What Is a Column Drill?

The column drill refers to a type of drilling machine used for machining operations such as drilling, reaming, perforating and spotting, on metal parts. The parts machined on this type of machine tool are, in general, of small dimensions.

Features of the pillar drill

The pillar drill or column drill is a stationary version of the common drill. It is widely used in machine shops thanks to the great benefits it brings to the metalworking industry. For example, this equipment can be used for many different machining operations, but it is also possible to carry out series production, provided the right accessories are used.

The work done on this drilling machine is highly precise, as long as uniform and appropriate pressure is applied to the part being machined. That is why it is important for this type of machine tool to be used by qualified personnel.

What can be done on the column drill? This type of machine tool is very versatile and allows machining of parts in which you want to make holes (drilling), but it is also possible to make cuts in any type of material, owing to the power of these machines. They are among the most powerful in industry, but it all depends on the model and size of the drilling machine.

A column drill brings great benefits for production, since this column, which makes the machine stationary, provides greater power and stability and, as a result, more professional results than could be obtained with other types of drill.

It is worth noting that this machine tool, also called a drill press or bench drill, can be placed on a stand, table or bench, but it can also be bolted to the floor.

How the pillar drill or column drill works

This machine tool is made up of a base, a table, the column (from which it takes its name and which is its most distinctive feature); the spindle and a head, which is driven by a motor. The head of the machine is equipped with a series of handles (operated by hand) that move the spindle and the chuck vertically; the movement of the spindle is parallel to the axis of the arm or column of the drill.

The column drill is characterised by the types of combined movements it uses in order to work. Operating this machine tool requires a cutting movement of turning or rotation that the drill itself performs; in addition, it requires a feed movement, which must be rectilinear and vertical and is performed by the part to be machined; to be able to move, the part needs the worktable to be adjusted.

The motor is responsible for driving the spindle by means of a series of pulleys located around a very strong belt. The motor also has the task of making the part rotate on its own axis, while the levers are operated by hand to generate the feed movement of the part.

Steps for working on a pillar drill

To work on this machine tool, the first thing to do is fit the drill bit in the drill chuck, so that it is held very firmly. Then you need to adjust the worktable to the operator's height and centre it; when you want to make holes at a certain angle, it is adjusted according to the most suitable entry angle.

Once the part is clamped to the worktable by one of the specialised clamping systems, it is time to start the motor, which will begin to turn the drill bit on its axis; while this happens, the operator must manually operate one of the rotating arms to make the part move (feed movement).

How to work on the column drill properly?

For machine tools to work properly it is necessary to follow the manufacturer's recommendations, but also a series of basic tips that are common to all of this equipment. In the case of drills, these are some of the guidelines that machine shops should follow to prevent the machine from failing and production from stopping, and to prevent accidents:

• Use suitable clamping and holding systems to prevent the part from moving.
• Work in a sufficiently large space that allows the machine to be used without restrictions.
• Equip the drill with the necessary cutting tools (drill bits with the characteristics and dimensions suited to the machining).
• Check that the machine and all its parts are working properly.
• Maintenance of the drill whenever necessary: cleaning, removal of excess material, etc.
• Remove swarf regularly.
• Use one of the protection systems for drills.

In the case of operators, always use the protective clothing and equipment needed for drilling.