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If you don’t have room for a 12-inch or larger stand-alone drill press, this Skil 6.2-amp benchtop version offers most of the power of a larger tool, while taking up less space and costing less. Over the years, I’ve used large floor-standing models and smaller, underpowered benchtop drill presses, and this Skil unit offers the best of both worlds. I’m currently building a fly-rod stand for a friend, and unlike previous attempts with a less powerful drill press, cutting through red oak with a 2.25-inch Forstner bit has been an absolute breeze.
Key Takeaways
- Compact power. The Skil 6.2-amp benchtop drill press delivers the power of larger models in a space-saving design.
- Easy setup. Quick assembly with a precise laser sight, though the table requires leveling.
- Versatile performance. Handles hardwood with ease using various drill bits, but lacks dust collection.
- Great value. Priced around $220, offering excellent performance for home DIYers, with potential discounts available.
Bottom line: The Skil benchtop drill press offers impressive power and value for DIY enthusiasts, despite minor flaws.
Best for DIYers
Photo: Robert Annis for BobVila.com
What We Like
- Solid build quality
- 6.2-amp motor provides a lot of power
- Hand crank moves the table quickly without readjustment
What We Don’t Like
- Table surface can be difficult to level
- No dust collection
Product Specs
-
Motor:
6.2-amp -
Speeds:
5 from 610 to 2,800 RPM -
Extras:
Laser sight and LED light
Assembly, Speed Adjustments, and Features
Setup was quick and easy, for the most part, with the process taking less than 10 minutes. The laser sight was on the money from the start, but the table required some finessing to get level.
The drill press has five speeds ranging from 610 to 2,800 RPM. I played around with the belts to adjust the RPMs, settling in at the middle setting for most of my woodworking projects. I had zero problems drilling into hardwood with standard drill bits, spade bits, or forstner bits. Maximum depth is about 2 inches. All in all, an impressive showing for a benchtop drill press.
Both the laser level and work light proved beneficial, although the LED light could be a bit brighter. Vibration is minor and should mostly disappear when the drill press is mounted to your workstation.
Design Drawbacks
All that being said, this drill press does have some flaws.
There’s no dust collection. Using a forstner bit on a piece of scrap maple, I was covered in wood chips and sawdust before the hole was completely drilled. Creating a makeshift vacuum-hose holder is fairly simple, but I wish the designers had included an integrated system.
Like many new tools, the Skil drill press comes with a key that pops out when no longer under pressure. I understand the new design is for safety reasons, but it can make tightening the chuck a bit annoying.
My biggest complaint is the slop in the table. The table can adjust to a 45-degree angle on either side, but leveling it back takes some finesse. Afterward, it would sometimes shift, maybe a quarter inch, when the drill press was switched on.
Value and Final Verdict
The Skil’s MSRP of around $220 represents good value, but a similarly spec’d Bauer 10-inch drill press can be had significantly cheaper at Harbor Freight. (I can’t speak to that unit’s quality.) Keep an eye on sales; Amazon has sold the Skil drill press for as low as $159 recently.
You’re not going to mistake this Skil for a professional-level tool, but it offers great value and performance for most home DIYers.
Where to Buy
Photo: Robert Annis for BobVila.com
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