The Jet JDP-15B 15 in. Benchtop Drill Press is a corded stationary drill press built for accurate drilling in wood, metal, and shop-built fixtures. This is a drill press designed for controlled vertical drilling, repeatable hole depth, and better accuracy than a handheld drill. Model Number 716200, this 115V machine pairs a 3/4 HP motor with a 16-speed setup, giving serious DIY users, cabinet shops, maintenance crews, and woodworking pros a lot more control over different materials and bit sizes.

The big selling point here is range and control. The spindle speed adjusts across 16 speeds from 210 RPM to 3,500 RPM, so you can slow it down for larger bits and tougher drilling jobs or speed it up for smaller holes and cleaner work in wood. That matters because drill presses are only as useful as their ability to match speed to the bit and the material. On this one, you are not stuck with a narrow operating window.

Jet also built the JDP-15B around practical shop use, not just raw specs. The 3-1/8 in. spindle travel gives you solid drilling depth for thicker stock, while the integrated depth stop helps when you need repeated holes at the same depth. If you are boring shelf pin holes, hardware mounting holes, or a batch of identical parts, that feature saves time and keeps your results consistent.

The work area is set up well for real projects. You get a 12-1/2 in. x 17 in. precision-ground cast iron table with twin T-slot grooves and four table slots, plus a table edge lip that makes clamping easier. In plain terms, that means better support for workpieces and more ways to secure jigs, fences, and clamps. The table also tilts 45 degrees left and right, which is useful when angled drilling is part of the job instead of an occasional one-off.

Build quality is one of the reasons someone buys a Jet drill press instead of going cheap. The cast iron base adds mass where it matters, helping the machine stay planted during drilling. Supplementary product data also points to a cast iron head and a poly-v belt drive system, along with one-handed belt tensioning for quicker speed changes. That kind of setup is about smoother operation and less fiddling when you need to move from one drilling task to the next.

For accuracy and visibility, this machine includes the XACTA-X laser system to identify the drill center and a built-in LED work light to reduce shadows on the table. Those features are not a substitute for layout work, but they do make setup easier and help you see your mark clearly, especially in a crowded shop or garage with mixed lighting.

From a safety and usability standpoint, the power switch uses a safety key and a large paddle-style off button. That is the kind of detail you appreciate once the machine is actually in use. Quick shutoff is easier when both hands are busy managing stock, and the safety key helps limit accidental startup.

The 5/8 in. chuck capacity gives this benchtop drill press enough room for a wide range of common drilling tasks, and the machine runs on standard 115V power, so it fits well in home shops and smaller professional workspaces without special wiring. If you want a stationary drill press with enough table, enough travel, and enough speed range to handle more than light-duty hobby work, this is the kind of machine that makes sense.

Who should buy it? This one fits woodworkers, remodelers with a shop, maintenance departments, school shops, and serious home users who want repeatable drilling and a heavier, more stable platform than entry-level benchtop units usually offer. If you mostly need occasional light drilling, it is more machine than you need. If you care about consistency, table support, and real speed range, the Jet JDP-15B 15 in. Benchtop Drill Press is built for that job.

Jet JDP-15B 15 in. Benchtop Drill Press for Shops That Want Real Control

The Jet JDP-15B 15 in. Benchtop Drill Press is a good fit for buyers who are done fighting light-duty drill presses and want a machine that is built to drill straight, stay stable, and handle repeat work without drama.

• Who it's for: Woodworkers, school shops, maintenance teams, and serious home shop users who need a stationary drill press for accurate drilling, jig work, and repeat hole depth.
• Why it stands out: The 16-speed range, cast iron table and base, 3-1/8 in. spindle travel, and depth stop give it the kind of flexibility and consistency that matter more than flashy extras.
• Worth knowing: This is a heavier benchtop unit at 165.5 lbs, which is good for stability but not something you will want to move around often.

• What speed range does this drill press offer? It has 16 speeds ranging from 210 RPM to 3,500 RPM.
• What is the chuck capacity? The chuck capacity is 5/8 in.
• Does the table tilt? Yes. The work table tilts 45 degrees to the left and right.
• Does it include a work light and laser? Yes. Product data lists a built-in LED work light and the XACTA-X laser system.
• Is this a corded or battery-powered drill press? It is a corded 115V drill press.