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