Best Budget Drill Press Harbor Freight Vs WEN

[@allawishes70]

Even though this vid was made back in 2019, it still allowed me to see a good comparison between Wen and HF.

[@CNC4XR7]

Great! Thank you!

[@dan260140]

Same here. Ima choose the wen for my Father’s Day gift. Thank you

[@youngtimer964]

I just received the WEN for Christmas. It seems well made. Glad I got it. Thanks for taking the time to post your comparisons.

[@CNC4XR7]

Very welcome! Happy new year

[@eltonyancey6426]

I checked around and finally ordered a Wen From Amazon.It was easy to assemble and ,after I bolted to my bench, it ran quiet and smooth.I think I made a good choice.Thanks again for your video.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for sharing Your very welcome!

[@eltonyancey6426]

Thanks for this video.I was all set to go to H.F. for a drill press,but I think I will shop around.

[@CNC4XR7]

that is the best bet . it one of those things you really got yo look at.

[@vincentrobinette1507]

Another couple of tests: Check for slop in the chuck spindles and the quill, to see how much "skate" you get at the tip of the drill bit. Another test, is to test the "run out" in the chuck. Just chuck a straight rod, and turn it on, and see how far off center the tip wobbles. That's my biggest test of a good quality drill of any kind, weather a press, or hand held. A lot of that vibration could be reduced, if you could balance the pulleys, and the motor rotor. Quality belts also help.(I like the WEN the best)

[@CNC4XR7]

yes good tests the HF quill was a very rough casting looked as though it was turned with a drill and trued with a handheld grinder.

[@robc8468]

The quill slop in the H/F is terrible. The wen Quill is much better fit to the head.

[@murphyzlaw13]

I have your old drill press...the value craft. I picked it up cheap at a yard sale and it has been a great piece of equipment. I like it 👌

[@CNC4XR7]

That is awesome! I have had several people say the same thing. Man I wish i had bought an extra all those years ago.

[@notapplicable531]

One feature of the Wen not mentioned is that the on-off switch is an emergency, safety feature. Pushing it in turns off the press. That could be done with any part of the hand, upper arm, elbow.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes I really like the ON /Off E stop switch

[@ericjacobsen4524]

I'm so glad I got the wen 10" for Xmas, it's a real nice solid machine and very quiet. It was more expensive than the 8" but when you have it in the shop it don't run or look like a piece of junk. Very satisfied!!! Thanks for your review

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcome !

[@charlessensing9240]

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[@CNC4XR7]

@@charlessensing9240 A

[@heeder777]

I had a Craftsman still press that after 20 years had enough. I bought the Wen, (NOT WIN 😉) and it works really well! I have a two way table on it that makes it easy to precisely locate my holes, I had to give up some depth but for what it’s designed to do for about $80 it’s a winner in the home hobby shop.

[@CNC4XR7]

Really it's pronounced "W" " E" "N" Hmm I did not no that LOL I do that all the time

[@lennym1273]

@@CNC4XR7 You didn't no that or you didn't "know" that?

[@CNC4XR7]

@@lennym1273 correct i did not know that lol

[@jerrybell4362]

I have WEN 12" variable speed drill press and I am very satisfied with it.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yeah I think its a good brand this is my first machine from them.

[@leekronforst4589]

My bench top drill is the same as. Your old one but as branded Pro Tool. I was in the middle of a project with my late 40s early 50s Craftsman and the pressed rod on one side of the motor mount came lose. My $20 second hand bench top press came to the rescue and 30 minutes later I had the rod drilled, tapped, bolted on and was back to the original project. The best part was providing to my now ex-wife that it was a good idea to have both a bench and floor model drillpress. My benchtop has some bearing rattle as of late. Time for me to check KZbin for some rebuild videos.

[@CNC4XR7]

The often overlooked Bench top drill press Great for those jobs that dont require a large drill press or a hand drill. Got to love these things. I have many hours of run time on my 30 year old model.

[@nikwax]

Thanks. I watched this in HF, I agree that their tabletop drill presses are not what they used to be.

[@CNC4XR7]

You saw what I did.

[@evanwilliams3473]

Thanks for the video!, have been thinking about these two for the past few days and now have made my decision to go with the wen

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help! I think you will be happy.

[@kidritalin1]

Nicely done. $80 bucks, and delivered to my door? Awesome. Thank you

[@CNC4XR7]

Enjoy!

[@AfroViking300]

I'm just using it to mill some personal lowers. I think the WEN will do great. Thanks

[@CNC4XR7]

Good luck!

[@terryq9966]

Wranglerstar just did a review of the WEN and gave it a similar review. Certainly not the best out there, but a good value for the money.

[@CNC4XR7]

definitely worth the $$$

[@robc8468]

Wen is best for the money you would need to spend a lot more, The 10 inch Wen is even better.

[@David-hm9ic]

This review makes me thankful that I bought an 8” Delta drill press new in the early ‘90s (it was about $90 back then) and a solid used 1978 12” model from Taiwan in 2009. Both are very smooth and very quiet.

[@CNC4XR7]

yeah what a difference a few decades make. Anytime you can score older machinery It's a good Day!

[@Zappy1210]

I actually like my HF drill press. Bolted down its much quieter than in your video. I generally run in low gear on a press also. I believe yours were set to high speed which is much harder on bits. Slow and steady wins the race everytime on drill bits my friend.

[@CNC4XR7]

Hi Randy, This was just a general comparison. out of the box. Yes there are things that can be done to make the HF drill press better but the bones need to be there to start. For me personally I felt the assembly tolerances were to far off to allow the kind of work i would be doing.

[@DanielNienhuis]

Thanks for this. I picked up the Harbor Freight model from my local store last night and the table actually bent when I was installing the chuck. I was really surprised by how flimsy the pressed metal table and base were. I returned it and will probably pick up the WEN - glad to hear that there are more than just cosmetic differences between the two!

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you for the comment ! Sometimes seeing is believing.

[@markusbroyles1884]

That was the first thing I noticed when installing the Chuck on mine too as of 2 /16/ 22... It really bent as in distortion / inaccurate offset potential. I wish I'd seen this video prior to my purchase... thanks everyone !

[@rodphend5908]

As a lot of people are say I to was going to get a drill press fro H.F. but you have changed my mind so thank you for the video . I've had a wen miter saw for years and used it a lot and still works great . So the wen it is for the drill press . Thanks again .

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help

[@bepstein111]

Have had amazing results with my WEN, same as yours. Love it!

[@CNC4XR7]

Great to hear!

[@dohc1974]

@@CNC4XR7 does the wen have enough power to drill through aluminum, stainless steel?

[@Shipfixer]

I have the same model. Almost every video says what you say. Well made, and the little things like the chuck holder, cast table, metal cover, etc. It's a fine little press for my use. If you want a work of art, and a machine that is precise, get a high-end heavy press. With care and maintenance, it's like you said...it will function well for years to come. Instant LIKE and greetings from Alaska.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for sharing

[@asmodeus20]

Which model do you have? The WEN or the HF?

[@ottokiehl5413]

I decided I needed a drill press for a project and first considered HF, but after looking at the details, specs and reviews, settled on a WEN, but went with a 10 inch, variable speed model. Purchased from WEN, but through ebay. Super happy with it, but did replace the chuck with a keyless one. Was so impressed with the build quality, that I bought a bench grinder and a vise from them also. All of them seem very solid. Not US or German made quality, but very solid for the money.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you for sharing that information! WEN as a whole seems to be really good quality.

[@MrRobuz]

I also bought a WEN at Menards and I love it.

[@CNC4XR7]

Nice.

[@ChrisGilliamOffGrid]

I went up a size and got the Wen 4210T. It was $163 on ebay last year when I got it. I'm pleased with it.

[@CNC4XR7]

That looked to be a Solid unit sold here at Home depot for around $130. i was looking for something small so i choose the smaller unit.

[@briantoste904]

Dont know how i stumbled upon this, ut just showed up in my feed, but i have been looking at those 2 for a cheap project and couldnt really see a difference between them, this was a perfect video! Thanks!

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help

[@markharrisllb]

I have a generic one like your original, mine is about three years old. I couldn’t be happier and I’ve never thought I must upgrade at any point. However, the build quality doesn’t look as good as yours, for instance my depth gauge bracket is plastic and part of the guard. It’s certainly better than the Harbour Freight model which sounded awful. I thought there might have been a fault with it. A brilliant video for those buying the all important drill press which is a tool they’ll be using for almost any metal work project. Unfortunately we don’t have Harbour Freight here in the U.K...yet!

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you, yes these bench top units tend to get a lot of work.

[@stanleydenning]

Every single Harber Freight power too I ever bought had dry barrings. Take it apart and lubricate everything that needs it. Pull the dust seals from the barrings and pack with good quality grease. This will not only make it run smoother but last a lot longer as well.

[@CNC4XR7]

these were lubed but i have seen that before

[@StillLivinginthewoods]

Man, I'm glad I watched this video before I bought another HF press. I had an older 8 inch HF drill press and it had cast iron table and base, but it got stolen. I didn't know they had changed them,.. now I will spend the extra $20 on the WEN. I recently bought a scroll saw from WEN to replace an older one from HF, and I was really impressed by how much better the WEN was than the old one from HF. I've been eyeballing the spiral cut planer from WEN too,.. looks pretty nice for the $$$.

[@CNC4XR7]

glad to help the wen is overall a better machine.

[@BeachsideHank]

You *can* judge a book by its cover; fit and finish is a valid indicator of expected performance, excellent and thoughtful review, thanks.

[@CNC4XR7]

Well I definitely agree when it comes to machinery. I would not buy a item in a store if the box was damaged. i would grab a different box. ( thinking it was not dropped or handled rough). I think in a way it's the same mentality. Books and People not so much! LOL

[@VWonder737]

Thanks. Learning new skills on a budget.

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcome

[@robertphillips4155]

Thanks for this video. I'm in the market for a low end drill press and had decided on the WEN but wasn't positive. Had considered Harbor Freight and Ryobi. I went with WEN.

[@CNC4XR7]

I think you will be happy with your choice.

[@1AFVeteran]

Sad that pretty much all tool manufacturing that was in the USA has gone overseas for cheap labor and also cheap quality. I use to have nice Sears tools, a table saw and a band saw that was made in the USA. They were quality built. I didn't mind paying the USA price for USA quality. But now it's gone and it probably will never ever come back. America was once a nation of production, now it's a nation of consumption! All three of your drill presses are foreign made. I'm curious, were there any that you looked at that were USA made? If there were, what brand were they and how much did they cost?

[@CNC4XR7]

No I did not as you say there hard to find. long gone are the brands we trusted to be Made in the USA

[@craigmonteforte1478]

I am a retired Woodworker that had over 20 years in Architectual Woodworking professionally and Woodworking has been my hobby for over 35 years overall this new generationWen tools for the money all consistently come in as being decent quality Ironically about 15 years ago. I stopped by my Moms for dinner on a Friday night and when she pulled in she asked if I would grab the boz in her trunk she bought on her lunch break that day to my surprise it was the Harbor Freight Drill press you have in the video as my Mom does build Minarure Doll house furniture and items in a Hobby room i built her Specifically for the hobby and she thought the drill press would be a good tool to have set up ! At dinner my Mom asked what my plans were for the Weekend and I laughed that I’m going into the Shop to do some paperwork and to use. One of our Drill presses to cut 500 Mahogany Bungs. I needed for the Antique Chris Craft Cabin Cruiser i was restoring as we had several older Rockwell floor standing drill presses. In the shop and my “Hoard “ of Mahogany was stashed in a safe place inside our 100 thousand Square foot shop well my Mom knew the shop was a decent drive and she asked me if i wanted to take her new drill press home to use instead of driving the distance to the shop so i thought hey thats not a bad idea i think i have enough Wood at home to do what i want and i have the plug cutter I’m going to use anyway so that was my new plan except when i did unbox the drill. I wasnt very impressed The wobble or runout in the Chuck was close to 3/8ths. Of a inch by eye i fooled with the damn thing for a couple of hours to get it half decent and the power was just not enough to do what i wanted i put everything back in the box and told my Mom that she should return this and Ill help her find a better one for her needs which i did wind up. Finding a older Craftsman 12” that was never abused and had been in some Old Timers Home shop for years my son who was only about 9 or 10 at that time thought it was real cool that he might have the only Grandmother in his school that got. Bandsaw and a Drill Press for Christmas LOL BTW. I bought her a new Skill Bandsaw bench top model and way after the fact. I realized she really could had gotten by with a Scroll saw instead as she is afraid of the Band saw and her Safety of using it which is weird to me as i pushed a lot of projects rough way bigger Bandsaws then hers and never felt intimidated by them

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you for the comment I had pretty much the same impression of the HF Drill press.

[@kathleenbillings1564]

So glad I watched this vidio. I bought the Harbor freight drill press and had to return it. The plastic actually broke the firsts time I used it. So I ordered a WEN from Home Depot. The quality of the WEN is far superior. The cost was a little more, but well worth the extra $$.

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help! Sorry you did not see it before buying the HF

[@MikMech]

Aluminium pulleys are great ! They actually stop a lot of the vibration from unbalanced metal pulleys. Most vibration comes from the belt whip. A guide or tensioner should eliminate vibration.

[@CNC4XR7]

these seemed very lightweight which may help with vibration but if so it did not show up on the bench. that thing rattled a lot. I also feel like the heavier pulleys will help with torque.

[@wmoy8507]

Harbor Freight. You get what you pay for. I keep my tools forever so I rather pay a higher price to get something reliable and long lasting. I bought a Skil drill press for about 120 and it has lasted for over 5 years now with light use.

[@CNC4XR7]

I agree! Its always better to get the best you can afford. However with a Small bench Top drill press Quality is not always shown in the price Tag. If like me space was a Issue a Floor model may not be a option.

[@grumpygrandpa420]

I just got a Wen, and couldn't be happier. I got the same model as yours, but mines a lot quieter, and I haven't bolted or clamped it down. I was considering Harbor Freight, but when I looked them over at the store, I decided to spend a little more and get something better. Wasn't even going to give it a try, even though for my purposes, it likely would have been sufficient.

[@CNC4XR7]

I'm glad your happy with it.

[@atsf81rj]

I've got a wen sliding miter saw it's great. I searched the net and found both drill presses. I think I will buy the wen thanks

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help

[@shortliner68]

I have an older (at least 20 years) HF 8" press - predecessor of the current one. Mine has two plastic parts...the handle grips and on/off switch. The table is cast steel and the motor mount and fan cover are heavy gauge metal. The pulleys are steel, too. No slop at all in the spindle. Not sure how much it weighs but it is not lightweight. Sounds like the older HF drill presses were made a lot better. I have a HF bench grinder the same age as the press. It has a pretty good weight to it, too.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yeah the older models were made a lot better with cast parts.

[@chrisbroemel5508]

I just bought the WEN a week before seeing your video. Glad I made the right choice. Great review, thanks!

[@CNC4XR7]

Found it to be a Solid drill press so far.

[@chrisjh777]

If you want smoother running on any drill press, replace the V belt with round section belting (like a big O Ring).

[@CNC4XR7]

Great tip!

[@rayfalcone6897]

@@CNC4XR7 i use these type belts that imake as i need to.....have them on all my machines in my shop ......great tip though.

[@robc8468]

Most V belts run smooth if the owner aligns the pulleys and sets the belt tension correctly V belts are less prone to slippage than round belts when properly set up.

[@littleshepherdfarm2128]

@@robc8468 Exactly what I was about to say. Thanks for setting this matter straight. I have owned a big upright drill press ( made by Champion) for decades and it drills so nice simply because I take the time to line everything up when I either change belts or speeds and it's a 12 speed floor model.

[@btrswt35]

My issue with these small drill presses are the speed selection. There is nothing I drill that I ever needed 3,000 rpm. On the other side of things, I more often need something well under 500 rpm. Larger hole saws, forstner bits, circle cutters, etc don't work with high rpms and can be dangerous or ruin bits from excessive heat.

[@CNC4XR7]

yeah it has 5 speeds just not the 5 you need LOL

[@1pcfred]

These small drill presses are for drilling small holes. For a lot of home shop projects they're adequate and will net a user fairly perpendicular holes in work. Better than they'll do with a pistol drill. But I do have triple reduction hand drills that run slower than the small bench top drill presses do. A few real wrist breaker specials they are.

[@CNC4XR7]

@@1pcfred agreed

[@mr.lourod6175]

Thank you. I was looking into buying the WEN and now I think I am pretty sure that I will. Thanks again for sharing!

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcome I think you will be happy with it.

[@robc8468]

The WEN is far better than Harbor Freight in fit and finish. Sometimes you can order direct from Wen cheaper than Amazon or Home Depot ship to store.

[@andrewwilliams9419]

Thanks I just ordered the WEN!!

[@CNC4XR7]

Good choice!

[@jeffchristianson-ziebell7727]

The Wen is no longer a low priced drill press but This video clearly proves the logic behind WEN increasing the price as it is a twice the quality drill press of the Harbor freight and I own both… Very similar WEN drill presses are now $400+…. This unit was replaced by the 4208T at $127 as of Dec 28, 2021… The harbor freight is listed online on their website for $79 although you can get the coupons to get up to 20% off

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks Jeff for your comment. yes the WEN has definitely gone up in price!

[@Misisipiflyer]

Lots of side play in the HF which can be adjusted with the set screw on the side. For run of the mill drilling, they are ok, but if you need absolute precise drilling, step up to Jet etc.

[@CNC4XR7]

Agreed!

[@Pk3_Garage]

Hey, thanks for this detailed video. I'm about to purchase my first Drill Press. I was looking at HF as to the price but decided to shop around. I saw the WEN one at Home Depot and was curious. Has great reviews but cost more than the HF one. I'm sold and getting the WEN.

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help

[@halfstep67]

Nice review. as with any job, it requires the right tool. Using a small press for big jobs, you will end up with a broken heap. You 1989 drill is still in great shape and a testimony your understanding of it's limitations. So that legitimizes your review for the WEN.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yeah no complaints on my old benchtop. But I use it for light drilling. This new when is perfect for my project build.

[@STARDRIVE]

That emergency button on the WEN may save some scalps. Only thing missing is a decent light shining from above & behind, out of the way.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yeah for sure strategically placed I'm sure! Yeah a light is nice but tend to get in the way.

[@pmdinaz]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcomea thank you for watching and commenting

[@slowtaknow]

I just bought a blue version of that harbor freight from Amazon, didn't realize what junk I was buying. Wish they had that wen in stock.

[@CNC4XR7]

Sorry about that!

[@slowtaknow]

@@CNC4XR7 in all fairness, harbor freight does sell decent stuff, this tool isn't it.

[@crabbysam]

Pretty sure the WEN is the same as a Grizzly G0925. PS< With your older model you bought at Ace Hardware, If you take a rubber coated magnet, or just a regular magnet, maybe putting on a small piece of grip tape over the magnets chuck key side, it makes a nicer chuck key holder than Velcro, if the magnet is N42 or better the size of a penny, it'll never fall off from vibration. Using grip tape on the chuck key side makes a lesser bond line, so the magnet stays on the drill press, a dab of glue works to mate the magnet to the drill press if you don't have grip tape. This retired aviation engineer loves magnets. Thanks for making this comparison video, it's surely helped a lot of people.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for the tip!

[@seanvance5917]

well you helped me make my mind up on which one I'm getting, thanks.

[@CNC4XR7]

Happy to help.

[@jordanch68]

I wonder how the Harbor Freight 12 Speed compares to the WEN 5 Speed? I've always heard that the HF 12 Speed is the one to get over the HF 5 Speed. Also the vibration can be dampened quite a bit by filling the vertical support tube with sand.

[@CNC4XR7]

I'm not sure but the bigger is normally better. and yes there are ways to work around shortcomings.

[@thatdudemike2531]

I bought my son the harbor freight drill press . After watching this video I went with it because I got a 2 year warranty free .

[@CNC4XR7]

And How has it worked out for him?

[@thatdudemike2531]

@@CNC4XR7 he loves it . It's his first adult toy . He's been making rings you of oak and maple limbs .

[@oldschooldan1698]

Harbor freight is good for light duty only. Over the course of building a deck with a friend, he had a Chicago cordless drill and wrenches. The drill burned out on the first day and I broke my knuckle when one of the wrenches snapped. I don't fool around with harbor freight after having surgery on my hand.

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes I agree HF is what it is. Years ago i bought a cordless drill it never did work. As far as wrenches. I never tried them. Something like that should last a xouple lifetimes so its best to buy quality stuff.

[@rodw]

Very nicely done 👍😊. I came across your video at the perfect time, I've been looking at both of them. I actually have the HF one from a neighbor for $30 to hold me over until I can get a better one. I actually want the 10" WEN and after watching your video, I

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help!

[@ChuckNorrisUltra]

I have the 10" HF 12 speed. The best part is you can set it at 360? RPM for hardened steel (using Cobalt bits and quality lube). The worst part on it is the runout caused by getting one with a bent spindle. I think You can get a bent spindle from every manufacture, but the more you pay, the better the chances you won't. HF probably being if not, real close to the bottom of the list, which the price reflects. It will get me by until I can get something better.

[@urbanlovesrural]

good walk thru thanks from Austin, Texas 🌺

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you

[@theclasemen1271]

Can the WEN handle an 3 inch fortsner bit?

[@CNC4XR7]

Wow 3" is a big bit for a Floor model , doesn't leave much room to clamp the material. will it do it, I think so.

[@ryanamundson1916]

To those in 2023 basing their decision on this review, HF now carries a "Bauer" branded 8" drill press that appears to be made to the same specs in the same factory. I picked one up 2 days ago for $79.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks Ryan for sharing. I have seen the Bauer 8" 5 speed drill press. It does have a cast base and table I did notice the table collar on the Bauer does not appear to be cast or as robust. But with a coupon may be worth a shot.

[@briancs613]

Ive drilled thousands of holes with My HF drill press and it is as quiet or quieter than that wen. You probably got a bad one.

[@CNC4XR7]

I might agree however the HF drill press has changed recently as of this video. this is not the same casting or MFG as even a year earlier. Next time your in the store take a look.

[@garydahn6728]

Thanks! This is exactly the info I was looking for.

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad it was helpful!

[@smashallpots1428]

oh hey the old one you have is the same as the old one at my dads

[@CNC4XR7]

LOL yeah it's been a good one.

[@rawbacon]

I have a HF Drill Press from about a decade or more ago, it seems to be nothing like the new one and it literally runs so smooth that it's a joy to listen to. I still remember the price too, $90 regularly on sale for $39.99 with a 20% coupon. So about $32 plus tax. Never had a bit of trouble with it in all these years and still sounds like the finest machinery around. Damn shame they are so cheaply made now.

[@CNC4XR7]

I Totally agree ! over the years quality has decreased to keep the prices down.

[@robc8468]

Yeah the old HF ones were good, I have one the new Wen it is good also.

[@jd75281]

great video. you helped make up my mind. harbor freight kinda blows without the 20 percent couons anymore.

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad I could help! but even with the coupon they still suck.

[@citylockapolytechnikeyllcc7936]

Grizzly also has one, that seems like nothing to write home about. I have an old Craftsman 10 inch model at work, which looks a lot like the 8" one you have that is 30 years old. When you go to this size, you will have a rack and crank to adjust table height, which smaller ones usually lack. Overall, I am looking for a compact QUALITY drill press for my van.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for sharing! We have gotten so accustomed to buying from China and the quality was not as good as Taiwan, which was not as good as , Japan. But some of the Junk there peddling now is really bad. you have to be careful. I understand there inexpensive to begin with but when it comes to tools you expect them to last.

[@BoilerDan1]

Great review! Do you think it will work on smaller projects? I make model wooden ships and hope to make dead eyes. ( They are a wooden disc less than 1\2 inch in diameter with 3 small holes in a triangular patern.) Your review really helped me in going with the wen. I am going with the 10 inch with lazer crosshairs, hoping that will help locate the right spot. (they dont have to be exact) Anyway, Thank you for taking the time to create! Not only subscribed, I'm going to watch your ads, and the video again! 😂

[@CNC4XR7]

this should be a good choice for that type of work

[@5jjt]

How's the drill bit run-out on the Wen vs HF? Thanks for the comparison!

[@CNC4XR7]

I did not do a check with an indicator. unfortunately. Looks like an update video is needed.

[@craigsmith1948]

Great video!!! I was looking at the Harbor Freight Drill Press and then saw the Wen on Home Depot and it was cheaper. I also get a 10% discount at HD because I'm a vet. Sold me.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you for your service.

[@jimmybob7364]

Is Home Depot doing vet discounts all the time now? I thought it was only on Vet's Day.

[@CNC4XR7]

@@jimmybob7364 I think they do I know lowes does.

[@jimmybob7364]

@@CNC4XR7 Yeah Lowes is by my house so it is my go-to but Home Depot has a much better DIY selection of things that you can't get at Lowes. But I rarely shop at Home Depot because it's about 45 minutes away. And top that with no Military discount...and you will rarely see me in there.

[@BeachsideHank]

@@jimmybob7364 Depot corporate is real dodgy about Veterans discounts, they claim it is up to the individual store to decide policy- meh! I give Lowes first consideration because I get my vet discount, plus they even have preferred vet parking spaces, I like that.

[@russelltherealestateguy7527]

Excellent review. Thanks

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for watching!

[@cnotake]

Great video! Thanks

[@CNC4XR7]

Glad you liked it!

[@pelleas7001]

If not for his voice, I'd think this was DSP reviewing drill presses (in the entirely mythical reality where he'd event remotely know how to use a power tool lol). The camera rocking is even present (though nowhere as extreme).

[@CNC4XR7]

thanks I think! LOL

[@rogergreen2270]

I picked up the h f drill press a couple of weeks ago for some light hobby work. Its sucks. I could not drill through a 1.5 inch bit of maple with a 3/8 bit without getting the bit stuck. So I had to dip the bit in and out or the wood smoked. Tried different speeds , different bits same thing. I tried a 2 inch boring bit on some drift wood. and at any speed hi or lo it got stuck . It will drill with a 1/8 drill bit so far.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thank you for the comment it will be very helpful.

[@erickmorton8085]

I have the harbor freight drill press the motor overheats way too soon I plan on getting a used vintage one

[@CNC4XR7]

Always a good idea to find vintage machines

[@arlindjax]

You forgot that you always get 20% off the HF one.

[@CNC4XR7]

I did use the 20% off

[@mikethelma]

No môre!

[@scotty362100]

Sorry, but if you look closely at the WEN, the sleeve that mounts the table to the column is Aluminum, it WILL break, mine has twice! And on WEN's website the part is no longer available, it is obsolete!! On a drill press bought in 2019.

[@CNC4XR7]

While no doubt these things can break! They are not for serious HD drilling jobs. The table also looks to be cast aluminum as well.

[@rodw]

I'm going to take your advice and recommendation and save up for the WEN 10" Drill press. I hoping to team it up with the 10" bandsaw also by WEN. Do you have any thoughts about the bandsaws? Thanks for sharing your thoughts and videos Rodney

[@CNC4XR7]

I own a 14" bandsaw which I have had for 30 plus years. its a Taiwan made machine which looks similar to the HF model online. I look for overall quality in materials and the castings. If your going to be doing any serious wood working you may want the 14"

[@denniscotey8182]

I have the 10" Wen drill press. I couldnt be happier.

[@TomwithaDream]

Great comparison. Very helpful.

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcome , Happy it helped.

[@batmanofinglewood]

I give an ABSOLUTE THANK YOU 👍🏾🙏🏾

[@CNC4XR7]

Your very welcome!

[@daniellandberg3264]

I got mine (HF) for $59.00 or so. The plastic depth stop bracket broke the second day. But other than that, it does what I need it for now.

[@CNC4XR7]

yes it will drill holes. no doubt

[@hphillips7425]

The harbor freight sounds like rocks in a hub cap. Good video👍

[@CNC4XR7]

It does!

[@thomastr3]

HF has my vote, can't beat the price and if it's bad they replace or refund with no problem, but I've had good luck with all their tools, and I abuse them.

[@CNC4XR7]

I have to say for me it's hit or miss . I have a Porta-band saw works awesome i use it a lot. My X2 mini mill and Mini lathe I love. so Yeah for me I think i have a 70% success rate. LOL

[@nickwhite8794]

I think he got a bad press from HF. I have that same drill press and it’s not that loud and is smooth and more like the Wen one. I used a coupon and got it for $56 after tax. It works great and I have no issues with it so far.

[@TartanJack]

nice review. thanks.

[@CNC4XR7]

Your welcome!

[@OOICU812]

Thank you!

[@CNC4XR7]

You're welcome!

[@danonthefly]

I thought you had a blender full of marbles running on the bench when you turned the HF model on haha

[@CNC4XR7]

So did I

[@rayflowers9097]

From the sound of it on the WEN it’s like something is loose possibly. It sound like metal on metal contact at some point. Maybe a high spot on the inner spindle of the quill or the inner housing of the quill making contact at some point probably worth investigating. It’ll probably take a lot of the vibration out.

[@CNC4XR7]

I had purchased this specifically for a machine I'm building so I will investigate that thank you.

[@rayflowers9097]

CNC4XR7 no problem bud if you do find the issue show us a how to video. A ton of people have this one drill press and I know would appreciate the value in it.

[@CNC4XR7]

@@rayflowers9097 I will do that. Thank you.

[@StraightCutDIY]

With HF you win some, you lose some. If I was a professional doing it day in and day out 8 hours a day I'd steer clear of HF, but given the fact that I pick up my reciprocating saw maybe once or twice a year, I enjoy the HF tools. That said, I am working on building out a wood working area in my garage and will be opting for higher quality tools. Thanks for a good review. I'll be sure to start my drill press research with the Wen model as the low end and forget about the HF drill press.

[@CNC4XR7]

Well Said I could not agree with you more. I think a label stating occasional use would be a good idea on most of the things. My little Mini lathe and Mini mill have had hours of use and no complaints for what they are. I think most people tend to push tools often past the intended use. and then complain about them. ( I know I'm guilty of this.)

[@Gideon_Judges6]

I hate to break it to you, but that's actually a THIRTY year old drill press. I know, time flies and they don't make them like they used to. 😥

[@CNC4XR7]

Yes I think your correct 30 plus lol

[@nickj250_]

How do you call this a comparison video and not even use either of them? Thats the most important part!

[@CNC4XR7]

I will give you that. I have used my 30 year old machine all these years I was trying to simply get another similar one for a upcoming project. I never really intended this to be a indepth series. This was just my thoughts after looking the machines over and comparing. I was so disappointed I immediately returned the HF machine.

[@blueovalfan23]

idk.. coupon online says $55 on the harbor freight unit right now. the wen while seemingly better on outward appearance probably isn't that much better when you get into it. i don't mind a rougher surface if was machined to the right tolerance. dull bits will do that. bit material and feed rate is also a factor. cbn even does that to varying degrees on some of the programs at work (i run a cnc machine). at either price point, you're not going to get a high quality item. i'm thinking i should prolly look for second hand or throw more money at this tool. i don't think i'd use it enough to justify the price for a quality unit while i'm unsure about either on the lower end.

[@CNC4XR7]

Well That's Just It the tolerance on the HF is Awful

[@kekipark77]

great review, very informative. but the company name is WEN, not WIN, just so you know.

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for the info! But is it the initials W.E.N. or pronounced WEEEN

[@matonmongo]

Have had the same cheapo chinese-made HF press for over 15 years now, originally paid ~$35, been banged around, survived 4 moves, even been out in the elements now and then, and aside from replacing some screws, it still does the job. Most 'home mechanics' just need a useful, affordable and reasonably reliable tool... not a work of art.

[@CNC4XR7]

I Agree However I dont think the One you have is the same as this model. this one has stamped steel table NOT CAST and it may be a good deal at $35 even with the new version. it's just not up to the standard of other brands.

[@matonmongo]

@@CNC4XR7 You're correct, my base is cast, though probably would personally still go with the stamped steel base... if it didn't affect the performance, and there was a significant savings in price. Bottom line for me is whatever does the job, for the most economy. But I can see where everyone's 'standards' and 'requirements' might be different.

[@CNC4XR7]

@@matonmongo agreed. The surface of the table is not flat and true like a machined surface. It appeared to have been pushed against a wide belt sander.

[@jimc4766]

Good review....thx!

[@CNC4XR7]

Thanks for watching

[@scottbryant7090]

Wow! Just today I stopped at a garage sale and picked up a drill press identical to your Taiwan model! $10!!! Any tips you care to pass along will be appreciated.

[@CNC4XR7]

Wow that's awesome! I had to replace the chuck some years ago but otherwise she's been great.

[@CNC4XR7]

@Austin Carlson exactly acwell maintianed machine of good quality will last several lifetimes. Gsragec sales and auctions are alwaysa great place.

[@ProfessorDIY]

I have the harbir freight and it is very quiet, something is wrong with yours. I have had mine for six years and never had any issues with it. I do like WEN products, however.

[@CNC4XR7]

The Harbor Freight Drill press has changed this variation is not like the prior years. even the web site add appeared different than this variation. The newer ones are Junk

[@andrewwastien]

ig that was the only problem with the older bench press i would have fixed and not bought an other one lol

[@CNC4XR7]

I needed 2

[@tuna3p]

I'm sorry, but a lot of what you said seemed very superficial, more in line on your personal preference on Aesthetics. Which is fine i guess, but the real question is how do they compare in performance?

[@CNC4XR7]

This is true and this may seem superficial I quess. I think it all factors into performance. Having lighter aluminum pulleys means less spining mass and weight which could cause the spindle to stall easier. The table surface appeared to be sanded rather than machined. Which could effect weater or not it is at a right angle to the dril. The biggest thing I saw was the surface finsh of the quill it was horrible I wasso discouraged by this I just boxed it up and took it back.

[@tuna3p]

@@CNC4XR7 ok i think i get where you're coming from

[@freqenc]

Don't let the cheap color fool you. Been researching drill presses and 90% of reviews came out positive that were not sponsored. I keep hearing reviewers "Push" Harbor Freight but almost everyone says their crap. Tools can be repainted, as long as it is built better, I'm in.

[@CNC4XR7]

I agree the WEN is a nice machine.

[@nicolasmartin7661]

My WEN (new) is NoT capable of handing a one inch bit ....just get stock.. It's going through the garbage pretty soon....

[@CNC4XR7]

no none of these bench top drill presses are rated to handle a 1" drill bit. your going to need a substantially larger machine to do that safely.