How Do I Choose A Magnetic Drill?

A magnetic drill is a drill used to cut metal. The magnetic drill consists of 4 key components: the magnetic base, the drill holder, the motor and the mandrel or chuck. You can use a variety of tools with the magnetic drill, including annular cutters, twist drills, taps, reamers and countersinks.

The origins of the magnetic drilling machine

Magnetic drills were originally designed for construction companies to drill a large number of holes in structural steel already in place, such as I-beams. They offer greater stability and are easier to use than hand-held drills and also offer better accuracy and faster cutting of large diameter holes. A second benefit of magnetic drills is that they can drill and tap (thread) holes up to 1-5/8" (40 mm). For example, a common application is to drill a 9/16" (14 mm) diameter hole and tap a 5/8" (16 mm) thread without moving the machine.

Annular Cutter

Types of magnetic drills.

Manual feed magnetic drills - The most common type of magnetic drill is the manual feed. These require the operator to manually feed the tool into the metal.

These drills automatically feed and return to the starting position, allowing the operator to press "start" and run multiple automatic drills at once.

The load sensing system in these automatic feed magnetic drills provides faster cutting times; automatically adjusting the feed speed to extend tool life while eliminating stress on the motor caused by improper operator pressure.

Other special application magnetic drills.

Ultra-thin magnetic drills - typically thin magnetic drills are used to drill truck frames and other tight spaces.

Hydraulically powered magnetic drills - hydraulically powered magnetic drills for underwater applications or non-sparking environments

How do I choose the right magnetic drill for the job?

Magnetic base drills, also known as magnetic or heavy-duty drills, are used for drilling heavy steel sections where hand-held drills are not adequate. The drill base has an electromagnet which, when energised, locks the drill base to the steel section and allows the operator to apply a steady rate of drilling feed without moving or shifting the base. These drills vary in size, weight and horsepower and therefore affect the diameter of the holes they can drill. They are primarily used for structural steel, but are also used for applications such as drilling carriage rails, steel signage, guardrails, etc.

Magnetic Drill Machine

Questions to ask yourself when choosing a magnetic drill What is the maximum diameter you need to drill?

What is the depth of cut (DOC) you need? In other words; what is the thickness of the metal you need to drill?

Other factors that will influence your choice.

Usage/production requirements - some drills have similar capabilities, but one may be used for lighter work and another for heavier work.

Working environment - if you are working at height etc., the lighter weight magnetic drill is preferred.

Space constraints - if you are working in a small space then a low profile magnetic drill may be ideal.

Drilling speeds - most magnetic drills offer one drilling speed, but heavier models can offer dual drilling speeds and in some cases up to 4 speeds.

Most magnetic drills are designed to use HSS annular tools; running at speeds below 450 RPM. carbide tipped annular tools work best at speeds in excess of 500 RPM.

Some two-speed magnetic drills are designed to use both; HSS and carbide inserted ring tools.

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