Pillars of strength

Weighing in at 48kg, the M-360 is a precise, compact pillar drill best suited for small production batch work. It uses the ER16 collet system, which in turn uses collets with a closure of 1mm – for example a 7mm collet will close down to 6mm. Collets have long been recognised as a highly accurate tool holding system, so excellent concentricity is assured. The drill shank capacity is 0.5-10mm.

The machine, although compact in size, is heavily constructed of cast iron. The column features a rack and pinion system to control the height of the headstock which features a deep quill housing, ensuring accuracy even with the quill fully extended. There is also a threaded depth stop which can be locked to ensure a constant drilling depth.

A three speed belt drive system is fitted, driven by a smooth running induction motor. The base has a work table surface machined into it with 14mm T-slots for work clamping. The drill is fitted with an interlocked chuck guard, LED work light and locking ‘E’ stop switch. Collets are not supplied with the drill but can be purchased separately. The M-360 is priced at £749.95.

At the other end of the spectrum, the SB-250 floor pillar drill is a robust 25mm (maximum capacity in steel) drill with a weight of 210kg. It is designed for large engineering and production tasks and is capable of being used for prolonged periods. Very heavily built and manufactured to accurate tolerances, the drill is regarded as a workhorse. The headstock has been machined to precisely match the quill housing, virtually eliminating any spindle runout, even at full quill extension.

Because the column is surface ground, the table rise and fall is smooth in operation, making table height adjustment a light task. The high torque 1,500W motor drives the spindle via a six speed belt drive, with machined steel pulleys eliminating vibration. This machine is also fitted with a quill down feed system, controlling the down feed speed in relation to the spindle speed selected.

There is a choice of four ratios giving the operator the ability to select a down feed speed suitable for the task in hand. Down feed handles can be used for hand controlled manual drilling. Safety is courtesy of a solidly made chuck guard, electrically interlocked, as is the belt cover. A large emergency stop button, which locks closed automatically, completes the picture. Lighting is via an LED lamp with a flexible stem for ease of placement. The SB-250 is priced at £1,549.97.

Prices exclude vat and may be subject to change without notice.

Axminster Tool Centre www.axminster.co.uk