Pillar drilling machines are one of the most flexible drilling solutions in the market to try out today. And there’s enough reason to conclude that: They are portable yet poise and robust, versatile without having to be all complex in structure. And if by now you are wondering what makes it as functional as it is said to be or you know it to be, then you may want to know beyond its garb but rather delve into what each part serves its functionality. It’s nothing complex but everything worth knowing as shown below. Find out all easily what you need to know about every key part of a
pillar drilling machine, regardless of model, type, or size, in the paragraphs that follow!
Table of Contents
The Table
The Base
The Spindle
The Head
The Motor
Conclusion
The Table
Pillar drilling machines come with a table designed to provide foundational support to the drill. It is flexible, thus can be tilted and adjusted in height as needed to allow for better control and precision when drilling. The table’s supportive structure also poises the workpiece, usually with the help of clamps or a vise. Designed portable, the table can easily be moved to drill at different angles. With a tee slot on it, the table allows you to fit a drill chuck or hold-down clamp into it. Additionally, there are grooves on the table that allow for the fixing of stop blocks. This feature helps to maintain consistency when drilling multiple holes of the same size. Finally, many tables have rulers etched onto them, allowing for accurate measurement of the depth of a hole or the length of a cut.
The Base
The pillar drilling machine base is a component required to offer the machine more balance and robustness. It usually comes in steel, aluminum, or cast iron with a vertical column and a flat top surface. The base also comes with mounting holes that allow for its attachment to a table or workbench to avoid any joggling during use. The base also allows the user to access other features like a lever for speed or depth-stop adjustments.
The Spindle
The spindle of a pillar drilling machine is the shaft that runs through the head and carries the cutting tool. It is powered by a motor and is capable of rotating at a range of speeds, depending on the job. The spindle typically has a number of adjustable speeds that allow it to cut a variety of materials, from softwoods to hard metals. The speed of the spindle is adjusted using a handwheel or foot pedal. The spindle is often connected to a chuck which holds the cutting tool in place and allows for precise drilling. Additionally, the spindle can be fitted with various attachments for special purposes. This could include tapping, reaming, and grinding tools. For example, a grinding wheel attachment could be used to sharpen drill bits or other cutting tools.
The Head
The head of a pillar drilling machine is a crucial part of the machine, as it houses and controls several of the other components. It typically consists of a handle and motor control, which allow the user to adjust the speed of the motor, along with a depth stop gauge, which allows the user to set a certain depth for the drill bit to go. The head also houses the spindle, which is what holds and guides the drill bit. On top of the head is a quill, which allows for easier manual operation of the drill bit, as well as a chuck that holds the drill bit in place. The head also contains an adjustable table, which allows for more precise adjustment of the drill bit’s position to the material being drilled.
The Motor
The motor of a pillar drilling machine is a key component for the operation of the machine. It powers the spindle, which in turn rotates the drill bit. This allows the user to make precise cuts in a variety of materials. The motor is typically powered by either an AC (alternate current) or DC (direct current) and is capable of generating considerable amounts of torque. The speed of the motor is also adjustable, depending on the job requirements. Many pillar drilling machines come equipped with variable speed control that can be adjusted from a low to a high setting. This allows the user to select the optimal speed for any given project. The motor also comes with a built-in overload protection feature to prevent damage due to excessive heat or current flow.
Conclusion
Pillar drilling machines are functionally as good as they look. The mechanism lies in their physical features which — as discussed — are worth knowing in terms of what they do. A good grasp of the physical features of a pillar drilling machine gives you the opportunity to gain insight into what you really want from your ideal spec and when to know one when you see it on the market with other pillar drilling machine variants.