Importance of the Mill-Drill Stand

In the metalworking industry you can find different types of machine tools such as the mill-drill. For this machine to operate properly and accurately it must have a mill-drill stand. What is this part and why is it so important?

What is a mill-drill?

The mill-drill is a very versatile machine tool that, as its name indicates, can carry out two different types of machining by swarf removal. These are milling and drilling, which on this particular machine can be carried out quickly, easily and very accurately. In addition, this equipment can also be used for other jobs typical of a drilling machine, such as polishing out defects and improving finishes.

This machine tool is used particularly for carpentry work, as it is a very practical piece of equipment. It is designed for swarf removal, so the part can be profiled and very precise finishes obtained; for this the mill-drill must have a milling cutter. The milling cutter is a cutting tool, provided with many cutting edges, which is responsible for removing the excess material in the form of swarf.

Why is the milling cutter so important for the mill-drill stand? Thanks to the milling cutter, the mill-drill can make all the cuts the part requires, while also making the holes typical of drilling machines.

Types of mill-drill

What turns the drilling machine into a milling machine is precisely the coupling of some of the basic parts of the milling machine. There are different types of mill-drill:

• Horizontal: these make it possible to obtain profiles and detailed parts; in addition, very fine grooving can be done. To use this mill-drill and obtain the desired results it is essential to control the depth of cut.
• Vertical: this type of machine is used for much more professional work, since the internal axis is adjustable according to the operator's needs. The mill-drill is divided, in turn, into two: turret and fixed-bed. In the first, the spindle, which is what shapes the cut, remains stationary and the only thing that moves is the milling cutter. The fixed-bed mill-drill allows movement perpendicular to the spindle which, in turn, moves parallel to the axis.
• Special: these milling machines are so called because very unusual attachments can be found for the drill, such as milling drill bits. These mill-drills can be circular (they require a table to make the rotation) and copying, used for very specific and complex jobs.

What is the mill-drill stand?

The mill-drill stand, as its name indicates, is an accessory for this type of machine that serves to prevent accidents. Stands have the advantage of allowing holes to be drilled at an exact point on the part, with the depth and size desired; in addition, a mill-drill stand also stops the drill bit from sliding on smooth surfaces.

In general, a drill stand is fixed to the wall and holds this machine tool very securely; using it provides convenience and reduces the risk of accidents. There are different types of stands, but they usually consist of a base, which supports the machine, and a fixing mechanism; this mechanism can be for fixing to the wall or to any other surface.

How to buy a drill stand?

If you are thinking of buying a mill-drill stand, you should bear in mind a number of tips and recommendations. Because there are different classes and types of stands, you should not focus so much on this accessory as on the characteristics of the tool (the mill-drill). To begin with, it is important to take into account the size of the machine so that you can choose a mill-drill stand that can hold the machine very securely.

The weight also plays a fundamental role, because the stand must be able to carry the whole weight of the machine. In addition, depending on the weight and the characteristics of the machine in use, you must also consider the type of work that will be done on it. When choosing a stand it is important to consider its ease of assembly; a stand that you can assemble yourself in the workshop is more advisable.

Among the advantages of getting a mill-drill stand is that the machine is able to carry out machining with much greater accuracy; this is because the stand provides a great deal of stability while working. The stand is able to reduce the instability caused by the vibrations characteristic of a drilling machine. This avoids the risk of accidents and also improves productivity.