Pillar Drills/Drill Presses
Turbo Mini Forums

My view on stuff like this, is if you can't afford a really decent one, you may as well get a cheap one, as the slightly more expensive one is no better than the cheap one.

I've a £30 B&Q special, it does what I need it to do, yes it will struggle with hole saws, but if I need to saw holes, I can use my 900W 240V Bosch pistol drill.

I,m really old fashioned and think that ,if you reckon you will be using a tool for years to come, buy the best and it wont frustrate you.

If you cant afford it now then look for a second hand tool with a "good name"

I have a Black and Decker Power saw at least 25 years old and its miles ahead of anything they produce now.My pillar drill is even older, big old noisy slow speed motor that you cant stall but limited to three speeds - slow, slower and almost stopped.

Anything that needs more goes on the mill -another oldie but I can get an A series block on to it.

I really do think that shiny new metal and paint on a lot of the budget stuff seduces people into buying unsuitable kit. Its OK if you only use it occasionally but for long term reliability ..........

Weighing up the pro's and con's and looking at Rod's experience with the cheaper one, I think I'm going to go with the second Clarke one.

I take onboard peoples advice, but I can't find another one that has as much power combined with the slowest speeds and the machine's size.

I will be doing more hole cutting than anything, so don't really want to buy a cheepo pillar drill and then a more expensive hand drill to cut holes as no doubt my B&D won't be up to the job.

Thanks for the help and advice.

How about travling auctions and buying a commercial grade, used, pillar drill. I've found this out a lot in the last 5 years, and would sooner purchase a used 10/15 yeard old industrial machine than a new made in china POS.

I had considered that, but getting to auctions is difficult for me as I work normal office hours and I'm guessing the majority would be 3 phase.

I've been giving this a lot of thought before spending my cash. Looks like I'll be heading over to the wrong side of the Penines tomorrow to collect a drill.

Ebay came good with a poorly advertised and ligthly used Sealey GDM180BX.

750w Motor
16 speed - 120rpm to 3000rpm
20mm Chuck
Tilting table with a handle rather than a bolt for adjustment.
Big enough to get an engine on it's side (pump end) on the table.
And it's Red so it will drill more holes more quickly than say a greeen drill.

All for less than the cost of a new Clarke one of a lesser spec. Let's hope it's as good as it's spec's say it is...

That sounds like a good deal and is much more of a tool than you were looking at.

Aandy, sounds alot like mine, its a proper mean machine, and I can use it to lightweight milling too

you can see it here

http://www.turbominis.co.uk/forums/index.php?p=vt&tid=255327

"Turbo's make torque, and torque makes fun"

"did you know you can toast potato waffles?"

That's the puppy. it looks huge!

I hadn't considered using it as a milling machine. mmm

Looks like you've found yourself a good bit of kit that will serve you well.