Find the best drill press for woodworking, from benchtop models to industrial floor units, that deliver power, precision, and reliability in every hole you drill.
Whether you’re building fine furniture, custom cabinetry, or large production runs, the right drill press turns precision into second nature. A dependable press ensures your holes are straight, your spacing exact, and your workflow smooth — no more guesswork or wobbly hand drilling. In this guide, we’ve rounded up the best drill presses for woodworking from trusted brands like Jet and Oliver, each tested for torque, stability, and accuracy. From compact benchtop models to heavy-duty floor presses, these machines represent the best rated drill presses for every professional woodshop setup in 2026.
Quick-Skim Table: Best Drill Press for Woodworking
| Model | Type | Best For | Horsepower |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jet JDP-17 (716300) | Floor | Professional woodshops | 3/4 HP |
| Jet JWDP-12 (716000) | Benchtop | Small shops & tight spaces | 1/2 HP |
| Oliver 22 (Model 22) | Floor | Heavy-duty furniture building | 1.5 HP |
| Oliver 14 (Bench/Floor) | Floor | All-purpose woodworking | 1/2 HP |
| Jet JDP-15B (716200) | Benchtop | Cabinetmakers & hobbyists | 3/4 HP |
| Jet JDP-17MF (354169) | Floor | Precision drilling & production | 3/4 HP |
| Oliver 14 Bench Model | Benchtop | Entry-level professionals | 1/2 HP |
| Jet JDP-15F (716250) | Floor | Shops needing tilt-table control | 3/4 HP |
| Oliver 17 Swing | Floor | Versatile mid-size shops | 3/4 HP |
1. Jet JDP-17 (716300) — Editor’s Pick: Best Drill Press for Professional Woodworkers
A 17-inch floor-standing powerhouse with digital depth readout and tool-free adjustments, the Jet JDP-17 defines accuracy and comfort.
- Key Benefit: 3/4 HP motor delivers consistent torque under load.
- Best For: Cabinet shops and furniture builders.
- Price: Mid-range for its class.
Why We Picked It: The JDP-17 is the best rated drill press for woodworking that balances performance with convenience. From LED work lights to a massive 14″ x 19″ cast iron base, it’s designed for serious woodworkers who demand repeatable precision.
2. Jet JWDP-12 (716000) — Best Compact Drill Press
When space is tight but accuracy matters, the Jet JWDP-12 punches above its weight.
- Key Benefit: Compact 12-inch swing fits on any bench.
- Best For: Small woodshops, home garages.
- Price: Affordable entry-level.
Why We Picked It: Despite its size, it includes a laser guide, digital readout, and depth stop for consistent drilling. This model proves that the best drill presses aren’t always the biggest.
3. Oliver 22 1.5HP Swing Floor Drill Press — Most Powerful Option
A workhorse for large-scale production and furniture making, the Oliver 22 offers unmatched drilling force.
- Key Benefit: 1.5 HP motor tackles thick hardwoods.
- Best For: Professional woodshops and millwork.
- Price: Premium tier.
Why We Picked It: Built for industrial reliability, this model stands out among the best drill presses for woodworking due to its quiet operation and smooth spindle travel even under heavy loads.
4. Oliver 14 1/2HP Swing Bench/Floor Drill Press — Best Versatile Hybrid
The Oliver 14 bridges the gap between benchtop convenience and floor model stability.
- Key Benefit: Converts easily between bench and floor configurations.
- Best For: Shops needing flexibility in layout.
- Price: Mid-range.
Why We Picked It: This is the best drill press for woodworking shops that want commercial-grade performance without sacrificing space efficiency.
5. Jet JDP-15B (716200) — Best Benchtop for Precision Work
The JDP-15B is designed for precision drilling in fine woodworking applications.
- Key Benefit: Rigid head casting for reduced vibration.
- Best For: Custom cabinetry and small-run projects.
- Price: Mid-range.
Why We Picked It: This Jet model delivers floor-model accuracy in a benchtop footprint, making it one of the best drill presses for hobbyists upgrading their shop.
6. Jet JDP-17MF (354169) — Best Rated Drill Press for Production
For repeatable performance on a busy floor, the JDP-17MF combines torque, capacity, and control.
- Key Benefit: 16-speed system for material versatility.
- Best For: Shops drilling multiple wood species.
- Price: Competitive professional model.
Why We Picked It: It’s durable, dependable, and built for production—earning its place among the best rated drill presses for professional woodworking.
7. Oliver 14 Bench Model — Best Value for Small Shops
Compact, quiet, and efficient—the Oliver 14 Bench Model is ideal for lighter projects.
- Key Benefit: Smooth operation for smaller holes and dowel work.
- Best For: Entry-level woodworkers.
- Price: Budget-friendly.
Why We Picked It: For its price, you get Oliver build quality and consistent accuracy—making it one of the best drill presses for anyone setting up a first professional workspace.
8. Jet JDP-15F (716250) — Best for Angle Drilling
The JDP-15F combines power and precision with a flexible tilt-table design.
- Key Benefit: Tilting worktable for angled or compound drilling.
- Best For: Cabinetmakers and furniture designers.
- Price: Mid-range professional.
Why We Picked It: This model’s balance of stability and adjustability makes it the best drill press for woodworking projects that demand varied drilling angles and material thicknesses.
9. Oliver 17 3/4HP Swing Floor Drill Press — Best Balanced Performance
The Oliver 17 is a reliable mid-sized drill press built for accuracy and long-term durability.
- Key Benefit: Heavy-duty column for reduced deflection.
- Best For: All-purpose woodshops.
- Price: Solid mid-range.
Why We Picked It: It offers the perfect mix of power, precision, and price—earning its reputation as one of the best drill presses in the mid-tier woodworking category.
Final Thoughts: Best Drill Press for Woodworking
Whether you’re drilling dowel holes, cutting mortises, or boring precise hinge cups, choosing the best drill press for woodworking can redefine how efficiently your shop runs. Jet and Oliver dominate the category for a reason: durable construction, consistent torque, and exceptional accuracy.
Explore the full collection of the best drill presses at WurthMachinery.com and invest in equipment built to last.
