| Drilling capacity and spindle travel |
Compare the maximum drill diameter, usable stroke, and distance from spindle to table before comparing prices. |
A lower-priced pillar drill may still be too small for brackets, plates, fixtures, or repeated hole patterns in metalwork. |
Ask: what material and maximum hole size is the quoted machine intended to drill comfortably, not just once? |
| Motor power and speed range |
Confirm the motor rating, speed steps or variable-speed control, and whether the machine can run slow enough for larger bits in steel. |
Price often changes with drive design. A machine with better low-speed control can reduce bit wear and improve hole quality. |
Ask: what spindle speed range is included in this price, and is speed changed by belt, pulley, or electronic control? |
| Table, column, and base rigidity |
Look at table size, clamping slots, column diameter, base weight, and whether the table locks firmly without flex. |
A cheap drill with poor rigidity can chatter, wander, or produce inconsistent holes, especially with metal parts or fixtures. |
Ask: can the supplier provide the table dimensions, column size, and net machine weight for the exact quoted model? |
| Chuck, spindle taper, and tooling compatibility |
Verify chuck capacity, spindle taper type, and whether the quote includes the chuck, arbor, guards, or only the bare machine. |
Two pillar drills with the same headline price may need different extra tooling before they are usable in a workshop. |
Ask: what accessories are included in the quoted price, and what common drill chucks or taper tools fit the spindle? |
| After-sales parts and shipping basis |
Separate the machine price from packing, freight, spare parts, and any consumables or replacement belts. |
The purchase cost is not only the machine. Downtime and unavailable wear parts can matter more than a small upfront saving. |
Ask: which spare parts are available for this model, and is the price quoted ex works, FOB, CIF, or delivered? |