You could be unsure of whether you need a drill press or a pillar drill while drilling something. However, you’re unsure which of the two you ought to pick.
There is no longer any need to be concerned. As we have a solid comparison between the two products.
So, which one should you pick, Pillar Drill vs Drill Press?
Both pillar drills and drill presses are very similar machines. They are the same in size and work very similarly. But with a pillar drill, you will be able to drill holes in pillars very easily. However, cost-wise, the drill press is more affordable than pillar drills.
You can still find everything to be mysterious. As an expert in this field, I have prepared several head-to-head comparisons in the main article. For more information, keep reading!
Pillar Drill Vs Drill Press – Quick Comparison
You can drill things using both a drill press and a pillar drill. However, they uniquely do their jobs. You may not know which one you desire depending on what you need to do.
Here I show you a table comparing drill presses and pillar drills. Check them out.
| Comparison Factor | Pillar Drill | Drill Press |
| Types | 4 types | 2 types |
| Size | 8″ to 20″ | 8″ to 20″ |
| Power | 1/3-1/2 Horsepower | 1/3-1/2 Horsepower |
| Accuracy | Precise | Precise |
| Speed | 1200-1500 RPM | 1200-1500 RPM |
| Portability | Low Portability | Low Portability |
| Price Range | $150-$1000 | $90-$600 |
| Functionalities | Hole saws, twist bits, and spade bits on wood | Sanding and Smoothening Wood Surface |
Even though this brief comparison is helpful, you still need a thorough comparison. The equipment you should select will be discussed in the next section.
Pillar Drill And Drill Press – Detailed Comparison
It is impossible to understand the differences in the drills from a brief overview. We’ll analyze and compare each component of these two drills. This will help us determine each person’s area of expertise.
Considering our requirements will enable us to select the best one. So let’s get going.
Types:
Pillar drills are often classified into four categories. Each of them has its purpose. The categories are bench drill, floor-standing drill, radial drill, and magnetic drill.
There are two categories of drill presses. Both bench drills and stationary variants are offered. Benchtop variations are more compact, lighter, and portable.
Floor versions have more power and capacity but are heavy and harder to transport. Both of these drills work very similarly to a bench drill.
You can cut wood on drill presses using a saw. The saw can stop spinning after some period of use. Use it wisely, then.
Winner: Pillar Drill for having more variety.
PRO-TIP:
You can adjust the cutting speed of every Pillar Drill and Drill Press.
WEN 4206T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch Drill Press
- Features a 2.3A induction motor, an 8-inch swing, and a 2-inch spindle travel
- Includes a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage
- Operates at 5 different speeds: 750, 1100, 1500, 2100, or 3200 RPM
- 6.5 by 6.5-inch height adjustable worktable bevels up to 45 degrees in each direction
- Measures 23 inches tall with a 7 by 11-inch base
Size:
Both of these drills are very similar in size and work the same way. They can have a size of up to 20” with a weight of 490kgs. However, the height and size of these drills can depend on the manufacturers.
Different manufacturers can produce different-sized drills. But more or less they have a very similar structure with a similar size. Therefore, there isn’t much of a difference in their sizes.
For small workshops, I recommend a benchtop drill press as a good space-saving alternative to a free-standing machine.
Winner: None as both of them have a similar size.
WARNING:
Never keep sawdust near your machines.
Power:
As both of these drills have similar features, their power output is also similar. These two drills are the most powerful drills available on the market. Both of them have exceptional structural designs with powerful motors.
These powerful motors let them drill through anything without any problems. One of the key characteristics of these drills is this.
For any kind of hard work, such as drilling holes, these are the drills to get. So while working with a pillar drill, pillar drill safety is a must. If you want extra power, you may choose between a drill press and a bandsaw.
Winner: None as both of them have similar accuracy.
PRO-TIP:
Lubricate the machine’s components.
UniBor Magnetic Metal Pillar Drill Press
- 1500W motor
- Maximum RPM of 500
- 2″ diameter cutting capacity
- 2″ depth cut capability
- 3/4″ twist drill capacity
- Magnet size: 7 7/8″ x 3 7/8″
- 3,034 lbs of magnetic adhesion
- Weighs 33 lbs
- Dimensions: 12 3/8”L x 23 1/16”H x 7 11/16”W
- Forward and reverse gears for tapping (3/4″)
Accuracy:
In most cases, drills are only as accurate as their operators. However, this is not true of the drill press or the pillar drill. Both of these drills have exceptional accuracy.
Drill presses and pillar drills have the benefit of being fixed. Additionally, they frequently include work beds on which vices may be attached to hold your workpiece.
The operator may thus operate more accurately and productively. In the end, this gives the operator the highest level of precision.
Winner: None as both of them have similar accuracy.
Portability:
When it comes to portability, both drills work very similarly. Both pillar drill and drill press are huge machines that are hard to move. To work with these, you have to bring the drilling stuff to the drill. You cannot bring these drills to wherever you want as they are very heavy.
If it’s portability you are looking for, you should get a drill guide. It’s a small handheld instrument compared to a pillar drill or a drill press.
Winner: None as both of them have low portability options.
WEN 4212T 5-Amp 10-Inch Drill Press
- Features a 5-amp induction motor, a 10-inch swing, and a 2-inch spindle travel
- Adjust the mechanical variable speed anywhere from 530 to 3100 RPM
- Digital speed readout displays the current RPM of the machine for maximum precision
- Includes a laser, adjustable depth stop, beveling 8 by 7.5-inch work table, 1/2-inch capacity keyed chuck, a chuck key with onboard storage, and a two-year warranty
- Measures 13.2 by 19.3 by 33.9 inches in size with a weight of 57 pounds
Functionalities:
Even though both of these drills are pretty similar, their functionalities can be different. This normally depends on the uses of these drills.
To accurately drill holes for hanging pegs in the backboard, use a press. Additionally, you can use hole saws, twist bits, and spade bits on wood to create anything. In a drill press, these may be executed with extreme precision.
Additionally, you may use a drill press with a sanding mop rotating inside to smooth the edges of curved wooden items. A drill press is also the only device that can spin a specific bit for cutting tapered plugs. Any type of wood may be sliced with it.
However, because a pillar drill can drill through different materials, it should only be used by experts. It can be moved up or down a column and has a functional table attached to the column. The table may then be raised or lowered after the drilling material has been placed on it.
To prevent the material from moving, it must be clamped to the table. This is a crucial safety element while drilling pillars. It will stop any unneeded harm or injury to you or the environment.
Winner: None as they are used for different applications.
Price:
Both of these drills might have different prices depending on the manufacturer. Different variants of these drills can cost from 100$ to almost 1000$. Thus, it somewhat depends on which one you choose.
But in most cases, pillar drills are more expensive than a drill press. Pillar drills can cost from $150 to $1000. On the other hand, the drill press normally costs from $90 to $600. So make sure to buy the one according to your needs. This will also help you save money.
Winner: Drill Press because it’s the cheaper option.
Which One To Get?
Still struggling to find the right words and make a decision? Be not frightened. We’ll summarize it for you.
As both of these drills are very similar, it might be hard for you to choose the right one. Both of these are excellent for heavy-duty tasks. With a pillar drill, you will be able to drill through a pillar. This is a feature that is unavailable for the drill press.
Drill presses and pillar drills use a spindle that revolves while holding the drill bit to create the hole. The tables on both instruments provide a solid foundation for drilled material. Adjustable speed control is available on pillar drills and drill presses, enabling you to alter the drill bit speed.
A drill press is less expensive than other options as well from a financial standpoint. However, if you have more cash to spend, you must choose the pillar drill.
And don’t forget to wear safety gear when operating drill presses and pillar drills!
| Product | Feature |
| Sealey PDM125B | Strong chuck guard, aluminum-bodied motor, no-volt release switch |
| WEN 4214T | 5 amp motor, adjustable mechanical speed, digital speed display, IIIA 2.5mW laser |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Does A Pillar Drill Do?
Pillar drills are versatile equipment that may be used on many different types of materials. It is very helpful when only one hole has to be drilled. Using a hand lever, the head is vertically lowered and descended into the material. The table may then be modified to accommodate various material sizes.
What Are The Fundamental Pillar Drill Parts?
There are six basic components of a pillar drill. These components are very essential for a pillar drill to function effectively. These components include the base, pillar’s column, worktable, spindle, and drill head. The motor, the last component, is what moves everything along.
What Are The Pillar Drill Dangers?
Long hair, loose clothing, and baggy garments might get caught in the drilling machine’s moving components. Workpieces, drill bits, swarf, and chuck keys may all be expelled with great force. Hand injuries might result from unexpectedly rotating work components that are held in the hand. Wear safety gear, such as safety glasses and hearing protection.
What Is The Most Accurate Drill Press?
Various materials may be drilled into using a drill press. Drill presses lack the power and precision of portable drills, on the other hand. The WEN 12-inch is one of the greatest presses available.
What is the main difference between pillar drills and drill presses?
The main difference between a pillar drill and a drill press is their intended use and power. Pillar drills are designed for light-duty operations and are more portable, while drill presses are more powerful and suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
Conclusion
So now you’re aware of the key distinctions between a drill press and a pillar drill. Whichever one you select, it ought to be advantageous. Both are fine, and you should choose the one that best suits your needs.
And please don’t forget about the safety precautions when using drill presses or pillar drills, wear safety gear, keep loose clothing, and long hair tied back.
Have fun drilling. See you again soon!
Robert S. Dehner is an experienced content writer at Power Tool Institute. He has a wealth of experience in the field and is committed to providing you with up-to-date information and advice on the effective and safe use of power tools.