The OPTIMUM Optidrill DH geared column drill with cross table is a robust and precise machine tool designed for drilling, tapping and mechanical operations on metal workpieces. Its heavy solid cast-iron structure provides stability and rigidity during machining, reducing vibration and improving hole accuracy even on demanding parts. It is suitable for mechanical workshops, maintenance departments, technical laboratories, training centres and craftsmen who require a solid, versatile and easily adjustable machine.

Smooth running is ensured by ground gears operating in an oil bath. This configuration provides regular power transmission, reduces wear and improves long-term machine life. The two-stage industrial electric motor, with 1.1 / 1.5 kW output and 400 V supply voltage, allows the machine to be adapted to different operations, providing good torque availability and reliable performance.

The speed range from 95 to 3200 min⁻¹, arranged in 2 x 6 steps, allows the operator to select the most suitable speed according to tool diameter, material and machining operation. Lower speeds are suitable for larger holes, tapping and operations requiring higher torque, while higher speeds are useful for smaller drilling diameters and faster machining on compatible materials.

The machine offers drilling capacity in S235JR steel up to 32 mm and continuous drilling capacity in S235JR steel up to 25 mm. The thread cutting function allows threads up to M16 to be produced, extending the machine’s application range in workshop operations. The MT4 spindle taper allows the use of suitable Morse taper tools, while standard equipment includes a 1–13 mm / B16 geared drill chuck, MT4-B16 adapter, MT4-MT3 reducing sleeve, service keys and T-nuts.

The quill has a 120 mm stroke, 75 mm diameter and automatic feed. The drilling depth stop is adjustable from 0 to 120 mm; once the set drilling depth is reached, the feed is automatically deactivated and the quill returns to its initial position by spring force. This function is especially useful for repetitive work, as it helps maintain constant drilling depth and reduces the risk of operating errors.

The drilling head can be tilted by ±45° and rotated through 360°, allowing angled drilling and machining on workpieces requiring special positioning. The height of both the gear head and the table can be adjusted to handle workpieces of different sizes. The maximum spindle-to-table distance is 600 mm, while the maximum spindle-to-machine-base distance is 1180 mm, allowing the base plate to be used as a work surface for particularly tall parts.

The cross table is large, solid and precisely surface machined. The working surface measures 730x210 mm, with 3 T-slots of 14 mm and 63 mm T-slot spacing. Handwheel movement of the table allows the workpiece to be positioned with greater control than on a standard table, making the machine suitable for repetitive drilling, controlled axis movements and operations requiring a stable reference. The table guides can be precisely adjusted via adjustable wedge strips to maintain smoothness and accuracy over time.

The machine base is solid and precisely surface-finished and can be used as a working surface when the cross table is swivelled away. The base offers a 495x375 mm work area, two 14 mm T-slots and 230 mm T-slot spacing. This is useful when machining tall or bulky workpieces while maintaining a rigid and stable support. The 115 mm column diameter contributes to the overall rigidity of the machine.

In practical use, the workpiece should always be clamped securely, the correct speed selected according to drill and material, the drilling depth set and the cross table position checked. For repetitive operations, the adjustable end stops on the cross table are useful, while for tapping it is important to use low speed, proper lubrication and correct reversal of rotation direction.

The OPTIMUM Optidrill DH geared column drill with cross table is therefore a professional and versatile solution for drilling and tapping metal. The combination of cast-iron construction, 12-speed gearbox, MT4 taper, cross table, tilting head, right/left rotation, automatic quill feed and thread cutting function makes it suitable for operators who require precision, stability and control in workshop machining.