World's BEST Drill Press Value - The WEN 4214
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Today we're looking at what might be the best value drill press available, the WEN 4214. We've got an unbox, assembly, review, demonstration and some must-have accessories.
Keyless Chuck/Arbor - amzn.to/3zmue89
WEN 4214 - amzn.to/3gm5d0D
Gear Used in Filming:
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WEN Drill Press Review
WEN Drill Press Unboxing
WEN 4214 vs Jet
WEN 4214 vs Harbor Freight
WEN 4214 vs Shop Fox
WEN 4214 vs Porter Cable
WEN 4214 vs Skil
WEN 4214 vs Ryobi
WEN 4214 vs Grizzly
The clicking in the motor is the centrifugal switch closing. It's used for the starter winding to power up the motor.
Just finished my machinist degree and that’s exactly what it is.
Ah yeah I recognised this sound straight away too! Split phase or capacitor start motor from memory?
Yup. It snaps back into position to connect the high torque, but slower, motor windings. When traveling fast enough, the centripetal force pulls it up disconnecting those windings, while the 'go fast' windings take over. On spin down, force disappears, it clacks back into position. It's two parts, one affixed, that slide on the spindle. Spinning makes it swing the 'elbows' out, mechanically separating a connection.
Matthias has a short but great vid which explains this centrifugal switch click. The TH-cam vid ID is GNTvWxl3Isw
Nfl players skulls more valuable than a drill press.... debatable...🤣
Thank you for the review! I also loved the line “that’s not just good, that’s good enough!” As one amazon reviewer wrote “I’m
Not making medical devices in my garage, I’m drilling holes in wood. Are you drilling holes in wood? Then get this.” As for me, I’m by far the least accurate thing in my garage so it seems more than good enough for me. Thanks!
I measure to 1/64th, then mark with a pencil more than twice that wide. This drill press would probably work fine for me.
I purchased a piece of crap WEN 4214 drill press and was able to square the table left to right but it was badly out of square front to back. I assumed that the vise I mounted on the table must have thrown it out of square so I removed it and tried again. I discovered that it was the table itself that was out of square so I decided I could shim the vise and level things up. Wrong - the table is DEFORMED and has one low corner. Which is basically impossible to shim and fix. I went back and forth with WEN forth three weeks and they finally suggested I PURCHASE a new table from them that might possibly be square front to back. ...isn't the entire purpose of a drill press to drill holes that are square with your work? This POS fails miserably!
I purchased this exact model and it landed here today.
I used brake cleaner (it doesn't harm most paints) to clean everything up including the quill and the taper for the chuck I assembled the unit.
I used a dial indicator to test for run out on the quill and found it at 1/2 thousands. I installed the taper into the quill with a rubber hammer and then the chuck into the taper--again using the rubber hammer.
I then installed a brand new Made in the USA 5/16" drill bit and checked for run out. I found only 2 thousands run out.
SO! Before spending another $35 or so on the key less chuck, check the specs for the original units.
While I use key less chucks on my battery powered drills I do prefer a manual chuck on a stationary drill as they tighten and stay tightened.
Use no cholonated brake clean or mineral spirits and the paint will be ok
Albrecht style keyless chucks tighten under load. Your experience is probably with cheaply made keyless chucks.
Albrecht, Rohm, Glacern Machine Tools, etc. You will stall the machine before it lets go of the bit.
I had this drill press for a while. I sold it because I sold everything I could to avoid having to move it from state to state a couple years ago. I really like the drill press overall. There is a safety concern. The tab on the front pulley that passes through the hall effect sensor (for rpm measurement) was cutting through the power cord insulation. I would estimate it cut about 50% of the way through the insulation before there was no longer contact. I watched it closely for a while and it didn't change from there.
First thing I did was replace the chuck anyway with a setup from Glacern Machine Tools (MT2-DC500). Chucking in a piece of drill rod, I was at about .0007~ total indicated.
Minus the safety issue, I agree that it's the best value there is. By the way, this is the same drill press that JET sells (model 716000) under their name for 2.5x what I paid.
Lazy bastard lol
Really? Same quality of parts/materials?
Take the runout from the tool and my poor measuring skills, Add them together, then they should cancel each other out, giving me an extremely precise hole. 😉. Great review. Extremely informative and great for those with buyer’s remorse or those who know very little about drill presses, like myself; that definitely eased my mind a bit about my purchase. Thank you!
Hi, at 7:40, I'd suggest replacing one of the nuts with a lock nut, or replacing the washer with a rubbery nylon washer. The reason being that the friction from the rubber prevents side to side movement (which is the main cause for loosening nuts)
Alternatively, line both sides of the washer with electric tape.
I just purchased the Wen 4214, I had the same clicking when powering off. Thanks to your video, I see It’s normal. I found your video very informative. Thank you
I have one of these. Its a total pc of crap. I'm LITTERALY getting ready to throw it in the trash. Its that bad I'm not going to even try to sell it. It'll join the WEN belt disk sander I had in the same landfill.
So I take it you're not a fan?
“Felt like I put 2000 dollar rims on a 4000 dollar civic”.. man this guy would be horrified to got to a stance meet 😂
Didn't know what that was. Googled it. Yes, now horrified.
My WEN 4214, upon powering down, does make that multi clicking sound. I called wen about it and I too was told that it was normal. I do like my
WEN drill press. I use it strictly for metal. It gets the job done for sure. Thank you very much for the review.
Minimum speed on it ok for drilling metal?
Thanks for the review. There are two set screws that hold the head on the column. It is above the one you tightened
I bought one of these drill presses about a year ago. For the money I was pretty happy! I will say they are not meant for heavy duty work. On the runout on the press I bought it had .003" with the stock chuck and a router bit I used to measure the runout. I use my press for hobby woodworking and it fits the bill. For the DIY'er on a budget I highly reccomend it.
Could be helpful to let us know the minimum drill Diameter this 12" Wen can receive.
Also, can the plunger be adjusted to make it tighter, hence no play in it.
Thanks, nice unboxing. 👍
Same question for the Amazon keyless chuck. Thx
Hahaa. The cvt clutch is the same on snowmobiles. Thats funny and love it. Ingenious. No more moving belts on the pulleys. Nice. Tho I baught a wen drywall sander. And yea. well what a disappointment that was. 😕
Great video helped me make my decision!👍
My only thought was if WEN put a brushless motor on the unit it would run quieter and have a longer life.
🖖
I've had an excellent experience with tech support. No email. Just call. Yes, the tech actually walks over to a tool like the one you are calling about and walks you through any adjustment! Amazing theses days!
First, without the bit, run out was .0001? With the Forstner bit in the chuck, .08? My son had this, and he gave it to me when he purchased the 4225T from WEN. He had all the adjustments set, and I checked it after he delivered it to me. Overall, I am impressed with the WEN 4214. I will never go back to a manually adjustable speed drill press.
I'm finding it a bit underpowered. Spinning a 1-3/8" hole saw through a 2 X 4 stalls the motor pretty easily. I guess I'll have to slow down.
I have a Wen 4212 hack that may work on the 4214 as well....i ordered the wen grinder stand and as i suspected the drill press pole flange and the top flange of the grinder match up perfectly. so you can adapt the desktop model to the floor model for $100. and the water cooling tray is great for often used bits.
great hack for me.
Just livin his best life pre pandemic, I'll be purchasing one of these ASAP.
4:15 you think 9 thousands is high? that is about 1/128 of an inch... where would you need greater precision in woodworking?
Metalworking and or small bits
There are two set screws. Look above the one you set about 3".
I noticed that too while putting the drill together, but the instructions only say to tighten the one.
You have try resetting the taper a few times. And clean it all.
"I like it but, it does great in this area but, the best value but, it's under $300 so not much room to complain but I will"
OK good review and all one thing tho the parts are cast steel not cast iron. The clicking noise is the start winding it has a centrifugal switch once it reaches full speed and the belt should be good for awhile.
By and large I completely agree with this review and valued it in making my decision to buy. The cost versus features pushed me to buy in light of any shortcomings. I should also mention I am an avid WEN customer btw who owns several WEN products... but am also not blind to shortcomings.
My Pros include:
*The CVT-style variable speed adjustment (will never go back to belt switching either, and the reason most people I know get this one), I’ll actually switch speeds rather than just leave it somewhere in the middle ;-) Nice for this price level.
*the use of IRON versus stamped metal in other lower cost units
*the relatively easy assembly,
*good stateside customer service/support (which I actually needed/used), BTW if you brought up the chuck issue, pretty sure they’d have sent you a new one.
*the cost versus features/performance on this.
* the availability of parts (thus far)
My Cons:
*the “fit and finish” like he also stated. The iron base on mine has a bit of unevenness in opposing corners, (bolting it down and shimming it helps). This isn’t unique to WEN though... but should be a QC inspection issue.
*the loudness he mentions is real. It’s noticeably louder than some others in a similar price profile.
*The loud shutoff “clutch/ brake” mentioned is noticeable, but normal.
Like his review states, because the positives can outweigh the negatives for most at this cost-point, this is a decent buy.
*Penenyjeter, does it look possible install a smaller diameter drive pulley to slow down the RPM and drill mild steel?*
Why didn't you list the after market key-less chuck link that you had to buy to get an acceptable runout? We'd like to follow your lead......
You missed one of the set screws for the head. There are two. You missed the top one. Otherwise a nice assembly video.
Thank you for this review, it cemented my decision to go with a JET drill press. I know it is more expensive, but I would be constantly irritated by the noise and inaccuracy of this WEN. I get what I pay for, and not being able to drill an accurate and straight hole, is not good enough.
Which JET drill? The JWDP-12 appears to be exactly the same drill as this Wen.
Exactly the same units, just a color change. Good work!
oh wow i didnt know that they were the same. burned himself with that. jet used to be the name man
What I like most about this video is the presentation itself. Not too long, very informative and hit all the important points. The cinematography is excellent and voice articulation is clear and well structured to the subject. I can think of many long winded, boring national TV newscasters that should take lessons from Aaron.
There's an excellent, short video from Matthias Wandel on electrical motors which explains the centrifugal switch click. It's here:
Nice review, thanks for posting it. Quick question: did you find the table to be rock solid once you tightened the locking ring or did it move or wiggle?
It's pretty solid, no wobble or anything. But unless you really crank it down, it can move side to size if you press hard enough.
Mine doesnt even lock anymore and table wobbles. I need to find a way of locking it down
there should be that top set screw like there is in mine.
There are two set screws to hold the head on the column!!! One straight above the one you tightened!!!
I just bought this one and using a dial indicator (just bought that, too) it reads .004 runout at the chuck (measuring on the side where the key holes are) but it reads .113 runout on a milling bit inserted in the chuck. I'm using the drill press mainly for polymer 80 308 lowers and not sure if the runout is too excessive for that. I would think so but trying to find out.
That motor sound its came from inside clutch don't worries about it
Just like make Drill bowling balls pro shop
Ha, just purchased this drill, except from harbor freight. Even the unboxing was exactly the same.
It is crazy to think this same drill is rebranded all over out there but the most compelling case is Jet. Jet is selling this same unit at double what Wen and HF sell it for. People end up paying for the name and the name alone. 🧐
Great review ! I’m a contractor…….and you got right to the essentials of the tool.
A bigger question is why are you downgrading to a 1/2" max size chuck when you can get a 5/8" keyless chuck for almost the same price?
iirc, when i made this video a couple years ago 5/8" keyless chucks were quite a bit more than 1/2".
I'm still trying to see if anyone replaced the motor with a 2HP motor.
Can't say that I've tried that
Well balanced review. Seems like a great drill press in this price range. Wish there was a side by side comparison with the Bauer 12". Very similar specs but the Bauer is somewhat less expensive.
They look identical. Guessing they come out of the same factory. Harbor Freights warranty is terrible though.
I have the 4212works fabulous. ABOUT 2 YEARS OLD the first thing I did KEYLESS CHUCK
@Incorrigible Aaron the associate link to the aftermarket chuck goes to a different product than the one you featured, just so you know.
I think I found that chuck on Amazon Uxcell drill MT2 I think.
Thanks for your excellent video review! Wanted to point out that your link to the uxcell drill chuck links instead to a different product. The uxcell definitely still exists, but is a different link. Thanks again!
I got one a while back. I concur with everything you stated.
For the $, it’s an excellent value
Just ordered the chuck via your Amazon link hopefully thanks for sharing
Late bloomer love the video and would like to know about the keyless chuck didn’t find it SORRY
Mine screeched really bad at the motor output and had noticeable and audible drag when turning the motor by hand. Luckily Amazon had UPS pick it up for a free return. Sucked I had to box it back up -- heavy!
It looks same as lumberjack one
I recently purchased same drill press and The keyless chuck, problem! Now the laser cross hairs are not fully visible due to the longer keyless chuck length! Any ideas how to resolve this?
The clicking noise is the centrifugal clutch reengaging when the motor slows down enough. Perfectly normal.
if you want to get under 5 thou of runout from a 3 jaw chuck or drill chuck you need to buy a reeeally good one. maybe you should buy some kind of indicatable chuck or some collets?
You should measure runout with a runout bar, not a forstener bit
@@aaronstestlab Hey, I'm just trying to offer some constructive criticism. Forstner bits can have manufacturing defects in them that caust them to be slightly out of round, or they could warp or twist slightly from use. Point being they arent accurate enough for precision setup.
The click from the motor is the centrifugal switch
mines broke today after it stalled drilling into a sheet of .050" aluminum.
Thanks for sharing I just received this I also bought the add on Wen work table which I will be installing I may also get the better chuck and do it all at once again thanks for sharing
Omg thanks for talking about the clicking I just got mine and thought something was wrong.
I have a 30 year old craftsman, that has the same arrangement for clamping the table after adjusting height... the cast iron clamp is still doing fine. But the part is enormous, and the amount of deflecting to tighten clamp solid is so tiny. So I would not worry about that issue.
You want it to sound like sex ( A 100 year old Bridgeport knee mill ) lol
What about a micro sized drill press? I need one sized for the bench in my van
Nice review, subbed after watching. Thanks.
Belt dust is a given. ALL belts shed dust. To include that BMW serpentine belt.
dude thanks! I love this drill press but yea the stock chuck sucks, the runout is insane
thank you for the part recommendation, ordered it already lol
Am I the only one on this planet who prefers a keyed chuck?
Probably not the only one
For EU subs, I think this is the Scheppach DP18Vario
Sounds clunky?? You should hear my bandsaw!
hello!I have a 10 inch induction motor, how can I put it in reverse?
great video! you should make videos about how to make videos :)
Still like it? Still recommend it or should I get something else for the price?
Yup, no problems. For the price I don't know of anything better.
I can’t decide between the 10” or the 12”. Is it worth it to get the 12”. I’m not finding any difference other than the 2” difference.
Nobody ever complains their drill press is too big
@@aaronstestlab valid point. 👌
Has very little power, maybe 1/10 hp.
Did you clean out the inside of arbor bore before installing the chuck?
yeah, used some long q-tips I had
kind of late to the party but if you still have this drill press whats the distance between the channels on the table? like how big of a vise could fit?
I hate cheap and flimsy drill press. Especially this wen drill press. Just good is NOT GOOD enough, it's just a waste of money and investment. No way that flsimy product is worth its weight.
disagree
Is this something I can learn and use to use for drilling through 1/16"-1/2" bits of metal for jewelry pieces? Much appreciated
Absolutely
Depth gauge vibrating loose? Put a lock washer between the two nuts.
Could also just replace the whole thing with a stop collar
@@aaronstestlab You could. The lock washer solution? Chances are the owner has a lock washer or two sitting around in the shop. It’s an on the fly solution, short term make do or permanent..
What's a good drill that can do reverse as well as do lower RPM unlike 100RPM so I can use to tap holes?
The Nova Voyager is the only drill press I'm aware of that can operate in reverse
Aaron, What keyless aftermarket chuck did you replace the WEN 4214's chuck with?
Don't recall off hand. There's a link in the description though.
I think that clicking sound may be a device called????? A centrifugal switch. I learned about it on Jeremy Feildings page. When the motor spins up the switch disconnects the starting winding of the motor once the motor reaches normal speed. It’s said to be on pretty much every motor you’d find in your workshop.
Guess I should’ve read the other comments first. :-). Question answered. :-)))))
Too many sketch noises for my taste.
Problem is you need to spend a ton more for something that sounds super smooth
"Held in place by a set screw threaded into plastic", is all I needed to hear. Thanks for doing this useful review. Bye Wen!
TBH, I don't recall offhand what that's even referring to. But don't run too fast, it's a great unit for the price. I've been very happy with mine over the past 3 years now.
HISIMEN HD3000 is exactly the same as this.
I'm looking at getting one of these, as it looks like a great value judging by reviews like yours and others.
Could you possibly measure the inner diameter of the table mount bracket and let me know what that is (in frame at time stamp 1:53)? I have a specific application that this could be useful for (drilling new lug pattern in a few axles shafts). I'm wondering if the shaft will fit in that mounting bracket.
Thank in advance!
I got the cheap 10 inch one, and there is play in the chuck. Not a great value for $200 bucks.
Well that sucks
They all have the same problem: chuck is very cheap, motor make noise a lot, some are very weak, table is unstable... but it is better than nothing!
Agree with your statement regarding the included chuck and motor. However, I think the table is pretty solid.
Good review. I get what you said about well maintained industrial machine sound, it can be so sweet.
just because nfl heads cost more, does not make them valuable.
Welp, I broke down and bought this drill press. I also grabbed a Glacern chuck due to how low the runout is. Plus, a cross slide vise. I should be set for life. ;D
You'll have to let us know how it works with the cross-slide. I've read mixed opinions on whether or not drill presses have the rigidity to deal with the lateral loads involved in milling.
@@aaronstestlab Well, it seems to work fine! I'm mostly using it for fine adjustment fixturing because I'm drilling very small things that my hands are just too shaky to drill anymore. The only downside is the holes on the vise don't match up with the slots on the base. So I'm stuck using C clamps.
Ever think about making an adapter plate? Piece of 3/4" stock with holes drilled to line up with the drill press base and then mount the vise to that.
@@aaronstestlab Was just on my way to the hardware store to pick up some half inch bolts, washers, nuts, and a bit of wood to do just that.... And they closed at 6pm. So I'm gonna hit Ace tonight or tomorrow for the same thing. I'll keep ya up to date and maybe post a quick video of it.
@@aaronstestlab Hey, just wanted to let ya know. I tossed up a very quick and dirty review of that cross slide vise and a chuck I put on the drill. No adapter plate yet, but you can see what I've done at least.
Thanks for a great video! I got this drill press a couple weeks ago. Downsized from 15” floor model. I wish it would do a bit slower speed. Mine goes down to 510 at slowest. Anyone modify it to go slower? If not, what’s the largest diameter Forstner bit you would use for wood at its slowest speed?
Probably 2-1/2" in softwood
I wonder if a link belt could be installed on this type of variable speed ?
Why didn’t you just remove and reset the original chuck?
Wanted an excuse to buy a keyless chuck
Are you still using this? How's the cast iron collar for table heigh holding up?
holding up just fine
in the video, you state a uxcell chuck, your link is to a PSI. so which did you get?
Probably better off buying a quality brand used drill over this . It seems fine but for the money one could buy a much nicer used machine.
Potentially. But I personally have just about had it with the used market. I feel like I've never had a good CL transaction. From super dodgy sellers to misrepresented items, I just view it as a massive waste of time. Maybe better luck through FB Marketplace or Offerup.
I just got exact model used for a decent price i think however upon inspection i found that the height adjustment locking lever in back has damaged threads and it no longer locks. Do you happen to have a solution. Keep in mind the unit is less than a year old based on manufactured date and previous owner seems like he hardly used it.
Repair the threads with Helicoils
Go ahead and hit that thumbs down button???? Is that what you said at the end? I gave you a thumbs up. A great review.
Thanks. I think "thumbs down" was prefaced by "if you disagree"
Poor guy your stuck with it.
help. on amazon there are three types of mounting holes available: Mt2,MT3 & MT4. which one is compatible with WEN4214?
I put a link in the description for one that works.
@@aaronstestlab Thanks
Thanks for a great video. You didn't mention if yours has the 5 amp motor or the earlier 3.2 amp. I have this press with the 5 amp motor. Thanks for the keyless chuck suggestion. I ordered one. I also have the table and spindle sander kit for it. I'm really happy with it. I couldn't afford a name brand unit, and the cheap harbor freight unit it replaced was unusable. Glad I found a good middle ground. Loved your review and thanks for sharing 😊
Thanks for the support! Just went out a looked, this one has the 5-amp motor.
@@aaronstestlab Got the new chuck installed. Sweet!
Decent Reveiw , thanks despite the downfalls which are to becexpected of a Tool at this PricePoint Overall it seems to be a pretty good Unit for the Majoritynof Home Shops and other applications for the most part any Used High Quality Floor S😢ta ding DrillPresses are 3 to 4 times the cost without any Warranties and certainly doesn’t give you the Comveinence of having one shipped right to your Door
I'm honored that I've made it all the way to "decent"
@@aaronstestlab Be carful fame can come at a high cost. Thank you for the review! I need to get a drill press and it looks like this is the one.