VEVOR DP12VL 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press: features, specs and who it suits

The VEVOR DP12VL is a 12-inch benchtop drill press for wood and metal. It has a 5 A induction motor on 120 V, continuously variable speed, a tilting table and a laser guide. A drill press holds the bit vertical and feeds it with a lever, which gives straighter and more repeatable holes than a hand drill.

What "12-inch swing" means

Swing is the distance from the column to the opposite side of the drill's chuck, doubled, so it describes the widest workpiece you can centre a hole in. A 12-inch swing lets you drill to the middle of a piece up to about 12 inches across. VEVOR also lists a 23-inch capacity from chuck to base and a stroke of 3-1/8 inches (80 mm).

Motor and speed range

VEVOR says the 5 A induction motor is meant for drilling through metal, wood and similar materials. Induction motors are typically quiet and durable. Speed is continuously variable from 580 to 3200 RPM, with an LED digital screen to show the setting. Generally, larger bits and metals call for slower speeds, and small bits in wood suit higher ones, so it helps to follow the bit maker's guidance.

Chuck and drilling capacity

The chuck takes bits from 1/32 to 5/8 inch (16 mm). The chuck taper is JT3, and the spindle taper is MT2. These taper standards decide which chucks and arbors fit, which is useful to know if you plan to swap accessories.

Tilting table

The cast iron table bevels 0 to 45 degrees to the left and right. Tilting lets you drill angled holes without clamping the work at an awkward angle. Locking handles hold the table in place, and a crank handle raises and lowers it.

Laser guide

The drill press has a laser light rated Class III, 650 nm, with a listed 2.5 mW output. It projects a mark to help you line up the hole. Do not look into the beam, and read the manual's laser instructions.

Heat and durability

VEVOR describes a heat dissipation system intended to let the machine run longer and last longer.

Size and weight

The unit measures 21.3 x 13.5 x 37.5 inches and weighs 84.9 lb. It needs a sturdy bench and ideally bolting down.

Accessories in the box

VEVOR lists three feed handles, a speed handle, a table crank handle, a wedge, two table lock handles, a chuck arbor, a fork wrench, 3 mm and 4 mm hex wrenches, four M10 x 25 hex bolts, a chuck key, the column, the table and the base.

What to check before you buy

• Bench: it weighs almost 85 lb, so check the bench can carry it.
• Space: plan for 37.5 inches of height and room for long workpieces.
• Power: it draws 5 A at 120 V, so check the circuit and follow local electrical codes.
• Bit sizes: make sure the 5/8 inch chuck capacity covers your bits.
• Safety: clamp the work, wear eye protection and follow the manual.
• Assembly: you will assemble the column, table and base yourself.

The short version

• 12-inch swing benchtop drill press with a 5 A, 120 V induction motor.
• Variable speed from 580 to 3200 RPM with an LED display.
• Cast iron table that tilts 0 to 45 degrees.
• 5/8 inch chuck capacity and 3-1/8 inch stroke.
• Laser guide, with tools and handles included.

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