Dinamitek presents the best professional equipment: the column drill

Pillar drill: learn more about this tool with Dinamitek

Let's start by getting a clear idea of the machine tool : on a support base with a cast iron top is placed the column which has the penetrating part at the head, which consists of the moving mechanical parts.

The workpieces are placed on the cast iron table. Movement is generated by a driving force generated by the movement of vertically sliding gears or a belt. The movement is controlled by the operator.

The drill press is the ideal tool when your workshop job involves making a series of precise holes . The drill press is used for drilling into materials, for threading, for boring, or for spot-facing operations.

I want to see the range of PILLAR DRILLS

The types of column drills are:

1. Compact bench drill that fits on the worktop. Even though it's smaller, you don't lose precision, but you significantly reduce the space it takes up.

2. A stationary floor-mounted drill press , for drilling large pieces. It is generally more powerful than a bench-mounted drill press.

3. A radial drill with the same dimensions as a bench drill, it has a horizontal adjustment to vary the distance between the spindle and the column. Ideal if you need to drill away from the edge.

4. Magnetic drill that attaches to a flat metal surface, allowing for great flexibility in drilling and milling operations. It's perfect for construction sites.

5. For occasional use, you can opt for a simple drill stand , but remember that it will never be as stable as a drill press, so don't use this solution for more heavy-duty jobs.

When purchasing, you will need to take into account some technical details

• Column-spindle distance

• Variable speed drive

• Ease of adjustment

• Drilling accuracy

• Power

and some characteristics that identify the product and the processing

• The drilling depth depends on the length of the bit you use, because it is linked to the descent guidance capacity of the spindle.

• the distance between the table and the spindle depends on the volume of the piece you need to drill.

• The distance between the column and the spindle usually corresponds to the profile of your drill. This parameter is different for radial drills, which allow for a significant increase in this dimension.

• the effort required , because the bit requires you to apply force to move forward. A comfortable grip will help you better control your force. The best grip is a handwheel.

• Ease of adjustments , essential for frequent use of the machine. Choose knob adjustments rather than screws; they're much more practical.

• The quality of the materials, for example, the bearings must ensure tightness, and this is only possible if they are of excellent workmanship. A sturdy drill is more precise, it is worth repeating.

• the precision of the drilling , which depends on many factors: the quality of the drill, your manual skill and experience and the type of material you are working with.

Here's a diagram on how to read the technical data sheet of the drill press :

• The power you'll need depends on the actual use you intend to make of the drill. It depends on the size of the holes you need to make and the material you're drilling. Frequency of use also matters: if it's frequent, a larger drill is needed to avoid problems during use.

• As for the power supply , you can choose between three-phase for the workshop or single-phase for the home. The difference is substantial, so be careful when choosing.

• the chuck capacity , which corresponds to the diameters of the bits. You can easily accommodate large diameter bits using a tapered shank.

• Drill speed . Be careful to evaluate the minimum and maximum speeds; they make a difference, because they are the specific parameters you'll be working with.

• Speed selection , whether with a variator or by moving the belt on the pulleys. Adjustment with a variator is definitely faster and more precise. However, for non-massive and occasional use, it is not essential.

Remember that you cannot change the rotation speed while drilling . You must stop the machine, secure it, and then change the speed.

The drill press requires the use of some accessories . Let's look at the general instructions for the clamp and the chuck.

• The clamp (corresponds to the piece it must clamp) is chosen based on the size of the jaws and their opening capacity. There are three types:

1. The rod clamp, light, handy, but fragile.

2. The industrial clamp, heavy duty for large and frequent drilling.

3. Brides for voluminous pieces.

• Chuck for clamping cylindrical tips

• The key chuck , more difficult to tighten, of old design

• The self-tightening chuck is easy to tighten. The difference lies in the chuck's manufacturing material.

As with all machine tools, the choice of tool placement must be made carefully:

• choose a completely flat surface with resistance to the total mass and any forces applied during the work

• large work space without obstructions on the operating radius

• well-ventilated place that allows the machine not to overheat

• s adequately lit space to operate in complete safety

The risks for the worker when using the pillar drill are:

• vibrations

• externalized noise

• allergens released by manufacturing processes

• hook on the drill

• ejection of splinters during movement

One last tip, consider the choice of transmission oil to lubricate the gears .

1. For slow gears with a speed of up to approximately 300 rpm, use silicone-free high-performance gear oil for heavy-duty industrial gears with good oxidation stability and very good wear and oxidation properties.

ISO VG: 150, Viscosity (cSt) at 40°C: 150 mm²/s, at 100°C: 16 mm²/s, Density at 15°C: 887 kg/m3, Pour Point: -27°C, Flash Point: 204°C.

2. For high-speed gears above 300 rpm, use high-performance non-silicone gear fluid oil for heavy-duty industrial gearboxes with good aging stability and excellent anti-wear and oxidation properties.

ISO VG: 100, Viscosity (cSt) at 40°C: 100 mm²/s, at 100°C: 12 mm²/s, Density 15°C: 887 kg/m³, Pour Point: -27°C, Flash Point: 204°C.

I want to see the range of PILLAR DRILLS

Pillar Drills: Everything You Need to Know, with Dinamitek