Magnetic Drill Recommendations?

[Zebu Fellenz]

Hi,

Looking to add a mag drill to the shop. Not something I'll use everyday but I've done enough projects already where I should have had one but didn't to know I need to get shopping.

Looking for 1-1/4" capacity minimum and would be happier with more. Variable speed or at least 2 speed would be nice but not a dealbreaker, same with reversing.

Not opposed at all to shopping the used market, would like to stay around $500.

What do you like and why?

-Thanks

 

[jdlong]

For that capacity, you're talking north of $1,500 for a Milwaukee 4208 or equal. $500 might get you some cheap look alike but I doubt it will do the job.

 

[gdocktor3]

I don't own one, but saw some pretty convincing videos on the Milwaukee M18 Fuel magnetic drill. Pretty sweet!

 

[jdlong]

I don't own one, but saw some pretty convincing videos on the Milwaukee M18 Fuel magnetic drill. Pretty sweet!

$2000. Ouch

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

For that capacity, you're talking north of $1,500 for a Milwaukee 4208 or equal. $500 might get you some cheap look alike but I doubt it will do the job.

That's kinda the feeling I got looking around. Have a line on a "like-new" 4208 for $1,000 locally. More than I want to be spending on such a rarely used tool.

...But probably best to buy once cry once.

 

[toolchaser]

Hougen. I picked mine up @ a pawn shop for $275 with a couple of roto- broach cutters

 

[sk farmer]

i have an evolution. it was a factory refurb and also purchased a fair number of new and used annular cutters at the same time. they just work so much better in those large sizes.

my model is not 2 speed, reversible or variable speed but frankly i have never needed either of those features. it does telescope for using a regular chuck and drill bits. that feature also allows to drill on to items higher than what the magnetic base sits on. a feature that makes it well suited for general purpose work.

i believe it is an evo 42.

if you pm me i can put you in touch with a place that occasionally has refurb evo 42 units for sale. a refurb and new and used cutters from him could fit your budget.

 

[Monte]

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[tenlug]

I picked up a old Bux with a B+D drill motor at the swap meet. Had to fix the magnet (wrap the coil and insulate). Has a regular 3/4" chuck and a roto-broach adapter. Nice to be able to use both. Paid $20. It's old, HEAVY, and ugly but it works. If I used it every day then I'd spend the money and by new.

 

[stuk4x4]

We had a Milwaukee MAG-DRILL at a shop I used to work at, the boss bought it for a specific job and after using it for that job, we found all kinds of stuff to use it on after that. I second buying annular cutters for bigger stuff. I don’t remember the model number but it was a higher end model. It had variable speed and reverse. It was really nice for power tapping as well.
Good Luck
Walt

 

[Bobcat753]

I have a Milwaukee 4208 and it is a beast. I bought it used for $200. I only use it a few times but it is a life saver. The only downside to it is it weighs a ton.

 

[ptschram]

I doubt you'll find much at for only $500 unless you're VERY patient and find one in a pawn shop or Craigslist, but that cheap on CL is probably stolen.

I have a Hougen and love it but need to get the magnet switch working better.

I would use it more, but I rarely think to use it until I'm well past frustrated and happen to see it on the corner of the layout/fab table waving its little arms at me saying "Pick me, pick me!".

I've begun using annular cutters for just about everything over 7/16" after breaking a drill bit and damn near breaking my wrist.

 

[Roberts210]

I've seen used Milwaukee's on Cl for less than $500.

 

[Schurkey]

Milwaukee 4292-1 drill mounted to Milwaukee 4202 or 4203 base--I forget which. Variable speed, anyway. I use it as an interim drill press, mounted straight-up on my welding table. Takes up little room. Bought it used on eBay; can't even remember what I paid. A couple hundred, maybe. It needs some TLC; such as having the ways and guides adjusted to remove excess slop, and having a handle for the up/down travel fabricated.

 

[KMdef9]

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Don't need one but now want one!

 

[mattgood65]

I have the big milwaukee, wish I could justify the cordless for those quick one or two hole jobs

 

[FMC1959]

A couple of years ago I was looking for a may drill, then didn't pull the trigger because I could not justify it for my few needs. I checked Hougen, Fein, Milwaukee and others, and then saw the newly released Dewalt.
http://www.cpopowertools.com/dewalt...lt,pd.html?cgid=dewalt-magnetic-drill-presses

From what I had read, it had been available in Europe for years and the reviews are quite good. It is great bang for the buck, it has the fluid bottle, Walden conversion chuck and a nice case, and also has a 2" capacity.

The other top brands are great but twice the price for what you get with this Dewalt. If I were to change my mind and get a may drill, pretty sure I would get this one. For my needs and from the sounds of how often you would use one, I think this would be great.

 

[GeorgeFromPa]

screw them mag drills.. use a c clamp or something.. you push too hard on the handle and it falls off and you brake something.. iv used them for 20 years as an iron worker and 15 years doing work on truck frames. they cost too much also. i rigged up up a drill press thingy with a c clamp and now i dont break anymore $100 bits or drop the damm thing on the floor and bend the handle and stuff..... if you do go the mag drill route always tie it off with a rope.

 

[gdocktor3]

Just saw this on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00N3HSVXK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sk farmer]

can't argue with ayones advice to buy a big name brand but of all of the ones listed so far it would be difficult to use a chuck and bits. they simply do not lift high enough. the only one i know that does that is the evo 42.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have milwaukee and hougen mag drills. The milwaukee had a MT3 spindle and I have it fitted for a drill chuck. The hougen is used with annular cutters.


I think the Milwaukee is more versatile, but it's really heavy, loud and hard to handle. The hougen is really light and easy to position, but has less capacity. I'm glad I have both. I think I paid $800 for the hougen new, and I inherited the Milwaukee.

 

[Showkey]

Evo 28 is in your price range with bits.......and 42

http://www.medfordtools.com/evolution/evo28.html


I am hooked on the Hougen rotabroach bits and a conventional drill press for projects that are portable.