Pillar Drills

About Pillar Drills

Pillar drills, also known as pedestal drills or drill presses, are precision workshop machines designed for accurate vertical drilling operations. Unlike handheld drills, these floor-standing units feature a fixed vertical column supporting the drilling head, delivering controlled depth and perfect perpendicularity for professional-grade results. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks heavy-duty pillar drills from trusted brands including Sealey and Draper, with models offering between 5 and 16 speed settings to suit various materials and applications.

Our range includes floor standing pillar drills with robust cast iron construction, powerful motors, and adjustable worktables suitable for metalworking, woodworking, and fabrication projects. Whether you need a compact 12-speed model for general workshop use or an industrial-grade 16-speed machine with variable speed control, there's a pillar drill to match every requirement. For enhanced versatility, radial pillar drills allow the drill head to swing around the column, accommodating larger workpieces without repositioning materials.

Applications

Pillar drills serve diverse trades and workshop applications:

• Fabricators and Welders - precise hole placement in steel components and brackets
• Engineering Workshops - accurate drilling for bolts, pins, and assembly work
• Joiners and Cabinet Makers - consistent dowel holes and hardware mounting points
• Metalworkers and Machinists - precision holes in various metals and alloys
• Maintenance Engineers - workshop-based drilling and modification work
• Automotive Workshops - drilling vehicle components and custom brackets
• Model Makers and Craftspeople - detailed work requiring exact positioning
• Educational Facilities - teaching workshops in colleges and training centres
• DIY Enthusiasts - home workshop restoration and fabrication projects

Choosing The Right Pillar Drills

Speed Range: Consider your materials - 12-16 speed settings offer excellent versatility across soft timbers to hard steels, whilst 5-speed models suit specialised applications. Variable speed options provide finest control for demanding operations.

Motor Power: Check motor ratings (typically 250W-750W) - higher power handles larger diameter holes and harder materials. Heavy-duty models feature cast iron construction for continuous professional use.

Capacity Specifications: Assess throat depth relative to your workpiece sizes, quill travel for drilling depth, and chuck capacity (13mm or 16mm) for maximum bit compatibility.

Table Features: Larger worktables support substantial workpieces better. Look for tilting capability for angled drilling and T-slots for secure clamping.

Workshop Space: Floor-standing pillar drills require significant floor space and typically 2.5-3 metres ceiling height. Allow at least 1 metre clearance around the machine for safe operation.

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses and avoid loose clothing, jewellery, or gloves near rotating machinery. Never hold workpieces by hand - always use machine vices or clamps, as materials can spin violently when the bit breaks through. Remove the chuck key immediately after adjustment to prevent dangerous projectiles. Ensure your pillar drill connects to a suitable 240V UK supply with proper earthing, and consider RCD protection. Keep all guards in place, maintain adequate lighting, and follow manufacturer maintenance schedules. Consult HSE guidelines for workshop machinery compliance with UK safety regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between 12-speed and 16-speed pillar drills?

A 16-speed model offers finer RPM control across diverse materials from soft aluminium to hardened steel, whilst 12-speed drills adequately cover most general workshop applications. More speeds provide better optimisation for specific materials and bit sizes.

Do pillar drills work for both wood and metal?

Yes, pillar drills are highly versatile. Use higher speeds with brad point bits for woodworking, and lower speeds with HSS or cobalt bits plus cutting fluid for metalwork. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks models suitable for both disciplines.

What power supply do these pillar drills require?

All models in our range operate on standard UK single-phase 240V supply via 13A plugs, making them suitable for typical workshops, garages, and domestic installations without requiring three-phase power.