Pillar drills and bench drills are high-performance precision drilling machines used in workshops and manufacturing settings for various drilling operations. They have similar functions but differ in their design, height, and applications. Pillar and bench drills offer greater precision and control than traditional handheld drills and can create varied diameters and accurate holes in woodworking and metalworking projects. Pillar drills are larger, more powerful, and suitable for heavy-duty drilling tasks, while bench drills are smaller, more portable, and better suited for lighter drilling applications in limited spaces. The choice between the two depends on the specific needs of your drilling projects and the available workspace.
Pillar Drills: Features and Specifications
A pillar drill, also called a drill press, is a larger and more robust free-standing drilling machine that is often bolted to the floor for stability. These drills consist of a vertical column (pillar)–supporting a motor and a drilling head assembly. The drilling head can be adjusted up and down on the pillar, and it typically has a spindle that holds the drill bit. Pillar drills are typically used for heavier-duty tasks and can handle larger drill bits and tougher materials, including wood and metals. In addition, pillar drills come in different voltage ratings, speeds (in rpms), chuck sizes, and throat depth, meeting users’ demands for particular applications.
Bench Drills: Features and Specifications
A bench drill, or benchtop drill press, is a smaller and more compact drilling machine designed to be placed on a workbench or table. Bench drills are portable with a shorter column, limited depth capacity, and smaller footprint than a pillar drill. Due to their portability, a benchtop drill press is ideal for medium-duty tasks in smaller workshops and home use.
Chuck Guards for Pillar & Bench Drills:
A chuck guard is a safety device comprising a transparent or semi-transparent shield designed to protect workers from potential hazards associated with rotating chucks of different machinery, such as those found in drill presses. A chuck guard for pillar drill protects the operator from coming into contact with the rotating drill bit or other moving parts of the machine.
Typical Applications of Pillar and Bench Drills:
Pillar and bench drills are versatile drilling machines that find versatile applications in workshops, manufacturing facilities, and construction sites. These drills are suitable for a wide range of tasks, including:
- Drilling Holes
- Woodworking & Metalworking
- Precision Drilling
- Tapping and Boring
- Sanding and Polishing
- Jewellery Making
- Mortising
- Laboratory & Scientific Applications
- DIY and Home Projects.
