Ultimate Guide to Drill Presses in the UK: Best Models, Where to Buy, and How to Choose

Why a Drill Press Is Worth Adding to Your Home Workshop

If you like tidy holes, straight drilling, and repeatable results, a drill press is a game changer. Rather than wrestling with a hand drill and hoping for the best, a drill press holds the bit steady and gives you control over depth and angle. It’s like switching from a butter knife to a precision chisel when you want consistent results.

Even if you’re a casual DIYer, a bench drill press can make tasks quicker and safer. From drilling pilot holes for furniture to making dowel joints or routing with a mortising attachment, a drill press raises the quality of your work while saving time. Think of it as an investment in accuracy that pays for itself over the life of your projects.

Types of Drill Presses Explained

Bench Drill Press

Bench drill presses are compact and sit on a workbench or stand — perfect for garages and small workshops. They usually have a 1/2 inch chuck or smaller and are great for woodworking, metalworking, and hobby tasks. If you don’t have much floor space, a bench model delivers power without taking up a whole corner.

Pillar (Floor) Drill Press

Pillar or floor drill presses are larger, more stable machines with greater throat depth and table size. You’ll see descriptions like “12 inch” or “16 inch” to refer to the maximum distance from the spindle to the column. Those extra inches let you drill wider stock and handle heavier work with less vibration.

Radial Drill and Specialized Machines

Radial drills and purpose-built column machines are common in professional shops. They offer more reach and flexibility, letting the head move laterally along an arm. If you’re doing production runs or working with large panels, a radial-style or heavy-duty pillar drill might be worth the extra investment.

Key Features to Look For When Buying a Drill Press

Choosing the right drill press comes down to a handful of practical features. Look for a robust table — ideally with tilt and swivelling capability — and enough quill travel to suit your parts. Typical quill travel might be 2 to 6 inches; think about the thickness of the materials you’ll frequently drill.

Speed control is another biggie. A good drill press offers a range from low to high RPM so you can match speed to material and bit size. Also check the chuck capacity (common sizes are 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch), motor power, belt-driven vs. direct drive, and whether the unit has a laser or LED for lining up holes. Heavy cast iron construction reduces vibration and extends tool life.

Best Drill Press Brands You’ll Find in the UK

Brands matter because they reflect design, parts availability, and support. Big names you’ll spot across UK stores include Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi, Metabo, and Einhell. Workshop-focused brands like Sealey, Record Power, and Clarke also offer solid, budget-friendly options. Each brand brings a different balance of durability, warranty, and accessory ecosystems — so pick one that fits your workload and wallet.

Top UK Stores to Buy Drill Presses

Screwfix

Screwfix is a go-to for tradespeople and DIYers who want reliable stock and fast pickup. Their range spans compact bench presses to heavy pillar drills. Expect good availability of spare parts and familiar brand names, plus occasional deals on bundle packs that include chucks, vices, or stands.

Toolstation

Toolstation competes closely with Screwfix, often matching prices and offering an extensive selection. It’s a great place to compare entry-level models against mid-range options. Their stores and online inventory make it easy to find a drill press that fits your budget without compromising essential features.

Machine Mart

Machine Mart specialises in workshop machinery and accessories, so you’ll find heavier-duty pillar drills and specialty machines here. They carry brands aimed at small commercial workshops as well as hobbyists, and you can often buy additional tooling, chucks, and tables alongside the main unit.

B&Q

B&Q is familiar to many homeowners and offers a useful selection for casual DIYers. Their bench press and compact pillar options are usually aimed at hobby use, meaning they’re easy to install and affordable. If you’re looking for a straightforward model for occasional projects, B&Q is a convenient stop.

Wickes

Wickes stocks practical, budget-conscious machines that suit new workshop owners. The range is similar to B&Q but occasionally includes slightly different brands, giving you more options when you compare features. Wickes also runs seasonal offers which can be handy if you’re timing a purchase.

Argos

Argos is a quick way to pick up a basic drill press with same-day collection at many locations. You’ll find compact bench presses and entry-level pillar models geared toward beginners. Argos tends to focus on value and ease of use, which is ideal if you’re not a full-time woodworker.

Amazon UK

Amazon offers massive choice — from big-name manufacturers to budget newcomers and independent sellers. The benefit is the sheer breadth of customer reviews, which can help you spot common strengths and weaknesses. Just be mindful of shipping, returns, and genuine seller reputation when buying higher-value machines.

RS Components

RS Components is well suited to professionals and engineers who need precise specifications and industrial-grade machines. If you need a drill press with particular electrical ratings, certification, or OEM parts, RS is a smart place to search. Their technical listings tend to be rich in detail.

Homebase

Homebase carries an approachable mix of bench and small pillar drill presses. Their selection usually fits homeowners and hobbyists looking for a compromise between price and capability. Homebase stores are useful if you want to see a model in person before committing.

Budget vs. Professional Drill Presses — Which Should You Pick?

Are you a weekend warrior or a full-time tradesperson? That’s the first question to ask. For light, occasional use, a bench press with a 1/2 inch chuck and 3 to 4 inches of quill travel often covers the bases without breaking the bank. These models are lighter and easier to move, and they come with smaller motors that do fine for wood and soft metals.

If you’re running longer hours or drilling through harder materials, consider a heavier pillar drill with a larger table and a more powerful motor. Professional machines often weigh more — sometimes well over 100 pounds — and provide thicker cast-iron bases and more precise gearing. They cost more up front, but they pay back with reliability and a lower chance of part wear under heavy use.

How to Choose the Right Drill Press for Your Workshop

Start by listing what you’ll drill most often. If it’s small pieces of wood and occasional metal plate, a bench press with variable speeds will do. If you’ll drill large stock or perform repetitive industrial tasks, aim for a floor pillar drill with a large table and good motor torque.

Next, think about space and mounting. A bench press needs a sturdy worktop, while a floor model requires a clear patch of floor and possibly a stand or cabinet. Also, consider extras: a quick-release chuck, depth stop, and a tilting table add versatility. Finally, read reviews and look for machines with easily available spare parts and accessories so you can keep the press working for years.

Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Drill Press Running Smoothly

A little routine care stretches the life of your drill press. Clean chips and dust after each session and lube moving parts with a light machine oil where the manual suggests. Check and tighten belts, bolts, and the chuck regularly. A loose belt causes slippage and poor hole quality; a loose chuck risks bit wobble — both are fixable with quick checks.

Periodically verify alignment by drilling a test hole on scrap stock. If the hole isn’t perfectly square, check the table and spindle for play and adjust the table or replace worn bearings if needed. That bit of attention prevents frustration and keeps your work accurate.

Accessories That Make a Big Difference

Accessories help you get more out of your drill press. A drill press vice keeps stock steady and drastically improves repeatability. Clamps and feather boards prevent work from spinning. Consider a mortising attachment or sanding drum for specialty tasks, and invest in a good set of drill bits — brad-point bits for wood and cobalt bits for metal are smart additions.

Another useful accessory is a coarse-to-fine chuck set or a keyed chuck if the machine uses a Jacobs tapered arbor. Safety gear counts too: always have eye protection, hearing protection, and a dust extraction plan if you’re doing lots of woodworking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Drill Press

Many users try to force too-large bits into soft-speed settings or push the work too hard. Let the machine do the work — feed slowly and steadily. Never clamp a workpiece insecurely or try to hold small items by hand; a spinning piece can become a dangerous projectile. Also, avoid using dull bits — they create heat and tear the material instead of cutting cleanly.

Where to Find Deals and How to Compare Prices

Watch seasonal sales and clearance sections at the major retailers we mentioned. Screwfix and Toolstation often rotate budget models and run trade promotions, while Machine Mart and RS Components may have occasional discounts on higher-end models. Compare specifications — throat depth, motor power, chuck size — rather than just price, to avoid buying something that looks cheap but won’t do the job.

When comparing online listings, check shipping and whether installation or calibration is included. Some stores offer setup help or can connect you with local technicians who can assemble and align a larger floor model if needed.

Conclusion: Choosing a drill press is a balance between the work you do, the space you have, and how much power and accuracy you need. Whether you pick a compact bench model for occasional crafts or a heavy pillar drill for serious metalwork, the right press will lift your projects to the next level. Shop around at trusted UK retailers, check specifications carefully, and invest in the accessories and maintenance that keep your machine accurate and safe.