The used bench drill is one of the most versatile and important machines in any machine shop. Drilling is a process widely used in the machining industry, as it is relatively easy to carry out. Bench drills also offer many advantages over portable drills.
What is a used bench drill?
A used bench drill is a second-hand machine tool, fully reconditioned and delivered in as-new condition, for carrying out drilling operations. Drilling is a metal-cutting machining operation used to create holes in a surface.
Bench drills, also known as pillar drills, replace hammer, hand or portable drills because they are stationary. Portable drills, as the name suggests, can be taken anywhere, which is why they are indispensable in machine shops. However, they have their limitations. A bench drill offers major advantages, as it can hold large workpieces on its table.
Structure of the bench drill
The pillar drill is a machine with a rotating spindle to which a drill bit is attached. The drill bit is the cutting tool on every type of drill, whether bench or pillar, and on portable drills too. The bit rotates at high speed and penetrates the surface of the workpiece. The workpiece is usually clamped temporarily to the drill table using a machine vice.
Although drills are used to make holes, some models can also carry out other machining operations such as boring or reaming; tapping (threading) of the holes is also possible. To do so, the appropriate tools must be used and the chosen drill must be able to accommodate them.
How a used bench drill works
All bench drills work by transmitting the rotation generated by an electric motor to the drill bit or cutting tool. The bit is brought towards the surface of the workpiece, either manually or automatically, to make the holes.
The operator needs to mark the surface where the holes are to be made, but with an advanced, automatic model, it is enough to enter the required drilling parameters on the machine's control panel.
Good drilling requires control of the machining force and of the pressure the bit exerts on the workpiece surface. Suitable working conditions are also essential, as excessive swarf can hamper machining.
Types of drill
If you are still deciding whether to buy a used bench drill, it is worth knowing that there are different types of drill. Learn the features of each one to find out which suits your machine shop.
By power source
- Manual. The operator has to apply the pressure and force needed to drill. Recommended for small jobs.
- Electric. They plug into a mains socket.
- Pneumatic. These are driven by air from diesel air compressors and can move the bits up and down. They are very noisy.
- Hydraulic. They work by means of a fluid (water or oil).
- Engine-driven. These run on an internal combustion engine, usually petrol.
By operating mechanism
- Manual. They do not use a bit; instead, the tip of the drill already has the required shape. They use a basic mechanism: crank, T-handle, auger and so on.
- Corded. Corded electric drills are the most popular and are used for DIY and simple jobs. They can also drive and remove screws, polish or sand when fitted with suitable accessories, and have a reverse mode.
- Hammer drills. They can be hydraulic, pneumatic or internal combustion. They are designed for drilling hard surfaces.
- Pillar, bench or upright drills. A stationary, large and very powerful machine. The drill is fixed to a bench or column and the workpiece is moved towards the bit. It is a very precise machine and is recommended for machine shops. They can have a fixed or movable head.
- Radial drills. They have a wide horizontal base with a fixed worktable, fitted with slots and bolts to clamp the workpieces. They have a cylindrical column and an arm that performs upward and downward movements. The arm rotates 360 degrees around the column.
- Turret drills. This type of drill is computer-controlled and can hold several cutting tools.
- CNC. The most advanced of all drills, as it is fully automatic. It can carry out a range of operations very quickly.
By size
- Portable. This group includes hand, electric and hammer drills.
- Stationary. Larger machines, including the used bench drill, CNC drills, turret drills and radial drills.
Advantages of a used bench drill
Why choose a used bench drill? These machines provide a precise, vertical movement of the bit. As a result, the machine is much more stable and therefore both precise and powerful. They are recommended for workshops and small manufacturers, with drilling diameters ranging from 13 to 40 millimetres.
With the right tools, a used bench drill can do more than just drill holes: it can also carry out other machining operations such as tapping, reaming, grinding and so on. That is why the pillar drill is considered a very versatile machine. In addition, thanks to the motor and drill head assembly, the spindle speed can be adjusted using stepped pulleys.