Pillar drills - what to buy?

[Jammy James]

I have used a Clarke pillar drill, a cheap one it drilled quite accuratly (no play in the bearings/ spindle at all) not as good as a good old one, at school on the other hand i have used very expensive Harrison lathes and other Good pillar drills as well.
James
Ps that is said as a complete novice at engineering

 

[N2ae86]

Thanks for all the kind advice guys - really appreciated. Currently eyeing up a Fobco star, a Startrite Mercury and a Qualters and Smith.

Whats the deal with 3 phase - is it possible to get an invertor cheapy so I can run a 3 phase drill off a single phase power supply? I have seen people suggest doing this or just replacing the motor?

I expect the drill probably wont get much use but I have it in my head I want one!

Thanks

James

 

[scott0031]

Thread here covering your question.

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=26595

Kind regards.

Scott

 

[shenion]

If the motor can be jumpered for 240V, you can run it on a static converter. You will loose almost 1/3 the torque though.

A VFD will work. Not all can step up the voltage to 415V. Easier (cheaper) if you can jumper motor for 240V.

Replacing the motor is the easiest.

I converted my lathe to a VFD and 3-phase motor. 3P motors can be found cheap on ebay as many get a drill/lathe/mill that is 3-phase and swap motor for a single-phase one. Consequently single-phase motors can go for a premium. The 3P motor and VFD totally transformed the lathe. Much smoother and fast start/stop along with variable speed.

My small drill press, I replaced the motor with a DC motor and controller from a treadmill. I was surprised the treadmill had a 2.25HP motor. Guess it takes a lot of power to drag tubby along I can now run it slow enough to drill steel.

 

[N2ae86]

Ahh cool - so not as straight forward as I hoped. Will just stick to the single phase jobbies. Just seem to be alot of 3 phase stuff going cheap.

 

[shenion]

I'd still consider a 3-phase drill. Will probably go cheaper and will definitely not be a cheap Home use" one.

Since fewer buyers have 3-phase, they go cheaper. Swapping the motor is usually not a big deal.

 

[N2ae86]

Swapping the motor shouldnt be an issue but then it seems the motors are around £100?

The Fobco Star / Startrite Mercury I am looking at are single phase - so less fuss to get up and running.

 

[gavuk]

did you see that pm i sent you ...Trade-it....no good?

 

[N2ae86]

Hi Gav,

Was going to send you a PM to say thanks. Going to call the ad tonight and enquire about it - if its a decent make it could be a good shout!

Cheers

James

 

[gavuk]

You may be lucky and its still there only 6 views.....need to react faster to get grab the bargains normally ......the other drills wickes etc are the ones to avoid...imho...

 

[N2ae86]

Well looks like I now own a Fobco Star, also came with a bench grinder and a big vice as well for £67! Dandy!

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

Well looks like I now own a Fobco Star

But how old is it? their first models are touching 40 I think?

 

[brightspark]

But how old is it? their first models are touching 40 I think?

age makes no odds as long as its in good condition . i have a churchill pillar drill 60 year old in mint nick. paid £70 for it 35 years ago .just a coat of paint and a new chuck and belt thats all its had

 

[GeorgiePorgie]

. i have a churchill pillar drill 60 year old in mint nick. paid £70 for it 35 years ago .just a coat of paint and a new chuck and belt thats all its had
Reply With Quote

Wot,no bearing change after 60 years use?

 

[scott0031]

Machinery was built to last in those days George.

 

[brightspark]

Wot,no bearing change after 60 years use?

nupe its solid as a rock it was hardly used when i bought it was stood away in a guys garage for years unused

 

[brightspark]

here it is

 

[julianthegypsy]

Very nice, and I see a little myford lathe in the background too...

 

[N2ae86]

Hopefully it will be fine. Everything I have read on the Fobco’s is that they are built to last so unless it’s been abused or heavily used it should hopefully be fine.

I had been looking at bench grinders and a decent vice as well so it’s a billy bargain as far as I am concerned. Happy!

Lets face it even if its not 100% operation its probably going to be better than a new Clarke etc pillar drills you get in machine mart.

Can anyone tell me if I can do basic milling with this drill, like elongate holes etc?

 

[shenion]

The lathes.co.uk site has a picture of a nice Fobco set up for milling.

Should work for light milling.

Looks like you got a great deal. I love old iron. My lathe is 70 years young This stuff was made to last forever. I'm looking for a decent drill press. I have a cheap Chinese one I got of ebay for $0.99, about what it is worth.