6 Best Alternatives to the Palmgren 15" 16- Speed Bench (2026)

How these models differ

JET 15-Inch 16-Speed Benchtop Drill Press

The JET 15-Inch 16-Speed Benchtop Drill Press matches the Palmgren’s 15-inch swing and 16-speed range. It adds a cast iron head for enhanced rigidity during heavy drilling. The JET weighs 157 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the 152-pound Palmgren. It supports 115/230V power options, offering more electrical flexibility. You give up some compactness for this industrial stability. This model suits users who need a permanent, vibration-resistant benchtop press. It is ideal for workshops where stability matters more than portability. The extra weight ensures smoother cuts in dense materials.

Hougen Low Profile Right Angle Drill

The Hougen Low Profile Right Angle Drill is a specialized tool for tight spaces. It weighs only 31 pounds, far lighter than the 152-pound Palmgren. This unit features a compact 20-inch width and 8-inch height. It is designed for fabricators who need access to confined areas. You trade the Palmgren’s vertical drilling capability for angular access. This model is not for general workshop use. It fits field work where tool-free cutter changes are essential. Choose this if you need to drill at angles in restricted spots. It offers a different form factor entirely, prioritizing portability and reach over standard benchtop stability.

Antstone 15-Inch 1200W Benchtop Drill Press

The Antstone 15-Inch 1200W Benchtop Drill Press offers a 15-inch swing like the Palmgren. It features a 1200W motor, providing substantial power for small projects. However, it has only 6 speeds, reducing variety compared to the Palmgren’s 16 speeds. The Antstone is significantly smaller, weighing much less than the heavy Palmgren. It includes grinding capability, adding versatility. You gain a compact, multi-purpose tool but lose speed precision. This model suits users who need a portable, rotating tool for small tasks. It is ideal for small workshops where space is limited. The trade-off is fewer speed options for greater compactness and grinding utility.

Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill

The Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill is designed for metal fabrication. It weighs just 21 pounds, compared to the 152-pound Palmgren. This unit features a swivel base for drilling angled holes in metal. It operates on 115V power. You give up the Palmgren’s versatility for specialized magnetic stability. This model is ideal for users who need to drill angled holes precisely. It is not a substitute for a standard benchtop press. Choose this if you work with structural steel or need on-site drilling. The swivel base makes lining up holes easier for precise work. It offers a completely different approach to drilling, focusing on magnetic attachment and angular flexibility.

Hougen HMD130 Low Profile Magnetic Drill

The Hougen HMD130 Low Profile Magnetic Drill is built for field fabrication. It weighs 23.6 pounds, much lighter than the Palmgren. This unit features a low profile design for accessing tight spaces. It is ideal for workers who move between job sites. You trade the Palmgren’s workshop stability for portability. This model fits those who need to drill thick steel without a power outlet nearby. It is not a substitute for a benchtop press. Choose this if you need specialized tools for on-site drilling. The low profile allows for easier maneuvering in confined areas. It offers a different utility, prioritizing field work over precision benchtop drilling.

Champion 2-1/8-Inch Portable Magnetic Drill

The Champion 2-1/8-Inch Portable Magnetic Drill is designed for large diameter holes. It weighs 33 pounds, significantly lighter than the 152-pound Palmgren. This unit features a portable design for structural steel drilling. It is ideal for professionals who drill thick plate or beams on-site. You give up the Palmgren’s versatility for heavy-duty magnetic stability. This model suits users who need to drill large holes in steel. It is not for general workshop use. Choose this if you work with structural steel or need on-site drilling. The portable design allows for easy transport. It offers a different utility, focusing on large-diameter holes in thick materials.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Palmgren 15-Inch 16-Speed Bench Drill Press

Best for: stable benchtop drilling with mechanical speed control

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

The Palmgren 15-inch bench drill press offers 16 spindle speeds via a step pulley system. It features a 15-inch swing capacity, allowing you to drill larger workpieces. The unit weighs 152 pounds, providing stability during operation. This machine suits users who need variable speed control and a sturdy base for precision drilling tasks in a workshop setting.

Pros

• 15-inch swing capacity for wider workpieces
• 16 distinct spindle speeds for material versatility
• Step pulley system for reliable speed changes
• 152-pound weight ensures stable operation

Cons

• Heavier build at 152 pounds reduces portability
• Limited to 15-inch swing, smaller than 16-inch models
• No variable speed motor or electronic controls listed

Good fit if

• You need precise speed selection for different materials
• You require a stable, heavy-duty benchtop unit
• You work with materials requiring specific RPM ranges

Skip if

• You need to move the drill press frequently
• You require speeds beyond 16 options
• You prefer electronic variable speed controls

Verdict: Palmgren 15-Inch 16-Speed Bench Drill Press is a stable, speed-precise tool for users who prioritize weight and mechanical reliability over portability or electronic features.

2 Best 115/230v

JET 15-Inch 16-Speed Benchtop Drill Press

Best for: Users needing cast iron stability and 16 speeds

Motor Power

3/4 HP

Spindle Speed

16 Speed, 200 to 3,630 RPM

Swing

15-Inch

Spindle Travel

3-1/8"

Voltage

115/230V

Configuration

Benchtop

View on Amazon: JET 15-Inch 16-Speed Benchtop Drill Press Affiliate link

The JET J-2530 is a 15-inch benchtop drill press with a 3/4 HP motor. It offers 16 speeds from 200 to 3,630 RPM. The 3-1/8-inch quill travel handles deep holes. A cast iron head and large steel column support precision. You get 115/230V operation and CSA certification. This machine suits users needing reliable speed control and sturdy build quality for general workshop tasks.

Pros

• 16-speed range from 200 to 3,630 RPM
• 3/4 HP motor provides strong drilling power
• 3-1/8-inch spindle travel for deep hole applications
• Cast iron head ensures better drilling accuracy

Cons

• Heavier at 157 pounds, making it less portable
• Limited to 15-inch swing capacity
• No variable speed dial for infinite adjustment

Good fit if

• You need a sturdy benchtop press with cast iron construction
• You require 16 distinct speeds for various materials
• You work with 15-inch diameter stock

Skip if

• You need to drill holes deeper than 3-1/8 inches
• You require a variable speed dial for fine tuning
• You need a portable drill press under 100 pounds

Verdict: JET 15-Inch 16-Speed Benchtop Drill Press delivers solid performance for users who prioritize a cast iron head and a wide speed range. It fits workshops where stability matters more than portability.

3 Also great

Hougen Low Profile Right Angle Drill

Best for: confined space drilling with large cutters

Design

Low Profile

Dimensions

16.5 × 20 × 8 inches

Weight

31 pounds

View on Amazon: Hougen Low Profile Right Angle Drill Affiliate link

The Hougen HMD130 is a right-angle drill designed for tight spaces. It measures 16.5 inches long, 20 inches wide, and 8 inches high. The unit weighs 31 pounds. It features high torque gearing and a patented quill feed arbor. This tool uses RotaLoc Plus annular cutters for quick changes. It suits users needing low-profile access to confined areas.

Pros

• Low profile design fits tight spaces
• High torque gearing for efficient cutting
• RotaLoc Plus annular cutters require no tools
• Patented quill feed arbor ensures smooth operation

Cons

• Heavier than standard benchtop drill presses
• Right-angle format limits vertical drilling capacity
• No integrated coolant system mentioned

Good fit if

• You need to drill in confined spaces
• You work with large diameter annular cutters
• You require a lightweight portable unit

Skip if

• You need a standard vertical benchtop press
• You require high-speed drilling for small bits
• You need a lightweight unit under 20 lbs

Verdict: Hougen HMD130 Ultra Low Profile Drill is ideal for fabricators needing access to tight spaces. It offers a compact footprint and tool-free cutter changes for efficient field work.

4 Best budget

Antstone 15-Inch 1200W Benchtop Drill Press

Best for: small workshop drilling and grinding tasks

Motor Power

1200W

Spindle Speed

6-Speed, 2800 RPM max

Spindle Travel

3.15 in

Chuck Capacity

1.5-13mm (1/16"–1/2")

Swing

15-Inch

Configuration

Benchtop

View on Amazon: Antstone 15-Inch 1200W Benchtop Drill Press Affiliate link

The Antstone JY-42 is a compact benchtop drill press with a 1200W motor and 6-speed settings up to 2800 RPM. It features a 1/16–1/2 inch chuck capacity and 3.15 inches of spindle travel. The head rotates 90 degrees for grinding use. Its triple-handle control reduces wobble during operation. This unit suits DIYers needing a versatile, space-saving workstation for metal and wood projects.

Pros

• 1200W motor delivers high power for tough materials
• Head rotates 90 degrees to function as a grinder
• Triple-handle design improves precision and reduces fatigue
• Adjustable height allows quick adaptation to workpiece size

Cons

• Only 6 speeds compared to 16-speed competitors
• Smaller spindle travel limits deep hole drilling
• Grinding wheel sold separately

Good fit if

• You need a compact unit for small workshops
• You want to switch between drilling and grinding
• You prioritize motor power over high speed ranges

Skip if

• You require 16-speed precision for fine tuning
• You drill deep holes regularly
• You need a larger swing capacity

Verdict: Antstone 1200W 6-Speed Mini Benchtop Drill Press fits users who need a powerful, rotating tool for small projects. It trades speed variety for compact versatility and grinding capability.

5 Best swivel base

Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill

Best for: drilling angled holes in metal

Voltage

115 Volt

Configuration

Magnetic

Features

Swivel Base

Dimensions

11.6 × 7.75 × 19.6 inches

Weight

21 pounds

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD904S Swivel Base Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

This is a 115V magnetic drill designed for precision work. It features a swivel base that helps you line up holes quickly. The unit supports hole capacities up to 1-1/2 inches with a 2-inch spindle travel. Weighing 21 pounds, it offers a stable platform for drilling tasks. The two-stage magnet ensures secure attachment to metal surfaces during operation.

Pros

• Swivel base for quicker hole alignment
• 1-1/2 inch hole capacity
• 115V motor configuration
• Two-stage magnet for stability

Cons

• Limited to 1-1/2 inch hole capacity
• Only 2 inches of spindle travel
• Heavier at 21 pounds

Good fit if

• You need to drill angled holes in metal
• You require a stable magnetic base for vertical surfaces
• You work with materials up to 1-1/2 inches thick

Skip if

• You need to drill holes larger than 1-1/2 inches
• You require more than 2 inches of spindle travel
• You prefer a lightweight portable tool under 20 pounds

Verdict: Hougen HMD904S Swivel Magnetic Drill is ideal for users who need to drill angled holes in metal. The swivel base makes lining up holes easier for precise work.

6 Best premium

Hougen HMD130 Low Profile Magnetic Drill

Best for: portable steel fabrication and on-site drilling

Motor Power

9 Amp

Spindle Speed

450 no load rpm

Voltage

115 V / 120 volt

Configuration

Magnetic

Design

Low Profile

Dimensions

14.7 × 6.73 × 6.69 inches

View on Amazon: Hougen HMD130 Low Profile Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

The Hougen HMD130 is a lightweight magnetic drill press designed for field use. It weighs 23.6 pounds and operates on 115 volts. The motor runs at 450 no-load RPM. It features a low-profile design for tight spaces. This unit includes RotaLoc Plus cutters for tool-free changes. It suits fabricators who need portability and high torque on steel.

Pros

• Weighs only 23.6 pounds for easy transport
• Runs on standard 115-volt power supply
• Includes RotaLoc Plus cutters for quick changes
• Low-profile design fits in tight spaces

Cons

• Fixed 450 RPM speed limits drilling range
• Magnetic base requires flat ferrous surfaces
• No variable speed control for material types

Good fit if

• You need a portable drill for on-site work
• You drill holes in vertical or overhead steel
• You work in confined spaces with limited clearance

Skip if

• You require variable speed for different materials
• You drill into non-magnetic metals like aluminum
• You need a stationary benchtop drill press

Verdict: Hougen HMD130 Magnetic Drill Press is a specialized tool for field fabrication. It fits workers who move between job sites and need to drill thick steel without a power outlet nearby. It is not a substitute for a workshop benchtop press.

7 Also great

Champion 2-1/8-Inch Portable Magnetic Drill

Best for: Large diameter holes in structural steel

Spindle Speed

2 Speed, 450/300 RPM

Hole Capacity

2-1/8" diameter

Spindle Travel

2"

Magnetic Force

3370 lbs

Chuck Capacity

Quick change arbor

Configuration

Magnetic

View on Amazon: Champion 2-1/8-Inch Portable Magnetic Drill Affiliate link

This portable magnetic drill press mounts to steel surfaces using 3,370 lbs of holding force. It features a two-speed motor running at 450 or 300 RPM. The unit drills holes up to 2-1/8 inches in diameter with a 2-inch depth of cut. Weighing 33 lbs, it includes a quick-change arbor and external coolant bottle. It suits field work or large-scale fabrication where benchtop models cannot reach.

Pros

• 3,370 lbs magnetic holding force
• Two-speed motor for 450/300 RPM
• Drills up to 2-1/8 inch diameter
• Includes external coolant bottle
• Quick-change arbor for fast bit swaps

Cons

• Limited to two speed settings
• Requires a ferrous metal surface to operate
• Smaller spindle travel than benchtop models

Good fit if

• You need to drill large holes in fixed steel structures
• You require high magnetic stability on vertical or overhead surfaces
• You want a portable tool for field fabrication

Skip if

• You need to drill into wood or non-metal materials
• You require high-speed drilling for small twist drills
• You need a stationary benchtop unit for general workshop use

Verdict: Champion AC50 Magnetic Drill Press delivers heavy-duty magnetic stability for large holes in steel. It fits professionals who drill thick plate or structural beams on-site rather than in a shop.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

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