Cheap Machine Mart pillar drills

[105.4]

There’s currently a few different models for sale at Machine Mart for under £150, which isn’t much more than equivalent used models are going for on eBay.

I just wondered if anyone has one of these cheaper Clarke pillar drills and how competent these drills are at metal fabrication? Or are they as weak as piss and best avoided ?

Thanks in advance.

[105.4]

Mave said:

I've got over of the basic ones, had it about 10 years. It's OK, but not hugely substantial. The return spring has broken, the plastic knobs have got brittle and snapped. My main issue is that the travel isn't great so you need to adjust the height of the platform every you time you change drill length if you want to drill a reasonable depth.

Thanks Mave.

It wouldn’t be a tool that got a lot of use. I’ve fabricated 60 brackets that all need 8 holes each drilling in them. I’ve drilled six brackets so far and it’s a laborious task, hence the thoughts of a bench mounted pillar drill.

After I’ve done these brackets the drill would only be used a few times a year.

What I’m basically asking is, for £150(ish), are they worth the money in your (and others) opinion?

[105.4]

brman said:

I think it also depends on what you are looking at 2nd hand.
Something like this:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144211972593?hash=item2...
goes down to 80rpm which is suprisingly useful compared to the more normal 150+
There is a reason stuff like the meddings cost £1000s new

I do very little woodwork. Metal fab I’ll do 2-3 times per year. There just isn’t the accuracy with hand-held drills and it makes repetitive work a bloody chore !

Yeah, I’ve watched a few Meddings on eBay over the past few weeks. They all seem to go for strong money, (or at least more than I could justify spending).

Going back a couple of weeks before I really started looking, I thought I’d be able to get something decent but used for under £100. I’ve been surprised at how well sought after these old drills are. Which is what made me think about getting one of the cheaper new ones. At least then I’d get a warranty with it.

I’m just not sure if the cheaper ones are up to the job of metalwork or is they are woodwork proficient only?

[105.4]

Thanks all for your advice and experience.

Rather than spend close to £100 for a used one, (plus travelling time and fuel to collect it), I think I’ll spend £150-£160 on a new one and get it delivered. With any luck Machine Mart will be having a VAT-Free weekend soon as well.

Cheers

[105.4]

Griffith4ever said:

For anything more than hobby DIY use their don't have enough grunt. I could stall mine far too easily. I drill 100s of holes in a session. In fairness, it was fine for occasional use.

I bought an old proper heavy pillar drill and swapped out the three phase for a 240v motor. I can still slip the belt but only if I'm really careless. Plus, the chuck spins true.

Is that using it on wood or metal plate?

If metal, was it on thin stuff, (0.8-2.0mm) or on thicker 4-5mm?

[105.4]

Griffith4ever said:

Metal. Aluminium. 2mm normally.

Like I said if you are careful and slow there is nout wrong with the cheapies, but im pulling the drill down again and again, for one hour sessions and you really appreciate the power.

Many thanks

[105.4]

tr7v8 said:

If using a pillar drill make sure you get a vice & clamp the work down. I've seen a few accidents where the drill grabs the workpiece & spins it. If your hands are in the way you'll get hurt.

Been there. Done that