Hi all,

Looking at getting a free standing pillar drill and thought that the LCB'ers might know of some good places to look for one. Already have a draper bench drill but the maximum distance between the collar at the top of the drill, and the bench is too small to use a mortice tool which I would like to be able to use.

Don't particularly fancy anything from machine mart as the last few Clarke things I bought have been fairly poor quality - does anybody have any recommendations for online suppliers, or local companies in the Wiltshire/ Avon/ Somerset area?

Cheers,
Tom

I see lots of old machinery go for rock bottom prices on Ebay, the number of businesses going under seems to be never ending and there are regular clean outs. If you keep an eye out you could get something substantial for a decent price.

as above old stuff mostly better than new stuff

also the slower it goes the better,,,,
i upgraded from a bench drill to a floor mounted, and i really miss some of the slower speeds the old one had

Another vote for Ebay. I got mine on there for about £65-70 IIRC. Great big grey jobbie and whilst only a 12 speed, it does everything I need. It's an old(er?) Clarke Metalworker.

Don't wee about get a Meddings see ebay you won't regret it. Don't be put off by 3 phase it is actually an advantage as you can fit a speed controller and converter in one unit.

Thanks for the advice guys, seems like ebay is the place to go then!

3-phase is definitely an option as the workshop is already wired for three phase!

Big meadings here, got it out the local rag for £50

It's three phase so just strap a capacitor probably around 35uf across to the third leg and away you go, conversion for a £5, okay you will lose a little power but it will still be better than a cheap affair.