Grizzly Benchtop Drill Press: An Evidence-Led Buying Review
You are browsing used tools online and see a Grizzly benchtop drill press for a fair price. The ad says heavy-duty, 3/4-horsepower, 14-inch swing. It sounds like a serious machine. But Grizzly makes several benchtop models, and not all of them are still in production. Before you buy, you need to know which model you are looking at, what it does well, and where it falls short.
I have worked with Grizzly benchtop presses and talked with owners who have run them for years. Grizzly’s benchtop line has a reputation for solid castings and strong motors, but the details matter. Some models are discontinued, some are still current, and the differences between them affect whether the machine fits your shop.
Grizzly Industrial is a machinery importer and manufacturer that sells benchtop and floor drill presses direct to consumers and through select retailers. Their benchtop models range from the compact G7942 to the heavy-duty G7943 and G7948. These machines are known for cast-iron construction, induction motors, and practical features like T-slotted tables and adjustable depth stops. The best Grizzly benchtop drill press depends on the model, your space, and whether you can find it new or used.
Grizzly G7943 14-Inch Heavy-Duty Benchtop Drill Press
The G7943 is the flagship Grizzly benchtop model. It has a 14-inch swing, a 3/4-horsepower motor, 12 speeds from 140 to 3050 RPM, and 3-1/4-inch spindle travel. The table is 11-3/8 by 11-3/8 inches with T-slots, and it tilts 90 degrees left and right. The chuck is a 5/8-inch JT33 keyed chuck. The weight is 142 pounds.
This is a heavy benchtop machine that feels more like a small floor press. The 3/4-horsepower motor is the strongest on any benchtop we have tested. It drills hardwood without slowing down and handles mild steel with the right bits and speed. The 12-speed range gives you a low end of 140 RPM, which is excellent for large hole saws and metal drilling. The table is large, flat, and the T-slots make fixture mounting easy. The 3-1/4-inch travel is enough for deep mortises and thick stock.
The flaw is that the G7943 is discontinued. Grizzly no longer manufactures it, and replacement parts are not guaranteed. If you find a used one in good condition, it is a solid buy. But if the motor fails or the table rack breaks, you may be out of luck. Also, the weight is a problem for small benches. At 142 pounds, it needs a reinforced workbench or a dedicated stand. The table is heavy to raise and lower, and the motor adjustment lever for speed changes can be stiff.
Skip the G7943 unless you find a clean used unit at a fair price and accept the parts risk. For a primary machine, a current model with warranty support is a safer investment. The G7943 is best as a second press in a busy shop or as a dedicated metal drilling station.
Grizzly G7942 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press
The G7942 is a step down from the G7943. It has a 12-inch swing, a 1/2-horsepower motor, and 12 speeds. The table is smaller, and the travel is 2-3/4 inches. It is lighter than the G7943 but still heavier than most import benchtop presses.
This model is a good middle ground for woodworkers who want a Grizzly but do not need the full capacity of the G7943. The 1/2-horsepower motor is enough for wood and light metal. The 12-inch swing handles most cabinet panels. The build quality is similar to the G7943, with a cast-iron head and table.
The flaw is that the G7942 is also difficult to find new. It may be discontinued or available only in limited markets. The 2-3/4-inch travel is adequate for most work but limiting for deep mortises. The smaller table is also less useful for large fixtures.
Skip the G7942 if you need deep travel or a large table. It is a good choice for a woodworker who wants a solid 12-inch benchtop and can find it in stock.
Grizzly G7948 20-Inch Floor Drill Press
The G7948 is technically a floor model, but it is worth mentioning because some buyers consider benchtop and floor Grizzly models together. It has a 20-inch swing, a 3/4-horsepower motor, and 4-3/4-inch spindle travel. It is a large, heavy machine for serious shops.
If you have the floor space and the headroom, the G7948 is a better long-term investment than any benchtop model. The 20-inch swing handles large panels and the 4-3/4-inch travel handles deep boring and mortising. The cast-iron base and column are rigid and vibration-free.
The flaw is size. This is a floor-standing machine that needs dedicated space. It is not a benchtop model, so it does not belong in this comparison if your shop has no floor space. It is also more expensive than the benchtop models.
Skip the G7948 if you need a benchtop machine or have a small shop. Buy it if you have the space and need the capacity.
How Grizzly Compares to Other Brands
Compared to the WEN 4214T, the Grizzly G7943 is heavier, more powerful, and has a larger table. The WEN has variable speed and a digital readout, which the Grizzly lacks. The WEN is also easier to find new and is backed by a current warranty. The Grizzly is better for heavy-duty work, but the WEN is more convenient for mixed materials.
Compared to the JET JDP-15B, the Grizzly G7943 is similar in power and table size. The JET has a poly-V belt drive, a smoother quill, and better warranty support. The Grizzly has a lower minimum speed, which is an advantage for metal drilling. Both are heavy benchtop machines that need strong benches.
Compared to the BUCKTOOL DP12VL, the Grizzly G7943 has a larger table and more travel. The BUCKTOOL has a variable speed dial and more low-end torque from its 6-pole motor. The Grizzly is a better choice for fixture work and large panels. The BUCKTOOL is better for metal drilling and speed control.
What to Check on a Used Grizzly Benchtop Press
If you are buying used, check the table rack first. The rack is a common wear point on Grizzly presses because the table is heavy and the rack is loaded every time you crank it. A worn rack makes the table sag and skip. Check the motor mount lever for the 12-speed system. It should move smoothly and lock the motor in place. A loose motor causes belt slippage and inaccurate speeds.
Check the quill runout with a straight bit mounted. The Grizzly bearings are usually durable, but a neglected machine may have worn quill bushings. Check the table tilt for smooth operation and solid locking. The 90-degree tilt is a valuable feature, but only if the lock holds. Finally, check the chuck and chuck key. A damaged chuck is replaceable, but it is a bargaining point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Grizzly G7943 still made? No, the G7943 is discontinued. It may appear in used listings or at select retailers with remaining stock. Parts availability is not guaranteed.
What is the best Grizzly benchtop drill press? The G7943 is the best Grizzly benchtop model for power and capacity, but it is discontinued. The G7942 is a good alternative if you can find it. For a new machine with warranty, consider other brands.
How much does a Grizzly benchtop drill press weigh? The G7943 weighs 142 pounds. The G7942 is lighter, around 100 pounds. Both need sturdy benches.
Does the Grizzly G7943 have variable speed? No, it has 12 fixed speeds selected by moving the belt between pulleys. The speed range is 140 to 3050 RPM.
What is the table size on the Grizzly G7943? The table is 11-3/8 by 11-3/8 inches with T-slots. It tilts 90 degrees left and right.
Can the Grizzly G7943 drill metal? Yes, the 3/4-horsepower motor and low minimum speed make it capable of drilling mild steel with the correct bits and cutting fluid.
What is the spindle travel on the Grizzly G7943? The spindle travel is 3-1/4 inches, which is enough for deep mortises and thick stock.
Is Grizzly a good brand for drill presses? Grizzly has a strong reputation for solid castings and powerful motors. Their benchtop models are well-regarded, but parts availability for discontinued models is a concern.
What is the difference between the Grizzly G7942 and G7943? The G7943 has a 14-inch swing, 3/4-horsepower motor, and 3-1/4-inch travel. The G7942 has a 12-inch swing, 1/2-horsepower motor, and 2-3/4-inch travel. Both have 12 speeds.
Should I buy a used Grizzly G7943? Buy it only if the machine is in good condition, the price is fair, and you accept the risk of limited parts availability. For a primary machine, a current model with warranty is safer.
References
- Grizzly Industrial: G7943 and G7942 product manuals and specifications.
- Fine Woodworking: Benchtop drill press reviews including Grizzly models.
- Garage Journal Forum: Owner discussions on Grizzly G7943 long-term reliability.
- Rockler Woodworking: Grizzly G7943 benchtop drill press review and specs.
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