Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench step or Palmgren 8" Bench Top Drill? Which Palmgren Model to Buy
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This palmgren 10 5 speed bench step vs 8 bench top drill comparison helps you choose the right size. Both machines are benchtop drill presses from Palmgren. They share the same brand and basic function. The main difference is the swing capacity. The 10-inch model offers more workspace. The 8-inch model is smaller. You need to decide which size fits your workshop. Read on to see how the specs compare.
Key differences
| Aspect | Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press | Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Swing | 10-Inch | 8-Inch |
| Speed Settings | 5-Speeds (620 to 3100 RPM) | Not listed |
| Chuck Capacity | 1/16-Inch to 1/2-Inch | Not listed |
| Spindle Travel | 2 1/2-Inch | Not listed |
| Weight | 70 pounds | Not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press if
- You need a larger 10-inch swing for bigger workpieces.
- You want five speed settings for different materials.
- You prefer a machine with a known 70-pound weight.
Choose Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press if
- You need an 8-inch swing for smaller projects.
- You want a compact benchtop drill press.
- You are looking for a basic Palmgren benchtop model.
Verdict: Choose the 10-inch model if you need more swing capacity and specific speed settings. The 8-inch model is a simpler option for smaller tasks. Your choice depends on the size of your typical workpieces.
Comparing Palmgren Drill Press Specs
swing capacity
The Palmgren 10-inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press offers a 10-inch swing. This allows you to drill closer to the center of wider stock. The spindle sits 5 inches from the column. The Palmgren 8-inch Bench Top Drill Press provides an 8-inch swing. This limits the width of material you can center drill. For larger projects, the 10-inch model gives you more room. The extra 2 inches of swing is significant for benchtop machines. You will appreciate the flexibility when working with wider boards or panels. The 8-inch model is sufficient for smaller, narrower tasks.
speed settings
The Palmgren 10-inch model features five distinct speed settings. These range from 620 RPM to 3100 RPM. This variety lets you adjust for different materials and bit sizes. Slower speeds are better for large bits or hard metals. Higher speeds suit smaller bits in wood. The Palmgren 8-inch Bench Top Drill Press data does not list specific speed settings. Without this information, you cannot verify its versatility. The 10-inch machine gives you clear control over drilling conditions. This is crucial for achieving clean holes and prolonging bit life. The 8-inch model lacks confirmed speed data in the provided specs.
chuck capacity
The Palmgren 10-inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press supports chucks from 1/16-inch to 1/2-inch. This range covers most common drill bits for home and light shop use. The Palmgren 8-inch Bench Top Drill Press data does not specify its chuck capacity. You cannot know if it accepts larger bits or only smaller ones. The 10-inch model ensures compatibility with a wide array of tools. This makes it more adaptable for various drilling tasks. The 8-inch model leaves this important detail unknown. If you need to drill larger holes, the 10-inch press is the safer choice based on available data.
spindle travel
The Palmgren 10-inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press has a spindle travel of 2 1/2 inches. This depth allows you to drill deeper holes without repositioning the workpiece frequently. The Palmgren 8-inch Bench Top Drill Press data does not list spindle travel. You cannot determine how deep it can drill in a single pass. The 10-inch machine offers a practical depth for most benchtop applications. This reduces setup time and improves accuracy for deeper holes. The 8-inch model lacks this specification. For tasks requiring deeper penetration, the 10-inch press provides a known advantage.
build dimensions
The Palmgren 10-inch 5-Speed Bench Drill Press measures 11.4 inches wide, 19.3 inches long, and 27.5 inches high. It weighs 70 pounds. This substantial weight helps reduce vibration during operation. The Palmgren 8-inch Bench Top Drill Press data lists dimensions as 1 inch for width, height, and length. This data appears to be a placeholder or error. You cannot rely on these figures for space planning. The 10-inch model provides real-world dimensions for your workshop layout. Its size and weight suggest a more stable build. The 8-inch model's listed dimensions are not useful for comparison.
Which Palmgren Drill Press Fits You
You need wider drilling reach
The Palmgren 10-inch model provides a 10-inch swing. This lets you drill closer to the center of wider materials. The spindle sits 5 inches from the column. You get five speeds ranging from 620 to 3100 RPM. The 2 1/2-inch spindle travel offers deeper holes. This machine weighs 70 pounds and measures 27.5 inches tall.
You require basic 8-inch capacity
The Palmgren 8-inch Bench Top Drill Press offers an 8-inch swing. This suits smaller workpieces or simpler tasks. It is a compact benchtop unit. The data lists it as a one-size model. This option is for users who do not need the extra width of the 10-inch version. It keeps your workspace less cluttered.
You want variable speed control
Only the 10-inch model lists specific speed settings. You get five distinct speeds from 620 to 3100 RPM. This allows you to match the rotation to your material and bit size. The 8-inch model does not provide speed details in the data. If speed range matters for your projects, the 10-inch step pulley system is the clear choice.
The products compared
Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press
Best for: Users needing 10-inch swing and 5 speeds
- 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" drill press offers a 10-inch swing and 5-inch spindle-to-column clearance. It features five speeds ranging from 620 to 3100 RPM. The 1/2-inch chuck handles standard bits. Spindle travel is 2.5 inches. This machine suits users needing moderate capacity and variable speed control for various materials. Its 70-pound weight provides stability during operation.
Pros
- 10-inch swing capacity for larger workpieces
- 5-speed range from 620 to 3100 RPM
- 1/2-inch chuck capacity for versatile bit sizes
- 2.5-inch spindle travel for deeper holes
Cons
- 70-pound weight may limit portability
- Fixed benchtop design restricts vertical adjustment
- Limited to five speed settings
Good fit if
- You need a 10-inch swing for wider materials
- You require variable speeds for different drill bits
- You want a stable benchtop unit for occasional use
Skip if
- You need more than 10-inch swing capacity
- You require more than five speed options
- You need a floor-standing model for heavy duty work
Verdict: Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press provides solid capacity and speed variety for general workshop tasks. It fits users who prioritize swing width and speed control in a benchtop format. This model serves hobbyists and light professionals well.
Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
Best for: small diameter drilling tasks
- Swing
- 8"
- Dimensions
- 1 × 1 × 1 inches
View on Amazon: Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press Affiliate link
The Palmgren 8" Bench Top Drill Press is a compact machine designed for smaller workpieces. It features an 8-inch swing capacity, which defines the maximum diameter of material you can drill. This size makes it suitable for light-duty tasks and tight spaces. You should consider this model if your projects require precision on smaller stock rather than heavy industrial drilling.
Pros
- 8-inch swing capacity for small workpieces
- Compact bench top design saves space
- Specific model number 9680148 for identification
Cons
- Limited 8-inch swing restricts larger projects
- Missing speed range specifications in data
- No chuck size details provided
Good fit if
- You need a drill for small parts
- You have limited bench space
- You work with light materials
Skip if
- You drill large diameter holes
- You need variable speed control
- You require a floor standing unit
Verdict: Palmgren 8" Bench Top Drill Press is a compact option for small-scale drilling tasks. It suits hobbyists working with limited space and smaller materials.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Palmgren 10" 5-Speed Bench Drill Press | Palmgren 8-Inch Benchtop Drill Press |
|---|---|---|
| Spindle Speed | 5-Speeds 620 to 3100 RPM | not stated |
| Swing | 10-Inch | 8" |
| Spindle Travel | 2 1/2-Inch | not stated |
| Chuck Capacity | 1/16-Inch to 1/2-Inch | not stated |
| Speed Settings | 5-Speed | not stated |
| Dimensions | 19.3 × 11.4 × 27.5 inches | 1 × 1 × 1 inches |
| Weight | 70 pounds | not stated |
| Size | 10-Inch/5-Speed | One Size |
| Color | Grey & Black | Multi |
| Model | 80110 AMAZONUSERCT9 | 9680148 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the weight difference between the Palmgren 10-inch and 8-inch models?
The 10-inch model weighs 70 pounds. The 8-inch model specifications list dimensions as 1 inch for width, height, and length, which appears to be a data placeholder. You should expect the 10-inch unit to be significantly heavier and more stable due to its larger frame and motor assembly.
Does the Palmgren 8-inch drill press have multiple speed settings?
The provided data does not list speed settings for the 8-inch model. It only specifies an 8-inch swing. The 10-inch model clearly offers five speeds. If variable speed control is critical for your materials, the 10-inch model provides verified versatility that the 8-inch listing does not confirm.
How much floor space does the Palmgren 10-inch drill press require?
The 10-inch model measures 19.3 inches in length and 11.4 inches in width. You need a bench or floor area that accommodates these dimensions. The 8-inch model lists 1-inch dimensions, which is likely a data error. Plan your workspace around the 10-inch model's actual footprint for accurate planning.
Can I use the Palmgren 10-inch press for heavy-duty workshop tasks?
The 10-inch model is described as suitable for general workshop tasks and light professionals. Its 70-pound weight and 10-inch swing provide stability for wider stock. The 8-inch model is labeled for small-scale tasks. If you need to drill larger diameter holes or wider materials, the 10-inch capacity is the better choice.
What is the maximum drilling capacity of the Palmgren 10-inch model?
The Palmgren 10-inch model has a 10-inch swing. This allows you to drill holes up to 5 inches from the edge of your workpiece. The 8-inch model has an 8-inch swing. Choose the 10-inch version if you frequently work with wide boards or large metal stock.
Is the Palmgren 8-inch drill press suitable for large diameter holes?
No, the 8-inch model is best for small diameter drilling tasks. Its 8-inch swing limits how close you can drill to the center of wide materials. The 10-inch model offers a larger 10-inch swing. If you need to drill larger holes or work with wider stock, the 10-inch model is the appropriate tool.
What colors are available for the Palmgren 10-inch drill press?
The Palmgren 10-inch model is available in Grey and Black. The 8-inch model is listed as Multi-color. These color options do not affect performance. They are aesthetic choices. You should select based on the functional specs like swing and speed rather than the exterior finish.
Which Palmgren model is better for hobbyists with limited space?
The 8-inch model is described as compact and suitable for hobbyists with limited space. However, its listed dimensions are 1 inch, which is likely incorrect. The 10-inch model is larger and heavier. If space is a genuine constraint, the 8-inch model is intended for smaller workshops, but verify actual dimensions before purchase.

