WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press Review

It really is not surprising to see another WEN drill press here since this company has been producing quality drill presses since 1951. This particular model has a lot of good reviews and is relatively new to the market. This makes it an excellent choice for both new and returning customers out there. WEN 4214 12-Inch Variable Speed Drill Press has a lot of similarities with the 4208; however, this comes with a beefier motor, and that means this kind of makes it a better WEN drill press than the 4208.

Power

The power on this drill press is what puts it a step further than the 4208. The 4214’s inductive motor is rated at 2/3 HP and 5-amp. You can immediately tell that this is a decent motor, and that is true since you can drill both low-density wood and high-density metal with relative ease; certainly so when compared with the 4208. 

You do have to keep in mind to retrofit a correct drill bit when working with specific materials; a drill bit you use with wood cannot be used to work with metal. This is something you do not want to neglect since working with a wrong drill bit will cause stalls or a lousy finish if you are working with metals sheets or even woods.

Speed

Like 4208, the 4214 also has a variable speed control that allows you to work with different types of materials. This is an important factor to any drill press since some materials will need a lower speed while other materials will need a higher speed to work with. However, whereas the 4208 has five variable speeds, the 4214 has a variable speed of 580 – 3,200 RPMs; this further allows you to work with a wide array of materials from wood, metal to plastic, and more. Imagine how versatile this drill press is!

Another plus side of the 4214 is that it has a digital readout that makes your life easier than having to read the speed on the nob. Furthermore, you can adjust the variable speed on the fly, further making it easy to work with. Last, of all, the speed you choose locks in place when you choose it, and you do not need to readjust it every time you work with it.

Size

The WEN 4214 is a 12-inch drill press, but specifically, the model has a throat depth of 12-inch; with a depth of this size, you can easily work with a material that is 6 inches in depth. If you work with a material that is beyond 6 inches in depth, it will collide with the column of the drill press.

It is crucial to know that this length is sufficient enough for both professional and normal users.

The WEN 4214 also has a cast-iron table that measures at 9.5 x 9.5 inches; this makes it considerably bigger than the 4208, and the size makes it much easier to work with, further making the 4214 a more versatile model.

Lastly, with the 3-1/8 inches spindle travel, you can drill thick materials with ease.

Angle

Like the 4208, the 4214’s table is also very easy to adjust. This model can tilt 45-degrees to the right and 45-degrees to the left. Also, like the 4208, you can lock in the tilted table in position. 

Miscellaneous

Apart from the major features, the 4214 also has excellent qualities like superb build structure made from sturdy metals. The drill press is very durable, and it is made to last a long time.

Also, experts have deemed the 4214 to be a very user-friendly drill press since the base made from cast iron is large and grants a lot of stability when drilling. Moreover, the X-pattern laser mounted at the top clearly shows the exact area of drilling, therefore, increasing your accuracy.

What We Like

• It has a powerful 2/3 HP inductive motor that can help you work with materials from wood to high-density metals.
• It is user-friendly and versatile.
• The drill press is sturdy and extremely durable since the base is made of cast iron.
• It has an X-pattern laser for greater accuracy.
• You can tilt the table 45-degrees to both left and right.
• It has a variable speed of 580 – 3800 RPMs. The speed locks in place and you can see it on a digital meter.

What We Don’t Like

Even though this has a reasonably strong motor, it still will have a difficult time handling steel. This is an area where premium drill presses with motors over 1 HP have a clear advantage over typical presses.

However, it is not like the WEN 4214 is a lousy drill press, it is evident that there are more powerful drill presses out there; that said, the 4214’s unmatched value for the price is what makes it a winner even amongst premium drill presses in the market.

Conclusion

The wen drill press 4214 is a prime example of WEN’s excellence in making extraordinary drill presses over the years. It has unmatched value for money, and it is easy enough to use where new users are concerned. This is comparatively an affordable drill press when you look at other premium products in the market.

This drill press is highly recommended if you are looking for drill presses for working with wood, or with light or relatively dense metals. However, if you are looking to buy a drill press that can drill through hardened metals like steel, then you might want to look elsewhere.