Table of Contents
Anyone who has ever had to drill a hole in metal, plastic or wood knows how frustrating it is when the hole is not at the precise measurement. A drill press is an ideal tool to create exact holes and save you time in the long run.
Today, we are going to look at the Wen 4210 vs 4212. We will take a look at all of their specifications from design to ease of use. You will find all of the features in a side-by-side comparison chart and finally some pros and cons so that we can decide which drill press is the best.
Let’s start with what the Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 have in common.
Wen 4210 vs Wen 4212 – Similarities
Quick Glance
Below you can quickly compare the features of the Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212.
Wen 4210 |
Wen 4212 |
|
| Image |  |
 |
| Size | 26.5 x 13.12 x 8.12 inches | 33.88 x 13.5 x 11 inches |
| Weight | 51lbs | 57lbs |
| Table Size | 6.5 x 6.5 inches, beveling 45º | 8 x 7.66 inches, beveling 45º |
| Power | 2/3hp- 2.3amps (x2 AA batteries) | 2/3hp- 4.3amps (power cord) |
| Speed | 5 Speeds from 600 to 3100 RPM | Variable speed from 530 to 3100 RPM |
| Chuck | ½ inch keyed | ½ inch keyed |
| Swing | 10 inches | 10 inches |
| Spindle Travel | 2 ½ inches with adjustable gauge | 2 3/8 inches with adjustable gauge |
| Onboard Work Light | Yes | Yes |
| Laser Precision | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Speed Readout | No | Yes |
| Warranty | 2 years residential, 90-day commercial | 2 years residential, 90-day commercial |
| Price |
The Chuck
The chuck of the Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 are ½-inch keyed chucks. This means the spindle taper will accept bits that are up to ½ inch in diameter.
The Swing
The swing of a drill press allows you to determine the maximum width of the material you want to drill a hole into. The Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 have a swing of 10 inches.
Onboard Work light
To make it easier to see your materials and the hole you are making, the Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 both have an onboard work light.
Laser Precision
The Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 have X pattern laser lights. This reduces the risk of making a mistake and having to waste materials because it takes the guesswork out of precision drilling.
Warranty
For residential use, the Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 come with a 2-year warranty. For commercial use, it is just 90 days.
We will now take a closer look at what makes the Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 different. It’s true that there are still some similarities with these features, but the small differences will impact your drilling.
Differences Between Wen 4210 an Wen 4212
Appearance
Both drill presses have a cast iron base, so they don’t wobble when you are drilling. They also have bolt holes in case you want to mount the drill to your workbench. They are also both black and orange.
Wen 4210
This drill press is 26.5 x 13.12 x 8.12 inches and weighs 51 pounds.
Wen 4212
It is a little larger and heavier. It measures 33.88 x 13.5 x 11 inches and weighs 57 pounds.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Table Size
Compact tools are generally better, but the larger drill means a larger table size and more convenience.
Wen 4210
The table is 6.5 x 6.5 inches. It is a beveling worktable so you can adjust the angle to 45º in each direction.
Wen 4212
The table is 8 x 7.66 inches. For those awkward angles, the table will also bevel to up to 45º.
The Winner Is- The Wen 4212
Power
The power of a drill press relates to both the speed and ease of drilling.
Wen 4210
There is a 2/3hp motor with 2.3amps. The drill requires 2 AA batteries which are included, and the average battery life is 5 hours.
Wen 4212
While the 2/3hp motor is the same, this is a corded electric drill with 4.3amps.
The Winner Is- The Wen 4212
Drilling Speeds
This is another feature that has a significant difference.
Wen 4210
There are 5 speed settings with this drill. You can set the drill to 600, 1100, 1700, 2400 and the maximum is 3100 RPM.
Wen 4212
The range of speeds is slightly larger from 530 to 3100 RPM. The difference is that this drill press has a mechanical speed adjustment, so you can set the lever at the exact speed you require.
The Winner Is- The Wen 4212
Spindle Travel
The spindle travel is the depth that you will be able to drill to.
Wen 4210
There is an adjustable gauge with spindle travel of up to 2 ½ inches.
Wen 4212
The spindle travel is up to 2 3/8 inches, and it is also adjustable.
The Winner Is- The Wen 4210
Digital Speed Readout
Because of the different speed settings, this is only really a necessary feature for one of the drill presses.
Wen 4210
There is no digital speed readout because you can choose the speed setting.
Wen 4212
This does come with a digital speed readout.
The Winner Is- A Tie
Pros and Cons
Some pros and cons of the Wen 4210 and Wen 4212 will help us with our final decision.
Wen 4210
Pros:
- It does a great job on metal
- It is easy to put together
- A quality build, even with heavy-duty plastic
Cons:
- The depth stop can give way on occasion
Wen 4212
Pros:
- The variable speeds are brilliant, especially with the digital readout
- It is currently the cheaper drill press
- The laser and power make it highly accurate
Cons:
- Some problems with quality control
The Final Verdict
Overall, both the Wen 4210 and the Wen 4212 are great drill presses that will create accurate holes. They are easy to assemble, and the cast iron base does add to the stability when in use. It was a difficult call, but today’s winner is the Wen 4212. We felt that the variable speeds were enough to give this drill press the advantage. The fact that it is cheaper at the moment gives it another advantage.