Pillar Drill: Worth a buy?

[rockweasel]

A pillar drill is on my "want list" after drilling 400+ holes using a hand-held. The one in the link below came up for sale locally. I don't know if it's still available. Looking for advice from those-who-know-better as to whether I should be beating the seller's door down to buy it; avoid at all costs or worth a closer look.

Thanks

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/pillar-drill-on-stand/1036800547

 

[inchpincher]

That's top money for a gamble. No mention of condition, doesn't look like a meddings, fobco or Startrite so I'd wait for something better.

 

[rtbcomp]

Certainly worth a closer look. See if there's any sideways play at the chuck and drill a 1/2" hole in the end a 2' length of wood whilst holding the other end in your hand, you should not be able to feel any wobble caused by runout at the chuck.

 

[rockweasel]

Thanks. I'll test it out if it's still available

 

[500e]

Go for a Fobco \meddings a few for sale just google fobco drills for sale

 

[Richiew]

The maker is Qualters and Smith if that is any help.

 

[rockweasel]

The maker is Qualters and Smith if that is any help.

Thanks!

 

[rtbcomp]

Do a Google on "Qualters and Smith" loads of interesting stuff.

 

[adamsmitqc]

Q&S are a good make. Use one at work, different mode but the one we have is a good drill.

 

[penfold]

Q&S's name got plastered on a load of different stuff as the parent company bought up the remnants of the shrinking british machine tool industry; the main casting looks quite like that of the Kerry Drillmaster I've got with the motor on sliding bars/pillars rather than a hinged plate, the belt cover on a sprung pillar etc. Mind you don't give yourself a hernia shifting it as they're bloody heavy. The price is a little toppy, but it's already single phase so provided the spindle bearings aren't knackered it's definitely worth a look. The only serious criticism I've got of it is the lack of a morse taper spindle, but for the price I couldn't say no(£35 about 10 years ago).