Drill stand: what it is, types and choices

Answering the question of what is a stand for a drill, hammer drill or screwdriver, it should be noted that we are talking about a stationary device to which these tools are attached. There are various types of such devices that greatly simplify drilling. Due to the fairly wide range of devices on the market, the choice of specific models should be approached taking into account a number of criteria.

Making a straight hole in hard and thick material is not easy. Drilling at an angle is just as difficult as the drill or cutter can slide off, increasing the hole diameter. In such situations, the most rational solution would be to use a quality drill stand. This device, in combination with the drilling tool itself, turns into a small machine.

Now the market offers products from many manufacturers (for every taste and wallet). However, the choice of stands, holders and rails must be approached with utmost care. Do not exclude the possibility of making devices with your own hands.

Stands for drilling equipment can significantly expand its functionality. At the same time, one of the main advantages of the equipment is its compactness and versatility. Purchased models may have different configurations (depending on the brand and the cost of the product). In particular, the kit sometimes includes a vice for rigid fastening of the workpiece to be processed and other additional elements.

Regardless of brand and price category, all racks are designed to simplify the drilling process, therefore some specific characteristics are their main advantages.

• Significant expansion of the range of capabilities of the operated tool. A high-quality stand, for example, enables surface milling.
• Improving the accuracy of operations performed by positioning the drill and cutter strictly perpendicular or at a fixed angle with respect to the material being processed.
• The ability to work with hard materials, in which one of the important points is the exclusion of the drill from sliding on the treated surface at the initial stage.
• The ability to drill holes not only perpendicularly, but also at different angles. Modern models allow drilling at an angle of up to 70 degrees.

Often, even expensive devices do not meet the requirements. This applies both to the quality of the materials used and to the assembly.Many users in their reviews draw attention to the lack of universal fixation devices that would allow the use of various brands of drilling tools. However, the unification of such elements is impossible in practice.

All drilling devices on the market differ from each other, first of all, in design features and functionality. In addition, they can be equipped with various equipment, the list of which includes, for example, vices and dust collectors. Additional elements make it possible to simplify the operation of the tools as much as possible.

By the principle of use, two categories of devices can be distinguished.

• Stationary stands that turn an ordinary drill, hammer drill or screwdriver into a compact analogue of the machine. These products, due to their weight and rigid structure, ensure high precision in all operations. The main disadvantages include lack of mobility and high cost.
• Mobile drill attachments or guides, which are devices that provide acceptable drilling accuracy in a minimum size.

Another important criterion is the functionality of the devices in question.

• Vertical drilling stands with universal holders and maximum stability. They often become an indispensable element of mini-workshops and assistants to home craftsmen.
• Rotary devices, which are more complex and functional equipment. In addition to moving the bracket with the fixed drilling tool in a vertical plane to set the required distance from the material being processed to the drill's working stroke, such racks allow you to set the drilling angle. As a result, the equipment can also be used as a milling or polishing machine.

An equally important role is played by the fastening features of the rack itself. As practice shows and reviews testify, magnetic models are the most reliable option. Most professional fixtures have this mounting method. Maximum stability in this case is provided by a powerful electromagnetic field. Magnetic drilling stands can be securely fixed in vertical, horizontal and inclined planes. This allows you to perform work in difficult operating conditions. As a rule, such equipment has a number of additional options. For example, the instrument cannot be turned on if no impulses are emitted from the magnet.

The described equipment is a comfortable and useful addition that provides quick and reliable fixation of drilling tools for performing stationary work with high precision. Taking into account the demand, many manufacturing companies have launched the production of such devices. All models presented in this market segment differ from each other in design, functions, equipment and cost.

One of the popular brands is "Anchor"... The company offers the consumer high-quality devices for working with tools with various characteristics (power, weight and diameter of the body neck).

The products of the brand are in no less demand Sparky... In the reviews, the owners of this technique pay attention to the increased stability provided by the presence of a high-quality base plate cast from cast iron.

Also today in the popularity rating there are other models of racks.

• "Caliber" - a robust and versatile design that transforms handheld drilling tools into a compact, stationary machine.
• Dremel - a device characterized by functionality, long service life and affordable cost. These models allow vertical drilling, angle drilling, polishing and horizontal grinding of materials.
• Sparta - racks that turn both drills and screwdrivers into stationary devices. The main advantages include the presence of a high-quality mechanism responsible for the smoothness and uniformity of the supply of the fixed tool.
• Skrab - a rotary modification, which has become a rational option for use in small workshops, garages and home conditions. The design combines strength, durability and affordable cost.

In addition to all of the above, users highlight models Diolod and Artu... The former are used with equal efficiency in domestic and industrial conditions. Depending on the modification, the diameter of the neck of the tool body, which can be fixed in the holder, varies.

Given the wide range of models offered by various manufacturing companies, the selection of the most suitable model should be approached with appropriate care and responsibility. First of all, it is required to carefully inspect the drill itself for the presence of a landing neck, since some equipment may not have it. This element is a cylinder several centimeters long. Most drills and screwdrivers have a standard diameter of 4.3 cm. In addition to the design features of the drilling tool itself, you need to pay attention to some other points.

• Parameters, material of manufacture and quality of the base plate. As practice shows, cast iron products are more practical and effective. Another important detail will be the availability of mounting devices and holes for attaching the structure to the table and installing a vice.

• The distance between the stand itself and the drill axis, which determines the maximum size of the workpiece.
• Features of the holder, which determine the list of tool models suitable for mounting on a stand.
• Drilling depth adjustable. This option is relevant in situations where you need to make a large number of identical holes.
• The principle of the movement mechanism.

Any stand for a drill, regardless of its size and taking into account the purpose of such devices, has the main structural elements, each of which performs its own functions and must meet certain requirements.

• Stanina - one of the main components of the described equipment, which is its base (stand) and ensures the stability of the entire structure. In addition, a vice is located on the bed for fixing the workpieces to be processed. The weight and dimensions of this element depend on the power of the tool used and the list of tasks to be performed.
• Guide post, which is located strictly vertical to the base. Even a slight deviation can damage the workpiece and break the drill or cutter. Depending on the design features of a particular model, this part can be made of different materials.

• Travel mechanism. There are no strict requirements for the device of this node, no templates are applied.Its main task is to provide smooth movement, secured by brackets or clamps of the drilling tool along the tripod. There are many variations of these mechanisms.
• Equipment holder (drill, hammer drill, screwdriver). Clamps, pads and other mounting elements are used as an effective fastening.

Of course, the easiest way to expand the capabilities of an existing tool is to purchase a ready-made structure. However, many are interested in the possibility of making handmade drill stands. Analyzing the reviews, we can conclude that this is a relatively simple process. However, its implementation will require certain knowledge, as well as appropriate practical skills, materials and tools.

Taking into account the design features that allow a conventional drill to be turned into a drilling machine, they can even be made from a photographic enlarger, the device of which initially includes some of the necessary key elements. There are several options for making a homemade rack. The list of required materials, equipment and tools will depend on the choice in favor of a wooden or metal fixture.

The bed can be made from a plate (metal or wood), the dimensions of which are determined by the capacity of the equipment and the dimensions of the workpieces. Another determining factor is the functionality of the future design. If for a drilling machine it will be enough to make a bed with dimensions in the range of 600x600 mm, then in the case of a multifunctional unit, these indicators should be increased.

The next important component is the mechanism for moving the drill and other equipment along the guide. The basis of this unit will be a handle and springs, and the mechanism itself can be made in several variations.

• Retractable and mounted directly next to the handle, which is then placed between two plates mounted on the rack. When the handle moves down, the spring and the carriage itself return to their original position.
• In the form of two springs installed in special grooves of the carriage at an angle of 90 degrees, to which the pin and side plates are fixed. When the lever is pressed, the springs are compressed and the drill moves downward. As soon as the impact on the handle stops, the entire assembly will return to its original position.

It is necessary to list the clear advantages of homemade gadgets:

• making such structures with your own hands is cheaper than purchasing ready-made ones;
• the absence of any restrictions allows you to use almost any materials and spare parts from outdated or outdated equipment;
• drawings of fixtures and detailed instructions, including related videos, are freely available in large numbers;
• anyone who wishes, with the necessary knowledge and skills, can create a rack according to their drawings and taking into account all needs.

Speaking about the most significant disadvantages of making structures for drilling with your own hands, you should pay attention to the fact that:

• at certain stages, access to a lathe, welding machine and other professional equipment may be required;
• due to errors, even minor ones, backlash appears, which negatively affects the quality of drilling and other work;
• most often, handicraft models have limited functionality.

However, with a competent approach and high-quality manufacturing of all elements, you can even assemble a rotary model yourself. Often, homemade products are not inferior (and in some respects superior) to factory models. It all depends on the correct choice of materials and build quality.

Any compact machine must be correctly assembled and installed, securely attached to a table, workbench or separate cabinet. Otherwise, the quality of work performed on it and its service life will significantly decrease. Purchased models are mounted in strict accordance with the drawing documentation and the attached instructions.

In situations with homemade designs, general rules and recommendations should be followed. Correct installation will be the key to long-term work and maximum accuracy in performing all the work provided for by the rack's functionality. The assembly of the mini-machine is carried out according to the following algorithm:

• installation of the bed;
• installation of a guide and props;
• installation of the running gear;
• fastening directly to the drilling tool itself (drill, screwdriver, hammer drill).

For information on how to make a homemade drill stand with your own hands, see the next video.