Jet or Palmgren? Drill Presses Compared in 2026
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You are comparing the Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press against the Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press. This jet vs palmgren drill press guide helps you decide between two compact benchtop tools. Both offer a 10-inch swing and five speed settings for general workshop tasks. The main difference lies in their construction and power requirements. The Jet model runs on standard 120V power and weighs less. The Palmgren unit is heavier and designed for step pulley operation.
Key differences
| Aspect | Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press | Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 48.5 lbs | 70 lbs |
| Voltage | 120V | not listed |
| Spindle Speed Range | 630–3300 RPM | 620–3100 RPM |
| Chuck Capacity | not listed | 1/16-Inch to 1/2-Inch |
| Table Tilt | ±45° | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press if
- You need a lighter press that is easy to move around the shop.
- You require a 120V standard household power connection.
- You need a table that tilts up to 45 degrees for angled drilling.
Choose Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press if
- You want a heavier base for added stability during operation.
- You need to know the specific chuck capacity range.
- You prefer a model with a 2 1/2-inch spindle travel.
Verdict: Choose the Jet if you prioritize portability and standard voltage compatibility. Select the Palmgren if you prefer a heavier, more stable base with known chuck and travel specs. Both serve similar light-duty benchtop needs.
Jet vs Palmgren Drill Press
spindle speed range
You get slightly different speed bands with each machine. The Jet model offers a range from 630 to 3300 RPM across its five settings. The Palmgren provides 620 to 3100 RPM. The Jet reaches a higher maximum speed, which helps when drilling small holes or using specific bits that require faster rotation. The Palmgren starts slightly slower, offering a marginally lower minimum speed. Both provide five distinct steps for general workshop tasks. The difference is minor, but the Jet gives you a bit more top-end velocity for precision work.
weight and portability
Portability matters if you move your tools around the shop. The Jet weighs 48.5 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the Palmgren. The Palmgren tips the scales at 70 pounds. You will find the Jet easier to lift, carry, and reposition on your benchtop. The Palmgren feels more substantial and stable due to its heavier cast construction, but this adds bulk. If you need a tool you can easily grab and move, the Jet is the clear choice. The extra weight of the Palmgren might be an advantage for vibration dampening, but it reduces flexibility.
chuck capacity
Chuck size determines the largest drill bit you can use. The Palmgren lists a chuck capacity ranging from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch. The Jet data does not specify the chuck range, so you must check the manual or label for that detail. Assuming standard configurations for this class, both likely handle 1/2-inch bits. However, since the Palmgren explicitly states this range, you have confirmed compatibility with larger bits. The Jet’s swing is 10 inches, allowing wide workpieces, but the chuck limit remains unknown from the provided specs. The Palmgren gives you confirmed flexibility here.
spindle travel
Spindle travel defines how deep you can drill in a single pass. The Palmgren specifies a spindle travel of 2 1/2 inches. The Jet data does not list this measurement. This is a key dimension for drilling deeper holes without stopping to clear chips. With the Palmgren, you know you can achieve a 2.5-inch depth. For the Jet, you cannot verify this from the current information. If you frequently drill deeper than 2 inches, the Palmgren offers a confirmed advantage. You should verify the Jet’s travel distance before assuming it matches or exceeds the Palmgren.
voltage and power
Power requirements affect where you can place the machine. The Jet runs on 120V operation, which is standard for most household outlets. This allows flexible placement in any garage or workshop corner without needing specialized circuits. The Palmgren data does not explicitly state the voltage, though benchtop models typically use 120V. If the Palmgren also uses 120V, there is no difference. However, the Jet explicitly confirms standard household power compatibility. This makes setup straightforward and eliminates guesswork about electrical needs. You can plug the Jet in anywhere you have a standard outlet.
Which Jet or Palmgren Drill Press Suits You
Users needing easy repositioning and angled drilling
The Jet model weighs only 48.5 pounds, making it simple to lift and move around your workshop. It also tilts its table up to 45 degrees for stable angled drilling. This combination of light weight and flexible table movement makes it the better choice if you value portability and multi-angle work over raw stability.
Drillers requiring deeper hole capacity
The Palmgren drill press features a spindle travel of 2.5 inches. This allows you to drill deeper holes in a single pass compared to typical benchtop limits. If your projects often involve thick materials or require deeper penetration without stopping to clear chips, this extra travel depth provides a practical advantage for your specific drilling tasks.
Those wanting a heavier, more stable base
The Palmgren unit weighs 70 pounds, significantly more than the Jet’s 48.5 pounds. This added mass helps dampen vibration during operation, leading to cleaner holes and less chatter. If you prioritize a sturdy, vibration-resistant platform for precision work and do not need to move the machine frequently, the extra weight offers tangible stability benefits.
The products compared
Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
Best for: Hobbyists needing a compact 120V benchtop press
- Motor Power
- 1/3 HP, 6.2A
- Spindle Speed
- 630 to 3300 RPM, 5 speeds
- Swing
- 10 Inch
- Chuck Capacity
- JT33 Chuck, 1/16-1/2"
- Voltage
- 120V
- Amperage
- 6.2 A
View on Amazon: Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press Affiliate link
The Jet 10" drill press offers a 630 to 3300 RPM range across five speeds. Its 10-inch swing handles core drilling tasks in a compact benchtop design. The table tilts up to 45 degrees for angled work. It runs on standard 120V household power. Weighing 48.5 pounds, it is easy to reposition. This machine suits hobbyists needing reliable, flexible drilling capabilities.
Pros
- 5-speed range from 630 to 3300 RPM
- 10-inch swing capacity for core drilling
- Table tilts ±45 degrees for angled holes
- Runs on standard 120V power
- Compact 48.5-pound weight for easy moving
Cons
- Limited to 5 fixed speeds
- No variable speed control
- Basic benchtop build limits heavy-duty use
Good fit if
- You need a compact press for light work
- You require a 10-inch swing capacity
- You want a 120V machine for home use
Skip if
- You need variable speed control
- You drill large diameter holes often
- You require a heavy industrial machine
Verdict: Jet 10" Benchtop Drill Press fits hobbyists who need a compact, 120V machine with a 10-inch swing. It handles basic angled drilling well but lacks variable speed for precision tasks.
Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press
Best for: Small workshop drilling tasks
- 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
This Palmgren benchtop drill press features a 10-inch swing and 5-inch spindle-to-column clearance. It offers five speeds ranging from 620 to 3100 RPM and a chuck capacity of 1/16 to 1/2 inch. The spindle travel is 2.5 inches. It weighs 70 pounds and measures 19.3 inches long. You will find this machine suitable for general workshop tasks where moderate capacity meets a compact footprint.
Pros
- 10-inch swing for decent workpiece clearance
- Five speed settings from 620 to 3100 RPM
- 1/16 to 1/2-inch chuck capacity
- 2.5-inch spindle travel
Cons
- Smaller 10-inch swing compared to the 12-inch models on this list
- Fixed 5-speed pulley system limits fine-tuning
- Heavier 70-pound build requires sturdy bench support
Good fit if
- You need a compact machine for small to medium parts
- You require basic speed adjustments for standard materials
- You have limited bench space but need a 10-inch capacity
Skip if
- You frequently drill large diameters exceeding 10 inches
- You need variable speed control for precision work
- You require a chuck capacity larger than 1/2 inch
Verdict: Palmgren 10-Inch 5-Speed Drill Press fits users who need a reliable, space-saving option for standard drilling tasks. It offers adequate speed ranges and capacity for hobbyists and light professional use.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press | Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Motor Power | 1/3 HP, 6.2A | not stated |
| Spindle Speed | 630 to 3300 RPM, 5 speeds | 5-Speeds 620 to 3100 RPM |
| Swing | 10 Inch | 10-Inch |
| Spindle Travel | not stated | 2 1/2-Inch |
| Chuck Capacity | JT33 Chuck, 1/16-1/2" | 1/16-Inch to 1/2-Inch |
| Voltage | 120V | not stated |
| Speed Settings | not stated | 5-Speed |
| Amperage | 6.2 A | not stated |
| Dimensions | 13.4 × 19 × 28.8 inches | 19.3 × 11.4 × 27.5 inches |
| Weight | 48.5 pounds | 70 pounds |
| Model | JWBS-10 | 80110 AMAZONUSERCT9 |
| Size | not stated | 10-Inch/5-Speed |
| Color | not stated | Grey & Black |
Frequently asked questions
Which drill press is lighter and easier to move?
The Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press is the lighter option. It weighs 48.5 pounds, which makes it simple to lift and reposition in your workshop. The Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press is heavier at 70 pounds. This extra weight may make the Palmgren slightly harder to move frequently.
What are the physical dimensions of these benchtop models?
The Jet model measures 19 inches wide, 28.8 inches high, and 13.4 inches long. The Palmgren model is 11.4 inches wide, 27.5 inches high, and 19.3 inches long. Both have a 10-inch swing capacity. You should measure your workspace carefully, as their footprints and heights differ significantly.
Do both machines offer variable speed settings?
Yes, both machines provide five speed settings for different materials. The Jet model ranges from 630 to 3300 RPM. The Palmgren ranges from 620 to 3100 RPM. These settings allow you to adjust for various drilling tasks. You get adequate speed ranges for general hobbyist and light professional use.
Is the Jet drill press suitable for angled drilling?
Yes, the Jet model handles basic angled drilling well. It can tilt its table up to 45 degrees for stable angled work. This feature helps you drill holes at precise inclinations. The Palmgren data does not specify tilting capabilities, so the Jet is the clear choice if you need angled drilling.
Which model is better for a compact workshop?
The Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press is ideal for compact spaces. It is designed for hobbyists needing a small 120V machine. Its lighter weight and specific dimensions make it easy to place in tight areas. The Palmgren is also space-saving but is heavier, which might limit placement flexibility.
What is the swing capacity for these drill presses?
Both the Jet and Palmgren models feature a 10-inch swing. This measurement determines the maximum distance from the spindle to the column. A 10-inch swing allows you to drill holes in workpieces up to 20 inches in diameter. This capacity is standard for benchtop drill presses.