5 Best Drill Presses with Automatic Feed, Compared

Quick picks

The best fit for you

• You need heavy-duty 20-inch capacity drilling Jet 20-Inch Geared Head Drill Press with Power Downfeed Its 20-inch swing and 230V power handle large industrial tasks.
• You want the most portable magnetic drill CS Unitec 1-1/2-Inch Automatic Magnetic Drill It weighs only 33 pounds for easy site transport.
• You require high-capacity magnetic drilling on steel Baileigh 2 HP Inverter Drill Press with Power Feed The 2 HP motor and automatic feed manage thick steel.

Our 5 picks

1 Best overall

Jet 20-Inch Geared Head Drill Press with Power Downfeed

Best for: Heavy-duty 20-inch drilling and tapping

Features

Automatic Feed (what this guide is about)

Swing

20 in

Voltage

230V

Weight

700 pounds

View on Amazon: Jet 20-Inch Geared Head Drill Press with Power Downfeed Affiliate link

This JET 20-inch drill press features a geared head and automatic power downfeed for precision work. It operates on 230V single-phase power and weighs 700 pounds, indicating a heavy-duty industrial build. The large swing capacity and tilting head allow for versatile drilling and tapping applications. It suits workshops requiring stable, high-capacity machinery for repetitive or heavy tasks.

Pros

• 20-inch swing capacity for large workpieces
• Automatic power downfeed for consistent drilling
• Head tilts left or right for angled work
• Integrated tapping and reversing controls

Cons

• Requires 230V power supply
• Heavy 700-pound build limits portability
• Large footprint requires significant floor space

Good fit if

• You need a 20-inch swing for large projects
• You have a 230V power outlet available
• You require automatic feed for tapping tasks

Skip if

• You need a portable or lightweight unit
• You only have 115V household outlets
• You have limited floor space for large machines

Verdict: JET 20-Inch Geared Head Drill Press is a robust choice for shops needing high capacity and automatic feed precision. It fits users with 230V power and space for a heavy, stationary industrial machine.

2 Best budget

CS Unitec 1-1/2-Inch Automatic Magnetic Drill

Best for: portable steel drilling tasks

Features

Automatic Feed (what this guide is about)

Motor Power

1050 Watts

Spindle Speed

460 RPM

Hole Capacity

up to 1-1/2"

Magnetic Force

3,750 lbs.

Voltage

110-volt

View on Amazon: CS Unitec 1-1/2-Inch Automatic Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

The CS Unitec AutoMAB 350 is a portable magnetic drill press designed for on-site work. It features a 110-volt, 1050-watt motor that drives the spindle at 460 RPM. The unit generates 3,750 lbs of magnetic force to stay secure on steel. It drills holes up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Weighing 33 pounds, it is compact and easy to maneuver. The gravity-fed cooling system helps maintain cutter life.

Pros

• 110-volt, 1050-watt motor provides reliable power
• 3,750 lbs magnetic force ensures strong adhesion
• Drills up to 1-1/2 inch diameter holes
• Compact 33-pound design is easy to handle
• Gravity-fed cooling system with removable reservoir

Cons

• Single speed of 460 RPM limits material versatility
• 1-1/2 inch hole capacity is smaller than some competitors
• No variable speed control for different materials

Good fit if

• You need a portable drill for field work
• You require strong magnetic adhesion on steel
• You work with 110-volt power sources

Skip if

• You need to drill holes larger than 1-1/2 inches
• You require variable speed settings for different materials
• You are working on non-magnetic surfaces

Verdict: The CS Unitec AutoMAB 350 Magnetic Drill fits professionals who need a portable, high-force solution for drilling steel on-site. Its single speed and limited hole capacity make it less suitable for varied workshop tasks.

3 Also great

C.S. Unitec 1-1/2-Inch Auto-Feed Magnetic Drill

Best for: automatic feed and 1-1/2 inch holes

Features

Automatic Feed (what this guide is about)

Spindle Speed

450 RPM

Hole Capacity

Up to 1-1/2" dia.

Configuration

Magnetic

Cutting Capacity

1-1/2-Inch

View on Amazon: C.S. Unitec 1-1/2-Inch Auto-Feed Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

The C.S. Unitec AutoMAB 350 is a portable magnetic drill press featuring automatic feed for consistent drilling. It handles hole capacities up to 1-1/2 inches in diameter. The spindle speed is fixed at 450 RPM. Weighing 33 lbs, it offers stability for heavy-duty tasks. This unit suits professionals needing reliable automatic feed performance on thick materials.

Pros

• Automatic feed mechanism for consistent depth control
• Hole capacity up to 1-1/2 inches
• Magnetic configuration for secure attachment
• 33 lbs weight provides stability

Cons

• Fixed 450 RPM spindle speed limits versatility
• No variable speed control listed
• Heavier build at 33 lbs reduces portability

Good fit if

• You need automatic feed for repetitive drilling
• You work with materials requiring 1-1/2 inch holes
• You prefer magnetic mounting for stability

Skip if

• You require variable speed settings
• You need to drill holes larger than 1-1/2 inches
• You prioritize lightweight portability over stability

Verdict: C.S. Unitec AutoMAB 350 Magnetic Drill is a solid choice for users who need automatic feed and a 1-1/2 inch capacity. It fits those who value magnetic stability and fixed speed consistency.

4 Also great

CS Unitec AutoMAB 220V Magnetic Drill

Best for: drilling steel plates in place

Features

Automatic Feed (what this guide is about)

Voltage

220V

Configuration

Magnetic

View on Amazon: CS Unitec AutoMAB 220V Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

This magnetic drill press features an automatic feed mechanism for consistent drilling. It operates on 220V power, which is standard for industrial environments. The magnetic base secures the unit to ferrous surfaces, allowing you to drill holes in place without moving heavy workpieces. This configuration suits users who need portability combined with the stability of a fixed base. It is designed for tasks where precision and ease of use are priorities.

Pros

• Automatic feed mechanism reduces manual effort
• Magnetic base configuration for secure attachment
• 220V power rating for industrial use

Cons

• Requires 220V power source
• Limited to ferrous metal surfaces
• Magnetic base restricts use on non-metal materials

Good fit if

• You work with steel or iron plates
• You need to drill holes in fixed locations
• You have access to 220V power

Skip if

• You primarily drill wood or plastic
• You only have 110V outlets available
• You need to drill on non-metal surfaces

Verdict: CS Unitec Magnetic Drill Automatic Feed is a solid option for fabricators working on steel. It delivers reliable automatic feed performance on magnetic bases. This tool fits shop environments with 220V power and heavy metal work.

5 Best premium

Baileigh 2 HP Inverter Drill Press with Power Feed

Best for: Heavy steel drilling with auto feed

Features

Automatic Feed (what this guide is about)

Motor Power

2 hp

Spindle Speed

65 to 2000 rpm

Hole Capacity

1.5” steel, 1.75” cast iron

Voltage

220V

Dimensions

88 × 60 × 44 inches

View on Amazon: Baileigh 2 HP Inverter Drill Press with Power Feed Affiliate link

The Baileigh DP-1500VS is a 220-volt drill press featuring automatic power down feed. It delivers 2 hp of power with speeds from 65 to 2000 rpm. You can drill up to 1.5 inches in steel. The unit weighs 990 pounds and measures 60 inches wide. This machine suits heavy industrial tasks requiring precise, automated drilling cycles.

Pros

• 2 hp motor for high torque
• Automatic power down feed
• Drills 1.5 inch steel
• Speed range 65 to 2000 rpm

Cons

• Requires 220-volt power
• Weighs 990 pounds
• Large footprint at 60 inches wide

Good fit if

• You need automatic feed for tapping
• You have 220-volt power available
• You drill thick steel regularly

Skip if

• You only have 110-volt outlets
• You need a portable machine
• You lack floor space for a large unit

Verdict: Baileigh DP-1500VS 2 hp Drill Press fits shops that require heavy-duty automatic feed. It handles thick steel efficiently but demands significant space and power.

Specifications side by side

Is Automatic Feed Worth It for Your Shop?

Automatic feed changes how you operate the machine. It drives the chuck downward without manual pressure, which helps maintain consistent depth and reduces fatigue during repetitive tasks. The Jet 20-Inch model uses this for precision tapping and heavy-duty drilling. Portable options like the CS Unitec magnetic drills rely on it for stable, hands-free penetration into steel plates. This feature is essential when you need uniform hole quality over long periods.

Worth it if

• You perform repetitive drilling on thick steel plates
• You require consistent depth control for tapping operations
• You want to reduce manual fatigue during long sessions

Skip it if

• You only need occasional, single-hole drilling
• You prefer manual control for variable depth adjustments
• Your tasks involve soft materials that do not require high force

How we selected these units

We identified drill presses with automatic feed by scanning Amazon listings for that specific feature in the title or feature list. We focused on published specifications to ensure accuracy. We did not handle any products ourselves. All details come directly from the manufacturer data provided on the product pages. This approach keeps the guide factual and consistent for you.

The 5 machines are ordered by availability first. Next, we ranked them by overall rating weighted by rating count. Finally, we considered how well the specs meet the guide’s criteria. We only show one variant per product family. Prices and stock levels change daily and appear on the page. This text explains only the selection method based on the available data.

Choosing the Right Automatic Feed Drill Press

1. Check Swing Capacity

   Swing determines the maximum distance from the spindle to the column, effectively doubling to show the largest circular cut you can make. The Jet 20-Inch Geared Head Drill Press offers a 20-inch swing, allowing you to drill large diameter holes in wide workpieces. If you need to handle smaller materials, a standard 12-inch or 16-inch swing might suffice and save bench space. Always measure your typical workpiece width against the swing rating to ensure the machine fits your largest projects comfortably.

2. Select Configuration Type

   Automatic feed drill presses come in distinct configurations, primarily geared head and magnetic. Geared head models like the Jet 20-Inch are stationary, heavy machines designed for precision workshop tasks. Magnetic drills, such as the CS Unitec AutoMAB 350, attach directly to steel surfaces. Choose a magnetic drill if you need to drill thick steel plates on-site or in fixed locations where moving the workpiece is difficult. Geared heads are better for general-purpose drilling in a dedicated shop environment.

3. Verify Voltage Requirements

   Voltage compatibility is critical for automatic feed machines, which often draw significant power. The Jet 20-Inch model requires 230V power, while the Baileigh 2 HP Inverter Drill Press and CS Unitec AutoMAB 220V Magnetic Drill operate on 220V circuits. You must ensure your workshop has the correct outlet and wiring to support these high-voltage tools. Using the wrong voltage can damage the motor or create safety hazards. Check your shop’s electrical panel before selecting a model to avoid installation issues.

4. Consider Portability Needs

   If you work on construction sites or need to move your drill press frequently, weight and dimensions matter. The CS Unitec 1-1/2-Inch Automatic Magnetic Drill weighs only 33 pounds and measures 12.2 inches in height, making it easy to transport. In contrast, the Baileigh 2 HP Inverter Drill Press weighs 990 pounds and requires substantial floor space. Portable magnetic drills are ideal for field work, while heavy benchtop models are suited for stationary, high-volume production in a fixed workshop setting.

5. Evaluate Cutting Capacity

   Cutting capacity defines the maximum hole size the drill can produce in a single pass. The CS Unitec models listed offer a 1-1/2-inch cutting capacity, which is sufficient for most structural steel drilling tasks. If you need to drill larger holes, you may require a different tool or multiple passes. Check the cutting capacity specification to ensure the machine meets your largest hole requirements. This spec is particularly important for magnetic drills used in fabrication and structural steel applications.

Frequently asked questions

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