Searching for drilling machines, but yet to find the perfect one for your workshop?

A drilling machine, sometimes called a drill press, is a device that’s designed to produce holes in hard substances. It is typically held in a rotating spindle and fed into the workpiece which is usually clamped in a vice.

Kendal Tools & Machinery is a leading supplier of bench drilling machines and floor standing pillar machines from well-known manufacturers, Scheppach, SIP and Fox. So, whether you’re an occasional handyman, a serious DIYer or a trade professional, why not browse the collection below and identify the best one for your needs and budget?

A comprehensive range of drilling machines

When shopping for a drill press, there are a number of options available. Do you need a heavy or light duty machine? Have you got room for a floor standing pillar drilling machine or is a bench drill preferable?

To help you make an informed decision, let’s take a look at the two types of drilling machines we supply here at Kendal Tools:

  • Floor standing drilling machines

A pillar drill is a free standing machine that uses a motor to rotate a drill bit and has a long column which stands on the floor. It’s perfect for cutting holes of different diameters into a range of materials, i.e. wood, plastic and metal.

As such, these drilling machines are able to bore precise horizontal holes – offering more accuracy than any handheld tool. And because of their sheer size and stability, they can drill larger materials and produce bigger holes.

  • Bench drilling machines

Where space is at a premium in the workshop, a bench drilling machine is ideal. Basically a smaller version of the pillar drill, it is fixed to a workbench to ensure materials can be drilled safely and efficiently, without taking up valuable floor space.

Although very popular amongst DIY woodworkers or hobbyists who need to drill light pieces of material, the bench drill is very robust and simple to use – making it ideal for school workshops too.

Regardless of which you opt for – be it a pillar or bench drilling machine – we assure you that all our products are priced competitively. So, even if money is tight, you needn’t worry about finding something suitable here at Kendal Tools.

Ready to order a drilling machine?

Great! Simply browse the range of drilling machines in full and click through for more detailed information. Once you’ve found the right one for you, and you’re happy with your selection, all you need to do is request a quote and we’ll get back to you with a fair price. And, whilst you’re here, you might as well check out our fantastic range of accessories. We stock everything from workbenches to vices, chucks and LED lights.

Get in touch today

Can’t find what you’re looking for or unsure whether you need a bench drill or a floor standing model? Don’t panic! The team is always on hand to help and will gladly assist. Just give us a call on 01539 733 774 or drop us an email at info@kendaltools.co.uk, and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Showing 1–20 of 22 results

  • Free Delivery - Kendal Tools

    Draper D13/5DA 5-Speed Bench drilling machine 13mm chuck 230volt (38255)

    £134.99 Inc. VAT
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  • Free Delivery - Kendal Tools

    SIP 01722 2.5″ Drilling Machine Vice

    £23.90 Inc. VAT
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  • Free Delivery - Kendal Tools

    SIP 01724 5″ Drilling Machine Vice

    £33.90 Inc. VAT
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  • Free Delivery - Kendal Tools

    SIP 01726 6″ Drilling Machine Vice

    £39.90 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01710 B13 5-Speed 350w Bench Pillar Drill

    £134.90 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01711 B16 12-Speed 450w Bench Pillar Drill

    £197.99 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01712 Pro B16 16-Speed 550w Bench Pillar Drill

    £322.99 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01713 Pro B20 16-Speed 750w Bench Pillar Drill

    £372.90 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01714 Pro F16 16-Speed 550w Floor Pillar Drill

    £331.90 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01715 Pro F16 16-Speed 750w Floor Pillar Drill

    £395.99 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01716 Pro F20 12-Speed 750w Floor Pillar Drill

    £468.99 Inc. VAT
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  • SIP 01717 Pro F20 12-Speed 1100w Floor Pillar Drill

    £799.99 Inc. VAT
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  • LED Light with Flexi-shaft and Magnetic Base

    LED Light with Flexi-shaft and Magnetic Base

    £37.35 Inc. VAT
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  • ZIPPER STB13T Bench drilling machine 13mm chuck 230volt

    ZIPPER STB13T Bench drilling machine 13mm chuck 230volt

    £128.99 Inc. VAT
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  • ZIPPER STB13T Bench drilling machine 13mm chuck 230volt

    ZIPPER STB16T Bench drilling machine 16mm chuck 230volt

    £209.99 Inc. VAT
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  • Reduced Price

    Scheppach DP13 Bench drill 5-speed 13mm keyless chuck.

    £137.95 Inc. VAT
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  • Free Delivery - Kendal Tools

    Scheppach DP60 Vari-speed bench drill 13mm keyless chuck.

    £195.99 Inc. VAT
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  • Reduced Price

    Scheppach DP16SL Bench Drill Press + X Laser + Vice 230volt

    £219.99 Inc. VAT
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  • Free Delivery - Kendal Tools

    Scheppach DP18 Vario Heavy Duty Bench Drill Press with 16mm keyless chuck 230v

    £436.99 Inc. VAT
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  • Holzmann SB4115N 16mm Chuck x 12 Speed Drilling Machine 230volt

    £249.99
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What is a drilling machine good for?

If you’re building a coat rack, making wooden toys, boring holes in wood for dowel joints, or hiding screws beneath wooden plugs, you’ll be thankful for a drilling machine. Bench and floor-standing drilling machines are designed to bore precise holes into pieces of wood or metal. They utilise different drill bits to create holes of varying diameters. Whilst a drill press is often used to drill holes, it can also be used to enlarge holes with a boring tool or finish them with a reamer. If you’re toying with the idea of investing in a drilling machine for your workshop, or you’re unsure whether this woodworking machinery is right for your project, feel free to contact us here at Kendal Tools.

How do I use a drilling machine?

Using a drilling machine is very simple once you know how. First and foremost, you need to make sure that the drill is unplugged whilst you’re setting it up – regardless of whether it’s a bench or floor-standing model. Once you’ve determined where the machine will go, the next step is to set the speed. In most cases, this can be easily adjusted by moving the belt drive from one pulley to another. As a general rule of thumb, slower speeds are best for drilling metal, whilst faster tempos are preferred for wood. To fit the drill bit, open the chuck and slide it in before tightening the jaws with the key. The table needs to be at the appropriate height for the task at hand. Some drilling machines have a crank that adjusts the table height, whereas others move freely when you release the clamp lever. Depending on the job, you may need to adjust the depth gauge. If you’re simply drilling a hole into a piece of lumber or metal, you shouldn’t need to alter the depth. However, the bit can be lowered to the desired height, and the pair of knurled nuts can be adjusted to the proper stopping point. Want to know more about using drilling machines? Don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01539 733 774.

Which drilling machine is best?

To determine the right tool for you, consider the different types of drilling machines, the drill press size, power, and speed. Bench-top drilling machines are typically smaller, lighter, and more portable, whereas stationary models have more power, capacity, and features. There are two size elements to bear in mind when choosing a drilling machine: swing and spindle travel. Swing is the distance between the machine’s central column and the spindle, multiplied by two. This gives you the maximum width of material you can fit on the drill press, which is ideal if you want to bore the centre of a workpiece. Spindle travel refers to how deep the drilling machine can move downwards as you rotate the handle. Bench-top models tend not to move as low as floor-standing machines. If you require a powerful drilling machine, a larger floor model will be ideal. If you’re drilling a dense material, you’ll need a machine that provides a slower rotation speed to ensure accuracy. It’s worth noting that bench drilling machines tend to offer fewer speeds than floor models. For help selecting the best drilling machine for your requirements, send us a message via our online enquiry form.

Are drilling machines expensive?

The price you’ll pay for a drilling machine can vary depending on numerous factors, including the brand and drill size. Luckily, here at Kendal Tools, our bench and floor drilling machines for sale are priced competitively. Our prices start from as little as £100, allowing you to purchase the best equipment for your workshop without spending a fortune. Of course, if you’re looking for advanced machinery or a powerful floor pillar drill, you will pay more – but you’ll benefit from a host of safety features. To find out more about the drilling machines we have in stock and how much you can expect to pay, give our friendly experts a call on 01539 733 774.