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WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press

Last updated: September 4, 2019


For the best overall value on a fantastic drill press, you’ll want to check out the Wen 4208 8-inch, 5-speed Drill Press. This tool is loaded with outstanding features including a ½ inch keyed chuck and on-board key storage, five speeds, ultimate accuracy in drilling and a 1/3 horsepower motor for extreme power. In addition to all that, it is lightweight and compact so it’ll fit in most work spaces and can be easily transported to and from job sites. You can find a great product without spending a fortune when you choose this Wen Drill Press.

WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press
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We looked at the top Drill Presses and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Drill Press you should buy.

WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press

WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Benchtop Drill Press
BUY ON AMAZON
$124.17

Product Details

In our analysis of 48 expert reviews, the WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press placed 3rd when we looked at the top 7 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Remember when power tools were actually powerful? WEN’s 8-inch swing, 5-speed drill press is small but powerful enough to drill through metal, wood, plastics, and other materials. Max drill capacity is 1/2” in 1” thick cast iron. When you need accurate, repeatable holes, this tool will do the job more conveniently and precisely than a hand held drill. The perfect size for the shop and portable enough to take to the job. Constructed with a rigid frame consisting of cast iron: head, table, and base ensuring accurate holes. Its powerful induction motor features ball bearings for an extended life and it all comes together with smooth and balanced performance even at high speeds. The ½” chuck with JT33 spindle taper gives you versatility with a variety of bits. Worktable bevels 45° left and right for those tricky operations for the perfect right angles consistently. The base contains predrilled holes for mounting onto a bench or work stand. The slotted table allows for mounting clamps and vises for effective workholding. Since 1951, WEN has proudly produced innovative powered tools focused on value delivering meaningful features that will help you complete and enjoy the work as much as the project. Remember when you could drill holes in any material with ease? Remember WEN.

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Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

Another great feature of the Wen 4208 drill press is its 5 speeds, which fall in between the 620 to 3100 RPM range (620, 1100, 1720, 2340, and 3100). These multiple speeds give you the chance to match drill bit sizes to the material you are drilling so that you can achieve maximum accuracy.
- Drill Press View
The base, table, and drill head are all made of cast iron, giving rigidity where it's needed most
- BestReviews
The speed is where we see the versatility of this unit. It has a 5 variable speed of 740, 1,100, 1,530, 2,100, 3,140 RPM that easily allows you to adapt to the materials you are drilling.
- Wood Working Toolkit
Durability: For a small benchtop drill press, the WEN is surprisingly tough. Made from solid high-quality metal, it will last you much longer than a drill press made with cheap plastic.
- Tool + Bark
The 1/3 horsepower motor offers sufficient power when taking on even the hardest materials. The WEN 4208 has five adjustable speed settings to choose from – 740 RPM, 1,100 RPM, 1,530 RPM, 2,100 RPM, and 3,140 RPM. Y
- Tool Powers
The press sacrifices the more flexible variable control dial for a five speed switch that extends all the way to 3140 RPM.
- The Spruce
Powerful 5-speed, able to handle all of your different materials and situations, it can also handle various different sizes/thicknesses.
- Drill Press Pro
The drill press does not produce any noise and works as quietly as possible leading to a better working environment in your workshop.
- My Drill Press

What reviewers didn't like

Manual alignment is required
- Drill Press View
As an entry-level tool, it is not packed with features
- BestReviews
Weak motor of 1/3 HP can stall when drilling high-density metal of more than 1/2 inch. Not recommended for hardened steel.
- Wood Working Toolkit
Top heavy: This particular WEN model is slightly top heavy. To prevent it from moving around while you work, you’ll need to bolt this drill press to your workbench before you start.
- Tool + Bark
Although the manufacturer boasts a 2-inch depth in drilling, some customers found that this drill doesn’t come with enough torque to even get past the first inch or so of soft materials like oak or maple.
- Tool Powers
For some larger objects the WEN 4208 may not be able to accommodate, but this is rarely the case for your average DIY or professional.
- Drill Press Pro
Doesn’t provide simplicity; drill press can occasionally wobble throughout usage
- My Drill Press

Drill Press Rankings

DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press

1. DEWALT 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press
JET 15-In Bench Model Drill Press

2. JET 15-In Bench Model Drill Press
WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press

3. WEN 8-In 5-Speed Drill Press
Delta 18-Inch Laser Drill Press

4. Delta 18-Inch Laser Drill Press
WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press

5. WEN 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press
Dremel Rotary Tool Workstation Drill Press

6. Dremel Rotary Tool Workstation Drill Press
Shop Fox Oscillating Floor Drill Press

7. Shop Fox Oscillating Floor Drill Press
View our Drill Press buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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