro

Reciprocating saws are highly versatile cutting tools capable of cutting a massive range of materials and one of their strong points is they are also very adept at being able to gain access into tight work areas that many power tools just cannot get in to.

They are used for everything from metal, plaster, wood, piping and so many more materials all that is required is a quick blade change to match the material you are working with and you are ready to go.

Some of the most common uses are trimming branches, cutting floorboards, cutting copper pipe, cutting plastic pipe and cutting holes in plasterboard for installing electrical fittings but they are not limited to these, the versatility of these tools is
incredibly useful.

The most important deciding factors when choosing a reciprocating saw is power, stability, and reliability if you have those 3 features you will have a tool that will be able to deal with pretty much any task you throw at it.

Some important features to consider are a blade brake this helps the blade from not snagging on the workpiece which can be a serious annoyance if you repeatedly have to wiggle the blade free.

The battery life on cordless models is also important to look at as a saw that only offers 10 minutes of use will leave you waiting far too often and will just frustrate you.

We have compiled a list of the top 10 very best saws in this category looking closely at the power, reliability and thousands
of previous user’s experiences to weed out the underperformers and bring you a choice of saws that will competent and reliable.

We have covered the best cordless reciprocating saws, the best corded reciprocating saws, the best reciprocating saws under $100 and even under $50 for those on a tight budget.

Top 5 Best Cordless reciprocating saws

1, DEWALT DCS380B 20-Volt MAX Li-Ion – Best reciprocating saw in the cordless category

This Dewalt is a gold standard in the power and reliability department with a 4 position blade fixing feature that allows the user
to access any type of cut you need, it can get into tight areas and cut the material flush to a wall or cut branches flush.

It’s impressively powerful and will stand up to pretty much anything you throw at it including metal and tough thick branches.
It has a quick blade change feature that is particularly useful for users who are working on a range of materials.

The blade brake system that prevents the saw blade getting snagged in the work material is also a big plus because blade snagging is a major flaw with some of these types of saw and can quickly become frustrating if you have to constantly keep trying to free the trapped blade from the material.

The 20v lithium battery will deliver up to 30 minutes of really tough and aggressive cutting work like metal and thick tough
branches and lasts for hours when using it on lighter cutting tasks, there is a higher amps battery available to purchase
separately for professional users who will be cutting tough materials all day.

Another nice feature the Dewalt has is the adjustable blade length settings with 3 lengths to choose from this is another reason
this tool can gain access into tight areas.

The Dewalt is well balanced and ergonomic so using it for long periods is not a problem it also produces very little vibrations and doesn’t suffer the problem of the saw bouncing even when it’s faced with hardy material.

2, WORX WX508L 20V Reciprocating Saw – High quality

This Worx power tool is very close to the Dewalt in terms of power and performance and it was a close call between the 2.
With powerful cutting power, this is another saw that will live up to its claims of being able to stand up to tough and difficult materials like metal or thick wood and branches.

One advantage it has over the Dewalt is the speed setting modes so you can adjust the speed to match the materials you are cutting this prevents any overkill of using the powerful saw on lighter materials and will give you better control and extended battery life.

It has the tool-less blade change feature which saves time and effort when you are switching the workup.

It’s 20v lithium battery pretty much matches the Dewalt’s cutting time and it has an LED light to help keep you online.

At 5 pounds in weight, it’s a very light unit and that is definitely a plus for your arms and wrists and long term users will appreciate that more than light users.

The pivoting footplate provides more stability whilst cutting and it has a pendulum function that Worx says provides a better cutting efficiency.

It sits very nicely in the hand and is well balanced with not too much aggressive vibrating.

It doesn’t come with a carry case which is a small disadvantage but not really a major problem and if you have any other of the Worx 20V power tool products you can share the batteries between the tools.

It’s been built to last and it will stand up to heavy usage without any problems.

3, BLACK+DECKER BDCR20C 20V with 2 Batteries and Extended Run time – Incredible Value

The Black+Decker offers incredible value with 2 x 20v lithium batteries that have extended run time and impressive power that will enable you to deal with tough surfaces like cutting metal or hardwood.

At under $100 at the time of writing this, it’s a really good price for the amount of saw you get, sure there are cheaper saws but not with the features and extra bells and whistles this one comes with.

It also has a variable speed trigger that gives you great control through the button without having to stop and change settings this is especially useful when dealing with lighter cutting tasks and prevents any overkill.

With the ability to take a 12-inch blade it will cut through large branches in a flash and we think this is the perfect choice for anyone who just wants the saw for trimming branches and bushes.

It doesn’t have the same power as the Dewalt or the Worx but for light to medium cutting tasks, it’s perfect.

4, TACKLIFE Advanced 12-Volt Max – Packed with great features

The Tacklife advanced is a very competent saw for garden use, like the Black+Decker in many respects it’s very useful for cutting branches and trimming bushes.

It has some great features, for instance, it has a 1-hour quick charge that even the higher-priced saws don’t come with, It also has a variable trigger speed setting, battery indicator, and tool-less blade change.

Another impressive feature is the clamp style jaws that hold the workpiece in place whilst you saw through them this provides great stability.

It’s really light at 3.5 pounds and can accept up to a 12-inch blade.

It’s a really excellent choice if you’re on a budget with the price sitting below $60 at the time of writing this and you are not sacrificing quality.

Don’t be fooled by the price though it still has the power to deal with light to medium materials like 6-inch branches
it doesn’t have the power the Dewalt has but the Dewalt would be overkill for just trimming branches and you would be spending more than you need to complete those types of tasks.

It feels really good in the hand light and well balanced.

5, Bosch 12-Volt Max Compact PS60-102 – Best for limited space and overhead work

This saw is slightly different for the other cordless saws we have featured because it has a small and compact design but packs a punch and is a very very capable saw.

It’s lightweight and really at its most impressive when your working in tight spaces and is perfect for smaller cutting tasks no matter how tough the material it’s faced with.

You will have no problem using this with one hand as it’s really well balanced and sits in the hand beautifully.

It has overload charging protection and lasts approx 30 mins when sawing aggressively through tough materials and for hours on light usage like trimming 6-inch branches.

This is a very popular choice and has proved its worth to a large number of users with an incredible amount of 5-star ratings this proves it is a reliable power tool that will stand up to constant use and keep going time after time.

The blade brake prevents the saw blade from snagging in the material which is a common complaint of saw users.

The 5 Best Corded reciprocating saws

1, DEWALT DWE305 12 Amp with 10 blades – High powered

It’s another Dewalt topping the list and it’s the right choice for anyone who wants a professional powerful saw, it will come as no surprise to anyone who has already owned a Dewalt saw as they will already know how powerful and well built they really are.

This one is no different highly powerful and versatile you can pretty much saw any material that the blade is long enough to reach. It will cut through strong branches, thick wood, and dense metal all day without any drama this is probably as good as it gets when talking about the best reciprocating saws. This is numero uno. A beast of a saw.

We have even seen users who have used this saw for cutting cars up that’s how tough it is.

It has a 12 amp motor capable of up to 2900 strokes per minute and pair that with the variable trigger control it makes for an incredibly versatile beast that will chop pretty much anything you throw at it.

Changing the blades is made easy with the tool-less blade change so you can quickly switch the materials you are working with without any fuss.

This is a professional grade saw and we can’t praise the power it provides enough.

It weighs about 8 pounds but it’s nicely balanced and sits in the hand really well.

It has a 4 blade adjustment setting so you can adjust the blade so you can get really nice and close to the ends of your workpiece and cut it perfectly flush.

2, – Low vibration and highly powerful

The Milwaukee is another 12 amp beast that offers impressive power but with a low vibration motor it makes working for long periods much less taxing on your arms and wrists.

The gear protecting clutch provides a longer life for the motor and helps prevent snagging on the blade which is a well-known problem for some of these types of cutting tools.

It will also cut through pretty any material it’s faced with, metal no problem, wood easy work, steel pipe done It’s definitely a well-rounded power saw.

This saw is manufactured in the USA and has been built stand up to heavy and continuous use so it scores highly in the reliability department.

We really liked this one it weighs around 10 pounds but it sits in the hand very nicely and is well balanced.

It’s not quite as powerful as the Dewalt but it’s very close and it will deal with aggressive cutting you put it through.

3, Makita JR3050TZ Recipro Saw

With an 11 amp motor, this is a competent cutting tool that will make short work of branches and fairly thick pieces of wood. It’s not quite as powerful as the Dewalt or Milwaukee but it’s more than capable and is a well-built power tool.

It has the quick blade feature that we have become accustomed to and offers variable speed through the trigger making it adept at dealing with a wide variety of materials.

It comes with a couple of blades and a good quality sturdy carry case.

With the ability to hold a 12 inch saw we found it is best for branches and wood up to 8 inches and will work through those without any problem or overheating.

The Makita has been built to last and has rubber seals protecting the motor and other internal parts, it also has an inbuilt blower to clear dust whilst it’s working although there won’t be much requirement a dust blower as the dust is mostly dispersed away anyway.

Weighing just 7 pounds it’s one of there lightest saws in the corded category and with continuous use that can only be a good thing.

4, Hitachi CR13VST – Great value and 5 years warranty

Very similar to the Makita at number 3 this has the 11 amp motor that is both powerful and versatile with variable speed through the trigger helping deal with a large variety of materials with no problems.

It also has a 0 – 2800 strokes per minute system so it’s no slouch and this preserves the blades life.

It also has the added bonus feature of orbital settings so you can switch the blade movements to what suits the material your cutting the best.

With an LED light that helps you stay perfectly on line and low vibration, it improves the accuracy of your cutting plus the bevel gear system improves the durability of the saw.

Hitachi has really stood behind the quality of this saw by giving it a 5 years manufacturers warranty and you won’t find any of the other top power tool manufacturers offering anything near that amount of cover.

The tool-less blade change helps to minimize the time spent swapping blades although that is very common now among these saws.

5, Skil 9206-02 – Under $50

We couldn’t create this reciprocating saw review article without adding an under $50 model for those on a tight budget and here it is the Skil 9206.

It’s quite a powerful saw that is best suited to light work around the house and garden, for example, it is more than capable of cutting branches and light metal or pipework.

It doesn’t come with variable speed but it’s a very capable saw that will not let you down in the reliability department it’s been built to last with heavy-duty gear housing.

The low vibration counterbalance motor is a nice feature that improves usability and the 7.5 amp is not as powerful as many of the other entrants in this review but it’s no weakling.

1 blade is included but it’s not of a very good quality and you would be better off buying some blades that are good quality because these saws are only as good as the blade that it is fitted with if you have poor quality blades then it won’t matter how good the reciprocating saw power tool is the blade is always the weakest point and will struggle to deal with any material.

Best reciprocating saw users guide

Power: Always buy a saw with a powerful motor and a good number of strokes per minute. Far too many reciprocating saws are underpowered and this is the number 1 reason for a saw having disappointing cutting power, it doesn’t get much worse for a power saw having no power it is just a waste of time and money.

The amps of the motor are also a good indicator of how the saw will perform, try to find a cordless with at least 5 amps and the corded versions should be a minimum of 7 amps with the professional-grade tools having around 12 amps.

Variable speed: This is especially useful when you are working with a large variety of materials because you can set the saw to the best speed for the work you are doing so the saw will not be too aggressive giving you the cleanest cut, preserving the battery on cordless saws and extending the saws blade life too.

Cordless battery life: The best battery powered saws are those with 20v lithium batteries they normal run for around 30-40 minutes for really aggressive cutting work like metal or thick wood and branches.

Reliability: We have only included the most reliable tools in this guide but you should always look through previous buyer’s experiences and these can be found in the reviews section of most of the big retailers and give you a really good picture of how reliable they are over time.

Saw blades: No matter how good the saw is it cannot meet it’s maximum cutting capabilities without good quality blades, always choose quality blades they aren’t expensive and good quality blades really make a massive difference to the performance.

Another important factor is using the correct blades for the material your using, metal blades perform very poorly when faced with wood and wood blades perform even worse when being used for metal materials it also shortens the blades life considerably.

Blade brake: This is a very good feature to have on your side because it can get really tiring really fast when you have to keep trying to free the blade from the workpiece the blade break prevents the blade snagging and will save you the stress of fighting the blade free every 5 minutes.

Guarantee: This can be the difference between money well spent and money down the drain always make sure you get at least 12 months warranty. The more warranty the better.

Safety: You should wear tough hard-wearing gloves and safety goggles to be on the safe side it only takes a split second to slip or to have a piece of wood debris to enter your eyes.

Recent product reviews

Best Belt Sander Buyers Guide and Reviews 2020

Best Router Table 2020 Buying Guide and Reviews

Best Drill Press Buyers Guide and Reviews 2020

Best Electric Chainsaw Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Jigsaw Product Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Angle Grinder Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

ABOUT JOHN LEWSAM I am a 40-year-old qualified electrician with many years experience in the trade and many more years in trades that have required me to use a massive variety of power tools. I have over 20 years of power tools experience. Read more about me

Best Belt Sander
Belt sanders are incredibly useful for preparing wood surfaces for painting or varnishing they are also sometimes used on a variety of different surfaces to strip back or smooth over unwanted or badly worn layers.

They are brilliant at saving you time and elbow grease and anyone who has manually sanded wood for periods of time will tell you it’s hard, slow and laborious work.

But it’s the most important part of achieving a good quality finish on your project, the prep work of the materials before you paint or varnish them is the number 1 decider on whether your workpiece will end up being time well spent or back to square one again because if you don’t get this right then no matter how good you do the next stage will you not finish up with the quality you wanted.

The most important quality a belt sander should have is simply power without it you will be disappointed at the time and effort you have to put in and you still won’t get as good a finish as you could have if you had a good performing powerful belt sander.

There is are many belt sanders to choose from and they all claim to be powerful and high quality but sadly that is not the truth and many of them are totally useless and simply lack the oomph to deal with the hard work of sanding a tough surface or removing stubborn layers of paint or varnish.

We have compiled this list based on the very best performing belt sanders that can stand up to the task and match up to there claims.

We have researched hundreds of these power tools looking closely at the power, features and trawling through thousands of previous user’s experiences to give you the big picture and honest analysis of which ones are worth your money we then leave out all the underachievers leaving only the best of the bunch.

Top 10 Belt Sanders 2020

#1 – Makita 9403 – The best belt sander in 2020

It may seem surprising to a lot of woodworkers, but the Makita 9403 was launched way back in 1999.
Twenty years later, it still continues to outsell a lot of its newer competition.

The reason behind its on-going appeal isn’t too difficult to decipher though.
This is a very powerful and reliable belt sander that can make short work of thick, dense stock. It is easy to use and has specifications that aren’t obsolete even today.

Great Balance
The Makita 9403 is a very sturdily built 4” belt sander. The construction is mainly metal and the rest is tough polyethylene.
It weighs around 12 lbs. and is perfectly balanced for working on flat surfaces.

The large front handle gives you a comfortable and reliable grip. So much so, that you do not need to apply any downward pressure while guiding it along the stock.
You might find it a tad difficult to use this on vertical surfaces though due to the weight. Also, the design is not an ergonomic one. Don’t forget that this model was launched twenty years ago, when woodworkers probably didn’t care a hoot about ergonomics as long as the machine worked.

It ships with an 80-grit belt and a dust bag to collect the sawdust. Talking about dust, the labyrinth construction, as Makita calls it, ensures that no dust creeps into the mechanism inside. This keeps the ball bearings in pristine condition. No vibration either!

Hook it to a Vacuum system
The 13-amp motor delivers a lot of power for a belt sander this size. It is so aggressive on the stock that the tiny dust collection bag will be bursting at its seams in no time.
Save yourself some time and effort and connect it to your vacuum using an adapter, or to a much larger bag (might need some tweaking).

To be honest, the blower on this is strong enough to efficiently remove the dust without the need for a vacuum. If only, it shipped with a bigger dust collection bag.

#2 – Ryobi BE319

The Ryobi BE319 is a pint-sized belt sander that can be maneuvered easily into awkward angles.
It stands just 6.3” tall and weighs just 6.18 lbs. It comes with two rubberized handles that allow a firm grip and a comfortable handling position, even if you have sweaty palms.

Well equipped for the price
Despite the entry-level pricing, the Ryobi BE319 comes with a set of specifications that make it well suited for small to medium-sized jobs in the workshop.

It is powered by a 6-amp motor that gives it a fair bit of power. But it’s not a variable speed sander and has a single speed of 320ft/minute, which isn’t ideal for preparation tasks.
It is better suited for finishing jobs that don’t need a lot of power and speed.

Easy belt changes
The Ryobi BE319 ships with a 3” belt and 80-grit sandpaper which can be swapped for a finer or larger grit one with ease. There’s a lever on the side of the casing that releases the belt tension allowing an easy, tool-less change.
Also provided is a tracking tool that helps to fine tune the belt position.

Sadly, the belt does tend to run off quite frequently, especially during time consuming projects when you have the lock-on switch engaged and are working for hours.

#3 – Makita 9903

The Makita 9903 is a beefy belt sander that offers a lot of power courtesy an 8.8 Amp motor.
Club this with the variable speed control and you have a very versatile unit that can do both, strip a lot of material in short time as well as offer the smooth finish for tasks that demand precision.

Quintessentially Makita
If you’ve used Makita power tools before, you wouldn’t be surprised at the tough construction of the 9903.
They build tools that last and the 9903 is no different. It is designed to withstand vigorous use in a harsh workshop environment.

It features an identical design to the 9403 with the two handles that allow a comfortable grip. But it weighs just 9.5 lbs. which gives you the added stability without compromising on maneuverability.

You can even send your stock in corners or flush to a surface.
We loved the extra-long 16.4-foot power cord on the 9903. Saves the hassles that come with using extension cords and gives you enough play to avoid the dreaded ‘cord-in-the-sander’ trap.

The dust collector and the powerful blower ensure that the workplace stays spotless all day.

Variable speed motor

The 8.8-amp motor at max power can be used to quickly remove paint or rust off a surface.
And for the more delicate tasks, you can always lower the speed up to 690 feet/minute.
The auto-tracking feature allows you to adjust the belt on-the-go without interrupting your workflow.
Also provided, is a manual tracking button that lets you adjust belt position if need be.

#4 – TACKLIFE Belt Sander

The Tacklife 3 x 18-inch belt sander is hands down, one of the most feature-rich choices at this price point.
It offers all the standards that one expects from entry level handheld sanders.

And clubs it with some best in-class specifications that make it a versatile choice for both beginner woodworkers as well as someone looking to upgrade from a cheap, store-bought model.

Ample power, variable speed
The Tacklife belt sander is designed for comfortable use. The casing is made of tough plastic and there are two rubberized handles that allow you to grip and guide it easily along the stock.

It weighs just over 9 lbs. and is a very balanced tool.
Powering the sander is a 5Amp motor that delivers impressive torque.

Looking for fast results in a short time? It has you covered.
At the same time, the variable speed setting allows you to select from 13 preset speeds that trickles down to 450 RPM at its lowest setting.

The lock-on button sits flush in the speed control knob and you can easily set the desired speed and lock it for longer tasks without taking your hands off the handle.

Use it as a belt sander
One of the features that stands out is the option to convert it into a handy benchtop sander if need be.
Just flip it over and use the rectangular clamps provided in the package to mount it on any flat work surface. You can also mount it on a sawhorse. Or clamp it across.

#5 – Makita 9924db

Talking about Makita, here’s the 9924B, the twenty-year-old, pocket-sized offering from the brand that’s still the preferred choice for cabinet makers and old-school woodworkers.

At a time when newer brands are wooing customers with fancy features, Makita still relies on the build quality and the ease of use of their belt sanders. And in the end, that’s what it all boils down to.

Engineering Excellence
One look at the 9924B and you’ll realize why these tools have an on-going demand when there are tons of cheaper options with better specs.
It’s built like a rock. The casing has more metal than plastic.

The construction leaves no wiggle room for debris to make its way inside the casing and the ball bearings and needles work flawlessly for years.
It weighs close to 10 lbs. The handles are not-rubberized but sturdy enough to give you the balance you seek while making deft maneuvers.

Finesse or brute force, the Makita 9924B belt sander can switch between both in the blink of an eye.

The Extended base plate
The Makita 9924B has an extended base plate that allows cabinet makers to sand flush to the wall, both with the front and the side of the sander.

Irrespective of whether you are sanding for furniture or just stripping off the varnish of a surface, the 1300ft/min speed of the Makita is a time saver.

#6 – Skil 7510-01 – Best Budget-priced handheld sander

The palm-sized Skil7510-01 is a mixed bag of good things.
Once you are done ogling at the throwaway price tag, you will be thoroughly impressed with its innovative features that help beginner woodworkers hone their skills and get better results every time.

Compact, portable sander
This Skil belt sander is a small, 3×18” sander that’s designed for small to medium-sized jobs around the workshop.
It has a very low profile design and weighs just over 6 lbs. If portability tops your list of priorities, then here’s one of the best options.

The sander is comfortable to use, with the two handles providing a firm grip. If you are used to heavy handheld sanders and go overboard with the pressure while working, the automatic pressure-control feedback system kicks-in and an LED indicator light starts to blink.

This means that it’s time to ease the pressure a little to get a better finish on the stock. This also prevents the belt from getting worn out prematurely.

Dust-Free sanding at its best
We particularly liked the micro-filtration dust capture system on the Skil 7510 that ensures that even the tiniest sawdust particles are captured.

But just like most budget-priced handheld sanders, the dust collection bag is flimsy and too small.
Just swap it for a bigger aftermarket bag if you hate emptying it every hour or so.

Skil gives 12 or 24 months Skil guarantee on its power tools.

#7 – Metabo HPT SB8V2 – Super powerful

This is one of our favorite handheld belt sanders of all time. It was called the Hitachi HPT SB8V2 until Metabo, the German manufacturer took over the Jap brand’s power tools division.

So, essentially, this is the same tool with a new name.
Thankfully, Metabo hasn’t tinkered with the winning design or specs.

Powerful 9.0 Amp motor
The Metabo HPT SB8V2 is a very powerful belt sander that is well suited for sanding all kinds of surfaces.

It weighs an even 9 lbs. and comes with an elastomer grip surface on both the handles.

It has a 9.0Amp motor that delivers a lot of torque for a machine this size.

Moreover, this is a variable speed sander that can go from 820 – 1475 ft/minute.
The positioning of the speed control dial couldn’t be better. It’s right on the main handle and you can adjust the speed on the go. Also positioned conveniently on the main handle is the lock-on button that allows you to set the desired speed for repetitive tasks.

Belt Tracking simplified
The Metabo belt sander HPT SB8V2 features a clear plastic cover on the front which allows you to keep an eye on the belt position.
The belt tracking knob lets you adjust the position depending on the application. If you wish to sand a corner, you can track the belt towards the right and bring it back to the center at the twist of the knob.

Metabo has really stood behind their power tools and must have high confidence in their tools construction offering Metabo 3 years warranty.

#8 – TOPVORK Belt Sander – Great Value

The Topvork belt sander offers excellent value for money and is perfect for beginner projects around the home and the shop.
It is powered by a 5-Amp motor that delivers a decent amount of torque and features 7-adjustable speed settings that take it from 360-560 rpm.

Great design
The Topvork Belt sander borrows the design from the big brands.
Both the primary and ancillary handles are wide, rubber-coated and comfortable to grip and give you great control while working.

The speed adjustment button is positioned on the top of the handle, which makes it easier to adjust as compared to buttons that are positioned on the bottom.

However, if you wish to use this as a bench-top sander (can be mounted on the table upside down with clamps), you cannot see the speed adjustment slider.
Any speed adjustment that you make will be left to guesswork.
The speed lock button allows you to lock on your desired speed.

Ships with 11 belts

The Topvork belt sander is probably the only one at this price point that ships with 11 sanding belts, 6×80grit and 5×120grit.
This makes it a complete value for money package.

#9 – Tacklife classic

Another great budget-priced sander from Tacklife, the little known brand that’s making waves in the power tools market.
This is the Tacklife Classic and it boasts of all the standard features that you’d expect to find in sanders that cost 2x more.

5 Amp Motor, Variable Speed
The Tacklife Classic is powered by a 5 Amp motor. That’s ideal for finishing tasks and other small jobs. But we have spoken to a bunch of guys who have used this to strip the varnish off their old wooden flooring.
Worked like a charm for the entire house. That speaks volumes about its quality.

Yes, it does tend to get overheated if you stretch it too long. To be fair to it, almost every sander that we’ve used does that except for the Makita maybe.

Also, just like the Topvork belt sander, the Tacklife classic also ships with 6 x 120 grit and 7 x 80 grit sandpapers. That’s 13 sanding belts included at the price of the sander.

Stationary Sanding
Clamps provided in the package allow the Tacklife classic to be mounted on a flat work surface to be used as a stationary sander.

#10 – Craftsman 7A 3X21 Belt Sander

Last but not the least, we have a good old Craftsman Belt Sander with a bunch of new upgraded features.

This is a 3X21” belt sander that’s perfect for aggressive sanding applications, like preparing your floor or evening out some old worn boards.

It has a lot of juice under the hood and is a variable speed sander.

Upgraded, ergonomic design
We love the new-look Craftsman sander with the Vibra Shield Design. It gives you such a comfortable grip without vibration even when it’s running at max power.

The position of the second/front handle can be adjusted to suit the application which gives you more control over the unit.
Like the old Craftsman sanders that have attained legendary status, this one is built to last.

Everything seems sturdy and durable. There are no potential dust traps that should keep the bearings performing at its best.
Also, there’s an LED light that illuminates the work area. A neat addition to the list of features.

Stable belt tracking
The 7Amp motor in the Craftsman delivers a lot of consistent torque for time-consuming sanding tasks.
Also, you can up the speed from 800-1100 sq. ft/minute depending on the job.

One thing that we noticed is that the unit slows down if you apply more downward pressure looking to remove more material in less time. That’s unlike Craftsman.
But that’s a small niggle that we are willing to overlook.

Craftsman also offers 3 years warranty which is always a good sign it has been designed to last.

Belt sander FAQ’s

Power: This is the number one factor for a belt sander without a powerful motor you will be left frustrated at the time and energy you waste on your sanding work.
Consider what type of work you will be carrying out with your sander if it’s going to have a hard life stripping away layers of paint or smoothing hardwood then the higher the Amperage the motor has the better. If you want a sander just for finishing then this isn’t as important but you still would be wise to choose a higher Amperage motor with variable speed then you will be covered for any surface you are faced with.

Weight: This needs to be considered if you are working on surfaces that are not going to be conveniently placed on a workbench or horizontal then the weight will be important to you because if you have to hold the sander up above shoulder height it will quickly make your arms ache and you will struggle to keep it up especially if you are going to be continuously working this way.

Variable speed: This can be a big plus for working on different materials sometimes you may need pure grunt to sand some surfaces and other times it might be a light sanding the material needs.
Size of sanding belt: If you are working on small niggly surfaces then a belt sander with the ability to get into those small gaps is going to be important to you, but if you have large tough surfaces the bigger the sanding belts surface then the quicker you will be able to complete the work.

Reliability: We have only included the best belt sanders in our top 10 so they are all renowned and tested over long periods of time to be up to standing the test of time and hard work.

Guarantee: Always choose one that is covered by at least 12 months warranty as it could be the difference between money well spent and money down the drain.

Dust removal: Many belt sanders have a hoover attachment for dust removal and although it’s not an essential feature it does help keep the work area free from wood dust and anyone who has used a sander will know the dust that comes from sanding becomes airborne and gets absolutely everywhere.

Safety: Always wear a dust mask whilst operating a belt sander as the fine dust particles given off whilst sanding is really detrimental to your health. Goggles are also advisable.

Recent product reviews

Best Router Table 2020 Buying Guide and Reviews

Best Drill Press Buyers Guide and Reviews 2020

Best Electric Chainsaw Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Jigsaw Product Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Angle Grinder Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

The Best Reciprocating Saw 2020 Buyers Guide Reviews

ABOUT JOHN LEWSAM I am a 40-year-old qualified electrician with many years experience in the trade and many more years in trades that have required me to use a massive variety of power tools. I have over 20 years of power tools experience. Read more about me

Best Router Table 2020

The first-ever handheld router was invented in 1915 by Oscar Onsrud and his son Rudy, their design used compressed air to operate at 30,000rpm. We have over 100 years of development and in that time the router table has been well established and is now a common choice among professionals.

Finding the best router table when there are over 300 router tables available to choose from can make choosing the correct one difficult and you will need to look closely at the features, design and the build quality to ensure you end up with the right one for the work you need to carry out.

The material of the tabletop will play a big part in the performance of the table and that has a knock-on effect on the
quality of your work, a good solid metal base, for example, will create lower vibrations whilst working which will help you produce a cleaner more accurate job of the work you are carrying out.
The material that the adjusters are made from should also be of a high-quality build that will stand up to constant and heavy use and don’t fail you.

The table should be very very stable with a good solid flat platform to work on without a sturdy base the work will really suffer and you will most likely waste a lot of time and wood through going offline or not obtaining a clean route.
One of the more important considerations is the ease of which you can adjust the fence this will save time and help you work with less effort and when you are spending long periods working on the router table.

Always double-check that the mounting plate will allow for the fitting of the model of router you have or choose one with a universal mounting plate, some mounting plates come without any holes and you just drill your own to the size of your router with a template provided.

Some of the tables come with a vacuum attachment for fast wood dust removal this not only keeps the work surface tidy and visible but is really beneficial for your health as it’s well known that wood dust is bad for your lungs.

To help you find a high-quality router table we have researched everything from the quality of the build and features to analyzing thousands of professional and hobby users experiences to weed out low quality and poorly designed tables leaving only the very best and highly reliable router tables that won’t leave you with buyers remorse and out of pocket.

#1 – Bosch RA1181 Router Table

Bosch’s RA1181 is a successor to the 1171, a very popular cabinet router table from the German manufacturer.

This one is a benchtop model and comes with a few cosmetic upgrades and some very useful functional additions,
that make it a meatier choice for seasoned woodworkers and hobbyists alike.

Quintessentially Bosch

As you unbox the RA1181, the first thing that comes to your mind is that the build quality is phenomenal.

There’s a lot of metal (aluminum) on the table with just a hint of melamine on the faceplates.

But that’s not a biggie. You’d be looking to swap the faceplates after a few years anyway.

It looks stunning and has a compact footprint that’s ideal for small workshops.

The work surface is 27-Inches wide and 18-Inches deep and comes with rails to attach the fence and the feather boards.

The aluminum fence is 4 7/8” tall and 25-1/8” in length. That’s perfect for large stock.

The two feather boards allow you to secure the wood for jobs that require added stability.

Makes life easier in the workshop

Once you set it up (an hour’s job at best), you will find that the Bosch RA1181 is designed for ease of use.

You can easily mount and dismount your routers. Adjust the fence and guides in the blink of an eye.

The adjustment knobs are large and easy to grip even with sweaty palms.

It comes with an integrated vacuum port that allows you to hook up your HVAC system. The fine sawdust will be gone in a jiffy. A few larger pieces might stick around and make their way under the table. But that’s not a deal-breaker.

#2 – Kreg PRS1045 Router Table

The Kreg PRS1045 is a complete router table set that includes the router table, the tabletop and heavy-duty steel legs on lockable casters.

It’s everything you need to get going with your routing jobs in one easy-to-assemble package.

Moreover, you can easily move it around your workshop which avoids the need to haul heavy wood stock to the table every time.

Sturdy work surface

The Kreg PRS1045 features a 1” thick, laminated MDF tabletop that’s flat and extremely smooth.

Two heavy steel inserts under it give it added support and prevent it from sinking under the weight of your router.

It does not come with pre-drilled holes for different routers, like our #1 pick, the Bosch RA1181. Instead, it comes with a 3⁄8″insert plate that needs to be drilled for your router.

If you hate greasing your elbows on tasks like these, you can always buy a compatible, pre-drilled insert plate online.

The PRS1045 has three plastic throat inserts with different sized openings for the bits. Locking and unlocking these is easy, courtesy a tool that’s included in the package.

Micro Adjustments made easy

One of the features on the Kreg PRS1045 that we loved is the T-track (made of aluminum) that allows you to use additional Miter Bar accessories, feather boards, and the likes.

When you install the router table fence on the track, it looks somewhat similar to a T-square fence, parallel to the slot for the miter bar. That’s cope cuts made easy for you.

#3 – Bosch RA1171

The RA1171 is the wildly popular predecessor to our #1 pick, the RA1181.

This is an extremely well-built cabinet-styled router table that’s almost like a clone of the 1181.

The only notable difference is the work surface and weight. This one has more MDF than aluminum and weighs 42 lbs.

That’s not to take anything away from the quality of the workpieces that you can produce with it though.

Heavy-duty laminated MDF

As we briefly mentioned, the RA1171 is mostly made of heavy-duty laminated MDF. Don’t get thrown off by that. It’s not particleboard.

MDF usually rivals aluminum in durability and longevity.

Moreover, the router plate, where the router will be mounted, is made of cast aluminum. It gives you a stable surface that can absorb the vibrations of a heavy gauge router.

Even at this affordable price tag, Bosch doesn’t cut corners.

An aluminum rail allows you to easily install the split fence, which is made of two MDF panels that can be adjusted to precision, even when using larger bits.

A dust-free workshop

One of the best features of the RA1171 that separates it from other budget-priced offerings is the integrated cabinet. It does a great job of collecting the dust and keeps your workshop dust free.

You can connect your vacuum to one of the two dust collection ports and clean everything in a jiffy.

#4 – Kreg PRS2100

An industrial-grade router table at a pocket-friendly price is a pipe dream that many a manufacturer has promised but failed to deliver.

Kreg almost pulls it off with the PRS2100.

This is a brute of a router table with a capacious 16” x 24”, vibration resistant tabletop.

Be it chopping, sanding, trimming or more precise tasks like shaping, holes or contours, the PRS2100 stands its own against units that cost 2x as much.

Strong metal base

The Kreg PRS2100 stands on four wide-stance steel legs with rubber feet to ensure stability.

A spacious, butter-smooth, MDF tabletop and an anodized aluminum fence allow you to work unhindered.

There are cam clamps that lock your fence in place when you move stock through it. We felt that these were not stable enough and moved on a couple of occasions when we applied a wee bit more pressure than normal.

An easy workaround is to use C clamps to secure the fence. A tiny niggle really.

Full-sized router insert plate

Another first for a router table at this price point, the Kreg PRS2100 features a full-sized insert plate.

#5 – Skil RAS900

Despite being around for almost a decade, the Skil RAS900 still manages to outsell a lot of newer, fancier models.

That’s because it is one of Skil’s best designs so far that includes some of their ‘smart’ features.

Like an easy-folding system, multiple feather boards to hold the stock in place and a universal mounting plate that’s compatible with a variety of routers.

Lightweight, MDF surface

The Skil RAS900 comes pre-assembled taking the guesswork out of the assembly process.

It features a lightweight, laminated MDF working surface that’s flat and smooth. You can move your stock without any problems whatsoever.

The adjustable laminated MDF faces are kind of a letdown even at this price point.

Despite what the manufacturer wants you to believe, wood will warp and get worn with use. At the bare minimum, an aluminum fence would have ensured that this can hold up well over the years. But you can’t get it all, can you?

For what it’s worth, Skil also includes two feather boards that allow you to keep your workpieces stable.

The router mount is a quick-release variety that allows you to mount and dismount the router within seconds.

Smoother curved edges

Skil throws in a bit height adjustment gauge that makes repeated, accurate cuts possible. Also included is a pin and guard starter that makes it easier to get your curved edges right.

And when you are done working, you can fold the legs and it all neatly stacks into the container, that doesn’t stand more than 10-inches tall.

#6 – Craftsman Router Table and Router Combo

We’ve been working with Router tables for long enough to know that all-inclusive designs usually come with multiple tradeoffs.

The Craftsman Router Table and router combo have the least of them.

It is a sturdily built router table with a good quality router thrown in for good measure.

At this price point, it is a very good deal for anyone who doesn’t want to go through the hassles of building their own table.

Ready to use

The Craftsman combo comes ready to use. Set up is easy and you should be all set to work in about an hour.

The first thing that you’ll notice is the 9.5-amp router. This is a very powerful unit that has a 1 ¾ HP motor under the hood and tops at 27000 RPM. It will make short work of thicker wood stock.

Further, there’s a 1 1/16” thick, MDF laminated work surface that gives you a whopping 334 square inches of space.

Put those 5-feet long pieces on the table and work without getting cramped.

Adjustable fence with micro-adjustments

The Craftsman router table features an adjustable fence that can extend up to 2 inches, allowing you to fit larger bits if need be.

You can also make fine, minute adjustments to the cutting depth for precision-demanding tasks.

#7 – Chicago Electric Power Tools Benchtop Router Table

This is an entry-level, table and router combo from Chicago Electric Power Tools, a manufacturer known for its budget-priced products.

With a set of basic features, it is clearly aimed at hobbyist woodworkers.

But it’s a pretty sturdy unit. A great pick if you are looking to hone your routing skills without paying through your nose.

19-gauge steel construction

The benchtop router table features 19-gauge steel legs that keep it rock steady during work.

There’s a composite tabletop with a smooth, flat work surface. Sadly, there are no casters. So this one stays put right where you install it.

Powering it is a 1-3/4 HP plunge router. Plunge routers are generally preferred by woodworkers who are not looking to perform advanced woodworking tasks.

Having said that, it makes using the router for tasks like inlay patterns, chamfers, mortising and coves much easier than a fixed base router. You can preset the cutting depth and plunge the bit to precision.

#8 – Grizzly T10432

Grizzly has gone from a little-known brand to one of the most popular machinery brands in the United States.

This T10432 router table with a stand is a testimony to the quality of the products that these guys churn out like a habit.

The A-Frame steel stand

The Grizzly T10432 is a complete set that includes a heavy-duty steel stand that’s about 33” tall. Just the perfect working height if you ask us.

Some tabletop models place the router too high for comfort.

The work surface is 1-3/8″ thick and made of an MDF core laminated with melamine. The edges are tough PE and this can easily withstand the vibrations and wear and tear.

It features a split fence with a precision machined aluminum mounting bracket covering an MDF core.

It may not be as durable as an all-metal frame. But to be fair, we spoke to a few users who have owned the T10432 for years. There hasn’t been a single problem to complain about.

There are T-slots for mounting additional jigs and feather boards.

#9 – Goplus Electric Aluminum Router

The first thought that came to our mind when we saw the Goplus Electric Router is, ‘Can you really get a reliable router table at this price?’

The last thing that we needed to add to this list of best router tables was a cheaply made gimcrack.

But it turns out that you can. For this is a very popular unit with DIYers and weekend craftsmen.

All-aluminum construction

Despite the surprisingly low price tag, Goplus throws in an aluminum deck on four heavy-duty steel legs.

That’s a step-up from cheap particleboard work surfaces.

The table stays secure and stable even when you are working on reasonably heavy stock.

Has a weight capacity of 40 lbs. We’d not go beyond 35, just in case. It’d probably sag if you try to stretch the limit.

It comes with a universal router plate with pre-drilled holes to match most routers. Clamps are provided to secure the routers that don’t fit.

The quality of the fence is nothing to write home about. But that’s an easy replacement. We wouldn’t fuss over it too much.

Great features

We particularly liked the grooves on the work surface. That’s a neat addition and keeps the sawdust away, allowing you to move your workpieces freely.

Also included is a bit height gauge that works fine for jobs that don’t require micro-precision.

By the way, the table comes with an extension. It will probably require some additional reinforcements. But hey, that’s fewer hassles as compared to building one of these things on your own.

#10 – XtremepowerUS Deluxe Bench

Our last pick in this list of best router tables is the XtremepowerUS Deluxe Bench, as they call it.

This is a great little table and stand combo for the price.

It comes with steel legs, an extendable work surface and an aluminum mounting plate with pre-drilled holes.

34” long work surface

With the extensions, the XtremepowerUS table gives you a 450 square inch work surface made of durable aluminum.

Work mainly with long stock? This has you covered.

Like most budget-priced tables, we did find that the extensions aren’t the sturdiest. Some minor, inexpensive reinforcements should do it a world of good.

The tabletop has grooves, just like the Goplus Electric router and you will find that most of the sawdust gets accumulated in them during work. Well-thought-out addition.

To top it off, it comes with a dust-collection port which makes after-work cleaning easy.

For routers with a 6-inch diameter plate

The XtremepowerUS router table is compatible with routers that have a 6-inch diameter base plate.

It comes with pre-drilled holes that you can line up and screw. You can always use the clamps provided in the package to secure the router to the plate if the holes don’t line up.

Router Table FAQ’s

Mounting Plate:
The best option is to either find a router table with a universal base plate or one that comes not pre-drilled but gives you a template for drilling which will allow you to fix any router to the mounting plate. Always double-check to make sure the mounting plate will fit the model of the router you have.

Base size: Many people are unsure which size table they should opt for and you should choose one that will be able to handle a good sized piece of board luckily many of these tables can manage a respectably sized work-piece and are not limited by the fact the table is smaller than the workpiece. Look closely at the recommended maximum size they can hold and work out what size pieces you will be working on.

Base material: There are various materials that the manufacturers create the tables base from, wood and mdf are often used and are adequate for routing without no problems they won’t last as long as a steel base but it’s easy enough to replace a wooden base so it’s not a major problem.
A steel base will offer you a slightly improved performance as there is it lowers the vibrations from the router through the wood your working and they have a longer working life too.

The base features: It’s an advantage to anyone utilizing these products to make sure the table has good quality fences, T-slots and mitres as these will help improve the table’s safety and usability through better control of the workpiece.

Fence and fixing points: These are very important to look closely at because if these are inferior in material quality or design they will not last long and will waste a lot of time if you have to keep fiddling with them trying to fix your workpiece so there is no movement. Over time this will get frustrating and can totally overshadow any good features of the table.

Warranty: This can be the difference between money well spent and wasted money always choose a table that the manufacturer has stood behind with a good warranty period and the terms and conditions of returning the router table.

Dust Removal: This is not a make or break feature because you should always wear a dust mask and relevant PPE whilst routing as the amount of dust that is sent into the air can seriously damage your lungs.
It doesn’t always take a long time working in wood dust to feel the negative effects on your health and some materials can give off cancerous dust so it’s very important to take wearing a dust mask seriously.

Portable or fixed table: The portable versions are incredibly useful for professionals on the move and normally used on workpieces of a smaller size. It’s very important you find a solid and even floor to work from with a portable router table.
A fixed table will be able to accommodate larger workpieces and are much more sturdy due to being fixed in place. They are normally higher in price but are also of a larger size so it makes sense they will be more expensive to manufacture.

Safety:
Always ensure your table is set up on a flat and solid floor any movement whilst you’re in the middle of routing could be seriously dangerous a router will go through skin and muscle very easily whilst it’s spinning at thousands of revs per minute.
Take the time to set up your router table before you start making sure the workpiece is locked in with no chance of slippage.
Dust is the most common cause of damage to users health when using a router, many times you can’t see how much wood dust is in the air and it can clog the lungs and cause serious long and short term health problems.
If you haven’t got safety goggles on whilst you are working you are risking serious damage to your eyes it only takes a millisecond for a bit of debris to be fired out of the router bit and into your eye and you will wish you had taken 20 seconds to put your goggles on.
Ear defenders are beneficial for long term router users as the tools are noisy by nature and the damage to your hearing can sneak up on you over time.
Always take 5 minutes before you start to get geared up with the correct PPE because you may think it is a waste of 5 minutes you could be working instead-but, in the long run, it will actually save you time and much more importantly it will save you lungs, eyes or hearing.

Recent product reviews

The Best Reciprocating Saw 2020 Buyers Guide Reviews

Best Belt Sander Buyers Guide and Reviews 2020

Best Drill Press Buyers Guide and Reviews 2020

Best Electric Chainsaw Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Jigsaw Product Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Angle Grinder Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

ABOUT JOHN LEWSAM I am a 40-year-old qualified electrician with many years experience in the trade and many more years in trades that have required me to use a massive variety of power tools. I have over 20 years of power tools experience. Read more about me

Here is the list of the Top 10 Best Drill Presses in There Category

#1 – WEN 4208 Drill Press – Best under 100

We have started this guide with the best value for money product and the WEN, without doubt, wins in this category especially when you consider the price is under $100.
The WEN 4208 is a pocket-sized powerhouse of a drill press that will impress you with its phenomenal build quality and great performance.
The compact size and reasonable price tag make this a great choice for home workshops. It isn’t a commercial drill press like number 5 on the list but its much cheaper and the Delta drill press would be an overkill for most people.

The 4208 is a sturdy little 8-inch drill press. Bolt it down to a level surface and it doesn’t wobble a bit.
There’s no play in the handles either. That’s a lot to do with the cast-iron construction.

Despite that, it weighs a pleasant 30 lbs. You can easily tuck it away into a corner for storage after use.

The 1/3 HP induction motor that powers the drill press is a beast.

This can easily drill through tough metal, bore through wood and do almost all basic tasks that you’d expect to do in a small workshop.

It has an 8-inch swing and a 2-inch bore. Depth can be preset for repetitive tasks.
It is a five-speed press with a low of 740 RPM and a top speed of 3140 RPM. Adjusting the speed is a little cumbersome due to the pulley system. But that’s not a deal-breaker.

Also, this might get bogged down if you look to bore through dense stock. This is not a professional-grade press.
½ inch Chuck with on-board storage

The WEN 4208 comes with a ½” keyed JT33 chuck that accepts a variety of bits with up to a ½ inch shank.
The dedicated on-board chuck storage is a neat addition that ensures that you don’t misplace it. And it’s easily accessible for on-the-job adjustments.

WEN 2 years manufacturers warranty

#2 – DEWALT DWE1622K Drill Press – Best Portable Drill Press

Now on to the higher-priced Dewalt for a very impressive drill press.

The Dewalt DWE1622K is a lightweight, portable mag drill press that comes with a dedicated storage case and a bunch of useful features that make life easier in the work-space.
It is aimed at the more selective DIYer looking for more power in a compact package.
Easy Bit Changes
The DWE1622K is designed for easy operation even when you are placed precariously on a high beam.
The 3-point grip handle releases at the press of a button and can be attached on both sides of the tool.
Ditto with the machined steel Weldon chuck. You can release it and change bits in the blink of an eye.
We did find a wee bit of play in the chuck. But that’s expected for a budget-priced mag drill. This is not a drill that we’d use for engineered drilling tasks anyway.
The 10-amp motor offers it plenty of juice for routine tasks. On days when you might overexert it, the overload LED light starts to blink. The best part is that the drill won’t stop dead on you in the middle of your drilling task. It will continue to run for a few more seconds before it stops automatically. The LED turns red at this point.
Just allow it to cool down for a while before restarting.
Ideal for a variety of cutting tasks.

#3 – WEN 4210T Drill Press – Strong Framed 

Another WEN in the top 10 and this one is in a slightly higher price bracket but it does justify that higher price.
The 4210T is a slightly bigger and meatier option than the #1 pick in this list of the best drill press.
It’s quintessential Wen. Built like a rock, as stable as they come and lots of power for the size.
Despite all this, it comes at a very affordable price.
A brute of a press
We love the cast iron construction of the WEN drill presses. It gives it so much more stability than flimsy, cheap ones.

It almost eliminates the wobble completely even when you are working at the top speed on tough material.
The 4210T comes with pre-drilled holes to mount on a workstation or bench.
It is powered by a 3.2 amp 1/3 HP induction motor that packs a punch with its performance. It doesn’t bog down even when working on denser stock and rarely overheats.
As an added bonus, it is quieter than some of the other presses on this list.
This is a five-speed press by the way and it has a low speed of 600 RPM and a top speed of 3100 RPM.
Rack & Pinion Height adjustment system
Just like the 4208, the 4210T also features the 1/2-inch chuck with JT33 taper. It’s compatible with a wide range of bits. And there’s on-board key storage.

#4 – Skil 3320 – Best Bench Top Drill Press

At first glance, the Skil 3320 looks like a mirror replica of the Wen4210T.
There’s very little difference in the design apart from the different color schemes on the casing.
But, when you actually start to work on it, you’ll notice that there are tiny variations in the way the Skil 3320 works with different materials.
2-Stroke Tabletop drill press
The Skil 3320 is a 2-stroke tabletop machine that’s ideal for DIY woodworkers or hobbyists alike.
As we mentioned, it is very similar to the WEN4210RT in terms of specifications.
It comes with a 1/2” keyed chuck that works with a wide range of bits that are up to ½ inches.
It is a five-speed press. You can go from 570 to 3050 RPM by adjusting the belt and pulley system.
The worksurface tilts or bevels by up to 45 degrees to the left or right. And it comes with the X2 laser beam.
Hmm…wondering aren’t you?
Compact and higher drilling capacity.

Skil has also stood behind this product with a 3 year limited warranty.

#5 – Delta 18-900l – Commercial Drill Press

The Delta 18-900L is the first industrial-grade drill press on this list. And it is a monster. This Can be considered a commercial drill press.

It features a beefy cast iron body with a capacious work table and a laundry list of best-in-class features, that make it one of the top contenders for the best drill press.

Designed for the serious woodworker.
The Delta 18-900L features a rugged design that screams ‘industrial’. There are very few shiny parts.
Instead, you are greeted by the matte finish of heavy-duty cast iron and steel.
The table is 20” x 14” inches and you can adjust it in various angles depending on the job.
This is a 16-speed drill press that uses two belts and three pulleys to adjust the speeds. It has a low speed of 170 RPM which is ideal for metals and a top speed of 3000 RPM.
There’s a speed adjustment chart on the underside of the cover that shows you the right speed for the right material. All that you need to do is flip open the top, move the lever to release the tensioning, adjust the speed and press the lever again. The tension adjusts automatically.
6-Inch Quill Feed Travel
The Delta 18-900L features a 6-inch quill feed travel system with large, powerful handles that give you great control over the quill feed.
One complete turn of the handles feeds the entire 6-inch distance.

One thing that is truly impressive is the warranty Delta gives with there power tools… 5 years warranty which is a sign of the confidence they have in the quality of their tools construction.

#6 – WEN 4214 – Best Under $200

The 4214 is the mid-range offering from Wen’s impressive bench-top drill press lineup.

It is a 12-inch, variable speed drill press that’s perfect for both hobbyists as well as professional machinists and metal workers.
Belt-Adjustments be gone

The WEN 4214 towers over the other budget-priced bench-top models in this list with its beefy cast iron construction.
As you assemble the parts, you will notice that the build quality is top-notch.

One of the standout features is the large 9½” by 9½” work table with a roller extension for larger workpieces.

Further, it bevels 45-degrees to the left and right when needed.
Speed adjustment is as easy as turning a lever and a bright LED screen displays the current speed setting.

You can choose from a low of 580 RPM to a high of 3200 RPM which makes this well suited for a variety of materials.
Work with a variety of drills and materials
The 4214 features a 5/8-inch chuck with the MT2 spindle taper, that allows you to work with a wider range of drill bits.
The spindle travels a whopping 3-1/8-inches and you can make accurate depth adjustments without breaking a sweat.

2 years manufacturers warranty as standard with all WEN power tolls.

#7 – Gino Development True power – Quality Drill Press under $100

This one stands out in the under 100 category.
The Gino Development, also called the ‘TruePower Mini’ is a precision drill, commonly used for drilling precise, tiny holes in a variety of metals.
It is occasionally used with wooden & plastic stock too.
This is a very good drill for the price. It is well made, remains wobble-free and comes with a range of speed settings that make it well suited for a wide range of applications.
Portable, pocket-sized unit
This is a compact, lightweight unit that you can easily move around in your workshop or even carry with you. It weighs just 11.8 pounds and stands 13.5” tall. Tucks away into any storage cabinet after use.
It is made mostly of lightweight aluminum but comes with a stable cast iron base that prevents wobble.
The work area is a very useful 6.750″ x 6.750″ and the 1” quill stroke is just about perfect for the applications that it’s primarily used for.
It features a maximum chuck capacity of 6mm and can accommodate bits that are 0.79mm to 6mm in diameter.
Variable speed adjustments
You can choose from three-speed settings on the TruePower Mini.
There’s 0-5000 RPM, 0-6500 RPM, and 0-8500 RPM, as well as the option to select any speed within that range. So, you can select the first setting and set your speed to 4000 RPM for instance.

The TruePower comes with only 1 years warranty.

#8 – Ainfox 10-Inch Bench Top Drill Press

The Ainfox 10-Inch Pillar Drill is sort of like the middle ground between a professional-grade press and a home use one.
The 10-inch capacity is more than what you’d normally expect at this price point. To top it off, it comes with 12-speed settings for working with different materials.
This, at just a wee bit more than what you’d normally pay for an entry-level machine.
Truly Heavy duty
Most manufacturers loosely throw around the term ‘heavy-duty’ while describing any machine or appliance made of metal.
But the Ainfox 10-inch drill press is truly heavy-duty. It is made of tough cast iron and weighs a whopping 66 lbs. when fully assembled.
The extra weight translates into added stability. This one doesn’t even move a whisker when operational.
The cast iron table is a reasonable 7 7/8” x 7 7/8” and you should have ample room to work with your stock. It bevels from 0-45 degrees making it easier to make angular cuts.
It features a 1/8 -1/2″ keyed chuck and has a quill feed distance of 5” with a maximum cutting depth of 2 3/8”.
Adjustable depth stops.

#9 – ShopSeries RK7033 – Great Hobby Drill Press

A lot of the beginner tabletop drill presses lack the power needed to drill through denser materials.
Like thick oak for example. Or carbon steel.
The ShopSeries RK7033 is powered by a 6.2-amp engine and it has a lot of juice for a machine this size.
In fact, it is closer to a professional-grade unit than some of the other models in this list of the best table drill press. It stands 28” tall and is built like a tank.
Stable and powerful
The RK7033 weighs around 48 lbs. and stays as steady as a rock during operation.
The 2/3 HP induction motor provides 200 in-lbs. of consistent torque to power the drill bit through the workpieces.

Works with 2” thick stock
The ShopSeries RK7033 features a ½ “keyed chuck that allows you to work with bits that are up to ½” shank.
The cutting depth is 2” and you can further adjust the table height if you wish to cut deeper.
There are five preset spindle speeds and the best part is that you just need to raise the top and adjust the pulley to set the speed. No need to move the belt and readjust the tension.

ShopSeries is made by Rockwell and you can read about the warranty here.

#10 – Genesis GDP805P – Another Good One Under $100

Last but not least, we have the Genesis GDP805P.
Like most of the drills in this list, this one too is a budget-priced model with specs that rival much higher priced brands.
We believe that while industrial-grade drills have their place in the market, their usage is limited to the professionals.
Instead, it is the DIYer and the hobbyist who are exploring these machines more passionately. Home workshops buzzing with activity on weekends.
And the lower and mid-range of the price bracket appeals more to them than the higher end.
So here goes.
Top-heavy model
The Genesis GDP805P is a tabletop unit with a very small footprint.
It’s perfect for small workshops and garages where work-space is a premium.
It features a cast iron base that can be bolted to the surface. In fact, we highly recommend that you bolt this down. It is a little top-heavy and does tend to move if it’s unsecured.
It is powered by a 2.6amp motor which is powerful enough to cut through metal and thick wood. Also, it doesn’t create a din even at top speed.

Genesis gives a 2 years manufacturers warranty on this machine.

The Best Drill Press Features to Consider

Drill press also known as pillar drills are a highly accurate way of drilling various materials.
Normally constructed of cast iron they come in a range of shapes and sizes some are workbench based and some are floor-standing models.
The floor-standing models come with a higher price tag but are fitted with higher-powered motors. It’s not out of the normal for these models to priced in-between $500 – $1500 and is normally purchased by semi-professional to professional users. This is not to say that the lower-priced workbench models are not capable of producing high-quality results and reliability because there are many drill presses under $100 that will produce impressive results.
They all have one thing in common though and that’s power and stability that handheld power tools can’t compete with.
Another big plus is the number of speed settings that are offered with drill presses as this really helps achieve the best quality results especially when you work with a large selection of materials.
The basic design of a pillar drill is a simple concept and very similar to any drill, it comprises of an electric motor connected to the gearbox via pulleys and the number of step-downs is the number of speeds available.
This is connected to the quill via the winding wheel giving the capability to move the drill up and down.
They are a very solid and durable unit and in most cases are built to stand up to a professional environment of heavy and constant use. You will find the drill press in every engineering workshop and in 90% of joiners workshops too.
With many different sizes of these units comes different chuck sizes with the majority coming with chuck maximums of 1/2″ or 5/8″.
The RPM of these pillar drills is normally between 500rpm and 3000rpm many come with the ability to select both of these speeds and anything in-between through the variable speed settings.
The electric motors are very capable to the point many manufacturers don’t even consider it worth detailing the horsepower of the drill because it goes without saying that the motor is highly capable and there is no advantage to advertising it when they are all far more than capable. It goes without saying though that a $50 drill press will not have the power of a $500 drill press but for around $75 – $100 you can get a very capable one that will work hard for years.
An important consideration is the available movement that the drill offers through the spindle handle because this controls the depth of the material you will be capable of drilling through so look out for that especially if you plan on working with thick materials.
You can find these machines for under $50 but don’t in our experience it’s best not to be tempted by those as they are inferior in the quality of the construction and castings and often offer poor design for mounting of the unit. These often end up as a false economy purchase because they don’t last very long before it breaks down leaving you in the lurch and needing to purchase another one.
Safety
Always wear safety goggles when using a drill press because it only takes a millisecond for a metal or wood particle to shoot into your eye and cause permanent damage.
Always keep the safety guard in place whenever it’s available.
Never touch the drill whilst in motion as these are very powerful and it can cause serious damage in the blink of an eye.
Always unplug or switch it off at the plug whilst changing the drill bit otherwise one mistake can result in mucho pain.

Recent product reviews

The Best Reciprocating Saw 2020 Buyers Guide Reviews

Best Belt Sander Buyers Guide and Reviews 2020

Best Router Table 2020 Buying Guide and Reviews

Best Electric Chainsaw Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Jigsaw Product Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

Best Angle Grinder Reviews and Buyers Guide 2020

ABOUT JOHN LEWSAM I am a 40-year-old qualified electrician with many years experience in the trade and many more years in trades that have required me to use a massive variety of power tools. I have over 20 years of power tools experience. Read more about me