Spindle & Press

GEARZAAR Portable Mag Drill vs JET IDP-17 Floor Drill Press: Which Should You Buy?

Compare the portable GEARZAAR magnetic-base drill press with the stationary JET IDP-17 floor drill press. The price gap and different capabilities help you decide which drilling machine fits your shop.

Last updated Aug 17, 2026

When you need a drilling machine for a lathes, mills, and drilling machines setup, the first decision is whether you need a portable drill you can take to the material or a stationary floor press that stays at the bench. These two units sit at opposite ends of that spectrum. The GEARZAAR is a portable magnetic-base drill, while the JET IDP-17 is a full-size floor drill press. The gap between their listed prices is just as wide as the practical difference in how you will use them.

Quick verdict

Choose the GEARZAAR when you need a mobile, compact drill for thick metal and tight spaces. Choose the JET when you need a stationary floor press with a larger swing and more power for repeated workshop drilling.

Price comparison

ProductListed pricePrice indicator
GEARZAAR Industrial Drill Press Magnetic Base 1300WUSD 220.89
JET - IDP-17 - 17 in. Industrial Floor Drill Press Belt Fixed 115/230v 16 7/8 SwUSD 1,299.97

Where each product wins

The seller page may include additional marketing claims. Treat this page as a shopping reference, then confirm fit, price, delivery, and returns on the seller page.

  • JET: 16 7/8-inch swing, 1 hp motor, 5/8-inch drilling capacity in steel, spindle speeds from 350 to 2,800 RPM, and a keyed 5/8-inch chuck.

Product notes

GEARZAAR Industrial Drill Press Magnetic Base 1300W

Industrial Drill Press Magnetic Base 1300W Ergonomic Grip Fast Setup

The GEARZAAR is a portable magnetic-base drill press with a 1,300W motor and a fixed no-load speed of 650 r/min. Its compact frame is designed for tight spaces, and the detachable handle makes it easy to transport between work areas. With a maximum core drilling diameter of 1.4 inches and depth of 1.8 inches, it is well suited to thick metal processing. At USD 220.89, this is the lower-priced unit in the pair. The trade-off is its fixed speed: you cannot vary the RPM for different materials, and the maximum drilling depth is limited to 1.8 inches. If your jobs are mobile and steel-focused, this portable mag drill brings a lot of capability to the work site.

JET - IDP-17 - 17 in. Industrial Floor Drill Press Belt Fixed 115/230v 16 7/8 Sw

JET - IDP-17 - 17 in. Industrial Floor Drill Press Belt Fixed 115/230v 16 7/8 Sw

The JET IDP-17 is a substantial floor drill press with a 16 7/8-inch swing, a 1 hp motor, and a 5/8-inch drilling capacity in steel. Its keyed chuck, 4-foot cable, and heavy-duty construction are aimed at stationary workshop use. A spindle speed range of 350 to 2,800 RPM gives you flexibility across materials. This unit is listed at USD 1,299.97, making it the higher-priced machine here. It is described as open box with a broken light and light scratches, so the condition is not perfect. The stationary design provides a stable platform for repeated drilling, but it needs floor space and is not a portable tool. If you want a full-size shop press with generous swing and power, this is the one to consider.

Final choice by use case

For a job-site-ready portable drill that can handle thick metal, the GEARZAAR's magnetic base and compact frame are the clear fit. For a dedicated shop drill press with more swing, higher power, and a broad speed range, the JET floor press is the better tool. Your decision comes down to whether the work comes to you or you come to the work.

Products in this article
Industrial Drill Press Magnetic Base 1300W Ergonomic Grip Fast SetupUSD 220.89View on eBayJET - IDP-17 - 17 in. Industrial Floor Drill Press Belt Fixed 115/230v 16 7/8 SwUSD 1,299.97View on eBay
Industrial Drill Press Magnetic Base 1300W Ergonomic Grip Fast SetupUSD 220.89View on eBayJET - IDP-17 - 17 in. Industrial Floor Drill Press Belt Fixed 115/230v 16 7/8 SwUSD 1,299.97View on eBay

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