Components of a box column drill – Briefly and concisely explained!
The drill bit is the main part and core piece when it comes to drilling. The box column drill (also known as a pillar drill) also plays a significant role as an important aid. It achieves high speeds and facilitates the machining of workpieces immensely..
Components of a box column drill
The box column drill or pillar drill has a heavy foot that is firmly mounted in the floor or a workstation. A column runs over the foot of the drill machine and extends into the housing. On the column is also an adjustable drill or machine table, which can be brought to the appropriate height via a threaded spindle. Some drilling machines also have an integrated machine vice or T-slots on the drilling table to clamp workpieces firmly and ensure drilling accuracy.
Furthermore, there is an on/off switch on the side of the upright drill, as well as a feed lever with which the drill can be lowered. There is also a lever on the side to adjust the speed.
The electric motor that drives the entire drill is located in the housing of the drill press. The moving force is generated by the motor and then moves to the drill spindle via the belt pulleys and the V-belt.
The drill spindle finally connects the drill chuck and the drill bit.
The rear part of the drill is securely clamped into the drill chuck via the square.
Box column drilling machine and its fields of application
The box column drill is not only suitable for drilling. Various types of drills, milling cutters and countersinks can be used in the drill chuck. The box column drills can be used for metal, plastic and wood. It is sufficient to exchange the corresponding drills.
Special drilling machine for thread cutting
There are special drilling thread cutting machines.
Safety instructions for operation
When drilling with the box column drill you should work carefully. Make sure to clamp your workpiece securely and firmly. You should also make sure that you wear appropriate clothing and protective goggles to prevent injury.
Working steps for drilling with the box column drill
- As a preparatory step, you should select the appropriate type of drill. (There are drills especially for the material wood, metal and plastic)
- Then choose the appropriate drill size by determining the drill diameter. Adjust the speed of rotation if necessary.
- Clamp the drill firmly in the chuck. If you are using a geared drill chuck, you will need a chuck key for clamping.Important: Remove the chuck key immediately after you have clamped the drill!
- Remember to mark the area of the workpiece to be drilled with a center punch.
- Clamp the workpiece securely and firmly in the vice.
- Before turning on the machine, check that the desired drilling depth is set.
- Use drilling paste on the drill bit.
- Before turning on the machine, check that the drilling table is correctly aligned.
- Turn on the floor type drill. Slowly and smoothly operate the feed lever for drilling.
- Switch off the machine after successful drilling.
- Remove your workpiece and unclamp the drill used.
Historical excursion
The first tools for drilling are already approx. 3500 years old. Chr. A.D. are known. The first column drilling machines date from around 1830 and were initially driven manually by a pedal. Only with the invention of electricity were electrically driven box column drills developed.
