Mag drill
- Thread starter Sumboodie
- Start date
Kinda depends on your usage; I have a Hougen 917 with swivel base, it's a 2 speed (250 and 450 rpm) - my manual says to use 450 up to 1" cutter diameter - anything bigger (I have cutters up to 1-3/4" diameter) you should slow down to the 250 rpm speed. This is for HSS type cutters, carbide cutters can turn faster but are more expensive.
I've been watching the Vevors a bit, they seem to have a LOT of different versions/prices, and all kind of different whistles and bells (and prices) -
Only reason I can see for reverse would be if you intend to tap holes with it (which would ALSO need the ability to change from the annular cutter chuck (weldon chuck) to 3 jaw chuck - I'd rather use my mill with a tapping head if doing much threading.
Having a built-in coolant bottle is somewhere between "nice" and "necessary"
Some of Vevor's units don't go slow enough for bigger cutters longevity, others have variable speed, they have so many choices you might wanna set up kind of a "spreadsheet" to make sure you're not leaving something out that matters to you.
One way to figure out a list would be to get on Amazon and open every model you might wanna be willing to pay for in its own tab, read enough to know which ones you might like, then close all the tabs you DON'T like, then figure out what features you don't think you can do without - Eventually you'll narrow it down -
The features my Hougen has that I wouldn't give up -
Swivel base - nice anywhere, but almost mandatory if you're working aerial or under something
coolant bottle, especially for bench work
Long quill travel, especially if you want both types of chucks available
Mine has 2 levels of magnet power - power on/NOT drillng is lower power but will hold the drill in place - drilling increases power for better hold against pull-off (NOT pretty) - several other makes have this, I think Hougen was the first.
I've tried to use common names as much as possible, so you can always "google" a term for more info - Also, once you think you're decided post a link and somebody (or several somebodys) will be glad to critique
... Steve
I've been watching the Vevors a bit, they seem to have a LOT of different versions/prices, and all kind of different whistles and bells (and prices) -
Only reason I can see for reverse would be if you intend to tap holes with it (which would ALSO need the ability to change from the annular cutter chuck (weldon chuck) to 3 jaw chuck - I'd rather use my mill with a tapping head if doing much threading.
Having a built-in coolant bottle is somewhere between "nice" and "necessary"
Some of Vevor's units don't go slow enough for bigger cutters longevity, others have variable speed, they have so many choices you might wanna set up kind of a "spreadsheet" to make sure you're not leaving something out that matters to you.
One way to figure out a list would be to get on Amazon and open every model you might wanna be willing to pay for in its own tab, read enough to know which ones you might like, then close all the tabs you DON'T like, then figure out what features you don't think you can do without - Eventually you'll narrow it down -
The features my Hougen has that I wouldn't give up -
Swivel base - nice anywhere, but almost mandatory if you're working aerial or under something
coolant bottle, especially for bench work
Long quill travel, especially if you want both types of chucks available
Mine has 2 levels of magnet power - power on/NOT drillng is lower power but will hold the drill in place - drilling increases power for better hold against pull-off (NOT pretty) - several other makes have this, I think Hougen was the first.
I've tried to use common names as much as possible, so you can always "google" a term for more info - Also, once you think you're decided post a link and somebody (or several somebodys) will be glad to critique
... SteveJswain
Well-known member
VEVOR Mag Drill, 0-300 RPM Stepless Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2\" Depth 2\" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2922lbf Boring Tool Drill Press, 1680 Watts Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine | VEVOR CA
Buy VEVOR Mag Drill, 0-300 RPM Stepless Speed Electromagnetic Drill Press, 2\" Depth 2\" Dia Magnetic Core Drill, 2922lbf Boring Tool Drill Press, 1680 Watts Drill Press, Yellow and Black Drill Machine at cheap price online, with Youtube reviews and FAQs, we generally offer free shipping to...
m.vevor.ca
I have this vevor. I used it to drill all the holes in my welding table with an annular cutter. Variable speed & works great. Pretty low use tool for me so spending a lot didn't make sense.
Jswain, I just read the description from your link - from that - "Besides, our magnetic drill can only be used with hollow boring bits, not with annular bits."
Chinese descriptions often get lost in the "translation", but to my mind, annular cutters ARE hollow boring bits - then your comment about using an annular cutter
Can you clarify what chuck(s) came with your drill?
Personally, if I couldn't use annular cutters I still wouldn't OWN a mag drill - I can drill a 1-1/2" hole thru 1/2" steel in under a minute with no pilot hole, and I've done hundreds of 5/8" holes thru 1/4" steel in under 10 seconds (each, not 10 seconds per 100)
Also, the drill you linked to on Vevor's site is on Amazon for a bit less
Not sayin' I'm obsessed, but I did kinda erect a "shrine"
... Steve
Chinese descriptions often get lost in the "translation", but to my mind, annular cutters ARE hollow boring bits - then your comment about using an annular cutter
Can you clarify what chuck(s) came with your drill?Personally, if I couldn't use annular cutters I still wouldn't OWN a mag drill - I can drill a 1-1/2" hole thru 1/2" steel in under a minute with no pilot hole, and I've done hundreds of 5/8" holes thru 1/4" steel in under 10 seconds (each, not 10 seconds per 100)
Also, the drill you linked to on Vevor's site is on Amazon for a bit less
Not sayin' I'm obsessed, but I did kinda erect a "shrine"
... SteveAttachments
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
Reverse is nice if you want to tap holes such as in a welding table. The newer light weight drills are hard to beat pricewise. My mag drill is an old school B&D like this one 
and weighs 106 lbs.
and weighs 106 lbs.Jswain
Well-known member
Think it's just a translation issue. It's a Weldon chuck and I purchased a cheap Weldon to Jacobs chuck to also go in it.Jswain, I just read the description from your link - from that - "Besides, our magnetic drill can only be used with hollow boring bits, not with annular bits."
Chinese descriptions often get lost in the "translation", but to my mind, annular cutters ARE hollow boring bits - then your comment about using an annular cutter
Personally, if I couldn't use annular cutters I still wouldn't OWN a mag drill - I can drill a 1-1/2" hole thru 1/2" steel in under a minute with no pilot hole, and I've done hundreds of 5/8" holes thru 1/4" steel in under 10 seconds (each, not 10 seconds per 100)
Also, the drill you linked to on Vevor's site is on Amazon for a bit less
Not sayin' I'm obsessed, but I did kinda erect a "shrine"
But as purchased from them it's ready for annular cutters. They all sell package deals with a set of annular cutters. And they also sell mag drills with a regular keyed chuck, so make sure you get the regular weld on style
"weighs 106 lbs." OK, I'll stop bitching about the 48 lbs mine weighs
Jswain, thanks for the quick reply - I'm not sure I'll EVER be able to read Chinglish.
My Hougen came the same way and I added the key'd chuck adapter too... Steve
Jswain, thanks for the quick reply - I'm not sure I'll EVER be able to read Chinglish.
My Hougen came the same way and I added the key'd chuck adapter too... Steve
Jswain
Well-known member
Mines heavy but I don't think it's anywhere near 106lbs. I can carry it with one hand, but it is heavy In that hand"weighs 106 lbs." OK, I'll stop bitching about the 48 lbs mine weighs
Jswain, thanks for the quick reply - I'm not sure I'll EVER be able to read Chinglish.
My Hougen came the same way and I added the key'd chuck adapter too... Steve
Says 45lbs on the link I provided, but I know it probably switches to .com for anyone south of the border
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
When I was in my 20’s, two of us would use one like my B&D upside down to drill holes in factory overhead beams to mount textile guides. Now I have to use the chain hoist to get it onto the table. It is two speed and is 1-1/4” twist drill capacity.
To the OP - this one
is the only one I saw with tapping, comes with adapter for twist drills, and only weighs 26 pounds - From what I can see, NONE of Vevor's listed have a swivel base; but the GOOD news is, at 26 pounds it's about HALF as important as it is in a 47 pounder They talk about components of Titanium and Magnesium, I'm guessing that's part of the lighter weight.
This model tics several of your "boxes", might even be the one you first asked about - heck, at that price I might even grab one for some of the lighter jobs... Steve
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Drill-Diameter-Magnetic-Improvement/dp/B0BWHWGDSR/?tag=atomicindus08-20
is the only one I saw with tapping, comes with adapter for twist drills, and only weighs 26 pounds - From what I can see, NONE of Vevor's listed have a swivel base; but the GOOD news is, at 26 pounds it's about HALF as important as it is in a 47 pounder
They talk about components of Titanium and Magnesium, I'm guessing that's part of the lighter weight.This model tics several of your "boxes", might even be the one you first asked about - heck, at that price I might even grab one for some of the lighter jobs... Steve
scooby074
Well-known member
Ive always had access to Milwaukee mag drills. The Vevor looks a lot like the princess auto one albeit at a cheaper price. Dont know much about it other than one guy I watch on YT had one given to him by vevor, he used it in a couple videos (likely whatever he was contracted to do) then went back to his Milwaukee.
Milwaukee mags arent cheap though, even used they still pull in the big bucks.
Milwaukee mags arent cheap though, even used they still pull in the big bucks.
danielbuck
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 15, 2014
- Messages
- 951
for the price those Vevors look interesting. I've been wanting a mag drill for a while, but I can't pay a lot for one since my use will be very limited. Tempted to try one of these cheap ones now. Do they take regular weldon-shank cutters? or do they have some funky mount of their own? their "specs" don't seem to clarify that.
Jswain
Well-known member
They sell them in regular Weldon shank or with a drill chuck. Get the Weldon shank version then get a seperate drill chuck w adapter
Danielbuck - the link I posted earlier
comes with Weldon AND twist drill chucks, has a wide range of speeds, coolant bottle, reverse - only slight limitation is really large cutters due to not quite as powerful.
Follow this link and look at the pictures, you can see what comes with it. weight is only 27 lbs... Steve
https://www.amazon.com/VEVOR-Drill-Diameter-Magnetic-Improvement/dp/B0BWHWGDSR/?tag=atomicindus08-20
comes with Weldon AND twist drill chucks, has a wide range of speeds, coolant bottle, reverse - only slight limitation is really large cutters due to not quite as powerful.
Follow this link and look at the pictures, you can see what comes with it. weight is only 27 lbs... Steve
Amazon also carries Evolution brand annular cutters - I've had really good performance with all of 'em, and I really like their screw top containers - check out page 15 of this catalog
It's a LOT easier to find exactly the size you want by searching Amazon using the EXACT part # from the above catalog. I've found that often using a metric cutter can give you just enough "wiggle room" on an inch size bolt, the catalog is laid out with inch and metric sizes in the same list; makes it easy to find just the right amount of play - Oh, forgot to add that there's also a list of tap drill sizes on page 16 of the catalog.
Here's a partial selection I have, need to make a bigger holder some day The holder is just a scrap of 2x6 bored on a DP with depth stop set and probably 3 or 4 sizes of Forstner bits ... Steve
It's a LOT easier to find exactly the size you want by searching Amazon using the EXACT part # from the above catalog. I've found that often using a metric cutter can give you just enough "wiggle room" on an inch size bolt, the catalog is laid out with inch and metric sizes in the same list; makes it easy to find just the right amount of play - Oh, forgot to add that there's also a list of tap drill sizes on page 16 of the catalog.
Here's a partial selection I have, need to make a bigger holder some day
The holder is just a scrap of 2x6 bored on a DP with depth stop set and probably 3 or 4 sizes of Forstner bits ... SteveAttachments
Last edited:
Well, I finally talked myself into buying the drill in the link; between the 27 lbs, wide speed range and finding out I had more "reward" points saved up than it cost, it'll be here about April 8-10. What can I say, the flesh is weak ... Steve
... SteveMr onetwo
Well-known member
Do you use the HSS ones or carbide? Amazon is out of most of the carbide ones it looks like.Amazon also carries Evolution brand annular cutters - I've had really good performance with all of 'em, and I really like their screw top containers - check out page 15 of this catalog
It's a LOT easier to find exactly the size you want by searching Amazon using the EXACT part # from the above catalog. I've found that often using a metric cutter can give you just enough "wiggle room" on an inch size bolt, the catalog is laid out with inch and metric sizes in the same list; makes it easy to find just the right amount of play - Oh, forgot to add that there's also a list of tap drill sizes on page 16 of the catalog.
Here's a partial selection I have, need to make a bigger holder some day
I bought my Evolution mag drill off Amazon. I just drilled about 125 holes with it over a few days. It came with a Weldon chuck and a regular Jacobs style chuck I believe. I can double check here in a bit.
I'm no YouTube guru but I did shoot this little video of it drilling the last hole.
I'm no YouTube guru but I did shoot this little video of it drilling the last hole.
I checked the case, mine has a Jacobs style chuck included in the little black box
These are the annular cutters the wife bought for me off Amazon.
These are the annular cutters the wife bought for me off Amazon.
I waited until Zoro sent out a 20% coupon and bought a Fein Slugger with reverse. I wanted the ability to tap. And I wanted quality - I’m trying to avoid buying a mill (and metal lathe) because 1) I don’t know how to use them and that takes time to even get even notionally proficient, 2) they wouldn’t see that much use, and 3) I don’t want to give up the real estate for something that might get used a couple of times a year (at least I suspect that might be the case). So the mag drill needed the ability to be a hole cutting and tapping replacement for a mill and I could justify spending more for it.
I haven’t used it yet. First project will either be a heavy duty canterlevered gate build or thick skid plates for my tractor.
I haven’t used it yet. First project will either be a heavy duty canterlevered gate build or thick skid plates for my tractor.
Not sure how to make a link off Amazon, but this one
167
167
VEVOR Mag Drill Press, 1300W 1.57" Boring Diameter, 2922lbf Power Magnetic Drill, 0-700 PRM Forward and Reverse Tapping, 10-Speed, Electric Drilling Machine for Metal Surface and Home Improvement
-
-
-
View in Your Room
Try with camera
-
-
-
Walkers
Well-known member
The only people who don’t like mag drills are the people who don’t own one!Well, I finally talked myself into buying the drill in the link; between the 27 lbs, wide speed range and finding out I had more "reward" points saved up than it cost, it'll be here about April 8-10. What can I say, the flesh is weak
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
I've used mag drills at work, almost always Milwaukees , except one contractor had a B&D. Even to a much younger me , they were heavy. But they were the only tool to do the job. We used them with drills, then tapped the hole. I considered them a millwright tool . Ironworkers used the Hole Sluggers to punch holes.
The only use I could see me using one for was building a press, but I ended up buying a Princess Auto press.(one per store price) At those prices, one use and the mag drill is paid for.
You need meat under the magnet.
The only use I could see me using one for was building a press, but I ended up buying a Princess Auto press.(one per store price) At those prices, one use and the mag drill is paid for.
You need meat under the magnet.
That Vevor has a lot of bells and whistles. It might have changed the calculus for me back when I bought my Hougen. That said, the swivel base is an unbelievably handy feature. If/when Vevor gets around to copying that feature, they'll really have something.
Wow, my "self incrimination" really woke this thread up 
Somewhat in order, starting with Mr. one two - All my cutters are HSS, hasn't been a problem with mild steel/proper lube/following mfg's directions. If I ever get stupid enough to work with stainless (BTDT) I'll probably try a few carbide cutters.
NUTTSGT, I would recommend keeping a close eye on your wife; half the guys on here would try to steal her, the other half are LYING
SBAG, you chose wisely - I've yet to see a Fein tool I didn't lust after.
Sumboodie, same one I just ordered; claims to handle up to 1-1/2" cutters -
Walkers, I believe you're right; but I bought a SECOND one, guess my wife's right about the OCD thang
... Steve
GeoBruin, the swivel base is a LOT of what decided me (on the Hougen), at work we had several different brands but after using a drill WITHOUT - phooey...
Somewhat in order, starting with Mr. one two - All my cutters are HSS, hasn't been a problem with mild steel/proper lube/following mfg's directions. If I ever get stupid enough to work with stainless (BTDT) I'll probably try a few carbide cutters.
NUTTSGT, I would recommend keeping a close eye on your wife; half the guys on here would try to steal her, the other half are LYING
SBAG, you chose wisely - I've yet to see a Fein tool I didn't lust after.
Sumboodie, same one I just ordered; claims to handle up to 1-1/2" cutters -
Walkers, I believe you're right; but I bought a SECOND one, guess my wife's right about the OCD thang
... SteveGeoBruin, the swivel base is a LOT of what decided me (on the Hougen), at work we had several different brands but after using a drill WITHOUT - phooey...
Last edited:
Mr onetwo
Well-known member
What cutting fluid do you guys recommend or does it really matter?
I believe mine says carbide on the case but the description in the listing said HSS, so maybe carbide tipped... not sure.Wow, my "self incrimination" really woke this thread up
Somewhat in order, starting with Mr. one two - All my cutters are HSS, hasn't been a problem with mild steel/proper lube/following mfg's directions. If I ever get stupid enough to work with stainless (BTDT) I'll probably try a few carbide cutters.
NUTTSGT, I would recommend keeping a close eye on your wife; half the guys on here would try to steal her, the other half are LYING
I went with cheaper ones to start with and have a set of them. I figured if I ruined one or it got dull, I would buy better ones as needed.
and thanks..
I started off using motor oil in a squirter. I bought some thread cutting oil and thought it worked much better. I bought it at Ace and is their house brand. Might be a picture of it in the last page or two of my Garage Refurb thread.
I'll also add, I didn't use the included oiling bottle because I didn't want it leaking out or having to clean the bottle out after use. I will admit, I squirted oil in the feed hole a couple of times while drilling the 120+ holes.... put it away and the residual oil leaked out in the case.
Renegade1LI
Well-known member
I've been using the Hougen rotamagic, works great plus it's water solvable and biodegradable so clean up is easy.
Mr onetwo
Well-known member
Guys, I couldn't make this sh*t up if I fried!
Last edited:
I definitely advocate coolant versus cutting oil for this purpose. I bought a gallon of the Hogan rotamagic stuff and you mix it like 10 to one with water so it will last me forever. Meanwhile cutting oil is a mess to clean up and trust me the mag drill will fling it everywhere. Plus, it's more expensive.
Renegade1LI
Well-known member
I use the Hougen rotamagic also, see my post#4 above - yeah, it gets a little messy but the (HSS) cutters that have over 100 holes STILL cut just as fast as new. I'm a firm believer in NOT messing with success.
If you look at my pic in post#4, even tho the drilled holes are in 1/4" material the drill itself is NOT sitting on that thin material - that surface is the flat side of a piece of 10" channel, with pieces of 1/2 x 4 FB welded to the channel then flattened smooth with a fly cutter - so the actual magnet is pulling on slightly more than 3/4" material.
Another thing the messy pic in post#4 taught me, is that there's a very good reason for magnetic pick-up tools - the floor in that area is gravel, so I keep a 30" rolling magnetic pickup tool handy; also a round "switchable" pickup tool and an air hose - I've found that for operations like the one in the pic, the easiest cleanup is to blow all the swarf onto the floor with air, then use the rolling pickup, dump that into a long plastic "trough" then use the smaller pickup tool for any "stragglers".
For jobs in thin stock that can't "come to the mountain", I have a "helper" piece of 3/4 x 3 FB that gets used BEHIND the "victim" - It can only take ONE PULL-OFF during drilling to destroy a cutter - I've cut holes thru 1/8" steel using that helper on the backside of the thin material, not so much as a twitch ... Steve
If you look at my pic in post#4, even tho the drilled holes are in 1/4" material the drill itself is NOT sitting on that thin material - that surface is the flat side of a piece of 10" channel, with pieces of 1/2 x 4 FB welded to the channel then flattened smooth with a fly cutter - so the actual magnet is pulling on slightly more than 3/4" material.
Another thing the messy pic in post#4 taught me, is that there's a very good reason for magnetic pick-up tools - the floor in that area is gravel, so I keep a 30" rolling magnetic pickup tool handy; also a round "switchable" pickup tool and an air hose - I've found that for operations like the one in the pic, the easiest cleanup is to blow all the swarf onto the floor with air, then use the rolling pickup, dump that into a long plastic "trough" then use the smaller pickup tool for any "stragglers".
For jobs in thin stock that can't "come to the mountain", I have a "helper" piece of 3/4 x 3 FB that gets used BEHIND the "victim" - It can only take ONE PULL-OFF during drilling to destroy a cutter - I've cut holes thru 1/8" steel using that helper on the backside of the thin material, not so much as a twitch ... Steve
Mr onetwo
Well-known member
Hougen 11741 RotaMagic™ Super Concentrated Cutting Fluid - 1
www.mrmtool.com
Mr onetwo
Well-known member
Great advice Steve....thank you!
Mr onetwo
Well-known member
I am thinking about this one.Still variable speed but no reverse. I already have a really nice Jacobs chuck with the adapter.The photo is wrong, but on the Vevor site it is VS.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145468402053?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=1110006&algo=HOMESPLICE.SIM&ao=1&asc=20200818143230&meid=424a274332ef4b94a488ef9d9a65ae13&pid=101224&rk=4&rkt=5&sd=115712286726&itm=145468402053&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=4429486&algv=DefaultOrganicWebV9BertRefreshRanker&brand=VEVOR&_trksid=p4429486.c101224.m-1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/145468402053?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=1110006&algo=HOMESPLICE.SIM&ao=1&asc=20200818143230&meid=424a274332ef4b94a488ef9d9a65ae13&pid=101224&rk=4&rkt=5&sd=115712286726&itm=145468402053&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=4429486&algv=DefaultOrganicWebV9BertRefreshRanker&brand=VEVOR&_trksid=p4429486.c101224.m-1
Attachments
In that price range, I would probably choose this one
It has the longer stroke range (easier to switch between twist drill and annular without running out of range)
Slightly more powerful motor so it might last longer , Also claims up to 2" annular.
Doesn't come with cutters, but most drills that DO (even the spendy ones) tend NOT to be sizes you'll ever use (at least for me )
Your call, not everybody's as "****" as I am ... Steve
Mag Drill Press, 1550W 2" Boring Diameter, 2922lbf Power Magnetic Drill, 500 PRM | eBay
1550W copper motor lets our portable drill press generates exceptionally strong power. Mag drill has a coolant bottle with a quick push-fit tube connection included for long cutter life and smooth drilling.
www.ebay.com
It has the longer stroke range (easier to switch between twist drill and annular without running out of range)
Slightly more powerful motor so it might last longer , Also claims up to 2" annular.
Doesn't come with cutters, but most drills that DO (even the spendy ones) tend NOT to be sizes you'll ever use (at least for me
)Your call, not everybody's as "****" as I am
... SteveMr onetwo
Well-known member
The one in your link is $199...Vevor themselves has the same drill for $170.99? Very confusing
Attachments
Jswain
Well-known member
Not really, just the way it is. Anything I buy from vevor I always price check Amazon & AliExpress. When I ordered my tube bender it was almost $100 less then both(Amazon & vevor website) from AliExpress & shipped from vevor in Canada.The one in your link is $199...Vevor themselves has the same drill for $170.99? Very confusing