Diamond Core Drill

[pt44]

Hi

I fit bathrooms and kitchens sometimes - but not full time (I have other sources of income). I don't often have to drill cores, but when I do I usually hire a drill and bits from my local tool place. Last time I had a Hitachi DC120V - 240v. Was superb.

Thing is its obviously inconvenient sometimes to hire. Time taken to get it and take it back etc.

So, I'm keeping my eye out for an alternative. The Makita 8406 seems to get many a good review. Looks identical to the Hitachi DC120V. Both quite short machines - but had loads of power. I have also used a friends Metabo core drill - lots. Its a total pain. Very powerful but always wants to rip your hands off and slap you in the face. I was tempted by the Sparky's I have a mixer by them and they make solid tools. However, their core drill looks like the Metabo - and I'm wary of it suffering the same traits.

Then - there's the DeWalt D21570K
[h=1][/h]This seems like a totally different design to any other core drill I've seen. I wondered if anyone has one or has tried one. I trust DeWalt as a brand and although the design is more normal drill than the usual core drill shape - I wonder if it works well.

I'm unlikely to buy new - as I simply cannot justify the price of any of them. So am keeping my eye on ebay for good quality second hand or discounted one's.

Thanks Paul


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[mikeygas]

I use the DeWalt D21570K, awesome bit of kit and makes short work of any core's to drill. Has 2 speed gearbox so you can adjust it when drilling small upto 52mm (i think) and large 127mm.
More powerful than the makita as it's 1300 watts and the an auto safety clutch so you don't go spinning when hitting wall ties :santa_smiley:

 

[Halesowen1]

Makita I find are the best core dills, I use the Makita 8406, had it a few years now and still does th job like new. Dont rate there normal sds drills though, burn them out in no time.

 

[pt44]

Thanks mikey - so the clutch on the DeWalt works nicely yes? Have you used the larger cores with it - like 110mm, 127mm - does it handle them with ease.

Paul

 

[markfxy]

I use the milwaukee core drill the electronic clutch disengages without the drill flinching, Best bit of kit i've bought

 

[REDSAW]

i have used the dewalt and took nearly 2 hours doing a flue hole through ordinary/engineering brick, hard dirty work it was.

it dosnt matter what drill it is the important thing is the core drills.

 

[mikeygas]

Pt44 I use mainly the larger core's as I drill a few flue holes. It handles smoothly and is pretty quick and efficient even at these sizes, let the drill do the work though and don't be tempted to apply excess pressure when drilling.

 

[AWheating]

my makita has done me proud today and breezed through my 5" flue holes with ease. I had a dewalt core drill once and sold it after 3 weeks and went back to makita. Either way dont waste money on cheap bits, poor bits make a good drill look bad.

 

[pt44]

i have used the dewalt and took nearly 2 hours doing a flue hole through ordinary/engineering brick, hard dirty work it was.

it dosnt matter what drill it is the important thing is the core drills.

Hi Redsaw

Its not that clear from your post what you actually thought of the DeWalt. Was it the 21570k model I mentioned? I know they do a few. But its particularly that model that intrigues me, due to its alternative design (compared to other core drills).

Although I agree with what you are saying about the actual Core Drill being important. I cannot agree that the Drilling machine doesn't matter. Have a go with my friends Metabo and have your wrist sprained and be slapped in the face when it spins around on you. I think the drilling machine being used is Vitally important. Which is why I don't want to buy one and regret it.

I am presuming that the Makita has a pretty good clutch in it that disengages if the core gets stuck?

Same goes for the DeWalt. I am presuming from its description that it also disengages when the core gets struck.

That's the type of protection I would like/need. I am sure the Hilti's and Milwaukees are superb at this - however, for the amount I will use it I cannot justify the cost of either. Hence, I'm still keeping my eyes open for the other two at around the £50-150 range. But can't make up my mind which is better. Hard to tell without using them both.

 

[ADM360]

pt44, as with most question asked around here you'll get lots of answer all saying different things! most of the new drills all come with a clutch. the makita's seam to go on and on! could you not test a couple out next time your at the hire center?