The best column drill
Column drill – Opinions, Analysis and Comparison in 2022
Although it is not a common product in our workshop, the drill press can be an interesting aid when drilling different materials in many different types of tasks. A job for which it is convenient to have quality products, such as the Mader ZJ4116Q-1 drill. A product with a power of 450 watts, a travel of 15 centimeters and a spindle race of 60 millimeters. If you prefer an industrial model, you can use the Maschinen SB 55 SV drill, equipped with a base and foot, with 1,700 watts of power and capable of drilling up to 5 centimeters.
The best drill presses on the market
When drilling materials, we can use the conventional drill, or use a column drill, which gives more precision to this result. However, to achieve acceptable results, it is convenient to know which is the best column drill that we can find, adapted to our needs and budget. A task that will be easier for you if you consult our list of the best column drills of 2022, in which we include options for all tastes.
Professional drill press
Wood ZJ4116Q-1
A good professional drill press, like the Mader ZJ4116Q-1 model, is all you need to comfortably drill your materials. This product offers us a base power of 450 watts, with a maximum drilling capacity of 16 millimeters and a total travel of 15 centimeters.
It also has a total of 12 adjustable speeds, turning at 2,380 rpm, to give you greater comfort during use. So it is possible to work with different materials and achieve good quality results without complications, also having a simple and easy-to-manage control system.
At the base we find a table, with a square format and 20 centimeters on a side, on which to support these materials when we are going to proceed with their drilling. Characteristics of the best current column drill, according to some user.
If you are not sure which column drill to buy, we will give you some details about what this model makes available to you.
Pros
Power: Its 450 watts of power are suitable for working with different materials.
Speeds : It has 12 adjustable speeds, from 280 to 2,380 rpm.
Table : The table measures 20 centimeters on each side, in a square format, for greater comfort.
Work capacity : The product can drill holes up to 60 millimeters in diameter with a depth of 16 millimeters.
Control : The control system makes it easy to lower the drill precisely when drilling the material.
Cons
Fastening: The model does not include holes to fasten it to the work table, although its weight is more than enough to drill safely.
Spark AG/DP-500-610
Finding a cheap drill press is not difficult either, thanks to models like the Spark AG/DP-500-610. This professional drill press has a power of 500 watts, so you will have no problem doing all kinds of drilling jobs on different materials.
A perforation that you can execute at different depths, also having nine different speeds, to choose the one that suits you best up to a maximum of 2,500 rpm. Its height, 61 centimeters, with a maximum distance between axis and base of 33 centimeters also helps in this work. Something in which its support base is also not out of place, which keeps the drill stable and that we can even fix to the table, if necessary.
Adequate characteristics to be the best price-quality column drill that we have evaluated.
Searching among the cheapest options we found this complete column drill, which we analyze below.
Pros
Power: Its 500 watts of power are suitable for working with a large number of materials.
Base : The work area is swiveling and widely adjustable to our needs.
Displacement: The product offers you a displacement of up to 33 centimeters, which makes it easier to work with thick materials.
Cons
Tightening: Some users recommend not to tighten too much, since the product has a certain weakness on very hard materials.
Heating : The product has a tendency to heat up during use, so care must be taken in case of intensive use.
industrial column drill
Maschinen SB 55 SV
The Maschinen SB 55 SV model is an interesting proposal for those looking for an industrial column drill. We are talking about a device with a power of 1,700 watts and a 400-volt power supply, so the capacity of the product to work in a big way is more than considerable. Something that is reflected in details such as its drilling capacity, 50 millimeters, or a rotation speed that ranges from 85 to 1,900 turns per minute.
This product includes the work table, to give greater stability to the set, as well as a second table with adjustable height, as well as the height of the drill, to give us greater comfort when working.
It is finished off with details such as a coolant tank, LED lighting and all the necessary safety measures for quality work.
Although it is not among the cheapest models, looking at its characteristics, we would be facing a product worthy of being the best column drill of the moment.
Pros
Power : Its 1,700 watts of power can work efficiently on all types of materials.
Handling : Handling is very simple thanks to the aids included in the product, as well as the approach to the drilling process.
Accessories : Includes details such as LED lighting in the work area or coolant tank.
Cons
Price: As an industrial product, it has a considerable cost, although its functionality is in line with its cost.
Weight: The weight of the product is 450 kilos, so we must take into account the resistance of the floor when placing it.
Optimum B 20
The Optimum B 20 model is an interesting proposal, halfway between professional and industrial models. However, its qualification is that of an industrial column drill, both for its construction and its resistance, which allows it to drill even metals efficiently. To do this, this product has a 550-watt motor with an efficient transmission, which gives a greater drilling capacity by reducing losses during transmission.
The product also has a good working height, thanks to a tray that we can adjust both in height and in the working angle, as needed. The model is finished off with a resistant and stable construction, in which metal predominates, as befits a drill with these characteristics.
A construction with a total weight of 54 kilos, which shows signs of said resistance and the quality of its support.
We leave you some more details of this model and everything it can do to help you in your tasks.
Pros
Transmission: The aluminum pulley transmission generates a more efficient sliding and drilling.
Adjustable tray: The tray can be adjusted in height and is fully adjustable, for greater comfort.
Security : We are talking about an approved drill and all the necessary security measures to work without risks.
Cons
Perforated: Perforated steel reaches “only” 20 millimeters deep, perhaps scarce for certain uses.
Power: The power can be somewhat short for very intensive work or on very hard materials.
Bosch column drill
Bosch PBD 40
For those looking for a well-known brand product, the Bosch PBD 40 column drill is our recommendation. Its technical parameters correspond to those of a 710-watt power drill with an innovative digital control system, which makes it much easier to choose the turning speed we need.
We also have a double gear system, capable of giving us more speed or more power, depending on what the material we are working with needs. A complete approach that also has an efficient clamping system, which makes it easier to position the materials correctly during processing, as well as knowing precisely how the drill is going to be executed, thanks to the included lighting.
And for better control of the process, the drill lowering lever is circular, thus achieving greater comfort and efficiency.
We leave you a summary of the characteristics of this model, manufactured by what is, for many, the best brand of current column drills.
Pros
Double gear: This double gear system gives more speed or more power, depending on what you need.
Accuracy : The tool has a high precision, allowing the precise placement of the materials and the bit.
Screen: The LCD screen makes it easier to see the parameters of use of the product and configure them comfortably.
Cons
Kits: It is important to choose the right kit, depending on the accessories and accessories you need.
Slack : Some users comment on certain slack problems, which however are slight and relatively easy to manage.
Accessories for drill press
drill chuck for pillar drill
YAMATO 7301025
The YAMATO 7301025 column drill chuck is a product designed for the 750 and 1,100 watt models of the brand, with a mouth diameter of 20 millimeters. However, the capacity of the product’s chuck ranges from 5 to 20 millimeters in diameter, being easy to adjust using the corresponding key.
This product has a high resistance as well as full compatibility with the models of the brand that we have mentioned, making it easy to replace the old chuck without much effort, to continue working with the usual comfort offered by these products.
Vise for pillar drill
NGR Clever BG6258
The NGR Clever BG6258 model is all you need if you are looking for an efficient and quality drill press vise. A product made of high-resistance aluminum with an opening of 65 millimeters, adjustable depending on the work required.
This space is duly fixed, in order to hold the pieces correctly and prevent problems during their work, without the pieces dancing or moving. In addition, due to its construction, it has a high resistance to weight and torsion, so you will not have a problem with the power or the type of materials you use.
column drill table
Wolfcraft 5027000
The Wolfcraft 5027000 Drill Press Table is everything you need to convert any conventional drill into a drill press. To do this, this model supports drills with a standard diameter of 43 millimeters, offering you a total height of 57 centimeters and a stable base, which you can even screw to the table for greater comfort.
Something similar to what the base area offers, rotating and with a clamping jaw, to give you more precision and stability when drilling. The table is made of cast iron and adequately supports the most intensive use you can give it.
Drill press buying guide
Despite not being something very common in our workshops and garages, the column drill is an interesting piece when it comes to drilling work on all kinds of materials. Products that you can easily incorporate into your tooling with our guide to buying the best column drill, in which we give you some clues to know what to look for when you want to buy one of these products.
Shopping guide
drill type
Although they all look the same, the truth is that there are several types of drill presses on the market. Formats that should be known in order to choose the one that best suits our needs, especially considering that this influences how much the drill we have chosen costs.
The first drill we have is the bench pillar drill. This is the most common model we have on the market and with which we can carry out all kinds of work. A product that is mounted on our workbench, with the corresponding fixings for it. Fixings that dispense with the fixed column drill, of a professional nature, which integrates both the furniture or table and the drill itself.
Less well known is the radial column drill. A product similar to the bench but with the possibility of adjusting the space between the tray and the bit, to achieve greater precision. Some conventional drill presses have this additional tray, ideal for drilling away from the edge. Finally, we have the magnetic drill, used mainly on construction sites, as it is portable. Except for professional use, it is not used conventionally.
drill power
Once we have decided on the type of drill we want, it is time for the power it offers us and what we may need. This power varies depending on the different models, being necessary to evaluate it according to the type of work that we are going to carry out. As a test, the greater the thickness of the materials on which we are going to work or their hardness, the greater the power of the drill must be.
As a reference, a column drill usually offers a power from 300 or 350 watts. These economically priced models are suitable for work with shallow depths or on materials that are not particularly hard. Mid-level drills range from 500 to 700 watts, giving you more options when working. But if what we need are high-power models, before moving on to the professionals, it would be necessary to bet on column drills of 750 or 800 watts at least.
In all the cases that we have mentioned, it is key that the drill has options to regulate that power or the speed of the rotation. Basically because not all materials work the same, so weaker materials will need to be drilled at slower speeds to prevent breakage during part machining.
Measurements and dimensions
Another important aspect, easy to see in any comparison of drill presses, is the dimensions of the product. These dimensions affect different aspects such as the path and height of the materials that we can use, as well as the size of the base or bases, in which it refers to when working.
Starting with the total height, we would have to verify the route that the drill can make when working. The higher this route, the greater the size of the materials in which we are going to be able to drill. Some long chuck models, with considerable travel, have a second removable and adjustable tray, to achieve a more precise depth in smaller pieces.
As for the measurements of the trays, these also influence the size of the materials on which we will work, but also the stability of the product. A good sized tray makes the job easier and also makes the drill rock less when drilling through materials. All these parameters must be valued, again, according to the specific needs of the work that we have to carry out.
Frequently asked questions
Q1: How to make a home drill press?
This process is relatively simple, if we use a drill stand that we find on the market. If we want to do everything at home, we will have to resort to some of the plans that we have on the net. In general, we will have to build a base, either in wood or metal, on which we will place the bar and the advance system that allows the drill to slide up and down. It is key that the structure is firm and adapted to the characteristics of your drill, as well as the materials you want to work with.
Q2: What is the drill press for?
The column drill is a very practical tool for obtaining straight holes on all types of materials. Since the drill goes down directly into the material, the chances of twisting during drilling are nil. In addition, the process makes it even easier to work with large, hard or thick pieces, for which the drill usually accepts all kinds of bits and elements.
Q3: How to repair a drill press?
The process of repairing a drill press is somewhat complex, so it should be left to a professional. However, there are tasks that we can do, such as changing the coals or brushes. To do this, simply remove the cover that covers them and change them, always previously unplugging the drill. Another easy repair is that of the drill chuck, which in case of deterioration can be changed simply and without much complexity. If you want to know what other repairs you can do, you can refer to the manufacturer’s manual, to see what elements you can intervene on.
Q4: Where to put a drill press?
The best location for a drill press is the workbench. In fact, this type of drills have a perforated metal base, which by means of bolts and screws or brackets make it easy to properly fix the product to the table. It is also important that this location has enough space for us to move, especially if we are going to work on large materials. This last precaution must also be taken into account in integral models, with feet, in order to have enough space to work.
Q5: Can I use a drill press as a lathe?
The use of a drill press as a lathe is possible, although it will be necessary to make some modifications to it. Among them we have the position, which must be horizontal and not vertical, as it usually is. On the other hand, we must replace the chuck with a suitable support to place the material safely. And we will also have to build the other support, which must be rotating, in order to allow it to function as a lathe. For this process there is a lot of information on the net, which we can use.
Q6: How to raise the height of a drill press?
Since the column drill is located on a metal bar, in order to achieve a greater work capacity in terms of material thickness, it will be necessary to lengthen this bar. To begin with, we must measure the diameter of the bar and look for another bar of the same diameter, to weld one on top of the other. It is key to carry out this welding in the most efficient way, so that the drill can move comfortably over the material. The welding must have a high quality or resistance, in order to prevent it from breaking and causing some type of incident.
Q7: How to mill with a pillar drill?
Although it is not the most recommended use, to mill with a column drill we will carry out a reverse process to that of a conventional milling machine. We will start by placing the corresponding milling cutter in the drill and making the necessary adjustments according to the working height and the thickness that we need. Next, we will start milling but moving the material on which we are working and not the milling machine (drill in this case), ensuring that the movements are smooth.
Q8: How to disassemble a drill press?
The pillar drill disassembly process begins by removing the top of the product from the bar on which it is placed. To do this, we will have to loosen the lever and extract the drill from the top. Then we just have to loosen the screws that hold the drill to the table, if applicable, in order to separate it from it. If the idea is to carry out maintenance work, it is enough to remove it from the bar to operate on it, while for a complete disassembly we will have to separate the rest of the elements, such as the trays or the bar itself from the main base of the product.
How to use a drill press
Compared to the conventional drill, the column drill completely changes the way we drill materials. In this case, the column drill remains attached to a structure, moving directly against the material, as opposed to the manual movement process that we would carry out with a conventional drill. Something that leads us to have to change a little the approach that we carry out when drilling that material, in order to achieve the best results.
Placing the material
The first step we must take to start working is to place the material in the correct way. It is essential that the area to be drilled is located exactly on the drop zone of the drill bit, for which we can lower the drill, obviously turned off, in order to mark it correctly. Once the material is in its position, we must fix it correctly, using the clamps and the rest of the fastening elements that this type of drill makes available to us. Loose material will result in a poor drilling result.
Calculating the depth
The next step is to calculate the drilling depth. This depth depends on the characteristics of the drill but also on what we need, so that we can adjust the position of the drill on the chuck or the clamping bar to the height that is necessary, according to that depth and the path of the drill itself. The lower we place it, the deeper we are going to drill the material. Don’t forget to fix the drill properly once you have it in position.
Drill placement
To drill the material it is essential to use a drill suitable for said material. It is not appropriate to use a wood-in-metal or metal-in-wood drill bit, as the results will not be adequate. Placing the bit in the chuck usually follows a similar procedure to conventional drills, so you’ll need a wrench to correctly position the bit on the spindle. Again. It is key that the placement is correct and well fixed.
speed adjustment
As a last aspect, before proceeding, it is time to verify the speed and power that we are going to apply to the material. This power or speed depends on the type of material that we are going to drill, so that the harder it is, the higher drilling speeds we can use. In the case of softer and finer materials, it will be necessary to use slower speeds, to avoid breakage or cracking.
Executing the drilling
With all the parameters configured, the time has come to proceed. We will then turn on the drill, wait for it to pick up speed and go down on the material to be drilled. It is important that this descent is progressive and not sudden, in order to avoid rebounds or damage to the material. Once we have reached the top, according to the marked depth, we only have to turn off the drill and remove the already drilled material, always in this order.
Everything you need to know about column drills
Drill rig function
The column drill is a fixed tool that performs a vertical movement on a workbench or table, where it is held and is capable of drilling pieces of different materials. Among its most outstanding aspects is the possibility of drilling to a great depth and with total precision, which is why they are highly recommended for opening holes in both delicate and larger materials.
These types of tools are also used in demanding workshops, since they usually have a higher power than other similar products, so their performance provides better results and in less time. The column drill is indicated for wood, glass, metal, tile and plastic surfaces, it is only necessary to have the indicated bits for each surface and the type of drilling to be carried out.
The operation of the column drill is quite intuitive, however, it requires seriousness and concentration to avoid accidents. First of all, you must select the type and size of drill, then fix the material on the table and under the drill, taking into account the fastening methods that each model has. The next step is to adjust the height of the drill, accurately center on the point you want to drill, and select the speed. After turning on the drill, all you have to do is move the lever on its frame to go deeper into the material. For greater effectiveness and durability of the tool, it is recommended that you use it slowly. Also, it is recommended to remove the bit when turning off the engine to store the accessory safely.
What should I take into account when choosing a column drill?
It is necessary to pay special attention to the power of the model of your choice, since the performance of the tool depends on it in the different tasks in which you want to use it. Therefore, a column drill for professional use should have a minimum of 500W of power, while the models indicated for home use and occasional DIY work only need 350W for most tasks.
Just as important is the speed, which is usually displayed in revolutions per minute and the most prominent models have an adjustable system, which allows the speed to be adjusted according to the needs and demands of the project. In addition, this type of system makes it possible to carry out different types of perforations on materials of greater or lesser hardness.
Previously, this type of change was made only with manual pulleys, but technology has advanced to such an extent that some models incorporate digital screens, which are used to modify the speed of the drill, as well as to establish its settings, define the mode of use, among other functions.
The market for column drills has been constantly innovating over the years, which is why manufacturers have now incorporated laser lights that serve as a guide for users who want to preview the exact location of the drilling. Other more avant-garde models include LED lighting to more easily see the work area, however, these equipment could have a slightly higher price, so you must be clear about your needs and the accessories you need.
Both weight and size are logistical aspects that you must be clear about, because these devices are usually placed in a fixed place that provides the necessary resistance to withstand their use. Currently, the equipment is usually around 10 and 17 kg, which could be excessive for a simple wooden bench.
» Review information from previous years
Los 2 mejores taladros de columna
Einhell BT-BD 501
Este modelo cuenta con un sistema de ajuste para velocidad en 9 posiciones, que pueden ir desde las 280 rpm hasta las 2350 rpm, para adaptar la máquina según las exigencias del material y el tipo de broca que uses, además, su potencia es de 500 W, lo que lo convierte en un aparato de uso profesional para trabajos exigentes, por lo que muchos usuarios lo consideran como el mejor taladro de columna del momento. Es importante destacar que el diámetro de perforación natural del taladro está entre 1,5 mm para acabados delicados hasta 16 mm para perforaciones de mayor grosor.
La mesa del taladro brinda resistencia a la torsión y cuenta con altura regulable, de igual forma, puedes girarla o inclinarla fácilmente hasta alcanzar la posición de trabajo más cómoda para ti. También, la base brinda estabilidad suficiente para lograr acabados de calidad, ya que tiene ranuras abiertas para la colocación de tornillos de ajuste al banco. Para mayor comodidad, incorpora empuñaduras de goma y protector contra las virutas, que facilitan el trabajo y lo hacen más seguro. Debes saber que su peso total es de 17,6 kg para cuando decidas fijarlo a una s
