Cheap Machine Mart pillar drills
Discussion
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.
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.
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.
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?
I would say they are all reasonable value for money but it all depends on what you want to do with them.
If you want to drill larger holes, particularly in steel, then you are likely to need lower speeds. For that you are likely to be spending more.
I would also say that the cheaper ones tend not to be so rigid. Again, not a problem on smaller holes but can be an issue with big holes in steel.
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
If you want to drill larger holes, particularly in steel, then you are likely to need lower speeds. For that you are likely to be spending more.
I would also say that the cheaper ones tend not to be so rigid. Again, not a problem on smaller holes but can be an issue with big holes in steel.
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
105.4 said:
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?
Then I would say yes. More than good enough for occasional use. I used a £50 B&Q special for years before I got my meddings.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?
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 !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
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?
I've got a Wickes own brand cheap one (think it was £35 on clearance).
Miles better than using drill freehand.
Keyed chuck is a bit fiddly and it's not perfect in every dimension, but worth every penny... if you have the space to store it.
In fact because it's a proper tool I can leave the cutting fluid and a set of decent drill bits (that don't get abused drilling stuff around the house...) with it too.
Miles better than using drill freehand.
Keyed chuck is a bit fiddly and it's not perfect in every dimension, but worth every penny... if you have the space to store it.
105.4 said:
I’m just not sure if the cheaper ones are up to the job of metalwork or is they are woodwork proficient only?
Mine will drill steel no issue with proper bits.In fact because it's a proper tool I can leave the cutting fluid and a set of decent drill bits (that don't get abused drilling stuff around the house...) with it too.
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.
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.
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?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.
If metal, was it on thin stuff, (0.8-2.0mm) or on thicker 4-5mm?
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