How to Measure a Drill Press

In researching the options available in benchtop and floor mount drill presses, you'll learn they're available in a variety of sizes, from 8" to 13" on up to 20". Those sizes measure the swing of the drill press. This guide will help explain what swing is and why it's important in the measure of a drill press.

Simply put, “swing” is the distance from the center of the drill press chuck to the front of the support column, or pole, that holds the drill press upright, multiplied by a factor of 2. A drill press with a 15" swing is able to drill a hole in the center (7.5") of a 15" square or circular piece of material.

This information is critical in the selection of a drill press because the swing dictates how large of a workpiece can be used with the press. A larger swing can accommodate larger pieces of material on the bench press table. 

Typically, drill presses have an average swing range from 8" to 20" depending on the style. Often, the smaller sizes are often benchtop presses and usually range from 8" to 12", while the larger, more heavy-duty floor mount drill presses offer swing ranges from 12" to 20". A versatile tool for any workshop, drill presses make it easy to drill holes in wood, metal, composites, and other materials, while also allowing for even, consistent drilling pressure for holes set to exact depths and sizes.

Smaller and compact, benchtop drill presses are an excellent choice in small workshops for regular, but limited, use. With a small footprint, they take up less space and have smaller swings, but still offer excellent drilling capabilities. Often available in ⅓ to ½ HP range with 5 to 16 variable speeds,  benchtop models are well-suited for light-duty work and are more economical than floor mount models. With their smaller motors, however, benchtop models shouldn't be used for heavy-duty, repetitive drilling, especially in thicker materials.

With a larger swing range from 12" to 20", floor mount drill presses will handle larger materials. Available with motors ranging from ¾ to 1.5 HP, they are ideally built for heavy-duty repetitive work and can easily drill deeper holes through thicker, hard-to-drill material. With larger sizes and more capabilities, floor mount drill presses are also more expensive than their benchtop counterparts.

As noted, drill presses can allow you to work with more control for increased safety. To ensure you work safer, Zoro offers a wide range of products to do just that. From safety glasses to leather palm gloves, Zoro has what you need.

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.