Small hole drilling Holes between 0.25 & 3mm (.010” & 1/8”) diameter 4. Light drilling Holes between 2.5 & 16mm (3/32” & 5/8”) diameter 3. Heavy drilling Holes larger than 16mm (5/8”) diameter 2. Spindle travel (stroke) Determines maximum depth of hole Size or Sizes of Hole Loosely there are four main categories for drilling sizes: 1. Quill diameter Should be finished / toleranced for strength and to minimize play Main column size Should be sufficient to maintain rigidity Spindle nose to base If the base is machined, it can be used for large or heavy components Spindle nose to table Maximum height of component Smart arse me maybe, but when I've reground the drill for them and they see 2 plumes of swarf coming off beautifully instead of iron filings they are amazed.Īny pillar drill for serious work deserves Dormer or their equal and a correct cutting edge.Throat depth Maximum distance from the edge of component to the twist drill centre line

I've seen blokes in garages with nice pillar drills struggling to get through half inch mild steel. It was an old Elliot and built from girders, very competent machine.Įven that has gone now due to wanting a bench mounted drill, so I purchased a SEALEY, obviously not toolroom standard but it does a great job and I've had no regrets.Īt the end of the day as important as the machine is the drill bit itself and the ability to grind it to cut at its best.Īlso the knowledge of what speeds for what job to select. To this end I purchased a few years back a lathe, milling machine and pillar drill from a local tiny engineering firm that was closing down.Īs space became an issue I moved the lathe and Milling machine on (and through lack of use) but kept the pillar drill. I served my time as a toolmaker and although I left the trade for pastures new I kept my hand in, more on the car hobby side at home. Have a look at the Axminster site, their hobby range is excellent and around your budget.

I have a floor stander from Axminster that works very well, quill is strong with no run out to speak of and I paid £250 second hand and new it was around £550. If you don't mind old school look for an old lump of cast iron and steel on ebay but it will need cleaning, possibly new bearings and regreasing but will outlive all of us. Price wise you can easily get a decent unit for your budget. Nothing wrong with them, they multiply the torque nicely for spinning large bits at slow speed. What makes you think you need electronic speed control, off hand I cannot think of any that use speed control, every pillar drill I have ever used has a either a gearbox or belts.

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