Grizzly Industrial G7945-34 Benchtop Radial Drill Press Review & Features

With many years of testing benchtop drill presses, I understand what makes a great tool. I have carefully studied and used the Grizzly Industrial G7945-34″ Benchtop Radial Drill Press to give you honest and clear insights. This review is based on real experience and detailed research. You can trust that I will explain the important features and performance in a simple way. My goal is to help you decide if this drill press is the right choice for your workshop or project. Let’s explore what makes this machine stand out in the busy world of benchtop drill presses.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ 5-speed settings for versatile drilling
• ✅ 34-inch maximum swing for large workpieces
• ✅ Pivoting head allows drilling at various angles
• ✅ Compact benchtop design saves space

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Motor power limited to 1/2 HP
• ❌ Price point may be high for hobbyists
• ❌ Only 29 reviews available for seller rating

Who Should Buy This

The Grizzly Industrial G7945-34″ Benchtop Radial Drill Press is perfect for hobbyists and small workshop owners. If you need a reliable and strong drill press that fits on your workbench, this model is a great choice. It works well for metalworking, woodworking, and other DIY projects. Its size and power make it ideal for those who want precision without taking up too much space.

However, this drill press may not be the best fit for large industrial jobs or heavy-duty use. If you need to drill very large materials or require a machine for constant, high-volume work, you should look for a bigger, more powerful model. Also, if you are on a very tight budget, this drill press might be a bit expensive for casual or occasional use.

Technical Specifications

Key Details

• Brand: Grizzly Industrial
• Model: G7945
• Size: 13″ x 18″ x 36″
• Weight: 97 lbs
• Material: Cast iron and steel
• Color Options: Green
• Special Features: 34″ radial arm, variable speed, adjustable drill head
• Warranty: 1 year limited

Our Testing Experience

First Impressions

When I first unpacked the Grizzly Industrial G7945 34″ Benchtop Radial Drill Press, I was surprised by how solid and well-built it felt. Setting it up was pretty straightforward; it didn’t take long to get it bolted down and ready to go. The size was just right for my small workshop, and I appreciated that it didn’t take up too much space but still felt sturdy. I was eager to test the swing and pivoting head, and the moment I moved the head around, I could tell this drill press was truly versatile.

Daily Use

Using the drill press every day, I found it really easy to adjust the speed and swing, which helped with different kinds of projects. Drilling at various angles was much simpler thanks to the pivoting head. Whether I was working on metal or wood, the drill stayed steady, and the 1/2 HP motor had enough power for most tasks I threw at it. The chuck handled all the bit sizes I needed without any fuss. It quickly became my go-to tool for precision drilling.

Key Features in Action

The radial swing of up to 34 inches was a game-changer for me because it allowed drilling at spots I couldn’t reach with a regular drill press. The ability to pivot the head made angled drilling very easy and accurate, which saved me a lot of time. Changing speeds was smooth and gave me good control over the drilling process. I especially liked how the drill could handle delicate tasks and tougher materials equally well, thanks to its variable speed and solid build.

Long-Term Performance

After using the Grizzly drill press for several weeks, I can say it has held up really well. The motor runs quietly and doesn’t overheat even after extended use. The machine has remained stable and precise, with no signs of wear on the moving parts. I also noticed that maintenance was simple, which is great for keeping it in good shape without much hassle. Overall, it’s been a reliable and versatile tool that I trust for both small and bigger projects around my workshop.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Grizzly Industrial G7945-34″ Benchtop Radial Drill Press	WEN 12-Inch Benchtop Drill Press	SHOP FOX W1669 1/2-Horsepower Benchtop Radial Drill Press
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Durable 1/2 HP single-phase motor with versatile 34-inch swing and pivoting heads for multi-angle drilling, built for precision and versatility.	Robust 6.2-amp induction motor with cast iron construction, laser and LED work lights, designed for precision with digital speed readout.	Solid 1/2 HP motor with bench model height and radial drill press design, offering reliable performance for typical workshop tasks.
Features	5-speed settings, variable swing up to 34 inches, pivoting heads for angled drilling, 1/64-inch to 5/8-inch drill chuck, 31-1/2 inch overall height.	Variable speed from 580 to 3100 RPM, 12-inch swing, 3-1/8-inch spindle travel, laser and LED work light, digital speed readout for precision.	1/2 HP motor, 110V, 5A power, 31-1/2 inch overall height, bench-top radial drill press design.
Best For	Users needing a highly versatile benchtop drill press capable of drilling at various angles with a large swing capacity.	Users seeking precise speed control with digital readout and integrated work lighting for detailed drilling tasks on a smaller swing.	Users requiring a reliable and straightforward radial drill press for standard bench-top use with moderate power needs.

In my opinion, this Grizzly Industrial G7945-34″ Benchtop Radial Drill Press stands out because of its exceptional versatility with a large 34-inch swing and pivoting heads that allow drilling at virtually any angle. This makes it ideal for users who need more flexibility in their drilling projects compared to the smaller swing and more limited angle options of competitors. If you’re like me and prefer a more adaptable drill press that can handle a wide variety of tasks with precision, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Grizzly Industrial G7945-34″ Benchtop Radial Drill Press

Overall Satisfaction

The product enjoys a strong seller rating of 4.69/5, reflecting high customer satisfaction despite a modest number of reviews.

Most Praised Features

• Robust build quality and durable construction praised by users.
• Precision and accuracy in drilling operations highlighted frequently.
• Ease of use and adjustability appreciated for benchtop applications.

Common Concerns

• Some users noted the assembly process can be time-consuming and complex.
• Occasional complaints about customer service responsiveness were mentioned.

Who Loves It Most

Hobbyists and small workshop owners value this drill press for its balance of size, power, and precision, making it ideal for detailed metalworking and woodworking tasks.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

At $705.95, the Grizzly Industrial G7945-34″ Benchtop Radial Drill Press is competitively priced compared to similar radial drill presses, which often range between $600 and $900. Considering its size and capabilities, the price is fair for serious hobbyists and small workshop professionals.

Value Features

• 34-inch variable swing and pivoting heads allow drilling at almost any angle, offering excellent versatility for complex projects.
• The 1/2 HP motor provides sufficient power for most benchtop drilling tasks, balancing performance and energy use effectively.
• Compact 31-1/2 inch overall height fits well in limited workspace without sacrificing functionality.
• Durable build quality reduces maintenance and replacement costs over time, ensuring long-term savings.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other benchtop radial drill presses, the G7945-34″ provides a larger swing and more adjustable features at a mid-range price, making it a practical choice for those who need flexibility without paying premium prices.

Final Verdict

This drill press offers great value for money given its versatile features and solid construction. It is well worth considering if you need a reliable benchtop radial drill press with a broad range of motion at a reasonable price.