How to choose a drilling machine
First of all, you need to decide in what mode the work will be done at the machine:
- Craftsmen planning to use the machine frequently and for commercial purposes should pay attention to the line of professional-class models with a power of 600 W or more.
- For those who will use the machine for domestic purposes, simple models with a power of up to 600 W are suitable.
Important parameters:
Another important point to consider is the characteristics of the holes being made:
- For home use, drilling machines are chosen that make holes with a diameter of up to 16 mm.
- For drilling large diameters, there are models that make holes from 20 mm to 60 mm. Most often, such units are indispensable in production.
- Hole depth. The more powerful the unit, the thicker the material it can process.
Connecting the device to the network:
- 220 V – standard power of a household outlet;
- 380 V - as a rule, this power is used in factories or in specially equipped workshops.
The following characteristics influence the productivity and comfort of work:
- Equipment weight. The lighter the equipment, the easier it is to move it from place to place or take it to field sites.
- Speed shifter.
- The light sight allows you to quickly and accurately position the workpiece before processing.
Check to see if consumables are available. If they are delivered only to order, this can complicate the work.
Secondary parameters:
The protective transparent casing is a nice addition to the new unit. It does not affect productivity or quality of work.
If desired, the accessory can be ordered separately or made from scrap materials. Instead, it is safer to use special safety glasses.
A good half of the drilling machines have mounting holes on the base, but you can easily make them yourself.
Designation
Drilling equipment is divided into models according to the table of metal-cutting machines. Each model is unique and has a corresponding name, consisting of a set of numbers and letters.
The first number indicates belonging to a specific group of machines, 2 – drilling group. The second number indicates the type of machine. The third and fourth digits indicate an important parameter for the machine, that is, the maximum diameter of the hole being machined.
If there is a letter between the first and second numbers, then it indicates the modernization of the original machine. The letter at the end speaks of the creation of a machine different from the original based on the main model.
Let's look at a few examples:
- 2118 – vertical drilling machine, achievable hole diameter – 18 mm.
- 2N118 – vertical drilling machine, achievable hole diameter – 18 mm, modernized;
- 2N118A - vertical drilling machine, achievable hole diameter is 18 mm, the letter A indicates the automation of the machine.
Best Vertical Drilling Machine
The Einhell BT-BD 701 is a consumer-grade machine designed for precision hole machining in small and large workpieces.
Characteristics:
- Belting;
- power 630 W;
- voltage 220 V;
- spindle stroke – 60 mm;
- spindle speed – 220-2450 rpm;
- weight – 35 kg.
Pros:
- number of gears – 12;
- ease of operation;
- a transparent shield prevents chips from flying away during operation;
- the vice firmly secures the workpiece to the work surface;
- fixation available at any angle;
- processing of large-sized workpieces is provided;
- the rigid frame is attached to the working surface with special bolts.
Minuses:
- applicable drills with a diameter from 3 mm to 16 mm;
- there is no supply of cutting fluids;
- drilling depth of workpieces – up to 60 mm;
- noise during operation.
Safety precautions
PROHIBITED:
- Start work without checking for serviceability and grounding;
- Start work activities without special clothing;
- Work without safety glasses or headgear.
To avoid injury, follow these guidelines:
- Overalls should fit snugly to the body;
- Do not clutter the machine with unnecessary items;
- Do not use a broken tool;
- Do not try to stop the chuck during the cutting process;
- Check the fastening of the drill in the chuck;
- Wait until the machine stops, after which you can leave the workplace;
- Under no circumstances should you adjust the part while the machine is running.
Best magnetic drilling machine
Proma MDMR-100 is a professional-class machine.
Used in metalworking production. Characteristics:
- power 1800 W;
- stroke – 220 mm;
- voltage – 220 V;
- dimensions – 59*30*37 cm;
- magnet dimensions – 20*9.4*6 cm;
- weight – 22 kg.
Pros:
- The diameter of the drill used is up to 32 mm.
- The processed material is metal.
- Built-in lubricating coolant supply system.
The swivel base is made of a powerful magnet. It reliably adheres the device to the material and surface on which the equipment is located (if it is metal).
- Convenient handle for carrying the unit.
- Reverse function.
- Electric motor overload protection.
- Limiter of the maximum rotating torque on the shaft.
- Ergonomic body.
Minuses:
- High price. But it is justified by the functionality of the equipment.
- Noisy at work.
Best Horizontal Drilling Machine
PEMAL Malbork DWMA-25 is a longitudinal drilling machine designed for making and milling holes in wood and wood-based plastics. Assigned a class of specialized equipment. Finds application in small furniture and woodworking industries.
Characteristics:
- voltage – 400 V or 50 Hz;
- drive motor;
- electric motor power – 2.2 kW;
- speed – 2800 rpm;
- working surface size – 60*29.5 cm;
- weight – 260 kg;
- Dimensions: 92*72*126 cm.
Pros:
- depth of holes made – up to 16 cm;
- milling length – up to 17 cm;
- distance between the working surface and the tool – up to 1.5 cm;
- deviation in the vertical plane – up to 45o;
- processing of large workpieces;
- increasing the working area of the table;
Stops - limiters and cam clamp firmly fix the workpiece of any size and modification.
Minuses:
- diameter of the tool used – up to 25 mm;
- noisy operation;
- requires qualified personnel for operation and maintenance;
- inconvenient for transportation.
Tool
A significant number of different tools are offered for a drilling machine.
Drill. Depending on the shape of the hole being made, metal drills are divided into:
- Spiral;
- Conical;
- Crowned
- Stepped
The twist version looks like a classic drill needed to make a cylindrical hole. The cutting part of the tool cuts into the metal, drilling a hole. The working surface has a spiral design designed to remove chips from the hole being created. The shank is used to secure the part in the machine chuck.
Conical drills are very convenient for drilling in one pass; there is no need to create a hole of a smaller diameter for future drilling. However, the use of such a tool requires high machine power.
Core drills are an empty cylinder with serrations along the entire end, forming a “crown”. They are required to create large diameter holes.
Step drills are a great discovery in the world of drilling tools. Its versatility allows you to create holes of different diameters without using other tools.
Countersinks. The principle of operation is similar to that of a drill. The first group serves for intermediate processing, leaving allowance for reaming, while the second group processes the hole completely without the need for subsequent processing.
Sweeps. This tool is classified according to many criteria, but we will only talk about the main types of sweeps.
Cylindrical reamers. Necessary for finishing cylindrical holes.
- Conical reamers. After using such a tool, the hole takes a conical shape.
- Step sweeps. The principle of operation is the same as that of step drills.
- Countersinks. They are divided into cylindrical, conical and end.
- Cylindrical ones form a recess for hardware with an internal hexagonal hole.
- Conical ones create a recess for hardware with countersunk heads
- Face (forging) are necessary for processing the bottom of the recess in order to increase the perpendicularity between the supporting plane and the axis of the hole.
Taps. They consist of a shank and a working part, consisting of a cutting and calibrating fragment. There are grooves for removing chips. When cutting threads, two taps are used, one for rough cutting of threads, the second for finishing.
The best drilling machine for your home workshop
SOROKIN 20.505 - tabletop drilling unit is designed for processing through holes. Assigned a household use class. Characteristics:
- key cartridge;
- operating power – 370 W;
- Belting;
- spindle cone B16;
- desktop – 19*19 cm;
- overall dimensions – 57*41*26.5 cm;
- weight – 25 kg.
Pros:
- versatility: processing wood, metal and plastic;
- number of speeds – 5;
- economical single-phase motor;
- refers to high-precision equipment;
- the casing protects working units from unwanted access and damage;
- drilling depth adjustment;
- table height adjustment;
- the ergonomic case is convenient when carrying the device;
- use of a clamping mechanism;
- work with large-sized workpieces;
The transparent shield protects the operator from chips without covering the work area
. Cons:
- no supply of lubricating and cooling liquid is provided;
- noisy working process;
- components are made to order only.
JET JDP-8L
pros
- Inexpensive
- Quiet operation
- 2 year warranty
- Convenient desktop
Minuses
- Inconvenient protective cover
- Speeds are switched by changing belts
- Flimsy depth setting mechanism
From 8,500 ₽
Choosing an inexpensive drill press is often problematic due to bad reviews. This model is practically not criticized, and taking into account the two-year warranty, low price and parameters, it is one of the best in its segment. Power – 350 W, drilling metal is problematic, but possible. There is a depth limiter and a convenient drill installation mechanism (regular chuck). Despite the low price, the device is distinguished by a well-thought-out design and high-quality assembly. Number of revolutions – 2650, 5 speeds.
Best drill press for drill
Enkor 20090 is a stand used to secure the drill. It is used both in utility workshops and in small industries. Characteristics:
- weight – 7 kg;
- dimensions – 57*26*8 cm.
Pros:
- steel body;
- cast iron base;
- light weight for easy transportation;
- ergonomic body;
- a rigid vice holds the drill tightly;
- drilling depth limiter;
- drilling depth measurement scale;
- The painted body is not subject to corrosion.
Minuses:
- No vice included.
Best drilling machine for aluminum profile
OMERSAN KDM-201 is a high-performance universal machine for working with aluminum profiles. Characteristics:
- operating power of the drilling unit - 400 W;
- drilling unit speed - 2500 rpm;
- number of electric drives – 1 piece;
- power of the main unit – 1100 W;
- speed – 3000 rpm;
- in the main unit there is a cutting disc for aluminum;
- number of cutting discs – 1 piece;
- dimensions – 65*50*80 cm;
- weight – 31 kg.
Pros:
- Completely processes aluminum profile workpieces, 1 piece at a time;
- processing at an angle of 90 and 45 degrees;
- ergonomic body;
- small dimensions and streamlined body allow the unit to be installed in any production;
- high speed of production cycles.
Minuses:
- high price;
- management requires special knowledge;
- work only with aluminum profiles.
BISON ZSS-350
Our TOP drilling machine ZUBR ZSS-350 continues.
It has 5 operating speeds and supports the installation of drills with a diameter of up to 13 mm, designed for all types of materials.
The main feature of the machine is its rotary table, which can be moved vertically and horizontally, as well as change its angle. This allows you to process workpieces of various shapes and at the desired angle. In addition, the machine comes with a vice that is installed on the table to secure workpieces.
It is also worth noting that the machine is equipped with a protective screen that prevents chips from flying out at the operator, guaranteeing safe operation. The machine is powered by a 350 W asynchronous motor, which does not require maintenance. Moreover, its design includes an electromagnetic switch with an emergency shutdown button.
Those who have already tested this machine in action speak mostly positively about it, noting that for the money it costs, this is an excellent unit. It will be just right for drilling holes in wood and thin metal workpieces.
Best Bench Drill Press
Einhell BT-BD 501 is designed to work with materials of varying densities and hardness at different speeds. Characteristics:
- operating power – 500 W;
- Belting;
- stroke – 50 mm;
- speed – 280 to 2500 rpm;
- weight – 22 kg;
- operating voltage – 220 V.
Pros:
- number of speeds – 9;
- accuracy in operation is ensured by a special scale with different-caliber divisions;
- transparent screen protects from chips;
- processing of tall workpieces;
- versatility in working with a variety of materials;
- ergonomic handle and body;
- light weight;
- fixing the desktop at different angles expands the functionality of the device;
- fastening the machine with bolts to the working base;
- the size of the tools used is 16 mm;
- does not require specialized skills in management and maintenance;
- magnetic cartridge.
Minuses:
- noise during equipment operation;
- There is no supply of cutting fluids.
The best metal drilling machine
The Metalmaster TDR-20
radial drilling machine is intended for making and subsequent abrasive processing of holes in metal workpieces.
Assigned professional class. But the compact body will ergonomically fit into a small workshop.
Characteristics:
- voltage – 750 W;
- spindle cone – MK-3;
- voltage – 380 V;
- weight – 354 kg.
Pros:
- number of speeds – 5;
- diameter of the tool used – up to 20 mm;
- scale for adjusting hole depth;
- end milling diameter – up to 16 mm;
- face milling diameter – up to 63 mm;
- use of a vice;
- holes for mounting in the base;
Adjusting the spindle speed makes it possible to accurately select the operating mode for a specific workpiece
- moving the node along a straight path;
- low vibration level during operation;
- processing of different-sized workpieces;
- moving the coordinate table.
Minuses:
- high price;
- requires operator qualification;
- no supply of cutting fluids;
- components to order.
Purpose
To manufacture the necessary parts and parts on them, the machine is equipped with end or disk cutters. (At the same time, there are models equipped with cutters of both categories). The accuracy of processing depends, we note, not only on the material, but also on how correctly the milling parts themselves are installed.
Desktop modifications are mainly purchased by home and repair shops. Milling and drilling machines allow:
- produce spare parts;
- independently obtain original products;
- produce small batches of parts;
- drill;
- milling (including splines);
- countersink;
- bore;
- prepare carving;
- prepare combs;
- dado;
- perform grinding on metal and wood on planes and inside holes (using conical and disc-shaped flap wheels for milling cutters and angle grinders).
Different tool models are suitable for different types of processing. Thus, for private use and for repairs, desktop equipment is usually used. The difference between the modifications is due, among other things, to the height and length of the workpieces being processed. Some devices operate manually, while others operate automatically. Drilling and milling systems are suitable for producing:
- slabs;
- levers;
- buildings;
- crackers;
- keys;
- shoes;
- rectangular, dovetail and T-shaped grooves;
- gear racks;
- bolts with figured heads.
Also with their help:
- process stone;
- plaster is processed;
- lay communication routes;
- cut ventilation passages;
- cut threads inside fittings;
- select recesses in the bricks.
The best wood drilling machine
The Hitachi B 16 RM machine has been assigned a specialized class. Often purchased for home use and small-scale production.
Characteristics:
- key cartridge;
- available material for processing - wood;
- voltage – 220 V;
- power - 750 W;
- Belting;
- available drill diameter – up to 16 mm;
- rotation speed – from 250 rpm;
- rotation stroke – 85 mm;
- weight – 71 kg.
Pros:
- number of speeds – 12;
- two-dimensional XY laser sensor for precise marking;
- drilling depth regulator;
- microswitch for additional protection against injury;
- convenient speed switch;
- handle for feeding the cartridge left-handed and right-handed;
- ergonomic body;
- durable cast iron work surface that allows the machine to tilt at an angle of 45 degrees.
Minuses:
- no supply of liquid cooling system;
- noisy at work.
The best drilling machine for concrete
KS-350 is an updated and modernized model of a concrete drilling machine. Belongs to the class of professional equipment.
Characteristics:
- power – 330 W;
- drill speed – 100-650 rpm;
- weight – 34 kg;
- Dimensions: 105*38*25 mm.
Pros:
- the diameter of the holes made is 5-35 cm;
- electronic and mechanical protection of the electric motor;
- three-speed gearbox;
- smooth adjustment of drilling speed;
- adjusting the angle of the bed;
- level;
- double-sided carriage gearbox;
- the base plate is fixed with anchors or vacuum;
- roller feed.
Minuses:
- a similar model is assembled according to the consumer’s order;
- the operator and mechanic must have certain knowledge and experience;
- components and consumables only on order;
- relatively high cost;
- makes noise and vibrations during operation.
The best glass drilling machine
The horizontal portable MultiDrill is designed for making holes in glass sheets or workpieces.
Assembly takes place in Italy using automated equipment. Suitable for small-scale and large-scale production. Characteristics:
- power supply – 220 V or 50/60 Hz;
- drill fastening – straight tail;
- weight – 8 kg.
Pros:
- number of speeds – 5;
- steel spindle;
- high-precision spindle alignment;
- steel stable base;
- attaches to suction cups;
Thickness range of the processed material – from 4 to 20 mm
- drill size – 4-75 mm;
- compact dimensions;
- availability of components and consumables on order from official dealers;
- supply of lubricant and cooling fluid, which can be replaced with water;
- processing of fabric of any size.
Minuses:
- Only special diamond drills are suitable;
- noisy in operation.
The best drilling machine made in Russia
BISON ZSS-550 is intended for making non-through high-precision holes.
Characteristics:
- available drill size – up to 16 mm;
- key type cartridge;
- spindle cone – MK-2;
- power – 550 W;
- processed material – metal;
- no coolant system is provided;
- voltage – 220 V;
- weight – 48 kg;
- number of speeds – 5.
Pros:
- adjustment of the depth of the holes being machined is ensured by an ergonomic lever with plastic pads;
- multi-level speed modes are the key to convenience and productivity of work;
- a translucent plastic cover protects against chips and opens the view;
- stable base;
- functionality of the desktop due to its movement.
Minuses:
- impossibility of making through holes and processing them;
- size of attached holes up to 16 mm;
- noisy running;
- processing only metal workpieces.
User voting
Which drilling machine would you choose or recommend?
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Optimum D3009181 OPTIdrill RB8S
17.11 % ( 13 )
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3.95 % ( 3 )
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3.95 % ( 3 )
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