Good evening all,

Some time ago now, I decided to replace my pillar drill with something better.

The drill I wished to replace was of Taiwanese manufacture ( I think) and although it was ok, I was never really happy with it, it was noisy, and rough in operation. I was never really happy with the slop in the quill etc.

Having spent some time looking around here on the forum and around other sites on the net, I decided to look for a used Fobco or similar.

A Qualters and Smith QDM 750 (same as the Kerry drillmaster) came up for auction on eBay and I was lucky enough to win the auction for the starting price. I was delighted but apprehensive because it had been dismantled into large pieces and arrived strapped to a pallet for delivery. It was covered in light surface rust and looked to have been stored in damp conditions for some time.

With help from my son, an engineer with the Royal navy, we managed to completely overhaul it and return it to working condition, complete with new bearings, motor and electrics, etc.

I was surprised at the weight of the castings compared with my old drill, very solid and nicely machined. There is no discernible movement in the quill, even fully extended, and it is a pleasure to use, being very quiet and smooth in operation.

I now have a really nice drill, which will certainly last my lifetime.

I would like to thank all members who posted here regarding older British made drills, it was this that influenced my choice of machine. I'm glad that I took your advice.

Anyone considering a change of machine, may wish to do as I have done, I don't think you will regret it.

Best regards,

Paul.

Power tapping? no, haven't been brave enough to try that yet..