To know which one is suitable for you, you must understand what they are and what they do and their benefits. It's a known fact that benchtop presses will take up less floor space. However, you will risk to give up capacity in throat and quill stroke. Nonetheless, such tools are essential in a woodsman's workshop. As it lends a hand in giving inventors versatility in making holes through different materials such as metal and wood.

Benchtop Press

Such a tool is known to take up relatively less floor space. This is because the stand will most probably reside on an existing cabinet or structure. If you're looking for a tool that is convenient and cheap, you should consider this product. However, it can quickly deal with simple jobs of constructions, but in some cases, you will find it difficult to handle a tremendous situation with only this tool. The majority of them will offer 8” to 12” if swing with a stroke reach of 2 to 3-3/8”.

If you are only working with household work or simple jobs, you should consider this product. In addition to this, if your working space is compact and you don't have a lot of space to move around, this product is suitable for you. When researching for this tool, you will notice that the machines have a power range between 0.3 to 0.5 HP along with variable speed options from 5 to 10-speed levels.

Benefits

Some people argue that this tool is steadier and much more robust. Even though it comes much smaller than the floor drill presses, you shouldn't let that fool you. Some of its features are:
  • The table platform will provide you with easy operation 
  • The handle leverage can make your job dealing with more significant items easier 
  • The red and bright laser will provide guidance so you can align the drill and make the job easier 

Limitations

Just like every tool, you will find that this item also has its flaws. Not only that they are heavy, but you will also see that they tend to vibrate uncontrollably. Some of its negative characteristics are:
  • Drive spindle can cause problems with drilling holes 
  • Too noisy when they operate 
  • Some models work great with wood but not metal 

Floor Drill Press

This floor standing toll stands alone on the floor. The drill strokes are designed between 3” to 6” and a power range that measures between 0.75 to 1.5 HP. In addition to this, the variable speed option ranges from level 12 to level 16. Thus, providing you with a significant opportunity to choose from. Not only that they are more powerful, but they are also capable of dealing with thicker pieces of metal and wood. It could easily make deeper holes through thick stock. Thus, this tool is suitable for heavy-duty construction jobs. That requires a lot of drilling and manoeuvring.



In addition to this, it can quickly deal with longer pieces of material because it has an increased capacity and thicker column of support. Furthermore, this tool can offer a range of attachments and accessories that will make your job easier. You can convert it to act as amortising equipment, speed sander, and many other useful things. Regardless, it can give you an accurate and quick angle cutting with ease.

Benefits

The most obvious advantage is the fact that it's more powerful and it provides stability as well as precise cuts. Some of its benefits are:
  • You will be presented with a large capacity 
  • Capable of deep reductions without having to change the table position 
  • Ideal for heavy construction jobs 

Limitations

Some people argue that this tool is too expensive, especially when compared to benchtop presses. Its limitations are:
  • Difficult to assemble 
  • Speed adjustment belt is difficult to reposition for beginners 
  • You cannot move it around quickly as it's heavy 

Conclusion

There's no hiding the fact that both tools will be your helping hand to get done whatever job you have. If you're not willing to spend a lot of money and you only have household work to do, we recommend you a benchtop drill press. It won't take up a lot of space, and it's much more practical as you can move it around quickly. However, we recommend a floor drill press for those that have heavy-duty jobs. Those that need to get the job done fast and efficiently. What we suggest is that you have a look through reviews and consider which specific tool best suits your needs and preferences.