What is the drilling capacity of a pillar drill?

Bench models drill up to about 13–20 mm (0.512–0.787 inch) in mild steel; floor and geared-head models about 25–50 mm (0.984–1.97 inch). Capacity is lower in harder steels.

What is the difference between a pillar drill and a radial drill?

On a pillar drill the head is fixed and the work is moved under it. On a radial drill the head moves along a swinging arm, so heavy parts can stay in one place.

Can a pillar drill do tapping?

Yes, with a tapping attachment or a machine that has a reversing spindle. Floor geared-head machines often have tapping built in.

Pillar drilling machine: sizes, capacity, uses

A pillar drilling machine has a vertical spindle on a round column, with a table that moves up and down the column. The work stays still while the operator feeds the drill down. It is the everyday drilling, tapping and countersinking machine in small workshops, for holes up to about 32–50 mm (1.26–1.97 inch).

Quick facts

Main types: Bench, floor-standing, geared head, belt drive
Drilling capacity: About 13–50 mm (0.512–1.97 inch) in mild steel
Spindle taper: MT2 to MT4
Spindle travel: About 80–200 mm (3.15–7.87 inch)
Speeds: Several steps by belt or gearbox
Price range: The cheapest drilling machine in a workshop

Main parts

Base and round column (pillar)
Head with motor, gearbox or belts and the spindle
Hand feed wheel, sometimes with power feed and depth stop
Table that slides and swings on the column
Machine vice or clamps to hold the work
Coolant tank on bigger machines

Pillar drill, radial drill or VMC?

	Pillar drill	Radial drill	VMC
Work size	Small to medium	Large and heavy	Any that fits the table
Moving to each hole	Move the work	Swing the arm	Programmed
Hole position accuracy	By marking or jig	By marking or jig	About ±0.01–0.02 mm (±0.0004–0.0008 inch)
Best for	Few holes, small parts	Heavy parts, big holes	Many holes, batches

Good to know

Use a drill jig for repeat parts to keep holes in position
Tapping attachments with reversing clutches save taps from breaking
Large drills need a pilot hole first
Always clamp the work; never hold it by hand

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Questions

What is the drilling capacity of a pillar drill?: Bench models drill up to about 13–20 mm (0.512–0.787 inch) in mild steel; floor and geared-head models about 25–50 mm (0.984–1.97 inch). Capacity is lower in harder steels.
What is the difference between a pillar drill and a radial drill?: On a pillar drill the head is fixed and the work is moved under it. On a radial drill the head moves along a swinging arm, so heavy parts can stay in one place.
Can a pillar drill do tapping?: Yes, with a tapping attachment or a machine that has a reversing spindle. Floor geared-head machines often have tapping built in.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 18 October 2026.