Looking Beyond the PROXXON table drill No.28128? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How these alternatives compare

WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

The WEN 12-Inch model swaps the PROXXON’s tiny footprint for a substantial 88-pound benchtop frame. You gain a 12-inch swing and a 6.2-amp motor, which handles larger stock than the PROXXON’s 9.45-inch width allows. It offers variable speed control and includes a work light and laser guide for accuracy. However, you lose the PROXXON’s specialized three-stage belt gear and its ability to drill 0.5mm holes. This unit is heavier and requires more bench space. Choose this if you need standard hobbyist precision with digital speed control and better visibility, rather than ultra-fine micro-drilling capabilities.

VEVOR 1300W 1.57-Inch Magnetic Drill Press

The VEVOR 1300W Magnetic Drill Press operates on a completely different principle. It uses a magnetic base to attach to vertical surfaces, unlike the PROXXON’s fixed benchtop design. You get 1.57-inch cutting capacity and strong holding power for structural steel. This tool prioritizes torque and portability for construction sites over high-speed versatility. It weighs 28.2 pounds and includes a complete bit set. You give up the PROXXON’s fine speed settings and milled aluminum table. Pick this alternative if you need to drill thick steel plates on-site or on vertical walls, where the PROXXON’s stationary nature and small capacity are insufficient for heavy industrial tasks.

ZELCAN 1550W 2-Inch Magnetic Drill Press

The ZELCAN 1550W Magnetic Drill Press offers a 2-inch cutting capacity, significantly larger than the PROXXON’s small-hole focus. It features a 1550W motor and strong magnetic holding power for heavy steel plate drilling. Weighing 45.9 pounds, it is designed for industrial fabrication and construction sites. You trade the PROXXON’s compact 7.28-pound size and fine 1800-8500 RPM range for raw power and on-site mobility. This unit targets thick metal work where precision hobbyist drilling is irrelevant. Choose this if you need to drill large holes in structural steel on location, accepting the loss of the PROXXON’s delicate handling and small work table.

Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press

The Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press provides a middle ground with a 10-inch swing, larger than the PROXXON’s 9.45-inch width but smaller than the WEN. It weighs 48.5 pounds, offering more stability than the PROXXON’s 7.28-pound frame while remaining portable for small workshops. It features angled drilling capabilities and standard speeds, lacking the PROXXON’s specialized three-stage belt gear. You gain reliable performance and repositioning ease but lose the ability to drill 0.5mm holes. Select this if you want a traditional benchtop press for hobbyists who value portability and standard drilling over the PROXXON’s ultra-precision micro-drilling niche.

DEXSO 1650W Magnetic Drill Press

The DEXSO 1650W Magnetic Drill Press is built for heavy-duty metal fabrication using magnetic attachment. It offers 1650W of power and speed control, prioritizing torque over the PROXXON’s high-speed versatility. Weighing 34.2 pounds, it is designed for portability on job sites rather than stationary bench use. You gain strong holding power for thick metal but sacrifice the PROXXON’s milled aluminum table and fine speed settings. This alternative fits users who need to drill steel plates on vertical surfaces. Choose this if your work involves heavy fabrication where the PROXXON’s small capacity and stationary design are impractical for your industrial needs.

ATS 2.0 to 4.0-Inch Drill Press Guard

The ATS Drill Press Guard is a safety accessory, not a drill press. It fits columns between 2.0 and 4.0 inches in diameter. Unlike the PROXXON, which is a complete machine, this item provides OSHA-compliant protection for existing drill presses. It weighs nothing in terms of drilling capacity but adds 11.3 inches of width and 1.25 inches of height to your setup. You gain adjustable shielding for daily shop use without altering the machine’s performance. Choose this if you already own a drill press, including a PROXXON, and need quick, non-destructive installation for safety compliance rather than a new tool for drilling holes.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

PROXXON 28128 Benchtop Drill Press

Best for: Precision hobbyist drilling and small holes

Spindle Speed

1800, 4700 and 8500/min.

Dimensions

12.6 × 9.45 × 5.12 inches

Weight

7.28 pounds

View on Amazon: PROXXON 28128 Benchtop Drill Press Affiliate link

The PROXXON 28128 is a compact benchtop drill press designed for precision work. It offers three idle speeds of 1800, 4700, and 8500 RPM via a three-stage belt gear. The unit features a milled die-cast aluminum work table with a parallel stop and scale for accurate positioning. Weighing 7.28 pounds, it is small enough for tight spaces but capable of drilling holes as small as 0.5mm. It suits hobbyists needing fine detail work rather than heavy industrial drilling.

Pros

• Drills holes as small as 0.5mm
• Three-stage belt gear with 1800, 4700, and 8500 RPM speeds
• Milled die-cast aluminum work table includes parallel stop and scale

Cons

• Small 9.45-inch width limits workpiece capacity
• No variable speed control; relies on fixed belt settings
• Lower speed range compared to professional magnetic drills

Good fit if

• You need to drill very small holes down to 0.5mm
• You require a compact unit for limited bench space
• You value precise positioning with a milled table and scale

Skip if

• You need to drill large diameters over 1.5 inches
• You require variable speed control for different materials
• You are drilling thick steel plates on-site

Verdict: PROXXON 28128 Benchtop Drill Press is a specialized tool for hobbyists who prioritize precision and small-hole capability over raw power or large capacity.

2 Best premium

WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

Best for: precision drilling with digital speed control

Motor Power

6.2-amp

Spindle Speed

580 to 3100 RPM

Swing

12-inch

Spindle Travel

3-1/8-inch

Chuck Capacity

5/8-inch

Configuration

Benchtop

View on Amazon: WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press Affiliate link

The WEN DP1263V is a 12-inch benchtop drill press with a 6.2-amp motor. It offers variable speeds from 580 to 3100 RPM. A digital readout shows the current RPM. The cast iron base adds stability. You get a laser guide and LED light. This machine suits users needing precision and clear visibility for detailed drilling tasks.

Pros

• 12-inch swing capacity for larger workpieces
• Variable speed range from 580 to 3100 RPM
• Digital speed readout for accurate RPM monitoring
• Includes laser guide and overhead LED light

Cons

• Heavier build at 88 pounds limits portability
• 5/8-inch chuck capacity restricts large bit sizes
• Keyed chuck requires manual tightening

Good fit if

• You need a stable benchtop press for precision work
• You want digital feedback on spindle speed
• You value built-in lighting and laser guides

Skip if

• You require a magnetic drill for vertical surfaces
• You need to drill holes larger than 5/8-inch
• You prefer a lightweight machine for frequent moves

Verdict: WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press delivers precise speed control and clear visibility. It fits hobbyists who value accuracy and stable benchtop performance.

3 Also great

VEVOR 1300W 1.57-Inch Magnetic Drill Press

Best for: structural steel drilling on vertical surfaces

Motor Power

1300W

Spindle Speed

810 RPM

Hole Capacity

1.57"

Spindle Travel

2"

Magnetic Force

2922lbf / 13000N

Configuration

Magnetic

View on Amazon: VEVOR 1300W 1.57-Inch Magnetic Drill Press Affiliate link

This VEVOR magnetic drill press features a 1300W motor and a 1.57-inch boring diameter. It generates 2922 lbf of holding force to stay stable on vertical surfaces. The unit includes an 11-piece drill bit set and a coolant bottle for smoother operation. It suits users who need portable, high-torque drilling for steel structures or construction sites without a fixed bench.

Pros

• 1300W copper motor for high torque
• 2922 lbf magnetic holding force
• Includes 11-piece drill bit set
• Built-in coolant bottle for cutter life

Cons

• 1.57-inch boring diameter is smaller than 2-inch competitors
• Single speed of 810 RPM limits material versatility
• 28.2-pound weight adds portability bulk

Good fit if

• You need to drill vertical steel surfaces
• You require high holding force for safety
• You want a complete kit with bits included

Skip if

• You need to drill holes larger than 1.57 inches
• You require variable speed control for different materials
• You prefer a lightweight benchtop drill for light duty

Verdict: VEVOR 1300W Magnetic Drill Press offers strong holding power and a complete bit set for structural steel work, making it a solid choice for construction tasks where portability and torque matter more than high-speed versatility.

4 Best 1550w

ZELCAN 1550W 2-Inch Magnetic Drill Press

Best for: Heavy steel plate drilling in industrial settings

Motor Power

1550W

Spindle Speed

650 rpm

Hole Capacity

2"

Spindle Travel

2"

Magnetic Force

3125 lbf / 13900N

Configuration

Magnetic

View on Amazon: ZELCAN 1550W 2-Inch Magnetic Drill Press Affiliate link

The ZELCAN magnetic drill press features a 1550W motor and 13900N magnetic force. It drills holes up to 2 inches in diameter and depth. The unit includes six drill bits and a 16.9 fl oz coolant tank. It offers stepless speed control and reversible operation. This tool suits metal fabrication and industrial tasks where portability matters.

Pros

• 1550W motor provides high power output
• 3125 lbf magnetic force anchors securely
• Stepless speed control for precise adjustments
• Includes six drill bits for common sizes
• 16.9 fl oz coolant tank manages heat

Cons

• Spindle speed is limited to 650 rpm
• Weighs 45.9 pounds, limiting extreme portability
• No variable speed display shown in data

Good fit if

• You need to drill large holes in steel plates
• You require a portable drill for field work
• You want included drill bits for immediate use

Skip if

• You need high-speed drilling above 650 rpm
• You require a benchtop stationary drill press
• You drill primarily wood or non-ferrous materials

Verdict: ZELCAN Magnetic Drill Press 1550W 2-Inch delivers strong magnetic holding power and a large 2-inch capacity for heavy metal work. It fits industrial fabrication and construction sites where you must drill thick steel plates on site.

5 Best budget

Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press

Best for: Small workshops needing portable 10-inch drilling

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 JWBS-10 is a 10-inch swing benchtop drill press designed for compact workshops. It features a 120V motor with five speeds ranging from 630 to 3300 RPM. The table tilts up to 45 degrees for angled work. Weighing 48.5 pounds, it is easy to reposition. This machine suits users needing standard household power and versatile speed options for various materials.

Pros

• 10-inch swing capacity for core drilling
• Five speeds from 630 to 3300 RPM
• Table tilts ±45 degrees
• Runs on standard 120V power
• Lightweight 48.5-pound build

Cons

• Fixed 5-speed range lacks infinite variable control
• 10-inch swing limits larger workpieces
• No digital speed display mentioned in specs

Good fit if

• You need a compact benchtop unit for small shops
• You require a 10-inch swing for standard projects
• You want a lightweight press that is easy to move

Skip if

• You need to drill holes larger than 10 inches in diameter
• You require variable speed control for precise RPM adjustment
• You need a heavy-duty floor-standing model for industrial use

Verdict: Jet 10-Inch Benchtop Drill Press offers reliable performance for hobbyists and small shop owners who value portability and standard speeds. It fits users who prioritize easy repositioning and angled drilling capabilities over high-capacity industrial features.

6 Also great

DEXSO 1650W Magnetic Drill Press

Best for: heavy-duty metal fabrication

Motor Power

1650W

Spindle Speed

10-speed, 810 RPM

Hole Capacity

1.57"

Magnetic Force

2922 Lbf

Configuration

Magnetic

Target Material

Plastic

View on Amazon: DEXSO 1650W Magnetic Drill Press Affiliate link

This DEXSO magnetic drill press features a 1650W pure copper motor that delivers 2922 lbf of holding force. It bores holes up to 1.57 inches with adjustable speed control. The unit includes a titanium-magnesium alloy guide rail and an ergonomic tri-crank handle. It weighs 34.2 pounds and comes with a full accessory kit. This tool suits industrial and job site applications.

Pros

• 1650W pure copper motor
• 2922 lbf magnetic holding force
• Adjustable 810 RPM speed control
• Titanium-magnesium alloy guide rail
• Includes 10 hollow drill bits

Cons

• 1.57-inch maximum boring diameter
• 34.2-pound weight
• No forward/reverse switch on this specific variant

Good fit if

• You need high holding force for thick steel
• You require variable speed for different materials
• You work on outdoor job sites

Skip if

• You need to bore holes larger than 1.57 inches
• You prefer a lighter unit under 30 pounds
• You require forward and reverse rotation control

Verdict: DEXSO 1650W Magnetic Drill Press provides strong holding power for heavy-duty metal fabrication. It fits users who prioritize torque and portability over larger boring capacity.

7 Best aluminum

ATS 2.0 to 4.0-Inch Drill Press Guard

Best for: OSHA-compliant protection for standard round columns

Target Material

Aluminum

Dimensions

14.3 × 11.3 × 1.25 inches

View on Amazon: ATS 2.0 to 4.0-Inch Drill Press Guard Affiliate link

The ATS DPG-ES1 is a safety shield for drill presses with 2.0 to 4.0 inch round columns. It features a 6061 aluminum frame with a 30mm T-slot extrusion and a 1/4 inch Lexan polycarbonate shield. The guard installs in under 10 minutes without drilling. It adjusts to workpiece height and flips 180 degrees for bit changes. This accessory suits users needing OSHA-compliant protection for bench-top or floor models.

Pros

• Fits columns between 2.0 and 4.0 inches in diameter
• Installs in under 10 minutes with no drilling
• 6061 aluminum frame with 30mm T-slot extrusion
• 1/4 inch Lexan shield flips 180 degrees for access

Cons

• Limited to columns between 2.0 and 4.0 inches
• Only includes a 1-year warranty
• Lexan shield is a separate replacement part

Good fit if

• You need OSHA-compliant guarding for your drill press
• You want a tool-free installation on standard columns
• You require adjustable height protection for various workpieces

Skip if

• Your drill press column is larger than 4.0 inches
• You prefer a permanent fixture that does not move
• You need a guard for a square or rectangular column

Verdict: ATS DPG-ES1 Drill Press Guard provides essential protection for drill presses with 2.0 to 4.0 inch columns. It fits users who prioritize quick, non-destructive installation and adjustable shielding for daily shop use.

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Frequently asked questions