For jewelry, watch parts and small brass work you usually choose between two tools: a handheld rotary tool (a Dremel-type tool or a rotary pen) and a mini drill press. Both spin a small bit fast. The difference is what holds the bit straight.
The short answer
- Drilling holes – especially small holes (under 1 mm), holes that must be straight, or the same hole many times: mini drill press.
- Grinding, polishing, engraving, cutting, shaping – work where your hand guides the tool: rotary tool.
Most jewelers and watch hobbyists end up owning both.
Why small holes are hard by hand
A 0.3–0.8 mm bit is thinner than a pin. Held by hand, the bit wanders as it starts, the hole goes in at a slight angle, and any sideways push snaps the bit. A drill press keeps the bit exactly vertical and lowers it straight down with a lever, so the hole lands on the mark and the bit survives.
Side-by-side
| Mini drill press | Rotary tool / rotary pen | |
|---|---|---|
| Straight, repeatable holes | Yes – the spindle only moves up and down | Depends on a steady hand |
| Tiny bits (0.3–1 mm) | Yes, with far fewer broken bits | Possible, but bits break easily |
| Engraving, grinding, polishing | No | Yes |
| Work held in | A vise on the base | Your other hand or a bench vise |
| Space on the bench | Small footprint, stays set up | Goes in a drawer |
What to look for in a mini drill press
- Chuck range that covers the bits you use. For jewelry and watch work, 0.3 mm up to 3–4 mm covers almost everything.
- Variable speed. Tiny bits like high speed; brass and harder metals like it slower.
- A base you can bolt a vise to, so small parts never spin with the bit.
Our Mini Drill Press takes bits from 0.3 to 4 mm, runs from 400 to 4500 rpm on a speed dial, and has a belt drive and an aluminum body. Kits: Bench Kit $129, Bench Kit + 10 Cobalt Bits $145, Watchmaker Kit $209, PCB Kit $219.
For the work a press can't do, the Cordless Rotary Tool Pen (3 speeds) handles engraving and fine grinding – from $34.99.
Bits and holding
- PCB micro drill bits, 3.175 mm shank – 10 of one size.
- Drill press vise to hold the part under the bit.
- Rotating bench vise for the hand work around it.
Free tracked shipping to the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, usually one to two weeks. 30-day returns from the day it arrives.
– Bob, ARVONELLE