Drilling upgrade, advice needed.

[stiofanpadraigcrafts]

Hi guys, i'm finally thinking of upgrading my basic cheap pillar drill. I wanted something with a longer travel and something that is going to last atleast a few years. I have found 3 options that might fit that. I'm not overly knowledgble about drills so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

1st Titan drill from screwfix
Titan TTB541DBT 530mm Drill Press 230V | Pillar Drills & Morticers | Screwfix.com

2nd Axminster hobby series AHDP16B
Axminster Hobby Series AHDP16B Bench Pillar Drill - Pillar Drills - Drills & Morticers - Machinery | Axminster Tools & Machinery

3rd Axminster hobby series AHRD16B. thought here were if i was going to go for the axminster then pay a bit more and get the swing arm action that may be used for other projects.
Axminster Hobby Series AHRD16B Bench Radial Drill - Pillar Drills - Drills & Morticers - Machinery | Axminster Tools & Machinery

 

[Bammer]

Throat travel is important, think thats what it's called

No good only being able to drill 50mm if you need 60mm. Mistral nib section is 65mm

 

[Penpal]

I noted the last one has 80mm travel, a handy asset. The descriptions and specs are inadequate in my opinion to determine one against the other.

Peter.

 

[Phil Dart]

I think you will possibly find a world of difference between the build quality of the Titan and the Axi's, in favour of the Axi's, but for me, your second option would be a non-starter as the throat travel is only 60mm. If you're making a long term investement, I would say that 80mm is a must really.

There again there is a significant difference in build quality between their hobby series and their trade series, and I notice that for another fifty quid or so on top of your 3rd option, there is this.

Axminster Trade Series ATDP13B Bench Pillar Drill - Pillar Drills - Drills & Morticers - Machinery | Axminster Tools & Machinery

Might be worth a look maybe?

 

[stiofanpadraigcrafts]

Thanks Phil, that looks like the winner. I would rather spend a little more than planned and get the right tool than regret it later on. Thanks everyone for their advice, it's greatly appreciated.

 

[rayf6604]

One of our former forum members purchased an Axminster Hobby pillar drill a few years ago. When it arrived he checked the quill by winding all the way down and getting hold of it and trying to move it, and found that it had a lot of play in it. Be sure to check which ever one you get to make sure there is no play in the quill. I would personally go for the the trade rated machine over hobby.

 

[Chriscb]

Coming out of left field - guessing you make pens, why not drill on the lathe?

Even further out of left field, I bought a Bosch pbd40 drill - I'm not en engineer so don't laugh - but it works for me when drilling other than pens.

Regards,

Chriscb

 

[21William]

Agreed, I’ve got an old British bench drill which is far better made than any Far East import but I drill all my blanks on the Lathe.

 

[Penpal]

Real special specs on Phils latest suggestion, buy once and forever.

Peter.

 

[bigbob]

I have an unusual bench drill which was bought for me as a present and at first thought it was a very strange beast indeed, but it has done everything I need including drilling pen blanks. It has a powerful 710 watt motor with 2 gears switchable without changing belts and variable speed control and more importantly will drill up to 90mm ( a fact I did not know when given the drill). I post this not because I have the drill but because I have found it a generally helpful piece of kit.

PBD 40 | Bench drills | Benchtop tools | DIYers | Bosch

 

[wm460]

I wouldn't touch the Radial bench Drill press, be a bugger if you bump it and move slightly and it causes it to drill through the wall of a blank.

 

[Penpal]

My main drill press is a radial,steady as a rock, the X Y base for the vice is almost too heavy for me to carry,given me by a friend it has micrometer adjustment. The base is really heavy and as thick column. I understand Marks comments many radial drills are frail and unsteady. It took two men to bring the Radial Drill into my workshop.

Peter.