Hi everyone
I searched and found these electric drills...
Metabo BDE 1100
Milwaukee HDE 13 RQD
Milwaukee B2E 16 RLD
These all have stirrup-like handles in line with the drill-bit and
specialise in power and control at lower drill revs (and no hammer
action - they are for metalworking only).
Reason for asking - my situation
I've now drilled hundreds of holes 11mm [7/16th-inch) holes in 8mm
[5/16th-inch] thick angle-iron.
With many more to go...
And now painfully (literally!) aware - classic "electric drill" with
pistol-shape is good for carpenters - where need a light touch. But
not for metalworking! Need to easily be able to apply the large force
needed to get spiral swarf formation with a twist-drill.
So - question - What is the best drill for heavy-duty metal-drilling?
Experience tells me:
* The handle must be in line with the drill-bit, so the applied force
goes straight down the bit
* A good strong depth-stop close to the drill would make life much
easier so don't have to worry about the break-through moment
The Milwaukee HDE 13 RQD looks specifically designed for this exactly
this job in commercial work - where can guarantee there is another
higher-revving electric drill on the job for piloting. Is lighter
than the 16RLD and shorter - shows higher torque and is presumably
more robust, with no gear-change. Have I got this right?
Presumably also - as it has few other uses, with slow revs and no
hammer action, it isn't "desirable" outside the workplace...!
By the way - working in a team of two, one piloting at 5.5mm
[7/32nd-inch], the other following at tapping size at 11mm
[7/16th-inch] then the one on piloting threading with the tap-running
tool. Always up on a scaffolding.
What is the advice from all you folk out there?
Richard Smith
- posted
15 years ago