Pillar Drill Needed - Recommendations Please

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I need to add a Pillar Drill to the tool bank.

A quick scout of Screwfix shows prices ranging from £80 - £300.

Ideally, I'd like to spend as little as possible but don't see the point in skimping.


I'm not sure what features to look for but I don't have any twist drill bit greater than 12mm dia (above that, it's hole saws).

I assume I can use a hole saw with a pillar drill - at least to 25mm dia (plastic & possibly steel).


When "drill height" is quoted, is this without a bit? I'm going to need at least 300mm with a bit fitted (or hole saw).

Most of my drilling is done with battery tools at the moment, and this is mainly in plastic enclosures.


I might have to fabricate a clamping device for the enclosures - I already have a machine vice but this is not big enough to accommodate them.

I need to drill a variety of holes in the enclosures repetitively & for multiple units, so hoping I can set up a template to hold the enclosures & drill in the same place each time.


All advice welcome

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Thanks for the replies.

I'd love to have the budget for a "proper" machine, but from what I've seen, they are 10 times the sort of price I can afford & of limited supply.

The last time I used one was as an apprentice & like most things then, never appreciated what I using.


A floor standing drill also has two issues for me, one is space. The other is my working height. My benching is 1100mm affl so that I don't cripple myself. As such, I really need something bench mounted.

I take on board the points about height from work surface to chuck so will have to live with what gives me the biggest distance for the money.


So having had a better look at what's available, I'm considering this

It's a bit more that I'd hoped to spend but if it serves me well, a good investment.

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Thanks for all the replies folks.

In the end, I went for a Sealey unit - £390 (inc VAT).

It was available to view in the flesh at a local independent tool shop.

I also picked up some end of line Ryobi tools for a song.


Whilst the initial set-up took a while, the jig worked just as I'd hoped & all 10 enclosures are now drilled ready for assembly.

This will definitely prove to be a wise investment.

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mgtony said:

You might find that if you make the timber on the jig taller around the workpiece, you'll get less vibration and maybe a cleaner cut. (Depending how critical the hole is.)
A heavy drill vice can come in handy as well.

Yeah, there was a bit of deflection near the open edge of the enclosure & more so when stood on end.

But not enough to cause any issues for the assembly.

That said, I need to fabricate a jig that makes the hole drilling operation easier.


Also need to find alternatives to hole saws (for 14 & 22mmØ).


Overall though, so much better that using hand drills.

mattdaniels said:

Never mind the drill can we have a close up of the shelves? I think I've just discovered someone more anal than me.

"Little boxes, little boxes......"