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In a hurry? While I recommend reading the whole article to find the drill bit set for drill press that best suits your needs, I have to mention here that the Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Drill Bit Set is my favorite. It offers excellent quality that will have no trouble drilling into metals, and can also be used with impact drivers.
If you spend a lot of time in your workshop, chances are you use your drill press a lot.
If that’s the case, you definitely need a quality set of drill bits for drill press. In this article, I’ll help you select the best one for you based on a variety of criteria. Before getting into reviews of the individual drill bit sets, though, here’s a selection of the top three:
- Top Pick – Wood: Bosch BL29 Drill Bit Set
- Top Pick – Metal: Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Drill Bit Set
Top Pick – Wood: Bosch BL29 Drill Bit Set
If you are looking for a quality set of drill bits for wood, you should consider this one by Bosch. Its 29 pieces, ranging from 1/16-inch all the way up to 1/2-inch, cover every size you will need for most projects. The no-skate tip results in cleaner and more accurate starts.
The black oxide coating results in less friction compared to traditional steel bits, and the three-flat shank helps improve the grip on small bits. The diameter is clearly marked on each bit so it’s easy to find the right bit for your job.
The size of the set, the price, and the quality of these bits make them the top pick for drilling into wood using a drill press.
Top Pick – Metal: Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Drill Bit Set
If you are looking for a set of drill bits to use with metal, one of the best ones to start your search with is the Milwaukee Shockwave one. This 20-piece set comes with a professional carrying case. Each bit is titanium coated to ensure long shelf life and the ability to drill through metals.
The finish is very professional, the hex-shank allows you to use them with an impact driver as well, and the carrying case is very handy.
This set ranges from 1/16 to 3/8-inch with multiple pieces of the most-used sizes. The bits in this set have a chip-breaking tip and a 135-degree split point. They also have variable helix.
All of that makes this set an ideal choice if you are looking for metal drill bits for your drill press.
Runner-Up – Wood: Black Oxide Drill Bits
The runner-up for drilling wood is Ryobi’s 35-piece set. The bits range from 1/16 to 5/16-inch in size and are coated with black oxide. They come with a nice yellow carrying case which closes securely and has grips to hold each piece.
The N-shaped tips result in better centering and reduced walking while drilling. The flutes will quickly get rid of chips, resulting in cooler running.
These bits are well manufactured and are ideal for use in wood. Since there are 35 bits in this set, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a job you can’t use this set for.
Runner-Up – Metal: Craftsman 9-64085
As for the runner-up in the metal category, I decided to feature Craftsman’s 21-piece set.
It features bits ranging from 1/16 to 3/8 inch. It was designed for use in all metals – even hard metals. The split point prevents walking, and the well-designed flutes help with quick chip removal.
The set comes with a professional carrying case that has the bit size clearly printed below each slot. Each bit contains cobalt which leads to longer tool life and better overall performance.
All in all, this is a set that both amateurs and professionals will find useful.
Budget-Friendly Option: DeWalt Titanium Set
This 21-piece DeWalt set has a good range of bits and offers a good cost-performance. You’ll find bits ranging from 1/16 to 1/2-inch in size, with a decent number of nominal sizes in between.
It comes in a sturdy plastic carrying case and the bits slide into bores that will prevent them from rattling or getting mixed up. Each pocket has the size of the bit printed on it so you will make sure the right bit goes into the right slot.
These bits also have a titanium coating to make them last longer and give a really sleek finished look to the bits. They have speed tips which reduce walking while machining. These bits can be used in either wood or metal applications, though they are best suited for non-ferrous materials.
The Alternatives: Benchtop Drill Presses Also Worth Considering
While I recommend getting one of the sets mentioned above, if you did not find one you like among those, you might also want to consider the two below.
Comoware Titanium Twist Drill Bit Set
The first alternative that I want to mention is Comoware’s set.
This pack comes with 13 pieces ranging in size from 1/16 to 1/4-inch. In spite of their affordability, these bits also have a professional titanium coating on them to keep them operational for a long time.
The cutting edges on Comoware’s bit are all hardened to keep the bits sharp. They have a 135-degree pointed N-shaped angle to reduce walking and improve starting holes. They also have a 2-flute composition which clears chips quickly, keeping the drill cool and cutting.
Every one of their bits has a quick-change base with a close-up lock. All of the bits arrange nicely in a hard plastic carrying case. The case has embossed text to keep all of your bits in order.
Black & Decker 18-Piece Drill Bit Set
Last on the list is Black & Decker’s 18-piece drill bit set. The bits in this set come in a hard plastic container and feature sizes from 1/16 to 1/2-inch. The container is clear which makes storage and retrieval of bits easy.
This set is perfect for DIY applications as it’s universal, meaning it can drill into wood, plastic, or metals. The bits fit a 3/8 drill chuck and have a speed tip to make sure they don’t walk while drilling.
The Methodology: What I Considered When Picking the Drill Bit Sets Featured Above
When it comes to choosing the right set of drill bits for your drill press, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Below are the four most important of those:
- Quality: This should go without saying, but depending on your situation, you might need a high-quality set or you might be able to get by with a cheaper albeit lower quality set. In either case, one of the best ways to judge quality is to thoroughly go through product reviews, not only positive but also neutral and negative. You will also want to try to stay with one of the big brands if possible.
- Price: There are sets that cost as little as ten dollars and there are those that go well over a hundred. In most cases, the right price point for you is somewhere in the middle. However, if you are planning to use your bits daily on heavy-duty applications like drilling into hard metals, don’t hesitate to invest more. It will save you money, time, and frustration in the long-term. On the other hand, if you only drill into softwood every now and then, you will be able to get by with much cheaper bits.
- Type: While I only talk about regular twist bits in this article, depending on your application, those might not be the right bits for you. For example, if you need to counterbore bolts, you might want to look at Forstner bits.
- Material: While drill bits are generally manufactured from steel, there are bits of various finishes. The most common ones are black oxide, titanium, and cobalt. If you are looking to drill into wood, then you don’t have to worry about the material of the bits you choose to use with your drill press too much. However, if you will be drilling into metals, you should consider investing into a cobalt or a titanium set.
Summary
As you know, for drill presses to be useful, you have to pair them with a good set of bits. With dozens and dozens of different products in the market, though, it can get a bit difficult. I hope that reading the above helped you with making a decision.
If you are planning to use your drill press mainly with wood, I recommend getting the Bosch BL29. The set has a good selection of bit sizes and will have no problem with drilling consistently through even harder wood.
On the other hand, if you are planning to use your drill press to work with metal, you should consider getting a set of cobalt or titanium drill bits. While there are several good sets out there, I recommend starting your search with the Milwaukee Shockwave.
Finally, if you are on a budget, have plans to drill into both wood and metal – and maybe even other materials – I recommend getting DeWalt’s set of titanium bits.
