DeWalt 2-Speed Magnetic Drill Press: Specs, Capacity, Parts, and Owner Notes

The DeWalt DWE1622K is a 2-inch, 2-speed magnetic drill press built for drilling into steel beams, plates, and structural members where a conventional floor or benchtop press cannot reach the work. Where a conventional press brings the workpiece to the machine, a magnetic drill press brings the machine to the workpiece: an electromagnetic base clamps the unit to any flat steel surface, and the drill head drives annular cutters or twist drill bits into the steel at the clamped location. The DWE1622K is a current production machine sold in the US, and this guide covers its actual specifications, what it can drill, how the quick-change chuck system works, and what owners commonly note about daily use.

Specifications: 10-amp motor, 120V, 2 speeds (300 RPM and 450 RPM), 4-3/8-inch drill travel, 2-inch maximum annular cutter diameter (through steel), 3/4-inch Weldon shank capacity, quick-change chuck system (tool-free change between 3/4-inch Weldon and 1/2-inch keyed chuck), overload protection, magnetic coolant bottle (included), safety chain (included). Weight: 33 pounds. Dimensions approximately 10-3/4 inches long by 14-1/4 inches tall. The kit includes the magnetic coolant tank, safety chain, a quick-change 1/2-inch keyed chuck, a 16mm chuck and adapter, and adjustment tools in a kit box.

Straight answer: the DWE1622K’s defining practical features are the 2-speed system for matching spindle speed to annular cutter diameter, the quick-change between Weldon and keyed chuck without tools, and the 4-3/8-inch travel that handles most structural steel thicknesses. It is not a general-purpose shop press; it is a steel-drilling machine for on-structure work.

The 2-speed system

Two speeds matter for this type of machine because annular cutter efficiency depends closely on matching RPM to cutter diameter. Larger cutters require lower RPM to maintain a proper surface cutting speed at the outside edge of the teeth. The DWE1622K’s two speed settings (300 and 450 RPM) address the main practical range: 300 RPM for larger cutters and thicker steel, 450 RPM for smaller cutters and thinner material. The motor’s overload protection prevents electronics damage when the cutter bogs in hard or interrupted cuts.

The quick-change chuck system

The tool-free quick-change between 3/4-inch Weldon shank and 1/2-inch keyed chuck is one of the DWE1622K’s genuine convenience features. Weldon shank tooling (annular cutters) is the primary application; the keyed chuck adapter allows twist drill bits for pilot holes, spot drilling, and smaller-diameter work. Switching between them requires no tools and takes under a minute, which matters on structural work where you may be alternating between a pilot bit and an annular cutter.

The magnetic base

The electromagnetic base clamps to flat steel surfaces of appropriate thickness (the magnet requires sufficient steel mass below it to generate full clamping force; typically 3/8 inch or more of steel). The safety chain is a secondary retention device for overhead or vertical work where a power interruption would drop the machine. Always use the safety chain when drilling in any orientation other than flat horizontal.

Capacity: what it will and will not drill

The DWE1622K drills up to 2-inch diameter holes through steel with annular cutters, and twist drill holes up to whatever the 1/2-inch chuck accepts in diameter. It is designed for ferrous structural steel; the magnetic base does not clamp to aluminum, stainless steel (non-magnetic grades), wood, or concrete. For non-ferrous or non-magnetic material, a conventional press is the right tool.

Owner notes

Owners commonly note: the 33-pound weight is manageable for one person on horizontal work but is notable when positioning for vertical drilling on a wall or column. The coolant bottle is important for annular cutter life in thicker steel; running dry shortens cutter life visibly. The overload protection has tripped for some users in very hard plate steel with dull cutters; maintaining sharp cutters is the practical answer.

Parts and support

The DWE1622K is a current DeWalt production machine with full parts and service support through DeWalt’s service network (dewalt.com). The 3-year limited warranty, 90-day money-back guarantee, and 1-year free service contract are standard DeWalt terms.

For annular cutters, a 4-way chuck key is a general-purpose shop accessory. For a universal ratcheting chuck key for the keyed chuck adapter, this covers standard sizes.

The honest flaws

Two honest flaws. First, 300 and 450 RPM are the only two choices; more speed steps would cover the full cutter diameter range more precisely, though in practice these two settings handle the common work. Second, the machine is specialized for steel on magnetic surfaces; it is not a general-purpose shop press and is not the right tool if most of your drilling is in wood or non-ferrous materials.

Conclusion: a specialized steel-drilling machine with current support

The DeWalt DWE1622K is a purposeful machine for structural and fabrication drilling in steel.

• 10A, 120V, 2 speeds (300/450 RPM), 4-3/8-inch travel, 2-inch annular cutter capacity.
• Quick-change between 3/4-inch Weldon and 1/2-inch keyed chuck without tools.
• Electromagnetic base for on-structure drilling; safety chain included.
• Full current DeWalt parts and warranty support.

FAQ

What is the DWE1622K’s maximum annular cutter size? 2 inches in diameter through steel.

What are the two speed settings? 300 RPM and 450 RPM.

What chuck system does it use? A quick-change system allowing tool-free switching between 3/4-inch Weldon shank and 1/2-inch keyed chuck.

Does the magnet work on aluminum or stainless steel? No. The electromagnetic base requires ferrous (magnetic) steel. Non-magnetic materials require a different tool.

What is the drill travel? 4-3/8 inches, covering most structural steel thicknesses.

What warranty does it carry? 3-year limited warranty, 90-day money-back guarantee, and 1-year free service contract.

References

• DeWalt DWE1622K product page: https://www.dewalt.com/en-us/product/dwe1622k/drill-press-2-speed-magnetic-2
• DWE1622K specifications, Acme Tools: https://www.acmetools.com/dewalt-2-in-2-speed-magnetic-drill-press-dwe1622k/885911375962.html
• Airgas product listing with technical specs: https://www.airgas.com/product/Tools-and-Hardware/MRO-%26-Plant-Maintenance/Magnetic-Drills-Parts-%26-Accessories/p/DEWDWE1622K