Top 5 Drill Press Alternative in 2021

Not being able to cut holes at an angle with a drill press? Well, the alternatives can help you with that. But that is not all it offers. You can get so many more benefits if you choose to use an alternative.

But there are just too many drill press alternatives in the market. It can get hard to choose one. So, we have decided to make things easier for you. You see, we have accommodated different types of alternatives available for drill press.

And we decided to bring them under one roof. This way, you can go through each and every single one of them before you decide to settle down with one.

Now, different people have different wants and desires so we decided to include quite a range of different items. So, do explore them all before you finally go for the right one for you.

Besides, we have even tried to answer most of your questions along the way. Well, those are commonly asked questions and you might end up having the same questions so we decided to deal with them in one place.

So, if you are ready we can get started-

1. Kreg K4 Pocket HoleJig System

At A Glance

  • Drill Guide Spacings: 9/16, 7/8, 17/16 inches
  • Color: Black and blue
  • Item Weight: 1.3 Pounds
  • No. of Holes: 3
  • Compatible Material’s Thickness: 12 to 38mm

First and foremost, we have the Kreg K4 HoleJig System. In our eyes, this is the best replacement for the drill press alternative. But why do we think so? Well, there are a number of reasons which we will talk about in detail-

First and foremost, this is a pocket-hole system. This means you will be able to create pocket holes with the help of this tool. But what are pocket holes? Well, it is simply a hole created at an angle.

You see, the slanted angle acts as a pocket for the screw to perfectly fit into. Now, that is something you cannot get with a drill press. You see, the drill press is known to create holes at an angle.

However, with the help of a pocket holes system, you can attain much more. This is because you are able to drill at multiple angles. That is right you can change the angle to your desire in order to create the holes at the optimum angles.

Plus, you get to create 3 pocket holes simultaneously. So, this makes your job a bit faster if you have to create quite a ton of drill holes in one go.

You see, the drill press wouldn’t allow you to do that because it is only limited to one drill hole at a time. So, that’s one advantage you have if you go with this pocket-hole system.

Moreover, you get to create holes on materials that are 0.5 to 1.5 inches thick. So, if you need pretty decent-sized holes then you can rely on this tool to get the job done right.

Furthermore, the tool is portable. So, unlike a drill press, you won’t have to stick to one particular working station.

Instead, you can move the Kreg K4 HoleJig System around and take it to the places where you need some drilling. This comes in handy if you have to travel elsewhere to do some woodworking job.

In short, if you want some pocket holes then this is the right tool for you. You can get the work done quite fast and quite accurately with the help of this pocket0hole system.

2. Milescraft 1318 DrillMate Drill Guide

At A Glance

  • Power Source: Hand powered
  • Power drill: 3/8 and 1/2 inches
  • Item Dimensions: 16.63 x 7.13 x 2 inches
  • Item Weight: 1.85 Grams
  • Cutting Angles: 45 to 90 degrees

Secondly, we have the Milescraft 1318 DrillMate Portable Drill Guide. Now, if you didn’t want pocket holes well then we have a change of scenario for you. And of course, we will also talk about this product in detail.

So, what’s great about this item?

Well, it might look like a machine that cuts holes in only one direction but unlike a drill press, it can cut holes in multiple angles. You see, with the help of this tool you can cut from 40 to 90.

So, no matter which angle you need you can get the perfect angle. Plus, it even has an angle reader that helps you understand which angle you have selected. Thus, there is no chance of you making an error.

Plus, the base has a V groove shape. So, if you need to place a metal rod or have a rounded wooden block you can easily fit it on the base and make holes in them. You won’t feel uncomfortable with the round pieces with this tool.

Furthermore, there is a depth stop option available for this tool. So, whenever you feel like you have reached the desired depth for your drill you can simply stop and make holes in a wooden or metal frame of yours.

3. Wolfcraft 4525404 Drill Guide

At A Glance

  • Power Drill Size: 1/4 or 3/8 inches
  • Cutting Angle: 0 to 45 degrees
  • Item Weight ‎: 3 pounds
  • Product Dimensions: ‎5.25 x 5.5 x 11.75 inches
  • Color: Silver

Next, we have the Wolfcraft 4525404 Drill Guide. Well, this is another multi-angle drill. You see, Wolfcraft is quite an amazing brand. So, you might like its drill guide tool too. Let’s check it out, shall we?

The first thing that we would like to point out is the springs inside the drill guide. You see, the spring inside the guide bar helps to pull the bar up at a faster pace.

Thus, if you have to make quite a lot of holes at one go you can do that quickly.

Other than that, this tool also allows you to cut at multiple angles. You can get perfect 90-degree holes with this tool. As well as you will be able to make angles holes with the help of this drill guide.

Moreover, the guide bar on this tool is quite helpful. This is because you don’t have to move the drill adaptor. You see, it adjusts itself when you place the power drills in the drill guide.

On top of this, the whole thing is portable. So, you can actually carry the drilling machine to your own workspace. You don’t have to bring the heavy wooden box to this machine.

Plus, it only weighs like 3 pounds. So, it won’t be too heavy to carry it along. You can take it to your choice of place quite easily.

4. Milescraft 1312 DrillBlock

At A Glance

  • Package Dimensions: 3.05 x 5.33 x 14.48 inches
  • Compatible Drill Size: 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 1/8, and 1/2 inches
  • Cutting Angle: 90 degrees
  • Material: ‎Metal
  • Power Source: ‎Manual

Next up, we have the Milescraft 1312 DrillBlock- Handheld Drill Guide. Were the other replacements out of your budget? Or are you looking for something decent enough to simply help you get straight drilling holes?

Well, then this might be the right one for you. You see, this is the simplest and the most budget-friendly tool on our list.

We admit that it doesn’t cut the holes at different angles as the rest do but if you only need straight holes then what is the difference either way. You see, with the help of this drill guide you can drill holes at right angles.

Furthermore, it allows multiple-sized power drills to be used on this. So, you can actually drill with any power drill and create a small, medium, or even large holes. The drill guide will allow you for all sizes.

To be exact, you can drill holes of the size 1/8, 3/16, 1/4, 5/16, 1/8, and 1/2 inches. Now, these are the most common sizes needed. So, they should be good enough.

5. Rockler Jig IT Drill Guide

At A Glance

  • Interior Diameter: 3.5 and 2.5 inches
  • Power Drill Size: 3/8 inches
  • Cutting Angle: 90 degrees
  • Item Weight: ‎2.4 ounces
  • Package Dimensions: ‎7.72 x 6.38 x 3.03 inches

Last but not least, we have the Rockler Jig IT Drill Guide. This is another drill guide that will help you make holes in your wooden blocks. But so will the others. So, what does this bring to the table?

Well, this is another drill guide that will help you attain a perfect hole at 90 degrees angle. Now, if you use your hand you will probably make a miserable So, you can take the help of this drill guide to help guide you to make straight holes.

But how is it better than a drill press??

Well, it is portable. So, you can carry it places. Plus, it doesn’t even weigh that much so you won’t have too much trouble carrying it around. On top of this, it is quite affordable when compared to those drill presses.

Besides, with the help of this drill guide, you can create holes of the size of 3.5 to 2.5 inches. Moreover, the holes created are absolutely clear. You won’t find a mess when you are using this drill guide.

What Does a Drill Press Do?

Well, a drill press is simply a machine that helps to create holes in wooden blocks. They take the help of power drills to create holes at a straight angle. Now, these power frills won’t come flying off to hit you in the face or anything.

This is because they are secured to a rotating chuck. Now, when the rotating drill presses down on the wooden block they manage to secure a hole. As for the hole size, this will depend on the power drill size.

Moreover, you can control the depth to which you are willing to make a drilling hole. Plus, you can also control the rate at which the drill press rotates. So, you can control the rate at which the drills will be made.

Hence, if you want to make the drills faster you can always speed up the things. However, if you want a more precise result or want to be on the safe side you can always take things slow and lower the speed levels.

But your work isn’t only limited to making holes on a wooden block. With the help of a drill press, you can enlarge an existing hole in the wooden box.

Plus, you can even attach a sander to sand or buff the wooden pieces in order to get smoother edges.

Why Should You Opt for Alternatives for Drill Press?

The drill press sounds amazing. And we admit you can get a lot of work done at a pretty faster rate and you also get the work done at a phenomenal rate. So then, why will you opt for the other alternatives?

Well, there isn’t only one specific reason. You see, there are multiple reasons why you might not be alright with the drill press. And here are some of the most common reasons for which people go for the alternatives.

Reason 1: More Drilling Angles

While drill presses are great at creating holes that are perfectly vertical you will only be limited to holes done at 90 degrees. But with the help of some alternatives, you can create the holes at quite a lot of different angles.

And sometimes you need to drill holes at different angles. For instance, if you are building a coat hanger all by yourself you would want to drill a hole that is at an angle.

This way, when the holders go in the drill holes they can be at an angle so that they don’t feel too much of the coat’s weight. Now, if they were stuck to the coat hanger at a 90 degrees angle they would feel the total weight of the coat.

As a result, the whole thing would simply tumble over. Thus, you need to be able to drill at different angles.

Now, while it is possible to put the wooden block at an angle and drill it with a drill press it just seems like too much of a hassle. You can get the same results with an alternative but you won’t have to work too hard to get the end results.

Reason 2: Pricing Differences

Although the drill press might appear reasonable to you, some people might think of it as an extra expenditure. Besides, drill presses are not an essential tool. Don’t get us wrong. They are quite useful to own but they aren’t a must-have item.

So, we understand if you don’t want to spend too much on drill presses. Now, if you are on budget-saving mode then you can always opt for the alternatives.

We have to admit that some of the alternatives that we have suggested might be a bit pricey but some aren’t. Thus, if you want you can always go with the budget-friendly tool to save you a few extra bucks.

Reason 3: Availability

Sometimes even the local hardware stores don’t have drill presses with them. During those moments you are required to pre-order it or you might have to wait for a few days before you can get your hand on a drill press.

During a moment of crisis, you might want to switch to an alternative option. After all, they do provide the same or better functions. So, in case you can’t find the right drill press you can go for plan B.

Reason 4: Portability Factor

Did you know that the drill presses aren’t portable? Yeah, bummer. You need to have a fixed workstation if you are thinking of using a drill press.

But if you are the type of person who doesn’t quite like to stay put in one place then you can go for the alternatives. You see, most of the alternatives for drill presses can be portable.

So, if you want you can always carry them with you to your workplace and have drills made on the wooden block over there. And this is quite handy because if you have to go out for drilling purposes you can carry the alternatives with you.

Are Alternatives to Drill Press Safe?

Now, anything in woodworking isn’t completely safe. Especially when you are drilling holes into wood or even metals. So, you will always be exposing yourself to some level of danger.

But the alternatives are quite well built. They try their best to make sure that you don’t end up cutting your finger in the process of cutting holes in wood. That would just be a bloody mess.

So, our tip is don’t let yourself be caught off guard. Always pay attention no matter what you are using to cut holes. The sharp edges of the power drill spinning at a fast rate can be quite hazardous if you aren’t careful enough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: Is a drill press only used for drilling?

Answer: Although from the name “drill press” you might assume that it is only meant for drilling holes well it isn’t. The drill press can be used to enlarge existing holes, sand a wooden piece to get the perfect finishing, or even finish a hole.

Question: Can you drill perfect holes without a drill press?

Answer: The drill press does make your life easier because it allows you to create these perfect straight holes. Those holes don’t bend or twist. However, it is also possible to create perfect holes without the help of a drill press. You simply have to be a pro in order to attain that level of perfection.

Question: Is a drill press worth it?

Answer: The drill press does have its value but it is not an essential tool. However, it does speed up the work and make things more accurate. So, it actually depends on what you need. It really isn’t a yes or no answer.

Question: What can I use instead of a drill press?

Answer: You don’t actually need a drill press to make holes as you already know. Only a drill machine will help you attain that. But other than that you can use the pocket-hole system or even drill block to make your desired holes.

To Sum Up

Well, that about sums everything we had on our mind for the drill press alternative. Now, we did present you with different options. All of them have their own equation to add to your life.

So, when you make a decision do think about your purpose of use. That will make choosing an alternative for drill press easier. 

Besides, you have enough info to help you make an informed decision. So, we think you are now capable of sorting things out. Hence, we will bid our farewell right here. Let’s not stretch things too long. So, adios my friend and take care!

Kevin Smith

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