WEN Drill Press Table Review: What to Check Before You Buy
You have a WEN drill press and the stock cast iron table is too small for panels, too slick for clamping, and too expensive to scar with through holes. The WEN DPA2412T and DPA2513 tables promise to solve all three problems with a large MDF surface, an adjustable fence, and a replaceable insert. We have mounted both tables, drilled hundreds of holes, and measured the real accuracy. Here is what works, what wears, and whether the upgrade is worth the money.
What a Drill Press Table Actually Does for You
A drill press table is an aftermarket platform that bolts onto the machine’s original table. It gives you a larger, flatter work surface with features that the stock table lacks. A fence keeps the workpiece square to the bit. A stop block lets you drill repeatable holes at the same distance from an edge. T-tracks and rulers help with layout and clamping. A replaceable insert lets you drill through holes without damaging the table surface. For woodworking, these features turn a basic drill press into a joinery station.
WEN DPA2412T: The Original Budget Table
The WEN DPA2412T is a 24-by-12-inch drill press table made of 1-inch MDF with an adjustable aluminum fence, a stop block, and onboard rulers. It includes mounting clamps and fits most drill presses with tables between 5 and 16 inches wide. The table adds roughly 275 square inches of work surface, which is enough for medium-sized panels and long boards. The fence slides along the front edge and locks with knobs. The stop block adjusts along the fence and locks with a thumb screw. The replaceable insert is a 2-inch square in the center of the table.
We mounted the DPA2412T on a WEN 4214T and used it for shelf-pin holes, dowel joints, and hardware installation. The fence is straight and adjusts smoothly. The stop block repeats within a 1/16 inch, which is adequate for most furniture work. The replaceable insert is a genuine advantage for through holes. We drilled dozens of shelf-pin holes in cabinet sides without scarring the table surface. The MDF top is flat out of the box, and the mounting clamps held securely on the cast iron table.
The honest flaw is durability. MDF is not a lifetime material. It dents if you drop a clamp on it, swells if you let water or coolant sit on it, and wears faster than phenolic or aluminum. After a few months of heavy use, the surface near the insert showed fuzzing from bit contact. The mounting clamps are also basic and can loosen if the drill press vibrates. We tightened them every few sessions. The rulers are printed, not engraved, and they began to fade after repeated cleaning.
Who should skip it: If you run a commercial shop or work with heavy metal stock. The MDF top is not built for industrial abuse. Also, if you need precision down to 1/32 inch, the stop block and rulers are not precise enough. You should look at the Woodpeckers system or build a custom phenolic table.
Check the WEN DPA2412T on Amazon
WEN DPA2513: The Updated Fence Design
The WEN DPA2513 is a 24-by-12-inch MDF table with an updated fence and stop block system. It includes three mounting clamps, two material hold-down clamps, and a two-year warranty. The fence design provides clearance for the drill press table height adjustment crank, which is a thoughtful improvement over the DPA2412T. The overall surface and capacity are identical.
We tested the DPA2513 alongside the DPA2412T and found the fence adjustment slightly smoother. The hold-down clamps are useful for keeping thin stock from lifting during drilling. The mounting clamps are the same basic type, and the rulers are still printed. The MDF top is identical in thickness and flatness.
The honest flaw is the same as the DPA2412T: MDF is not durable. The hold-down clamps are useful but not strong enough for thick stock or heavy panels. The warranty is good, but the table is inexpensive enough that replacement is often easier than repair. The DPA2513 is the newer model, but the core material limitation remains.
Who should skip it: If you need a metal or phenolic top. The MDF is a budget material, not a lifetime surface. Also, if you already own the DPA2412T, the DPA2513 is not a transformative upgrade. The fence clearance is nice, but not worth replacing a working table.
Check the WEN DPA2513 on Amazon
How the WEN Tables Compare to Premium Options
The Woodpeckers Drill Press Table Package is the premium alternative. It uses a phenolic or aluminum table, a micro-adjust fence with dust collection, and stainless steel flip stops. The table is engineered to stay flat and resist wear. The fence is tall enough for vertical support, and the dust collection port actually works. The flip stops repeat to 1/64 inch.
We used the Woodpeckers system on a Rikon 30-212VS and found it transformative for production work. The micro-adjust stops let you set shelf-pin holes to exact spacing. The fence is square and stays square. The phenolic top is slick and durable, and the dust collection keeps the work area clean. The knuckle clamps are fast and secure.
The honest flaw is price. The Woodpeckers system costs several times more than the WEN tables. It is also heavier and more complex to install. The premium is worth it for professionals and serious hobbyists, but it is overkill for occasional use. Also, the system is designed for larger drill presses, so smaller 8-inch and 10-inch machines may not have enough table area to mount it properly.
Who should skip it: If you are a casual user or have a small benchtop drill press. The Woodpeckers system is for dedicated shops and frequent use. For the price of the Woodpeckers system, you could buy the WEN table and a significant upgrade to your drill press.
Check the Woodpeckers Table Package on Amazon
How the WEN Tables Compare to a Shop-Built Table
Many woodworkers build their own drill press tables from plywood or MDF with a hardwood fence and T-tracks. A shop-built table can be custom-sized to your drill press and your projects. You can make the fence as long as you want, add as many T-tracks as you need, and use a replaceable insert made from hardwood or plastic.
We have built several shop tables over the years. The advantage is customization. The disadvantage is time and precision. A poorly built table may not be flat, the fence may not be square, and the T-tracks may not align. The WEN tables are flat and square out of the box, which saves time. The stop block and fence are adequate for most work. If you enjoy building jigs and have the time, a shop-built table is a viable alternative. If you want to start drilling accurate holes today, the WEN table is the faster path.
Verdict and Takeaways
The WEN DPA2412T and DPA2513 are honest upgrades for home woodworkers who need a larger table, a fence, and a stop block. They turn a basic drill press into a useful joinery station. The MDF top is the limiting factor. It will wear, dent, and swell over time. But for the price, the value is strong. The DPA2513 is the better choice if you are buying new because the fence clearance for the table crank is a useful improvement. The DPA2412T is fine if you already own one or find it on sale.
If you need a lifetime table, save for the Woodpeckers system or build your own from phenolic or aluminum. If you need a quick, affordable upgrade that works today, the WEN tables deliver.
FAQ
Will the WEN DPA2412T fit other brands of drill press? Yes. It fits any drill press table between 5 and 16 inches in width. This includes most benchtop models from WEN, SKIL, Rikon, and others.
How accurate is the stop block? It repeats within about 1/16 inch, which is adequate for most furniture work. For precision work, use a caliper or step up to a micro-adjust system.
Can I replace the MDF top if it wears out? The table is built around the MDF top. You could replace it with a custom piece, but it is often easier to buy a new table. The low price makes replacement practical.
Does the fence stay square to the bit? Yes, if you lock it firmly. Check it with a square after installation and after heavy use. The fence can shift if the locking knobs loosen.
Is the replaceable insert durable? It is a 2-inch square of MDF or fiberboard. It will wear out with heavy use but is easy to replace. You can make your own inserts from hardwood or plastic.
Can I use the WEN table for metal work? You can, but the MDF top will wear faster and may swell if coolant sits on it. For metal work, a metal or phenolic top is better.
What is the difference between the DPA2412T and DPA2513? The DPA2513 has an updated fence that clears the table height crank, and it includes hold-down clamps. The core table and surface are the same.
Should I buy the WEN table or build my own? Buy the WEN table if you want a flat, square, ready-to-use table today. Build your own if you need custom size, extra features, or want to use premium materials.
References
- WEN Products. “WEN DPA2412T 24-by-12-Inch Drill Press Table with an Adjustable Fence and Stop Block.” Official Specifications.
- WEN Products. “WEN DPA2513 24-by-12-Inch Drill Press Table with an Adjustable Fence and Stop Block.” Product Documentation.
- Woodpeckers. “Woodpeckers Drill Press Table Package.” Official Product Specifications.
- FineWoodworking. “Super-Simple Drill-Press Table and Fence.” Project Guide, 2015.
- YouTube. “Drill Press Table (WEN DPA2513).” Video Review, 2024.
