Garvee 13 in Floor Drill vs Garvee 1.57"-2" Mag Drill Press: Spec Comparison
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
This garvee 13 in floor drill vs 1 57 2 mag drill press comparison helps you choose between a traditional benchtop unit and a portable magnetic tool. Both machines offer variable speed controls for drilling metal and wood. The main difference lies in their configuration and mounting. One is a stationary floor model with a wide swing, while the other is a portable magnetic drill designed for fixed steel structures. You will see how their power sources and capacities differ significantly.
Key differences
| Aspect | Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press | Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Benchtop/Floor | Magnetic/Portable |
| Motor Power | 7.5 A | 1550 W |
| Hole Capacity | 5/8 in | 1.57-2 in |
| Swing | 13 in | not listed |
| Spindle Speed | 288-3084 RPM | Up to 820 RPM |
| Target Material | Metal, Wood | Metal |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press if
- You need to drill into wood or non-metal materials.
- You require a stationary machine with a 13-inch swing for larger workpieces.
- You want variable speeds up to 3084 RPM for fine detail work.
Choose Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press if
- You need to bore large holes up to 2 inches in thick steel.
- You require a portable tool that mounts directly to vertical or overhead beams.
- You need a strong 13000 N magnetic hold for stability on structural steel.
Verdict: Choose the 13-inch floor drill if you need a versatile benchtop tool for wood and smaller metal holes. Pick the magnetic drill if your work involves large-diameter holes in heavy steel structures. Each machine excels in its specific mounting and material requirements.
Garvee Drill Press Specs Compared
Drilling capacity
The Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press offers a 13-inch swing, allowing you to drill closer to the edge of large workpieces. Its chuck and hole capacity are both 5/8 inch, making it suitable for smaller diameter bits. In contrast, the Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press handles much larger holes, with a boring capacity of 1.57 to 2 inches. This magnetic unit is designed for structural steel and heavy fabrication where large-diameter holes are required. If you need to drill wide holes in thick metal, the magnetic press has a clear advantage. For general woodworking or smaller metalwork, the floor drill’s 5/8-inch limit is standard.
Motor power
Power ratings differ significantly between these two tools. The Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press uses a 7.5-amp, 120V induction motor. This provides ample torque for drilling through wood and various metals at higher speeds. The Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press specifies its power in watts, listing a robust 1550-watt motor. While amperage and watts measure power differently, the magnetic drill’s higher wattage is engineered for demanding industrial tasks, such as boring through thick steel without stalling. The floor drill’s 7.5-amp motor is sufficient for DIY needs, but the magnetic drill’s 1550W motor is built for heavy-duty, continuous industrial use.
Speed settings
Speed control is essential for matching the drill rate to the material. The Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press features a variable speed control ranging from 288 to 3084 RPM. This wide range allows for high-speed drilling in wood and slower, precise speeds for metal. The Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press offers 10 predefined speed settings with a maximum of 820 RPM. While it lacks the high-speed range of the floor drill, its lower maximum speed is optimized for cutting thick steel and using large coring bits. The floor drill is more versatile for mixed materials, while the mag drill is specialized for slower, high-torque metal boring.
Configuration
The physical setup of each machine dictates how you use it. The Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press is a benchtop or floor unit with a cast iron base, measuring 57 inches in length. It is a stationary tool designed to stay in one location. The Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press is a portable magnetic tool that attaches directly to steel surfaces. It weighs 28.8 pounds and measures 13.2 inches in length, making it easy to transport to construction sites. If you need a fixed workstation for precision woodworking, the floor drill is better. For on-site structural work, the portable mag drill is the only choice.
Target material
Each machine is designed for specific materials. The Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press targets both metal and wood, as noted in its features. It includes a tilting table and is built for general processing needs across multiple materials. The Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press is strictly for metal, specifically thick steel, iron, and other conductive materials. Its magnetic base requires a ferrous surface to function, and its high torque is optimized for metal fabrication. You cannot use the mag drill on wood or non-metal surfaces. If you work with both wood and metal, the floor drill is more versatile. For pure metalwork, the mag drill is specialized.
Which drill press fits your needs
Woodworkers needing high speed versatility
You should choose the 13-inch floor drill press if you work with wood or light metals. Its variable speed range reaches 3084 RPM, which is essential for clean cuts in softer materials. The 7.5-amp motor provides ample power for general DIY tasks. You also benefit from a tilting table that adjusts up to 45 degrees for angled drilling.
Metal fabricators drilling thick steel
Pick the magnetic drill press for heavy-duty metal work. It features a 1550-watt motor and a 13000 N magnetic hold that secures the unit to vertical or overhead beams. This stability prevents slipping when boring large holes up to 2 inches in diameter through solid steel. The double dovetail guide ensures precision under heavy loads.
Portable tool for construction sites
If you need a portable solution for on-site fabrication, the magnetic drill press is the better choice. It weighs only 28.8 pounds and attaches directly to steel structures. You do not need a heavy base or bench to operate it. The 10-speed gear system allows you to adjust RPMs for different bit sizes and materials efficiently.
The products compared
Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press
Best for: General wood and metal drilling tasks
- Motor Power
- 7.5A
- Spindle Speed
- 12-speed, 288-3084 RPM
- Hole Capacity
- 5/8 in
- Swing
- 13 in
- Spindle Travel
- 3.2 in
- Chuck Capacity
- 5/8 in
View on Amazon: Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press Affiliate link
This 13-inch floor drill press features a 7.5A motor and variable speeds from 288 to 3084 RPM. It includes a tilting table for angled drilling and a cast iron construction for stability. You get precise hole drilling with a 5/8-inch capacity. This machine suits users needing adjustable speeds for wood and metal projects in a workshop setting.
Pros
- 7.5A induction motor provides strong power for various materials
- Variable speed range from 288 to 3084 RPM
- Tilting table allows for 0-45 degree angled drilling
- Cast iron base ensures stability during operation
Cons
- Fixed 12-speed settings limit fine-tuning compared to infinitely variable controls
- 5/8-inch chuck capacity restricts larger drill bit usage
- No digital speed display for precise RPM verification
Good fit if
- You need variable speeds for drilling both wood and metal
- You require a tilting table for angled hole drilling
- You prefer a heavy cast iron base for stability
Skip if
- You frequently drill holes larger than 5/8 inch
- You need precise digital speed readouts for every operation
- You require infinitely variable speed control without gear steps
Verdict: Garvee 13 in Floor Drill Press delivers reliable power and versatile speed options for general workshop tasks. It fits users who value stability and angled drilling capabilities over fine digital speed control.
Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press
Best for: large holes in structural steel
- Motor Power
- 1550W
- Spindle Speed
- 10-speed, up to 820 RPM
- Hole Capacity
- 1.57-2 in
- Magnetic Force
- 13000 N (2922 lbf)
- Configuration
- Magnetic
- Speed Settings
- Variable Speed
View on Amazon: Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press Affiliate link
This magnetic drill press anchors to steel surfaces with 13000 N of force. It features a 1550W motor and 10-speed settings up to 820 RPM. The double dovetail guide ensures stable vertical feed. You get a 1.57-2 inch boring capacity for large holes. It weighs 28.8 pounds and fits portable job sites. This unit suits metal fabrication and construction tasks where portability and holding power matter.
Pros
- 13000 N (2922 lbf) magnetic hold for vertical or overhead work
- 1550W motor handles thick steel and iron without stalling
- 10-speed gear system with max 820 RPM for material control
- Double dovetail guide reduces wobble during drilling
Cons
- Maximum speed of 820 RPM is lower than standard floor drills
- Limited to magnetic mounting on ferrous metals only
- Single spindle speed range lacks high-speed options for smaller bits
Good fit if
- You need to drill large holes in structural steel beams
- You work on vertical or overhead surfaces
- You require a portable drill for construction sites
Skip if
- You need to drill into wood or non-metal materials
- You require high-speed drilling above 820 RPM
- You need a stationary benchtop or floor model
Verdict: Garvee 1.57-2 in Mag Drill Press delivers strong holding power and stable feed for heavy metal work. It fits professionals who drill large holes on steel structures where portability is essential.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Garvee 13-Inch Floor Drill Press | Garvee 2-Inch 1550W Magnetic Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 7.5A | 1550W |
| Spindle Speed | 12-speed, 288-3084 RPM | 10-speed, up to 820 RPM |
| Hole Capacity | 5/8 in | 1.57-2 in |
| Swing | 13 in | not stated |
| Spindle Travel | 3.2 in | not stated |
| Magnetic Force | not stated | 13000 N (2922 lbf) |
| Chuck Capacity | 5/8 in | not stated |
| Voltage | 120V | not stated |
| Configuration | Benchtop | Magnetic |
| Speed Settings | Variable Speed | Variable Speed |
| Amperage | 7.5 A | not stated |
| Features | Tilting Table | not stated |
| Target Material | Metal, Wood | Metal |
| Design | not stated | Portable |
| Dimensions | 57 × 20.5 × 10 inches | 13.2 × 6.3 × 16.1 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 28.8 pounds |
| Size | 13 in Floor Drill Press | High-end Version |
| Model | 01 | Mag Drill Press |
Frequently asked questions
Can the Garvee 13-inch drill press tilt for angled holes?
Yes, this unit includes a tilting table feature. This allows you to adjust the workpiece angle for precise bevel drilling. It is useful for woodworking projects or metal fabrication where angled holes are required. The table design supports stability during these adjustments.
Is the magnetic drill press suitable for wood?
No, the magnetic model targets metal exclusively. Its design relies on strong magnetic holding power for structural steel. It lacks the versatility for wood drilling. You should use the benchtop unit for wood tasks, as it handles both metal and wood materials effectively.
How much does the magnetic drill press weigh?
The magnetic drill press weighs 28.8 pounds. This weight contributes to its stability when drilling large holes in steel. Despite being portable, the mass helps maintain balance during operation. You can carry it to job sites while ensuring secure attachment to metal surfaces.
Does the floor drill press require a dedicated electrical outlet?
Yes, it operates on 120V power. This is standard for most workshop outlets in the United States. You do not need special industrial wiring. The 7.5 A amperage draw is manageable for typical home or garage electrical systems without overloading circuits.
Which machine is better for drilling large holes in steel?
The magnetic drill press is better for large steel holes. It is designed for structural steel work with strong holding power. The 13-inch drill press has a smaller chuck capacity. For heavy metal work requiring large diameters, the magnetic unit provides the necessary stability and feed control.
Are both drills variable speed?
Yes, both machines offer variable speed settings. This allows you to adjust RPMs based on the material and bit size. You can optimize performance for soft wood or hard metal. Variable speed control ensures cleaner cuts and longer bit life across different drilling tasks.
What are the dimensions of the magnetic drill press?
The magnetic unit measures 6.3 inches in width, 13.2 inches in length, and 16.1 inches in height. These compact dimensions make it easy to transport. You can store it in small spaces or carry it to construction sites without difficulty. The size supports its portable design.