Best Palmgren Drill Presses: 6 Models Compared

Quick picks

Our 6 picks

1 Best overall

Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press

Best for: small workshops and hobbyist projects

Spindle Speed

5-Speeds 620 to 3100 RPM

Swing

10-Inch

Spindle Travel

2 1/2-Inch

Chuck Capacity

1/16-Inch to 1/2-Inch

Dimensions

19.3 × 11.4 × 27.5 inches

Weight

70 pounds

View on Amazon: Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press Affiliate link

The Palmgren 10-inch bench drill press offers five spindle speeds ranging from 620 to 3100 RPM. It features a 10-inch swing and a 2.5-inch spindle travel. The chuck accepts bits from 1/16 to 1/2 inch. This 70-pound unit measures 11.4 by 19.3 inches. It suits users needing a compact machine for standard woodworking or light metal tasks.

Pros

• Five speed settings from 620 to 3100 RPM
• 10-inch swing capacity for wider workpieces
• 1/16 to 1/2-inch chuck capacity
• 2.5-inch spindle travel for deeper holes

Cons

• Limited to only five speed options
• 10-inch swing restricts large diameter drilling
• Heavier 70-pound build limits portability

Good fit if

• You need a compact benchtop unit for small projects
• You drill holes up to 10 inches from the center
• You prefer a simple step pulley system

Skip if

• You require more than five speed settings
• You need to drill holes larger than 10 inches
• You need a gear head or variable speed drive

Verdict: Palmgren 10-Inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press fits hobbyists who need a straightforward, space-saving tool for common drilling tasks. It is ideal for small workshops where a 10-inch swing is sufficient.

2 Also great

Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press

Best for: Small woodworking projects and light drilling

Spindle Speed

5-Speed

Swing

10"

Weight

50 pounds

View on Amazon: Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press Affiliate link

This Palmgren drill press offers a 10-inch swing and five spindle speeds via a step pulley system. Weighing 50 pounds, it provides a stable base for light to medium-duty benchtop work. The five-speed range suits various materials, though it lacks the high-speed options of larger gear-head models. It is a practical choice for hobbyists who need a compact, straightforward machine for occasional drilling tasks.

Pros

• 10-inch swing capacity for moderate workpiece sizes
• Five spindle speeds for material versatility
• Step pulley drive for reliable speed changes
• 50-pound weight offers benchtop stability

Cons

• Only five speed settings limit high-RPM applications
• 10-inch swing is smaller than 13-inch or 15-inch models
• Step pulley system requires manual belt adjustment

Good fit if

• You need a compact drill press for small projects
• You prefer simple mechanical speed adjustments
• You have limited bench space

Skip if

• You require high-speed drilling for metals
• You need to drill large diameter holes
• You want variable speed control without stopping the motor

Verdict: Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press fits hobbyists needing a small, stable machine for basic woodworking. It is not suitable for high-speed metal drilling or large workpieces.

3 Also great

Palmgren 15-Inch 16-Speed Bench Drill Press

Best for: Larger capacity benchtop drilling needs

Spindle Speed

16- Speed

Swing

15"

Dimensions

1 × 1 × 1 inches

Weight

152 pounds

View on Amazon: Palmgren 15-Inch 16-Speed Bench Drill Press Affiliate link

This Palmgren benchtop drill press features a 15-inch swing and 16 spindle speeds. The 152-pound weight suggests a stable base for precision work. You get a step pulley system for speed changes. It suits users needing larger capacity than standard 8-inch models. The 16-speed range covers most common drilling tasks. This machine is built for serious benchtop use.

Pros

• 15-inch swing capacity for larger workpieces
• 16 spindle speeds for versatile material handling
• 152-pound weight for reduced vibration

Cons

• 15-inch swing is smaller than 16-inch or 17-inch industrial models
• Step pulley system requires manual speed changes
• No variable speed trigger for fine adjustments

Good fit if

• You need a 15-inch swing for wide boards
• You prefer mechanical step pulley reliability
• You want a heavy, stable benchtop unit

Skip if

• You require variable speed electronic control
• You need a 16-inch or larger swing
• You want a lightweight portable press

Verdict: Palmgren 15-inch 16-Speed Drill Press offers a robust 15-inch swing and 16 speeds for serious hobbyists. It fits workshops needing more capacity than 8-inch models but less than floor-standing units.

4 Best premium

Palmgren 20-Inch Gear Head Drill Press

Best for: Industrial shops with 230V power

Swing

20"

Voltage

230V

Dimensions

1 × 1 × 1 inches

Weight

458 pounds

View on Amazon: Palmgren 20-Inch Gear Head Drill Press Affiliate link

This Palmgren 9680223 is a heavy-duty 20-inch swing drill press designed for 230V power. It features a gear head drive system, which typically offers more torque and durability than belt-driven models for industrial use. Weighing 458 pounds, this machine is built for stability and precision in demanding workshop environments. It suits professionals who require a robust, high-capacity benchtop or floor-standing solution for large workpieces.

Pros

• 20-inch swing capacity for large workpieces
• 230V voltage rating for industrial power
• Gear head drive for consistent torque
• 458-pound weight for maximum stability

Cons

• Requires 230V electrical outlet, not standard 120V
• Extremely heavy at 458 pounds, difficult to move
• No speed range data provided in specifications

Good fit if

• You have access to 230V power outlets
• You need to drill large diameter holes in thick materials
• You require a heavy, stable machine for continuous industrial use

Skip if

• You only have standard 120V household outlets
• You need a portable or easily movable benchtop press
• You are drilling small holes in light materials

Verdict: Palmgren 20" 230V Gear Head Drill Press is a specialized tool for shops with 230V power. It fits users who prioritize massive stability and swing capacity over portability and standard voltage compatibility.

5 Best budget

Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press

Best for: Small space hobbyist drilling

Swing

8"

Dimensions

1 × 1 × 1 inches

View on Amazon: Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press Affiliate link

This Palmgren 8-inch benchtop drill press offers a compact footprint for light-duty drilling tasks. The 8-inch swing defines the maximum workpiece diameter you can center under the chuck. It sits on your workbench for easy access. This model suits hobbyists or occasional users who need a small machine for precise, low-volume projects rather than heavy industrial fabrication.

Pros

• 8-inch swing capacity
• Benchtop design for space efficiency
• Compact dimensions for small workshops

Cons

• Limited 8-inch swing restricts large workpieces
• No speed range or motor specs listed
• Small footprint may lack stability for larger bits

Good fit if

• You need a small drill press for tight spaces
• You primarily drill small holes in light materials
• You want a simple benchtop unit without complex features

Skip if

• You require drilling large diameter holes beyond 8 inches
• You need variable speed control for different materials
• You prefer a floor-standing model for heavy use

Verdict: Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press fits users with limited space and light drilling needs. It is a basic tool for small projects, not for heavy-duty or large-scale work.

6 Also great

Palmgren 13" 16-Speed Step Pulley Drill Press

Best for: Medium swing needs with high speed variety

Spindle Speed

16-Speeds

Swing

13"

Dimensions

1 × 1 × 1 inches

View on Amazon: Palmgren 13" 16-Speed Step Pulley Drill Press Affiliate link

The Palmgren 13" Step Pulley Bench Drill Press offers 16 speeds for precise control. Its 13-inch swing accommodates medium-sized workpieces. This model suits hobbyists and small shop users who need variable speed options without a gear head. It provides a versatile setup for various drilling tasks. You get a reliable benchtop tool with a wide range of rotational speeds.

Pros

• 13-inch swing capacity
• 16-speed step pulley system
• Benchtop design

Cons

• Smaller 13-inch swing compared to 15-inch models on this list
• Step pulley system requires manual speed changes
• Missing detailed weight or dimension specs in data

Good fit if

• You need more than 5 speeds for varied materials
• You have space for a 13-inch swing machine
• You prefer manual speed adjustment over digital controls

Skip if

• You require a 15-inch or larger swing capacity
• You need automatic variable speed via a motor dial
• You are drilling large diameter holes in thick stock

Verdict: Palmgren 13" 16-Speed Step Pulley Drill Press fits users who need more speed options than basic 5-speed models but do not need a large 15-inch swing. It is a practical middle ground for general workshop tasks.

Specifications side by side

Palmgren Drill Presses Compared

Palmgren offers drill presses with swings ranging from 8 to 20 inches. The 8-Inch Benchtop Press suits tight spaces. The 10-Inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press provides a balanced option for hobbyists. The 15-Inch 16-Speed Bench Drill Press adds capacity for larger projects. The 20-Inch Gear Head Drill Press requires 230V power and targets industrial shops needing massive stability. You should choose based on your workspace size and power availability. Speed settings also vary significantly. Basic models offer five speeds. Advanced options provide sixteen speeds for precise material control. The 13" 16-Speed Step Pulley Drill Press fits users needing more speed variety without a large swing. Check your specific drilling requirements before selecting.

Where Palmgren Fits Your Shop

Palmgren covers small to industrial needs. You can choose from 8-inch to 20-inch swings. Speed settings range from basic 5-speed options to 16-speed models. Voltage includes standard benchtop power and 230V industrial units. Weights span from 50 pounds to 458 pounds. No models offer variable frequency drives or digital displays. There are no 12-inch or 14-inch swing options listed. You must select between step pulley and gear head systems. This range suits hobbyists to heavy industrial users.

How to Choose Your Drill Press

1. Check the Swing Capacity

   Swing determines the maximum diameter of material you can drill at the center. A 10-inch swing allows you to drill near the center of a 20-inch wide board. The Palmgren 10-Inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press offers this standard capacity for most hobbyists. If you need to drill larger panels, consider the 15-Inch 16-Speed model. The 8-Inch Benchtop Press is only suitable for very small workpieces. Match the swing to your largest typical project to avoid centering errors.

2. Select the Voltage Type

   Voltage compatibility is critical for safety and performance. Most benchtop models run on standard household power. However, the Palmgren 20-Inch Gear Head Drill Press requires 230V industrial power. You must ensure your workshop has the correct outlet before purchasing this unit. Using the wrong voltage can damage the motor or create a hazard. Check your shop’s electrical setup first. If you only have standard outlets, stick to the lower voltage models listed in the guide.

3. Compare Speed Settings

   Speed settings determine how fast the bit rotates, which affects cut quality. More speeds offer better control for different materials. The 15-Inch 16-Speed Bench Drill Press provides 16 options for precise tuning. The 13-Inch 16-Speed Step Pulley Press also offers high variety. Basic 5-speed models, like the top-pick 10-Inch version, are sufficient for general wood drilling. Fewer speeds mean less flexibility but often simpler operation. Choose based on whether you drill diverse materials or just wood.

4. Evaluate Weight and Stability

   Weight impacts stability and vibration control during heavy drilling. Heavier machines resist movement better. The 20-Inch Gear Head Press weighs 458 pounds, offering massive stability for industrial use. The 15-Inch model weighs 152 pounds, providing solid performance for serious hobbyists. Lighter options, like the 50-pound budget model, are easier to move but may vibrate more. Consider your bench strength. A heavier press reduces chatter and improves hole accuracy for dense materials.

5. Assess Footprint and Size

   Physical dimensions determine if the press fits your workspace. The 10-Inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press measures 11.4 inches wide and 27.5 inches high. This compact size suits small workshops. Larger models like the 20-Inch Gear Head require significant floor space and clearance. Measure your available area before buying. Ensure you have room for the table extension and material handling. A smaller footprint is ideal for tight spaces, while larger shops can accommodate the industrial-grade units with ease.

Frequently asked questions

See also

• palmgren 10 5 speed bench step vs 8 bench top drill
• palmgren 15 16 speed bench vs 13 step pulley bench
• best cordless cordless drills
• best drill drivers with drill driver