Pillar drill advice

tom_tom_go · Post by **tom_tom_go** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 12:56 pm

I would welcome input on the purchase of my first pillar drill which I want for general model work with thin metal, brass and wood.

The cheap option:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-580mm-Pi ... B000RA14FS

Alternative:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-ho ... rill-press

Also need to factor in buying a decent clamp?

sstjc · Post by **sstjc** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:13 pm

Machine Mart down at Deal do one for about 60 quid. If I were to replace mine i'd propbably look at something on ebay like this
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/bench-pillar- ... 2edcfa59e2

In my experience they are all much of a muchness and the one I got in Aldi for 30 quid about 6 years ago has served me well with my small models and 3" scale traction engine and 3" scale electric steam wagon.

Barry

Big Al · Post by **Big Al** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:29 pm

I use a cheap Clarke's drill stand from Machine Mart and I use the 4" cross vice to make a small milling machine very good for milling rail to make points. Get milling cutters from e.bay.

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/prod ... rill-press

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/prod ... vice-ccv4c

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:29 pm

Bit of a difficult one this. Sealey's equipment can be of varying quality. The older made stuff was quite good but some of the newer stuff is now Chinese and not as good. I might be wrong but I have heard some of Axminsters stuff is made in the far east as well.

However not all Chinese stuff is bad.

The other cheaper option is Clarke sold by Machine Mart. Again these are of varying quality. But if you go down to one of their stores you can play with them first and see.

What I would look for is one with a good range of speeds, you need slower speeds more than fast ones. Size wise, go for the biggest you can. You can always adjust a machine for smaller sized bits (use another chuck etc) more simply than trying to use a small machine over its capacity.

Power supply with a large machine can be a issue as well.

Do not discount good second hand machines, there are dealers out there who specialise in ex-industry machines and their advice is priceless. A professional machine, even second hand, could work out a much better buy than a cheapo new one. (I have a lathe made in 1936 and I am certain it will outlast me!). Ebay may be a good source of a machine but I would want to see it first.

If you do look at a private sale give the machine a good going over. Check that nothing seems loose or worn. Check the bearings on the head very carefully for play or roughness). Play with the operating lever and check that the chuck starts to lower as soon as you move the lever. Don't worry too much about an iffy chuck as these are normally replaceable.

Regarding a machine vice, buy the best you can afford. They can make the difference between a good job and a bad one. The same can be said for drill bits, I use Colbalt bits, they are more expensive initially but last longer if looked after. There are an awful lot of crap HSS bits available.

Finally invest in a Zeus Chart. (you may be able to download a free one) This will give you lots of info regarding drill speeds, sizes and loads more besides. (how much extra metal is needed if you are going to make a bend in a sheet etc)

Chronos in Dunstable are a good firm to deal with IMHO if you want to go for new or want bits etc.

Hope this helps

tom_tom_go · Post by **tom_tom_go** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:31 pm

Hi Barry,

Something like this?

https://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/prod ... pillar-dri

I have a Clark bench mounted belt sander that I have been happy with so far.

sstjc · Post by **sstjc** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:46 pm

Yes mate thats the thing. Big Jims advice is good. I used someone elses of that model and was very impressed. As Big Jim says go and have a look and see what you think. If you like the display model ask if you can take that maybe. Although I believe they will change it if you are not entirely satisfied with the one you get.
Barry

sstjc · Post by **sstjc** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:49 pm

Sorry meant to add that they have offers where you pay no vat sometimes and I think one has just ended but you could give them a ring and ask.
Barry

Big Al · Post by **Big Al** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 1:50 pm

That's the one I have, not as I posted above I haven't had any problems with it and as I said above if used with sharp milling tools can be a very useful tool.

steamie1 · Post by **steamie1** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 5:47 pm

I can offer something here. It would be good if you could physically see it and handle it no matter what the make.

Grab the chuck and check its play. Laterally and up and down. They often come of the production line with varying tolerances at the cheaper end of the spectrum. I went to buy top quality and still found variations. Obviously get the one with the least play.

A nice table with fine thread screws help in centring the job, as does good drill bits. You can get special bits that just start the hole which are good.

A good pillar drill is used most, go for it.

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Sun Feb 01, 2015 8:17 pm

Try these people if you fancy second hand.
http://www.homeandworkshop.co.uk/

The website is a bit confusing but they are quite friendly on the 'phone.

tom_tom_go · Post by **tom_tom_go** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 9:33 am

Chronos have the CDP101B drill at a good price including delivery at the moment so that will be on the birthday present list

Although buying a second hand British made drill seems to be common advice I read on engineering forums they are still over £100

Still unsure about what clamp I will need as the price range is quite big?

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 12:00 pm

A good selection of G clamps are ideal for flat plates. For anything else a machine vice will do. Again make sure it is not too floppy. Take a trip to machine mart and have a play.

Peter Butler · Post by **Peter Butler** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 7:42 pm

Not everyone needs (or can afford) the best available product for just general use. I understand you can waste a lot of money on cut-price tools and equipment and care must be taken but.... for value for money (from my own experience) the brand sold by Lidl stands up well to the competition.
By coincidence Lidl are offering a pillar Drill on Monday 9th Feb. with variable speed, 16mm chuck, and 3 year warranty!
The illustration even shows a vice attached to the drill bed so presumably that is also included in the very reasonable price of £49.99?
This might not be what you are looking for but someone out there might be interested.

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 8:22 pm

I second that Peter.
Lidl and Aldi's stuff can be good quality. For £50 you can't go far wrong. handy that it has appeared this week, just in time to get featured on this post.

tom_tom_go · Post by **tom_tom_go** » Mon Feb 02, 2015 11:19 pm

Here is the Lidl offering:

http://www.lidl.co.uk/en/our-offers-249 ... l&id=20628

I am all for saving money. A branded product does not always mean quality or even requires the higher outlay of cash. Why do people buy Macs to run Windows when they use the same architecture as a PC these days?

Lidl have sold similar drills in the past. They seem to get a good press online but is described as a bit flimsy. 500w motor is quite large for such a small drill, would it not be inaccurate for small stuff due to vibration?

Big Jim · Post by **Big Jim** » Tue Feb 03, 2015 2:06 pm

I don't think you would have much of a noticeable problem. I wouldn't go much below 1/16" though.

tom_tom_go · Post by **tom_tom_go** » Sun Apr 26, 2015 12:17 pm

Got a call from a mate of mine who saw this at a local boot fair:

Knocked the price down to £30. It's only 250w but the belt is in good condition and the chuck has no play.

I think the model number is PP250BD so looks to be something B&Q use to sell?

TonyW · Post by **TonyW** » Sun Apr 26, 2015 1:03 pm

tom_tom_go:110444 wrote:I think the model number is PP250BD so looks to be something B&Q use to sell?

That is identical to mine, which came from .... B&Q about 15 years ago. The one in the picture is missing its depth gauge.

ikcdab · Post by **ikcdab** » Sun Apr 26, 2015 2:07 pm

And identical to mine which was from screwfix about 10years ago. I think it cost £50. It's been very good and reliable.

GTB · Post by **GTB** » Mon Apr 27, 2015 10:47 am

tom_tom_go:110444 wrote: I think the model number is PP250BD so looks to be something B&Q use to sell?

They are still made by a factory somewhere in China.

I bought one with Ryobi badges about 10 years ago from the local hardware shop. The same drill is still available in Bunnings, the Oz equivalent of B&Q, now badged as Ozito. The Ryobi version is still around, but has been upgraded with an alignment laser, at a price premium.

You were lucky to get one without any play in the quill. Mine slops around enough that I now only use it for drilling wood.........

Regards,
Graeme

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