Advice on pillar drill purchase.

[markturner]

Hi, I want to get one of these, had a look on axminster, but the cheaper ones had variable reviews and they only do 2 makes. Can anyone advise on a good quality good value drill? I guess the budget would be approx £200, I dont need gadgets on it, just a good table, powerful motor and reliable service...

Cheers, Mark

 

[kirkpoore1]

You can probably get more for your money if you do your homework on the various models available and then buy a used one that's maybe 5-10 years old. Drill presses don't usually get abused too badly.

Do you need to drill deep holes? A 6" throw is really nice after you get used to it.

Do you use forstner bits or rosette cutters? If so, a laser is really helpful. If not, you can probably do without one. You can add one later if you want, so if you do buy used, don't be put off by the lack of a laser.

3/4 hp is plenty of power for most drill presses.

Kirk

 

[misterfish]

Years ago I had a basic Axminster drill which just about sufficed but was not accurate and their was a bit of play in the quill. I kept an eye on Ebay for Fobco and Meddings as they were/are highly regarded. I eventually got one of Ebay for £50 and still reckon it was excellent value - old British engineering at its best. It is heavy (2 man lift), solid and accurate with no play in the quill at all. I'd certainly recommend going down this route. One of the things to watch out for is whether it is single or three phase and its location for collection. Also whether you want a floor standing or bench version.

Misterfish

 

[kirkpoore1]

One of the things to watch out for is whether it is single or three phase and its location for collection.
Misterfish

With three phase, you can get an inverter (VFD) that will give you variable speed, even with step pulleys. It would probably put you a little over budget, but they do work very well and you shouldn't rule it, especially if you get a good deal on the drill itself.

Kirk

 

[misterfish]

One of the things to watch out for is whether it is single or three phase and its location for collection.
Misterfish

With three phase, you can get an inverter (VFD) that will give you variable speed, even with step pulleys. It would probably put you a little over budget, but they do work very well and you shouldn't rule it, especially if you get a good deal on the drill itself.

Kirk

Quite true, but it can add substantially to the cost. Looking at Ebay there are a cluster of Fobco and meddings drills listed with many currently at low bids and both single and three phase. It seems that these things are a bit like buses in that you wait for ages and see very little the a cluster arrive together. I bought mine during one of these 'gluts' and am still delighted with my purchase. Be careful to read the description of what is on offer - e.g. one of the Meddings is described as without a motor yet the photo shows a motor attached!

Misterfish

 

[markturner]

I have found a couple of second hand Nutool CH10 near enough for collection to me, but wondered if they would be powerfull enough? I would want it to be able to handle a 35mm forstner bit in hardwood comfortably, what do you think?

Cheers, mark

 

[dangles]

Hello Mark.
I've got a CH10 you can have if you want it.The return spring is broken
but not a big problem.If it's no good you could always give it away like
I am trying to do.
Terry.

 

[markturner]

Thanks for the kind offer Terry, however , I have just plumped for this: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... 559wt_1139 which seemed a pretty good quality machine and quite powerful, manufacturer refurbished and like new, for under half the normal price.

Thanks for the input everyone!!

Cheers, Mark