Drill presses are must-have tools for woodworkers and even metalworkers of all skill levels. Common tools like hammers, saws, and power drills can perform the exact same tasks, but if you value your time, get a drill press. They work much more efficiently than a combination of handheld tools and elbow grease. In addition, drill presses offer greater depth and precision. They come in a wide range of sizes and capabilities, so finding the right drill press can be a bit challenging.
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Luckily, we don’t have to search far and wide for a great-working bench-top drill press. A China-based company named WEN produces drill presses that are accurate, powerful, and cost-efficient. There are some similarities between the models but we’re mainly going to focus on what sets them apart. Essentially, the greater the model number, the more features, and power you can expect. Let’s dive right in and see how each of these WEN drill presses compares against one another.
Swing and Stroke
4208
This model lets users drill in the exact center of materials measuring up to 8 inches in diameter. The spindle also travels up to 2 inches deep into whatever stock you’re working on.
4210
The swing capacity of this model is 10 inches. The spindle travels only slighter farther than the WEN 4208 model (2-1/2 inches deep).
4212
The WEN 4212 has a swing of 10 inches. However, the spindle travels slightly shallower than the previous model – only 2-3/8 inches into your stock.
4214
The largest model of the bunch has a swing capacity that supports accurate drilling into the center of 12-inch diameter pieces of wood. The spindle can travel up to 3-1/8 inches, though users should proceed patiently as deeper depths mean an increased risk of burning and jamming.
Motor and Speed
4208
This model features a 2.3 amp (1/3 horsepower) motor. It’s not the most impressive motor on the market, though it’s adequate for simple DIY projects and light-duty applications. Users can set the rapidness of spindle rotation by choosing one of five total speed options. The spindle rotates between 740 and 3,140 RPM.
4210
This model comes with a 3.2 amp (3/4 horsepower) motor which is slightly more impressive than the previous drill press but still far from being the most powerful. In terms of speed, operators can also select one of five speeds that deliver between 600 and 3,100 RPM.
4212
This improved model sports a 2/3-horsepower (4.5 amps) motor which delivers between 530 and 1,300 RPM. What separates this model from the two previous models is that the speed is controlled by a dial, giving the user infinite control of how fast they want the spindle to rotate.
4214
You can see where we’re going with this. The WEN 4214 comes with a 4.5 amp motor (a little more than 2/3 horsepower). The infinite speed dial can be set to deliver speeds as low as 530 RPM and as high as 3,200 RPM.
Additional Features
4208
The only notable add-on you get with the WEN 4208 drill press is a simple built-in key holder. This is where you place the key chuck so you’ll always know where it is for when you need to make quick bit changes.
4210
Apart from the key storage, this model comes with a laser guide which we found to be as accurate as can be. There’s also a work light which might be somewhat of a nuisance since the shadows produced from the light can interfere with measurements.
4212
You get the same add-ons as you’d get with the 4210 Drill Press, but it comes with the digital readout to show how quickly the spindle is rotating. This is especially helpful since, without a gauge, you’re guessing how quickly the bit is spinning which can lead to ruined stock.
4214
You get the same additional features as you get with the other three units, except it also comes with a table roller extension. The table extension helps users hold onto and balance longboards and awkwardly-shaped stocks.
Table
4208
Essentially, the larger the size of the table, the more space you get to work with and the greater the swing capacity. The smallest drill press here features a 6-1/2 x 6-1/2-inch table. Although it’s rather tiny, it’s more than enough to get DIY furniture and household projects done with ease. The table can also bevel up to 45° to the left or right.
4210
The WEN 4210’s table measures 7-5/8 x 7-5/8 inches in area. It’s significantly larger than the previous model, and it provides a rather sizable swing capacity. The bevel capacity of the table is also 45° in both directions.
4212
This is the only drill press in this list that doesn’t feature a perfectly squared table. The table measures 8 x 7-2/3-inches wide. We would have liked to see an extendable table here, especially due to the awkward dimensions of the drill press table. Once again, bevel capacity ranges up to 45° to the left or right.
4214
The table of the 4214 model is quite large – 9-1/2 x 9-1/2-inches. This supports the 12-inch swing capacity of the drill press. The table bevels in both directions (up to 45°). Finally, the table of this unit can be extended to help support longboards.
- Includes a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage
- Operates at 5 different speeds: 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, 3140 RPM
- Spindle travels up to 2 inches with easy to read, locking linear depth stops for accurate and repeatable...
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Depth Gauge
4208, 4210, 4212 and 4212
They all feature the same depth-locking mechanism, namely a single rod on the left-hand side of the drill. The only problem is that excessive downward force when pulling the drill head can cause the depth gauge to shit, regardless of how tightly it was locked.
- Includes: drill press, class II 1mW laser, 1/2" keyed chuck & key, tools for assembly
- Adjust between five speeds from 600 to 3100 RPM
- Spindle travel of 2-1/2” with easy to read, locking linear depth stop for accurate and repeatable drilling...
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
WEN 4208 vs 4210 vs 4212 vs 4214: Bottom Line
It can be quite difficult to determine what kind of drill press to get. In a nutshell, we prefer drills that have larger tables, quicker max speeds, and accurate depth gauges. Depending on how frequently you plan on using your drill press, as well as how much work you’re accepting and how quickly you need them done, you should think closely about which drill press to buy. One thing we don’t like about the 4212 and the WEN 4214 drill press is their respective work lights.
- Spindle travel of 2-2/5 in. with easy to read, adjustable depth stop for accurate and repeatable drilling...
- 8 in. x 7-2/3 in. cast iron worktable features rack and pinion height adjustment and bevels up to 45 degrees...
- Laser target your drilling operation marked with an X-pattern display
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The shadows produced from the lights can be problematic, especially if we can’t see our own measurement markings. However, with all things considered, if you need heavy-duty work done, the WEN 4214 drill press can be a great choice. If you’re a first-time buyer who’s looking for a smaller, personal-use drill press, the 4208 and the 4214 drill press can be excellent solutions.
- Infinitely variable speed ranges from 580-3200 RPMS. Mechanical variable speed delivers equal torque...
- Spindle Travel of 3-1/8" with easy to read, locking linear depth stop for accurate and repeatable drilling...
- Quill diameter of 2.17 inches. Durable 2/3hp induction motor develops ample torque and power. Motor: 120 V, 60...
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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