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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT POWER DRILLS

Have you ever noticed that the power drill you are using is a multi-tasking tool type? It is indeed like a magic wand that can easily use for most households and most industrial applications. Power drills are upgraded with many external accessories that make them a versatile tool. So, let’s find out what are the top power drills and accessories that widely used in industrial applications.

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BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Power drills are one of the conventional tool types that are often found in any industrial workshops or even in the household. They are common tools for sheet metal fabrications or repairs, woodworking, and electrical and general household applications. The applications of power drills start from affixing fasteners to cutting sheet metals.

Before power drills come into the market the drills used are powered manually by operator force. In order to operate them, the force was applied axially on the drill and it was a kind of hectic task for tool users. They are even used for drilling metal types and yet not effective as power drill types. The efficient drilling tool for large-scale productions was made more complicated those days.

The traditional tool types used in past include tools such as Eggbeater hand drill, Breast drill, brace drill, crank drill, etc. It’s rare to find these with the high-tech tools in the market now.

On the other hand, the evolution of power drill types made it more efficient and no need to apply force manually as they are operating either electrical or pneumatic sources. Nowadays these tools are equipped with customized accessories that enable them to use as versatile tools in many engineering applications.

POWER DRILLS TYPES

Currently, different power drill types in the market are customized per application in different industries. But generally, all the power drills are falling under one of these types mentioned below.

  • Standard Electric Drills
  • Pneumatic Drills.
  • Heavy Duty Drills.

STANDARD ELECTRIC DRILLS

These are multitasking tools that are falling under power drills with high portability and easy handling. They do not need physical exertion to operate like traditional drills. Standard Drills are divided into cordless and corded types depending on the power source. The corded types need to plug into an electrical supply unit and it does limit the distance but you can use an extension for quite a distance use. When it comes to working for long periods or with higher power requirements corded types are the best ones. The most standard drill types are in the range of 500-1000 wattage and if the wattage is higher, it works less compared to other ones.

The cordless is portable and powered by batteries. The battery types used for cordless drill types are NiCad, NiMH, and Li-Ion.  Normally Li-Ion Batteries give more power and endurance than prevailing NiCad and NiMH batteries used in battery-powered drills. The cordless drills are rated by voltage and the above batteries include 9.6 to 16v volts generally.

Wiha zu Hause 20V 3In1 Cordless Impact Electric Drill Driver 18+1 Torque 40NM Li-ion Battery Electric Screw Driver with 2 Speed Power Tool

Product Reference – The drill type shown above is a cordless impact drill type. It is a multi-tasking drill tool that can be used as a screwdriver, drill tool, and impact drill. It has a detachable lithium battery pack including over 15 gear torque adjustments. Refer to the product description for more details.

The impact drills, reversible drills, and hammer drills are also a subset of standard electric drills. Hammer drills are used mainly in constructions fields for drilling tough materials like stone or concrete.  It creates a pounding force and is not likely for affixing fasteners. The Hammer drill types are customized for masonry tasks such as rotary hammer drills equipped with an extra grip for easy handling. D-Handle drill is another hammer drill type that has D handle feature and trigger held at the back to allow easy handling when power drilling and combination drill provide both impact and hammer functions. These types are also used in mixing applications as well.

220V 1300W 3 in 1 Impact Electric Hammer Drill Electric Rotary Hammer Perforator Pick Puncher

Product Reference – The above drill type is recommended for a corded drill that can be used for heavy-duty drilling as well as electric hammering and affixing fastener types. This impact hammer-type electric drill has a forward grip that has provided easy handling and better grip. Included with high wattage and voltage that can be used in industrial applications. Refer to the product description for more detail.

PNEUMATIC DRILLS

Pneumatic drills are widely used in heavy-duty applications and are powered by compressed air and are known as “air-drill”. These tools are often applied in drilling concrete, rock, and pavements. Not only that these pneumatic tools are widely used in structural workshops in the aviation industry. These tools provide more safe and efficient work rather than electric drills. But the tool types that are used in constructions fields emit high weighted noise levels of over 80 Db.

Following straight shank air riveter can be recommended for professional applications. It includes a self-locking adjustable chuck with a drill bit holding capacity of 1.5-10mm. Refer to the product description for more detail.

TORO TR-5200 22000RPM Pneumatic Drill High Speed Straight Drill Machine Drilling Grinding with 1.5-10mm Chuck

HEAVY-DUTY DRILLS

If you are starting or running a workshop that operates continuous drilling operations you will need a drill press which provides you far more pros dan other drills. Drill press types are there with different sizes and capabilities such as benchtop drill Press, floor drill press, CNC drill press, Mill drill, etc. These tools provide more efficient work and unlike hand-powered drills, human involvement is less, and more accurate drilling can be obtained. These drills are equipped with adjusters and running tables to affix the specimen to drill it accurately. So, some of these tools are specifically designed only for drilling or cutting. CNC drill types are available that are programmable and are recommended for use in mass production workshops. 

ML-BD1 Bench Drill Stand 1050W Mini Electric Bench Drilling Machine Drill Chuck 3-16mm

Product review – The above drill type is a mini bench drill stand which is perfect for general workshop practices. Include 6-speed regulation and a cast iron stand that can hold the workpiece. Refer to the product description for more detail,

POWER DRILL ACCESSORIES

The power drills utilize some of the accessories that are built to use for different applications. Therefore, upgrading your power drill with these accessories will create your drill a versatile tool. The following are the general accessories that will fit into general power drill types.

  • Magnetic bit Holder and bits– The bit holders are there that perfectly fit in your drill chuck. The holder is capable of holding the fasteners due to their magnetic effect in them. Not only that holder can accept a variety of screwdriver bits with different.  The drill can be used as a screwdriver and yet holding the removed fasteners is a plus point.

 

3pcs 1/4 Inch Hex Magnetic 80/120/140mm Screwdriver Bit Holder Socket Extension Bar

  • Universal Wrench– This is a type fitted into a drill that can loosen and tighten any type of nut or bolt even if the nut or bolt is broken. The universal wrench is made to adjust the perfect size of the fastener type. It is recommended to buy a wrench and use it with your drill. Refer to the following product which is often found in the market.

7-19MM Universal Socket Adapter Wrench Sleeve with Power Drill Adapter Tool

  • Double-headed sheet metalnibbler – Sheet metal nibblers are used to cut sheet metals with different patterns precisely. Nibblers include a handgrip that allows you to cut sheet metal precisely Normally shears create less waste but nibblers are more efficient and precise for medium-scale sheet metal cutting applications. 14 -16 gauge metal cutting can be achieved by a nibbler attached to your power drill.

Drillpro 5Pcs Upgrade 360 Degree YT-160AS Double Head Metal Sheet Nibbler Cutter Drill Attachment with Wrench Cutting Blade Set for Electric Drill

  • Drilling guide– Drilling guides are often found in the market that use as a jig to hold the drill. The guides can make angled cuts and angle measurements to adjust them for the correct angle.

 

Adjustable Drill Stand Holder Drill Guide Attachment for 10mm to 13mm Electric Drill

  • Grinding Wheel adapter – Affixing this accessory can make your hand power drill to a grinding machine. These adapters can easily be chucked into the drill tool and can be recommended for general grinding applications.

https://digitalzakka.com/product/70x20x10mm-grinding-wheel-adapter-set-changed-electric-drill-into-grinding-machine/

  • Sanding disc pads– These kits are equipped with pad bits that can affix to the hand drill and use in sanding and polishing. For the same sanding and polishing operations, you can use sanding drum sets that can sharpen rough curve edges.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE “PERFECT” POWER DRILL

We have discussed typical power drill types that are used in engineering applications and their accessories. So, let’s discuss how to choose the perfect power drill which suits your industrial needs. When you are buying a power drill first thing you need to consider is the type of the drill and application. You need to have a clear idea of choosing the drill type that will suit your application. Get yourself familiarized with your tasks and the type of drill you need.

Consider drill wattage, voltage, and battery endurance mainly. If your tasks need a continuous high-end drill type choose one of the heavy-duty drills. Move into corded ones unless you need more powerful and higher speeds, otherwise choose a portable hand drill. Portable drills give you a multi-tasking capability that can switch into various applications. When choosing a portable power drill try to buy one with a Li-Ion battery as it has high endurance and lifetime. A voltage of 16-32 volts would be ideal for the professional user.

The ideal speed of a drill bit depends upon the size of the bit and the material being drilled. Generally larger bits need to turn slower than smaller bits otherwise they may overheat and lose the quality of the drilling. Choose a power drill that can adjust the speed, and torque to working levels, and go for a corded drill if you need high-speed drilling. Generally, when larger chuck sizes are equipped with a larger motor. If you affix larger tools go for a larger chuck drill tool. The common chuck sizes are 3/8 & ½ inches and some chuck types need keys to adjust with bit sizes. So, it is good to have a keyless chuck otherwise you will need extra time to fix the bits.

It is a wise decision to choose a cordless power drill with the above features for general engineering applications. The cordless drills give handiness, portability, safety, and dual batteries. But it has these drawbacks like a higher price, prone to defects. So, it is your choice as the operator to choose the perfect one out of dozens of varieties of drilling tools.

FINAL TALK

As per the above discussion, you will now have a brief understanding of general and professional types of power drills and their accessories. Always keep in mind to buy a tool type for your professional tasks which are recommended by your industrial standards. Unless it will affect your workmanship of the end task.

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REFERENCES

  1. https://craftsmanprotools.com/power-drill-accessories/
  2. https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/5-must-have-drill-attachments/
  3. https://www.woodwardfab.com/blog/most-important-equipment-tools-for-sheet-metalworking/
  4. https://www.woodwardfab.com/blog/which-are-the-commonly-used-tools-that-ease-sheet-metal-fabrication-tasks/
  5. https://www.diydata.com/tool/electric_drills/electric_drills.php
  6. https://housegrail.com/different-types-of-drills/
  7. https://www.datapowertools.co.uk/blog/batteries-for-drills-power-tools-nicd-vs-nimh-vs-li-ion/#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20main%20battery,ion%20(Li%2Dion).

 

 

 

 

 

 

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5 HIGH-TECH TOOLS FOR ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

As a result of the technological revolution over the years, many industries tend to implement tools with high technology embedded in them. It has proven over time the effectiveness of using them for various professional applications. Their simplicity, cost and time effectiveness, and multi-tasking abilities replace the conventional tools to aside. Let’s discuss more on 5 high-tech tools used by professional technicians and how are their impact on your industrial applications.

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BRIEF INTRODUCTION

High tech tools are often implemented in many industrial applications like Construction, Automobile, aviation, etc. When compare with Engineering applications, high-tech tools provide a lot of benefits to the operator even though they are costlier than conventional tools.

The pros of using high tech tools are,

  • High-quality output – limit the defect percentage and human errors,
  • Efficient and productive – increase productivity and reduce Downtime,
  • simplicity and remote – easy handling and portability,

Apart from that these tools are efficient in large-scale applications that save time and increase the output. The major drawbacks are high cost, consuming a considerable amount of power, and maintenance cost which is only applicable for some tools.

Various unique high-tech gadgets make easier your Engineering applications. Let’s discuss the top 5 of them briefly.

HIGH TECH TOOLS

The following types of high-tech tools are commonly used in welding, sheet metal, and soldering applications.

WELDER (WELDING MACHINE)

Welding machines (Welder) are the primary tool type that is used in all arc welding processes. It outputs adequate power (either AC or DC) to the welding electrode thus providing the best welding arc characteristics with maximum efficiency. It is necessary to choose the best welder for your welding applications unless the quality welded part cannot be obtained.

The welder types are found in either DC or AC power output. Normally AC power is used for higher temperature ranges, position welding, and mainly aluminum welding. The welding quality of AC types is not optimal as the delivery of heat varies with current variations. These AC machines are widely used as it is cost-effective and do better welding at positions or points. On the other hand, DC machines give you a smooth welding experience as they give a constant current allowing you to have homogeneous chords with high welding stability. Not only that DC machines provide you the adaptability in different welding processes such as TIG or Argon. When buying a welding machine, it is always good to go with DC comparing the above discussion.

The output of welding machines normally ranges from 5-1500 ampere and volts 10-40. Based on power output type, polarity, and function the welding machines are classified into different types such as Welding Transformer (AC type), Welding thyristor, Welding rectifier, Converter, Welding analog power supply, etc. Apart from analog controls nowadays you can find digitally-driven machines that will ease switching into parameters like current, voltage, arc length, type of current, and pulse current output.

When choosing a welder, you should consider these factors. At first, you should decide what processes you are capable of. That means if you are a beginner, you should probably go for the MIG welder type and if you are a professional welder your best choice would be the high-tech TIG welder type. TIG welding machines are quite used in the aviation and automobile industry where thin metal welding is prevalent. As discussed above DC power welders are the ones you should consider for a long-time business and always used the quality products which are recommended by your industry requirements.

Normally in the aviation Industry welding is considered one of three repair procedures where the metal can be joined without fasteners. The welding machines need to be selected to satisfy the requirements for the type of welding being undertaken. Apart from that, the welder who has been trained in welding processes for each metal needs to use the welding equipment manufacturers’ information to decide the equipment good to go for the welding.

Here are the welding machines types which are often available in the online market that can be recommended based on the above for professional welding applications.

1. INVERTER TYPE ARC ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE

MIG-200AL 6 in 1 220V Inverter Arc Electric Welding Machine MIG/MMA/LIFT TIG/PULSE AlMg/PULSE AlSi/DOUBLE PULSE Welder for Welding Electric Working LCD Display

Product review – The above inverter type welding machine is capable of performing General arc welding types. It has welding accessories and a digital screen panel to customize the process. For further detail refer to the product description.

2. INVERTER TYPE ARC ELECTRIC WELDING MACHINE (MINI)

220V ZX7-200 miniGB 200A Mini Electric Welding Machine IGBT DC Inverter ARC MMA Stick Welder

Product review – The above tool is a DC inverter ARC MMA stick welder mini type that can be recommended for general welding applications. The mini-inverter ranges from 20-200 Ampere DC and includes a strap, wrench, and a holder in the pack.  For further detail refer to the product description.

3. SPOT WELDER (MINI)

F90ES 3500A Dent Puller Multifunctional Spot Welder Welding Machine Repair Kit Additive Kit

Product review – The above tool is a multi-functional welder mini type that can be recommended for general welding applications including dent pulling and other welding repairs etc.  As per the manufacturer, it has low power consumption and the package includes a pull hammer, carbon rods, and an additive kit with a box. For further detail refer to the product description.

 

CNC PLASMA CUTTER

A plasma cutter is a high-tech cutting tool that is used to cut metals by using an ionized jet of gas. They are often used in light and heavy industries wherever quick, accurate, and precise cuts of flat, pliable metal are needed. Normal inside of a cutter high voltage electrode rapidly heats a compound gas mixture to a higher temperature when starting. The gas mixture includes shielding gas which is used as a propellant and redirects the jet to the desired point in the metal. Plasma can be safely used with most non-ferrous metals and commonly Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Brass. Plasma cutters can be found attached to portable kits, fixed stations, and robotic arms and programmed (CNC) to the desired pattern of cutting. There are two types handheld and Mechanized plasma. The key difference is that mechanized plasma machines use a specific torch setup attached to a machine that is controlled automatically by CNC. For industrial high-end use most probably, a mechanized machine is preferable.

Pros of this product over-handled plasma tools are versatility, Fast and precise cut, efficiency and safety ensured due to automation. Cons would be the limitation of cutting metal thickness, noisy and generates excess fumes, maintenance costs. It is recommended to use these machines in a ventilated area and must wear PPEs to avoid accidents.

The following product is a hand-cutting plasma machine that can be used in sheet metal cutting especially for welding purposes.

4. PLASMA CUTTING MACHINE

https://digitalzakka.com/product/andeli-cut-120-three-phase-cut-steel-metal-pipe-380v-air-portable-cnc-plasma-cutter-plasma-cutting-machine/

Product review – The plasma cutter above shown is capable of cutting 0 -45 mm thickness metals with high speed. The cutting gun equipped with the machine can be also used with numerical control for better cutting. It includes an air pressure regulator to be regulated at specific thickness ranges and the machine is designed with high quality while providing safety functions like circuit breakers in case of emergency. This high-tech gadget is Ideal for small-scale metal cutting workshops. For further detail refer to the product description.

SOLDERING STATIONS

High-tech soldering stations are widely used in professional soldering applications mainly for temperature control rather than using soldering iron only for soldering tasks. The soldering iron cannot control the temperature as it only heats up to a specific temperature.  Through temperature control by a soldering station following advantages can be obtained.

  • To keep solder tip temperature as low as possible to avoid oxidizing before using it for the soldering task.
  • Controlling temperature prevents damage to the components you are soldering. Some electronic components are very heat sensitive. Holding the tip against the lead for long will transfer heat into the semiconductor and cause it to damage.
  • Quick tip heating – With a temperature-controlled tip, you can apply a lot of currents, heating the tip to temperature quickly. Once at temperature, the current is reduced to prevent the tip from overheating which will ruin the tip very quickly.
  • Temperature recovery – When you touch a tip to the metal you want to heat, this removes heat from the tip. The controller will sense this and apply more current to bring the tip back up to the desired temperature.
  • A temperature-controlled tip allows you to leave the tip hot between uses. With a simple uncontrolled iron, the tip will burn up if you leave it for long.

When considering the above you will probably buy a soldering station for your professional applications unless it causes more disadvantages including higher power consumption due to the inability of temperature control.

A high-tech soldering station provides the above-mentioned advantages with ease and a comfortable manner. Apart from that, you will get a digital screen with safe modes, an additional hot air gun for rework, shrink tube applications, and for cleaning the work area after soldering.

As stated earlier, you are the one to choose the perfect soldering station that will suit your capability. You need to consider the wattage, quality, and safety features after choosing the desired unit. Higher wattage means higher power to work for long times. The build quality is also essential for any periodic checks for the maintenance in the manuals. The soldering stations are usually two types ESD safe & non-ESD safe which represent the measurement of electronic discharge when an object with different potential gets close. It is good to have ESD-safe stations as it avoids the forming of static charge on iron and station when soldering applies.

Properly maintained stations can be last for years without replacement. Check whether the high-tech soldering irons come with accessories sets including soldering tips, sets of tweezers, a de-soldering pump, a cleaning sponge, etc. Normally stations come with the above sets but keep in mind to buy the whole pack otherwise you will need to waste money buying individual items separately.

Following high-tech soldering station can be recommended for industrial soldering applications. It covers all the aspects discussed above including wattage, quality, and design standards.

5. SOLDERING STATION

ATTEN MS-900 500W 4 in1 Rework Station Electric Iron Tweezers Hot Air Guns Soldering Station Maintenance System

Product review – The soldering stations include 3 tool channels that can use independently without any interference. Include hot air guns for both rework and de-soldering applications. Equipped with the general tool kits and a maximum power of 900W. For further detail refer to the product description.

FINAL TALK

High-tech tools indeed provide more advantages rather than conventional tools used in engineering applications. It is a wise decision to move to a high-tech tool if you are looking for long-term use and have a passion for performing engineering tasks accurate and precise manner. There are over dozens of high-tech tools for each engineering application and always use to buy a tool that is recommended by tour industrial standards or experienced professionals.

 

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REFERENCES

  1. https://www.weldinginfo.org/welding-technology/types-of-welding-machines-and-processes/
  2. https://www.materialwelding.com/types-of-welding-machines-with-pictures/
  3. https://toolshaven.com/types-of-welding-machines/
  4. https://weldingtroop.com/welding-machines/
  5. https://www.lwsmetalfab.com/news/benefits-of-cnc-plasma-cutting/
  6. https://www.esabna.com/us/en/education/blog/what-is-a-cnc-plasma-cutter.cfm
  7. https://www.shopsabre.com/the-benefits-of-a-cnc-plasma-machine/
  8. https://www.ceaweld.com/en/5-good-reasons-to-buy-high-tech-welding-machines/
  9. https://weldingproductivity.com/article/ac-vs-dc/#:~:text=DC%20stick%20welding%20offers%20advantages,of%20penetration%20into%20the%20steel.