On 19/07/2011 21:03, Stephen wrote:
Hello,

I'm thinking it would be useful to have a pillar drill but don't know
much about them. What should I look for? What should I avoid?

I also see that some are "desktop" models but others are 6', like
this:
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/pr...1f-drill-press

I haven't looked at this model closely, I'm just using it to
illustrate the size.

Is one size better than the other? Or is it that you use the big one
for tall objects, if so, what sort of things?

Thanks,
Stephen.

I'm just about to advertise a Sealey 16 speed bench pillar drill, 240V,
single phase, 1/2 HP, NVR switch, adjustable depth stop, adjustable
table in angle and rotation. Any interest?

On Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:44:06 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

FWIW I'm not sure why they spend the money providing all those speeds. I
leave mine on the slowest.

One of the machine mart ones appears to have an LED speed display.
Perhaps the speed is electronically controlled rather than belt
controlled in that model?

On Fri, 22 Jul 2011 04:49:12 -0700 (PDT), NT
wrote:

I thnik the issue is that first time buyers have no real knowledge of
what to look for, beyond 'a pillar drill.'

Exactly where I am.

One point not mentioned regarding power. A couple of hundred watts is
enough for drilling all sizes of hole. More power has its uses, but
might not be something the OP actually needs.

I was thinking of woodwork only. Hadn't thought of doing any metal
work.

On Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:09:16 +0100, Bob Minchin
wrote:

He asks a lot of questions but rarely replies in the resulting
thread.

Sorry Bob for my lack of replies until now but I have been busy and
only re-read this thread today. I am new but enthusiastic about all of
this, so have many questions about many tools. When I was at school we
weren't taught about any of these, so the only way to learn is ask
questions. The replies here are so helpful and detailled and I am very
grateful. I am sure that for every one person who posts a question
there are twenty lurkers who want to know the same. This thread has
taught me a lot and I am sure it has taught many other people a lot
too. If it does go into the wiki, it will help even more people.

In article ,
Stephen wrote:
On Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:44:06 +0100, "Dave Plowman (News)"
wrote:

FWIW I'm not sure why they spend the money providing all those speeds. I
leave mine on the slowest.

One of the machine mart ones appears to have an LED speed display.
Perhaps the speed is electronically controlled rather than belt
controlled in that model?

Not really possible with an induction motor.

--
*The more I learn about women, the more I love my car

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

In article ,
Stephen wrote:
One point not mentioned regarding power. A couple of hundred watts is
enough for drilling all sizes of hole. More power has its uses, but
might not be something the OP actually needs.

I was thinking of woodwork only. Hadn't thought of doing any metal
work.

Well, you may need to use say a holesaw. To perhaps cut large holes in
plywood or whatever. I recently did (2") and my 500 watt one worked just
fine - the older 250 watt one would stall.

--
*Don't squat with your spurs on *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 27/07/2011 11:36, Stephen wrote:
On Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:09:16 +0100, Bob Minchin
wrote:

He asks a lot of questions but rarely replies in the resulting
thread.

Sorry Bob for my lack of replies until now but I have been busy and
only re-read this thread today. I am new but enthusiastic about all of
this, so have many questions about many tools. When I was at school we
weren't taught about any of these, so the only way to learn is ask
questions. The replies here are so helpful and detailled and I am very
grateful. I am sure that for every one person who posts a question
there are twenty lurkers who want to know the same. This thread has
taught me a lot and I am sure it has taught many other people a lot
too. If it does go into the wiki, it will help even more people.

Sounds like you may find this a handy starting point:

http://www.diyfaq.org.uk/powertools/index.htm


--
Cheers,

John.

/================================================== ===============\
| Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
| John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk |
\================================================= ================/