VEVOR 980W Magnetic Drill Press: features, specs and who it suits

The VEVOR 980W magnetic drill press is a portable drilling machine that holds itself to steel with an electromagnetic base. That lets you bring the drill to a beam or plate instead of moving heavy steel to a drill press. It is meant mainly for steel fabrication and similar work.

How the magnetic base works

The base contains an electromagnet, switched on and off with a control on the machine. When it is on, it clamps the drill to the steel surface. VEVOR rates the holding force at 10,000N (about 2,250 lb) and describes a two-stage magnet. The listing also gives 2,700 lb in the title, so go by the 10,000N figure in the specifications.

The magnet only works well on a clean, flat, thick enough ferrous surface. Thin, painted, rusty or rough metal reduces the grip. Non-magnetic materials such as aluminium or stainless grades with low magnetism won't hold the drill, so you would need another way to clamp it.

The 980W motor and 680 RPM speed

The motor is rated at 980W with a rated speed of 680 rpm on a 110V, 50Hz supply as listed. That speed is typical for annular cutters, which cut best at moderate rpm with coolant. Check that your supply frequency and voltage match what the manual specifies.

Annular cutters, not twist bits

This tool is designed for hollow annular (core) cutters. VEVOR says it can be used only with hollow boring bits, and with annular bits under 0.3 inch (8mm) in diameter noted in the features, so read the manual on which cutters fit. A core cutter removes a ring of metal and leaves a slug, which typically needs less power than drilling a full-size hole. The maximum coring diameter is 1.38 inch (35mm).

The listing gives travel as 4.92 inch (125mm) in the features and 6 inch (150mm) in the description, so confirm the exact stroke before you rely on it.

Cooling and handling

A rust-proof stainless steel cooling pot of about 350ml holds coolant, and a pilot pin helps with fitting and removing bits and with removing screws. The motor has a dustproof air inlet and exhaust holes for cooling.

Three extended crank handles are coated with non-slip rubber to feed the cutter, and an ergonomic handle helps with carrying. The machine weighs about 13.4 lb (6 kg) and measures about 8.5 x 3.0 x 15.5 inches (21.5 x 7.6 x 39 cm), which VEVOR describes as portable.

What is in the box

The listing includes the 35mm core drilling machine, a coolant pot, a rope, a drill chuck, a chuck key and a few small parts. Cutters are not listed as included, so plan to buy annular cutters separately if you need them.

Who it suits

VEVOR names steel structures, shipbuilding, bridge and railway work, wind power, power-plant construction, equipment installation and home improvement as applications. In practice it suits fabricators, maintenance crews and serious home workshop users who drill steel in place and need accurate holes.

What to check before you buy

• Material: confirm the work is thick, clean, flat steel the magnet can grip.
• Cutters: check the shank type the machine takes and the cutter sizes you need.
• Power: check the voltage and frequency against your supply.
• Stroke and size: make sure the travel and height suit your work.
• Safety: use eye protection, secure the cord, and follow the manual, especially around coolant and electricity.
• Upkeep: keep the magnet face clean and flat.

The short version

• A portable magnetic drill press with a 980W motor and 680 rpm speed.
• A 10,000N (about 2,250 lb) switchable electromagnetic base.
• Maximum coring diameter of 35mm (1.38 inch), for annular cutters.
• Includes a coolant pot, pilot pin, chuck and chuck key.
• About 13.4 lb (6 kg), meant for steel work on site or on a fabrication floor.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.