Box column drill setup: Functionality and use

What comes first to your mind when you hear the term drilling machine? Perhaps you think of a pillar drill and its construction or a handheld drilling machine, which most of us have in the basement or garage. The answer probably relates to your personal experience with DIY tasks. As a tool for everyday tasks, such devices are widespread in many households and are also popular among professional craftsmen and in workshops due to their high flexibility.

Many of you might instantly think of your pillar drill and its construction. While a pillar drill, due to its build, is not mobile, it can take on much more demanding tasks. A pillar drill is a dream for many DIY enthusiasts, who would love to have such a masterpiece in their hobby basement. And thanks to the move towards affordable beginner models, this dream is now much easier to realize than a few years ago. Are you also considering getting a pillar drill and looking into its construction? Or have you already acquired one? Then this blog post will interest you. Today, we'll delve into the structure and working principle of a pillar drill, and explain how a high-quality drill chuck can help you get the best out of your bench drill.

This is what a pillar drill construction looks like

Pillar drills are professional devices also used in the industry. Drills available in stores under the term bench drills are typically smaller and less powerful versions of pillar drills suitable for domestic use. However, the construction of both types is very similar. Labels are especially important in the construction of the pillar drill, so pay attention to them.

Let's start with the construction of the pillar drill. The pillar drill is designed so that it rests on a heavy, stable base plate. This can be securely mounted on the work surface for extra stability. A column connects the base plate to the housing, which contains the drive motor and gearbox. From the housing, the drilling spindle protrudes, onto which the drill chuck and ultimately the tool, such as a twist drill bit, are attached. The pillar drill's design also includes a feed lever on the housing. In this type of pillar drill, the feed is mostly operated manually, by activating the lever or turning a wheel. Additional features like display, emergency stop button, and other extras vary depending on the model and pillar drill construction.

Also model-dependent is the drilling table, attached to the pillar of the pillar drill machine. It can be adjusted in height and sometimes even tilted, adapting to workpieces of different sizes. In the case of bench drill construction, no drilling table is used.

Why the drill chuck is so important in the construction of the pillar drill

The drill chuck is a particularly important component of a pillar drill and its construction. That's because it serves as the connection between the machine and the actual tool, i.e., the twist drill bit. By focusing on quality and good workmanship here, you'll simplify your work, improve your results, and reduce wear on your drills.

You can purchase drill chucks as replacement parts or upgrades from the manufacturer of the pillar drill or third-party providers and replace them yourself. This allows you to significantly enhance even cheap machines with little effort and at a good price. Several factors can be improved by changing the drill chuck in your pillar drill.

Firstly, you can change the type of drill chuck in your bench drill. Some models come with gear rim dril chucks with key, which do provide a firm grip but require a specific key for operation. This not only requires both hands but also means you have to keep track of another separate piece that, if lost, can halt your work. By switching to a keyless drill chuck, you'll make your work with the pillar drill easier.

Also, if you're not satisfied with the runout accuracy, a new drill chuck can significantly improve the values of your pillar drill. A precise runout, as seen with CNC drill chucks, ensures even rotation and clean drill holes with perfect dimensions. It's worth investing in a high-quality professional drill chuck. However, large runout deviations may also be related to the spindle of the pillar drill and may only be slightly influenced by changing the drill chuck.

Lastly, a high-quality drill chuck can significantly improve clamping force. In a three-jaw chuck with good clamping force, the tool not only sits securely but is also perfectly centered. A proper closure of the jaws ensures that even small, thin tools can be clamped into the drill chuck. So if you've faced any issues with your pillar drill, changing the drill chuck can address them.

Pillar Drill Construction – Do DIY enthusiasts need a pillar drill?

This is likely the question you face when trying to justify the purchase price. Primarily, it depends on the tasks you want to carry out and whether you can also manage them with a cheaper handheld drill. Bench drills with small dimensions for smaller drills are available for just a few hundred dollars these days. Some DIY enthusiasts have even been satisfied with cheap models from discounters. The good news is, there are more options available now than ever before, allowing you to explore working with a pillar drill without exposing yourself to significant financial risk. And as mentioned above, even cheap machines can be significantly upgraded with a few higher-quality parts installed yourself. If you have enough space to accommodate a pillar drill permanently, there's no reason not to get one.

At BAER, while we don't offer pillar drills as a screw tap manufacturer, you can find drill chucks in our online store in various models. There's a suitable addition for your pillar drill. With our taper arbors and reducing and extension sleeves, connecting the drill chuck to the tool holder is a breeze. If you have any questions or concerns about pillar drill construction, please feel free to contact our customer service.