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Wen 4214 review
Tabletop drill presses can be an acquired taste for some. Their size does pose a few limitations but also opens the doors to new possibilities for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who are tight on space.
If you fall into that category or just want a press that’s reliable and affordable, WEN has something for you. Our Wen 4214 review breaks this mini machine down, which will allow you to make an informed buying decision on this particular tool.
Wen 4214 Specifications
- 5 amp motor
- Variable speed
- Spindle Travel: 3-1/8”
- Table Size: 9-1/2” x 9-1/2”
- Precision laser
- Tilting table
- Worklight
- 5/8” chuck
- 89 pounds
Who is it for?
Consumers that want a solid piece of equipment that’s small in stature but powerful will dig the WEN 4214. It’s one of the more affordable benchtop models available and is only 12-inches tall.
Despite its size, we don’t consider it a light-duty press, but it is not as beefy as floor models or flagship benchtop drills with a higher price point.
Speed, Power, and Capabilities
WEN has around a half-dozen drill presses in production at any given time. This one is towards the top in terms of performance, and that is the first thing we want to talk about in our Wen 4214 review.
This press is powered by a 2/3 HP motor rated at 120V/60Hz at 5 amps. As mentioned, it won’t have as much torque as a larger model, but it will definitely get the job done. Whereas some models have a number of speeds, the company opted for the “variable speed” tag with the 4214.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing considering it has a dial on the side, so you don’t need to tinker with belts all the time. The mechanical variable speed system allows you to set it at 580 RPMs or bump it up to 3200 RPMs when you need to make a quick hole.
As for the capacity, it’s a little above the average for this class with a 12” swing and 3-1/8” of spindle travel.
The Table & Base
Out of the box, the Wen 4214 has a sturdy cast-iron table measuring 9-1/2” x 9-1/2”. It can title left or right 45-degrees so bevels won’t be an issue. You can also easily adjust the height through the drill’s rack & pinion system.
It’s well-built, but standard aside from one thing. That would be the built-in extension which gives you an extra 17-inches of additional support. It is a very nifty feature.
We also wanted to point out the base. In our Wen 4214 review, we found the cast iron base on this model to be top-notch. We still recommend securing the machine, but it has enough heft to keep it from walking away from you while you work.
Additional Features
If you’re a tool junkie, you know that lasers were a big deal a decade ago. Well, that trend continues today, and you can find them on all type of tools. The WEN 4214 has a precision laser which ensures you will never miss your mark.
Want to keep tabs on the speed?
You can do that with the digital speed readout while the work light can help you check out the fine details on the fly. We also appreciate the key storage on the 4214. While simple, it’s nice to have somewhere to keep your key when not in use. Losing one is not ideal…
Any Downsides
The Wen 4214 will work on both wood and metal, but we feel it’s best suited for the former due to the speed system.
Several Wen 4214 reviews outside of our own felt the same way as it can have a tough time with some types of metals. The chuck is solid but could be a little wobbly on some models, and we also felt the depth adjustment gauge could be better.
Conclusion
In our drill press review, we found this model’s main highlight is also one of its drawbacks. The mechanical speed dial system is great for beginners and easy to use but may affect the overall power of this machine in the end. We are basing that on similar models in this class that tend to perform better with a traditional belt system in place.
In the end, it all comes down to what you need. If you need more “oomph”, you may want to give our best drill press guide a look for something with more horsepower. On the other hand, the WEN 4214 is ideal for home use which makes it perfect for crafters, handymen or anyone that wants a lightweight machine that doesn’t cost a fortune.
Click here to read user reviews on Amazon.