Find out how bench, column, radial and radial-arm drills differ. Discover how to choose a metal drill, which specifications are most important, and which machine is best suited for workshops and production.

A comprehensive guide to CORMAK bench, column, bed and radial drills | Blog - CORMAK

A comprehensive guide to CORMAK bench, column, hull and radial drilling machines

Bench, column, bed and radial drilling machines are essential machines for precision drilling in metal, used in both workshops and industrial production. They differ primarily in terms of structural rigidity, drilling diameter range, power, working geometry and intended use — from light maintenance and tooling work to heavy-duty machining of structural steel and large workpieces.

CORMAK machines belong to the semi-professional and industrial segment — they are designed for continuous, rather than occasional, use. As a result, they are used in small metalworking shops, maintenance workshops and car repair garages, as well as in small-batch and mass production.

This guide explains:

• how different types of drills differ,
• how to choose a metal drill,
• when to choose a bench, column, body or radial model,
• which specifications are actually important in day-to-day work,
• how to avoid the most common mistakes when buying.

• Types of workshop drills
• CORMAK bench drills
• CORMAK column drills
• CORMAK hull drilling machines
• CORMAK radial drills
• How to choose a drill for your workshop
• Common mistakes when choosing
• FAQ — frequently asked questions
• Summary

Types of workshop drilling machines

This classification clearly shows that the choice of drilling machine does not depend solely on motor power, but primarily on the type of workpieces being machined, the diameter of the holes, the frequency of operation and the expected flexibility of the workstation. A metalworking workshop producing individual components requires a different machine to a plant working with thick sheet metal, sections and steel structures.

CORMAK bench drills

Application

The metal bench drill is designed for:

• drilling precision holes,
• manual threading,
• reaming,
• working with small parts.

It is most commonly found in:

• car workshops,
• tool rooms,
• school workshops,
• small-scale production facilities.

Materials

It performs well with:

• aluminium,
• brass,
• structural steel up to approx. 12–16 mm,
• stainless steel (at low speeds and with cooling).

Drilling accuracy

The advantage of a bench drill is the high precision of the spindle guidance. Compared to a hand drill, it ensures:

• no runout,
• perpendicularity of the hole,
• repeatability,
• better feed control.

When to buy a bench drill

Choose one when:

• the workpieces fit in your hand or are small,
• hole diameters do not exceed 16 mm,
• you need precision rather than maximum power,
• you work occasionally or in small batches.

Advantages over a hand drill

• structural stability,
• controlled spindle speed,
• ability to use tapered drill bits,
• longer tool life,
• safer operation for the operator.

In practice, the CORMAK bench drill is an excellent choice where precise, day-to-day work on small components and quick set-up without taking up much workspace are essential.

CORMAK column drills

Series production

The column drill is the most versatile workshop machine. It handles:

• larger components,
• frequent drilling,
• small-batch production.

It is standard equipment in metalworking shops, tool rooms and maintenance departments, where a single machine must cope with a wide range of tasks.

Stability

The column increases:

• rigidity,
• accuracy,
• drilling safety.

It allows drilling of larger diameters without the drill bit ‘pulling’, which results in better hole geometry and a lower risk of tool damage.

Drilling depth

Greater reach and feed rate mean easier machining of components such as:

• deep holes,
• structural components,
• steel sections,
• taller components.

Workshop vs industry

A column drill is suitable for both:

• repair workshops,
• parts manufacturing,
• machining steel structures.

This is the most popular workshop drill for metal, as it offers a good balance between power, precision, price and versatility.

CORMAK column drills

Heavy-duty machining

A bench drill is an industrial machine built on a heavy cast iron body. Its main features are:

• very high rigidity,
• high motor power,
• vibration resistance,
• continuous operation.

Machining of structural steel

This type of machine enables:

• large-diameter drilling,
• reaming,
• reaming,
• machine threading.

Large drilling diameters

This is the right solution when machining:

• diameters over 25–30 mm,
• thick steel components,
• heavy workpieces,
• parts requiring high torque.

Advantage over a milling machine in simple operations

For simple drilling operations, a body-mounted drill is often:

• faster,
• cheaper to run,
• easier to set up,
• more cost-effective for typical batch drilling.

For workshops that do not require the full functionality of a milling machine but carry out a lot of drilling and threading in steel, a CORMAK body drill is often the most sensible choice.

CORMAK radial drilling machines

For large and heavy workpieces

The radial drilling machine is designed to work with large, heavy or bulky workpieces that are not worth repositioning and aligning on a conventional column drill. In this design, it is the head and arm that adjust to the workpiece, rather than the other way round.

This makes the machine ideal for machining:

• large steel plates,
• welded structures,
• machine bodies,
• oversized components in maintenance and industrial refurbishment.

Range of motion and flexibility of settings

The greatest advantage of the radial drilling machine is its movable arm, which allows the spindle to be positioned in many different angles without having to move the heavy workpiece. This means:

• greater working comfort,
• faster positioning,
• easier drilling of multiple holes at different points,
• fewer set-up changes.

When to choose a radial drill

A CORMAK radial drill will be the best choice when:

• you are machining large and heavy workpieces,
• you are drilling multiple holes in a single part,
• you need a long working reach,
• the ease of positioning the spindle relative to the workpiece is important.

Radial vs column

A column drill is better suited to a classic general-purpose workshop. A radial drill, on the other hand, offers an advantage where the workpiece is too heavy to position easily. In such cases, the time saved during setup may outweigh the difference in the machine’s price.

How to choose a drill for your workshop

1. Drilling diameter

This is the most important parameter when choosing a machine.

It is best to choose a machine so that the range of diameters you work with most frequently falls within its ‘comfortable’ operating range, rather than at the limits of its capabilities.

2. Motor power

The larger the drill bit, the lower the speed and the higher the torque required. An underpowered machine:

• burns out the drill bits,
• heats up the material,
• causes spindle runout,
• and reduces the quality of the hole.

3. Feed

Automatic feed is useful when you are carrying out:

• mass production,
• deep holes,
• machining of hard materials.

In production environments, this not only improves convenience but also ensures machining repeatability and reduces operator fatigue.

4. Morse taper

The Morse taper allows for the mounting of:

• larger drill bits,
• chucks,
• taps.

Without it, the machine is limited to light work and is more suited to hobby use than professional workshop use.

5. Rotational speeds

The rule is simple:

• the larger the drill bit, the lower the speed;
• steel requires lower speeds,
• aluminium tolerates higher speeds,
• stainless steel requires temperature control and a steady feed rate.

6. Cooling

Cooling is essential when working with:

• stainless steel,
• mass production,
• large diameters,
• deep drilling.

A lack of cooling results in faster tool wear, poorer hole surface quality and higher operating costs.

The most common mistakes when choosing

• Buying a machine that is too small ‘to start with’.
• Ignoring the Morse taper.
• Focusing solely on motor power.
• No speed control.
• Lack of workspace on the table.
• Attempting to drill a 25 mm hole in a bench drill.
• No cooling when drilling stainless steel.
• Using HSS drill bits in mass production without analysing tool costs.

In practice, the most expensive option is not buying a machine that is too large, but buying one that is too weak. When a drill cannot cope with the actual workload, tooling costs, machining time and the risk of operator errors all increase.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

Which drill press for a car workshop?
Most often a column drill press — it handles most diameters and structural components.

Column drill or bench drill?
A bench drill for small parts, a column drill for general workshop use.

Is a bench drill suitable for steel?
Yes, but for small diameters and at low speeds with cooling.

Which drill press for mass production?
A column-type with automatic feed or a vertical-type. For large workpieces, a radial-type is also suitable.

Is motor power the most important factor?
No — structural rigidity and torque are just as important, and often more so.

What is a Morse taper used for?
For mounting large drill bits, tool holders and taps.

Can you tap on a drill press?
Yes — particularly on column, bench and radial models, provided the machine has the appropriate operating parameters.

The best drill for metal?
One whose diameter range covers around 80% of the holes to be drilled and which has sufficient rigidity and torque.

Summary

Choosing a drill press is not about buying the most powerful machine, but the one best suited to your actual range of work.

• small parts → bench drill,
• general workshop → column drill,
• heavy-duty production → hull drill,
• large and heavy components → radial drilling machine.

A well-chosen machine increases drilling accuracy, tool life and workplace safety — and, above all, significantly reduces processing time. That is precisely why, when making a purchase, it is worth considering not only the price, but the full range of future applications and long-term operating costs.