Looking Beyond the RIKON Power Tools Rikon 12 inch Variable? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

Comparing alternative drill presses

WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

The WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press uses a 6.2-amp motor and weighs 88 pounds, making it significantly lighter than the 110-pound Rikon. It shares the 12-inch swing and variable speed settings but adds a digital display for precise speed feedback. While the Rikon offers a more powerful 3/4 HP motor, the WEN provides a benchtop configuration that saves floor space. You should choose the WEN if you prioritize compact dimensions and digital readouts over raw motor torque. It includes laser guides and a work light, matching the Rikon’s alignment aids while offering a different control interface for detailed projects.

VEVOR 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

The VEVOR 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press features a 1 HP motor, which exceeds the Rikon’s 3/4 HP power rating. It weighs 84.3 pounds, making it lighter than the Rikon’s 110-pound frame. This model includes a tilting table, a feature absent in the Rikon data, allowing for precise angled drilling. Both units offer variable speeds and laser guides, but the VEVOR prioritizes angular adjustment and motor strength. You should select this alternative if you frequently drill angled holes in metal or wood. It sacrifices the Rikon’s digital speed display for mechanical tilting capability and a more robust motor output for demanding tasks.

VEVOR 12-Inch 5A Variable-Speed Drill Press

The VEVOR 12-Inch 5A Variable-Speed Drill Press operates on a 5-amp motor, which is less powerful than the Rikon’s 3/4 HP unit. It weighs only 76 pounds, offering a much lighter footprint than the 110-pound Rikon. Like the Rikon, it provides variable speed control and laser guidance for alignment. However, it lacks the digital display found on the Rikon model. This benchtop press is suitable for hobbyists drilling wood and light metal. You should pick this option if you need a lightweight, portable solution with laser accuracy but do not require the higher torque or digital readouts of the Rikon.

JET 12-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press with Table

The JET 12-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press with Table includes a 1/2 HP motor, which is lower in power than the Rikon’s 3/4 HP motor. It operates on 115V and includes a fence for added stability, a feature not listed for the Rikon. Both machines offer 12-inch swings and variable speeds, but the JET bundle focuses on workspace expansion with its included table. You should choose this alternative if you need a larger work surface and precise laser alignment for detailed woodworking. It trades the Rikon’s higher motor power for additional workspace accessories and a fence system for improved material support.

JET 12-Inch Drill Press with Table and Fence

The JET 12-Inch Drill Press with Table and Fence emphasizes workspace size over compact design. It shares the 12-inch swing and variable speed settings with the Rikon. While the Rikon highlights its 3/4 HP motor and digital display, this JET model focuses on providing a large table and fence system. It lacks the specific motor power and digital features listed for the Rikon. You should select this option if you prioritize a generous work surface for large projects. It fits users who value extra workspace and fence integration over the Rikon’s specific alignment aids and higher motor output.

OKANEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

The OKANEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press offers a tilting table for angled work, a feature not mentioned in the Rikon’s specifications. It weighs significantly less than the Rikon’s 110-pound frame, though exact weight data is limited. Both machines provide variable speed control and work lights for illumination. The OKENEN model prioritizes flexible drilling angles and variable speed ranges. You should pick this alternative if you need to drill precise angles frequently. It sacrifices the Rikon’s known laser guides and digital display for mechanical tilting capability, making it suitable for tasks requiring varied drilling orientations.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

RIKON 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

Best for: Users needing variable speed and laser guides

Motor Power

3/4 HP

Spindle Speed

Variable speeds

Swing

12 inch

Dimensions

32 × 21 × 13 inches

Weight

110 pounds

View on Amazon: RIKON 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

The Rikon 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press features a 3/4 HP motor and variable speed control. It includes an LED digital display, LED light, and laser x-y guides for precision. Weighing 110 pounds with a 12-inch swing, this benchtop unit suits users needing steady performance and clear visibility for drilling tasks.

Pros

• 3/4 HP motor provides solid power
• Variable speed settings offer flexibility
• LED digital display shows current speed
• Laser x-y guides aid alignment
• Integrated LED light improves visibility

Cons

• Heavier at 110 pounds than some competitors
• Lacks a remote control for convenience
• No app connectivity for smart features

Good fit if

• You need a variable speed drill press
• You value precise alignment tools
• You want a sturdy 110-pound build

Skip if

• You prefer a lighter benchtop unit
• You require smart app integration
• You need remote speed control

Verdict: Rikon 12 inch Variable Speed Drill Press fits users who prioritize motor power and alignment aids. It is a solid choice for those who want variable speed control and do not need smart connectivity.

2 Best budget

WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

Best for: Precision drilling with digital speed feedback

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

This benchtop drill press pairs a 6.2-amp motor with a 12-inch swing and 580 to 3100 RPM variable speed. It includes a digital readout, laser guide, and work light. The cast iron construction adds stability. You get 3-1/8 inches of spindle travel and an 85-pound base. It suits users who want precise speed control and built-in illumination for detailed work.

Pros

• 6.2-amp induction motor provides consistent power
• Digital speed readout displays current RPM
• Includes laser guide and overhead work light
• Variable speed range from 580 to 3100 RPM

Cons

• Heavier build at 85 pounds compared to lighter competitors
• Shorter spindle travel of 3-1/8 inches
• Smaller chuck capacity of 5/8-inch limits larger bit use

Good fit if

• You need precise speed monitoring for different materials
• You want integrated lighting and laser guidance
• You prefer a stable cast iron base

Skip if

• You require a 1-inch chuck capacity
• You need deeper drilling beyond 3-1/8 inches
• You prefer a lighter, more portable unit

Verdict: WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Benchtop Drill Press delivers precise speed control and helpful guides for detailed projects. It fits users who value accuracy and illumination over maximum drilling depth.

3 Best premium

VEVOR 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

Best for: precise angled drilling with laser guidance

Motor Power

6.2 Amp, 1 HP

Spindle Speed

530 to 3140 RPM

Swing

12 in

Configuration

Benchtop

Speed Settings

Variable Speed

Amperage

6.2 A

View on Amazon: VEVOR 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

This VEVOR benchtop drill press offers 1 HP of power with speeds ranging from 530 to 3140 RPM. It features a 12-inch swing and a tilting worktable that adjusts up to 45 degrees. The digital readout and X-laser guide help you position holes accurately. It suits users who need variable speed control and precise alignment for wood or metal projects.

Pros

• 1 HP motor delivers reliable power for drilling
• Variable speed range from 530 to 3140 RPM
• X-laser guide improves positioning accuracy
• Worktable tilts 45 degrees left or right

Cons

• Digital readout is not mentioned in the data
• Heavier build at 84.3 pounds limits portability
• No remote control or app connectivity listed

Good fit if

• You need variable speed for different materials
• You require a tilting table for angled holes
• You want laser assistance for precise placement

Skip if

• You prefer a lighter machine for easy moving
• You need a digital speed display
• You require smart connectivity features

Verdict: VEVOR 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press fits users who prioritize laser accuracy and a tilting table over digital displays. It is a solid choice for precise angled drilling tasks.

4 Best 5 a

VEVOR 12-Inch 5A Variable-Speed Drill Press

Best for: DIYers needing laser guidance and digital speed

Motor Power

5 Amp

Spindle Speed

580 to 3200 RPM

Swing

12 in

Voltage

120V

Configuration

Benchtop

Speed Settings

Variable Speed

View on Amazon: VEVOR 12-Inch 5A Variable-Speed Drill Press

This VEVOR benchtop drill press offers a 12-inch swing and a 5A motor for drilling wood and metal. It features variable speeds from 580 to 3200 RPM, controlled via an LED digital screen. The unit includes a laser guide for precise hole placement and a cast iron base for stability. It suits DIYers who need adjustable speeds and visual aids for accuracy without a high-end price tag.

Pros

• Variable speed range from 580 to 3200 RPM
• Integrated laser guide for precise alignment
• LED digital screen for speed control
• 12-inch swing capacity for larger workpieces

Cons

• Lower amperage motor compared to 1 HP competitors
• Heavier build at 76 pounds
• No mention of a work light in specifications

Good fit if

• You need variable speeds for different materials
• You value laser alignment for precision
• You prefer a digital speed display

Skip if

• You require a 1 HP motor for heavy metal work
• You need a built-in work light
• You want a lighter machine for easy moving

Verdict: VEVOR 12 in Variable Speed Benchtop Drill Press fits users who prioritize digital speed control and laser guidance. It is a solid option for hobbyists drilling wood and light metal.

5 Best 115v

JET 12-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press with Table

Best for: Users needing extra workspace and laser precision

Motor Power

1/2 HP

Voltage

115V

Swing

12-Inch

Configuration

Benchtop

Speed Settings

Variable Speed

Features

Fence

View on Amazon: JET 12-Inch Variable-Speed Drill Press with Table

This bundle pairs a JET 12-inch benchtop drill press with a WEN extension table. The press features a 1/2 HP motor and variable speed control. It includes a laser guide and LED light for precision. The added table expands your workspace by 275 square inches. This setup suits users needing extra room for wider projects without sacrificing drilling accuracy.

Pros

• 1/2 HP motor provides reliable power for various materials
• Variable speed control allows for precise adjustments
• XACTA Laser ensures accurate hole placement
• LED work light improves visibility in dim areas
• WEN table adds 275 square inches of workspace

Cons

• 115V voltage may limit use in some industrial settings
• Benchtop configuration requires secure mounting to a sturdy surface
• Laser guide requires batteries not included in the bundle

Good fit if

• You need extra table space for wider workpieces
• You want precise alignment with a laser guide
• You prefer variable speed for different drill bits

Skip if

• You require a 230V power connection
• You need a floor-standing model for stability
• You prefer a drill press without a laser guide

Verdict: JET 12-Inch Variable-Speed Benchtop Drill Press Bundle is ideal for woodworkers who need a larger work surface and precise laser alignment for detailed projects. It fits those who value variable speed control and extra workspace.

6 Also great

JET 12-Inch Drill Press with Table and Fence

Best for: Users needing a large drill press table

Spindle Speed

530 to 3,100 RPM

Swing

12-Inch

Configuration

Benchtop

Speed Settings

Variable Speed

Features

Fence

View on Amazon: JET 12-Inch Drill Press with Table and Fence

This JET benchtop drill press bundles a variable-speed 12-inch press with a large WEN table. The motor runs from 530 to 3,100 RPM. The cast iron base measures 10 by 16-1/8 inches. The included table is 23-7/8 by 11-7/8 inches. You get an adjustable fence and stop block for alignment. This setup suits users who need precision and extra workspace without buying separate components.

Pros

• Variable speed from 530 to 3,100 RPM
• Large 23-7/8 by 11-7/8 inch WEN table included
• Adjustable fence and stop block for alignment
• 10 by 16-1/8 inch cast iron base

Cons

• Smaller 10 by 16-1/8 inch base than standard models
• Table requires separate installation from the press
• No integrated depth stop mentioned in data

Good fit if

• You need a large table for bigger workpieces
• You want variable speed control for different materials
• You prefer a bundled setup with a fence

Skip if

• You need a compact unit with a small footprint
• You want a single integrated unit without assembly
• You require a larger base for stability

Verdict: JET 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press Bundle offers a large table and variable speeds. It fits users who prioritize workspace size over a compact, integrated design.

7 Also great

OKANEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

Best for: Variable speed drilling and angled work

Spindle Speed

580–3200 RPM

Swing

12 in (305 mm)

Spindle Travel

3-1/8 in (80 mm)

Configuration

Benchtop

Speed Settings

Variable Speed

Features

Work Light

View on Amazon: OKANEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

The OKANEN benchtop drill press offers a 12-inch swing and a variable speed range of 580 to 3200 RPM. It features a 3-1/8-inch spindle travel and a table that tilts up to 45 degrees. A built-in work light aids visibility during use. This machine suits you if you need a versatile tool for various materials and require a wide operating space for larger workpieces.

Pros

• Variable speed from 580 to 3200 RPM
• 12-inch swing capacity
• Table tilts 0 to 45 degrees
• Built-in work light

Cons

• No listed motor horsepower or amp rating
• No belt speed settings specified
• No quill lock mentioned

Good fit if

• You need a variable speed range for different materials
• You require a table that tilts for angled drilling
• You want a 12-inch swing for larger workpieces

Skip if

• You need a specific horsepower rating
• You require a belt-driven speed change system
• You need a quill lock for depth control

Verdict: The OKANEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press provides a wide speed range and tilting table for flexible drilling tasks. It fits you if you prioritize variable speed and angled work over detailed motor specifications.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• best price mattress 12 inch full mattress alternatives
• cuisinart 12 inch skillet glass alternatives