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. Investing in these drills offers numerous benefits in terms of precision and repeatable drilling. Their exceptional stability, powerful motors, adjustable settings, and robust construction make them ideal for tasks ranging from simple hole drilling to intricate woodworking and metalworking projects.
What are Pillar Drills?
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.
What are Bench Drills?
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 and have a shorter column, limited depth capacity, and smaller footprint than pillar drills. Due to their portability, a benchtop drill press is ideal for medium-duty tasks in smaller workshops and home use.
What is the Difference Between Pillar Drills & Bench Drills?
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.
Chuck Guards for Pillar Drills & 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 Uses of Pillar Drills and Bench Drills
Pillar and bench drills find versatile applications in workshops, manufacturing facilities, and construction sites. They can perform multiple functions, including:
- Drilling Holes
- Woodworking & Metalworking
- Precision Drilling
- Tapping and Boring
- Sanding and Polishing
- Jewellery Making
- Mortising
- Laboratory & Scientific Applications
- DIY and Home Projects
