Cheap Pillar Drill?

[Ian]

I'm considering getting a bench mounted pillar drill for my workshop and although I'll only get light use out of it, it will be very handy when I do need it!

I'd normally avoid getting cheap tools, as you often get what you pay for - I've made this mistake a couple of times and wish I'd spent the extra few quid. However, as the pillar drill will only get light use, there's no point in me spending £100's.

The really cheap drills work out at around £55-70:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Silverline-262212-Drill-Press-250mm/dp/B002QRYEBQ/
http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/details/clarke-cdp5eb-5-speed-bench-mounted-pillar-dri

Something really nice for hobby use comes out at closer to £225:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-PBD-710W-Bench-Drill/dp/B00766C1A8/

I'd be really interested in your thoughts for a bench drill somewhere between the two that will last for many years to come .

 

[JohnKay]

Hi Ian
You'll find that even a cheap one will get a lot of use. The accuracy, although not the best, is well worth the cost of the machine. My suggestion would be to have a look at the hobby series on Axminster Tool Centre's site. There's a good choice there that can be relied on.

 

[Ian]

Thanks John, I'll check out that site now!

This one looks like a contender:
http://www.axminster.co.uk/axminster-hobby-series-ah1302dp-bench-drill-press

 

[JohnKay]

Good choice Ian.