How to choose a pillar drill: capacity, belt or gear drive

A pillar drill is chosen on the largest hole you need to make in steel, not on the chuck diameter. In the collection the drilling capacity in steel ranges from Ø 16 to Ø 40 mm. For workshop and metalwork you need a motor suited to your mains supply (230 V single-phase or 400 V three-phase) and speeds adjustable over a wide range, from about 75 to over 3,000 rpm. If the workpiece cannot be brought under the column, there is the magnetic drill, which is fixed to the workpiece.

Types

• Belt-drive pillar drill: the motor drives the spindle by a belt and the speed is changed by moving the belt on the pulleys. It is the simple solution for small and medium holes, like the Fervi T072.
• Geared drill: gear transmission, designed for larger diameters and continuous work. An example is the Fervi T066.
• Drill-milling machine: besides drilling, it allows light milling operations. You will find pillar-type ones, like the Fervi T073DA, and geared ones, like the Fervi T047 in 230 V and 400 V versions.
• Magnetic drill: it has a magnetic base that anchors it to a steel workpiece. You bring it to the workpiece, not the other way round.
• Radial drill: the swivelling arm lets you drill at different points without moving a heavy workpiece.
• Chucks, tapers and vices: the collection includes drill accessories, such as the keyless chuck, the drill vice and the chuck key.

How to choose for the job

What to look for

Drilling capacity in steel. In the collection it is stated on S235JR steel with a pilot hole, with values from Ø 16 to Ø 40 mm. Choose a model that exceeds your maximum hole by a margin: always working at the limit overheats the bit and the motor.

Motor. The 230 V models go up to 1.5 kW, the 400 V ones up to 1.9 kW. The 400 V motor requires a three-phase connection; for a workshop without three-phase you need a 230 V model. Among the motors there is also the brushless version.

Spindle speed. The datasheets give the number of speeds and the range, for example 12 speeds from 75 to 3,200 rpm or 6 speeds from 75 to 1,600 rpm. Large diameters and steel call for low speeds; wood, aluminium and small bits call for high ones. The more speeds you have, the more materials you cover.

Morse taper and spindle fitting. The MT 2, MT 3 and MT 4 tapers indicate the size of the spindle fitting. Check it before buying chucks and taper-shank bits, because they must match.

Weight and bulk. From about 8 kg to over 300 kg for workshop machines. Weight gives stability but requires a suitable base.

Common mistakes

• Holding the workpiece by hand. Always clamp the workpiece in a vice or with a magnetic base: if the bit jams, the workpiece spins.
• Choosing by chuck capacity rather than steel capacity: they are two different numbers.
• Using the same speed for all diameters. Large bits on steel need a low speed.
• Using the magnetic base on painted, dirty or too thin surfaces: the hold becomes weak.
• Working with gloves or loose sleeves near the chuck. Always wear safety glasses, and keep hair and sleeves tied back.

Frequently asked questions

Belt-drive or geared drill?

For small and medium holes the belt is more than enough and simpler. If you often drill large diameters or work continuously, choose gears.

Do I need a three-phase motor?

Only if you have a 400 V supply in the workshop. Without three-phase, choose a 230 V model, with power up to 1.5 kW.

What is the Morse taper?

It is the tapered size of the connection between spindle and machine. The chuck or bit you fit must have the same taper (MT 2, MT 3, MT 4) as the machine.

Do I need coolant?

On metals, yes: it reduces heat, extends the life of the bit and improves the hole.

All models and accessories are in the Pillar drills collection: if in doubt about capacity or power supply, ask the AMES technicians for a quote or advice.