Which core drill set?

[John Stumbles]

Finally ground the teeth of my 117mm dry diamond core drill right down to nothing, my 52mm is missing 2 of its 5 teeth, and I could do with a 127mm as well, so I guess it's time to shell out on some new ones. Buying a set seems to be better VFM than buying all the bits individually, but which one to go for?

There's this 'Faithfull' set:

at are Faithfull? Are they any good?

A makita set:

suspiciously cheap for Makita - are they just allowing someone else to use their name on their own products (like JCB)?

A rather expensive set from Toolstation

of course various cheap'n'cheerful Rolson etc sets on ebay

could buy 2 or 3 sets of the cheapies for the price of one of the more mainstream sets, and I don't do that much core drilling that I'd wear out bits at an inconvenient rate if they're not the longest lasting. However if there's a big difference in how well they cut that would make it worth while going for a more expensive set.

Anyone got experience of using different sets to share on this one?

[Matt]

I've done a couple of dozen holes (28mm/38mm and 107mm) in a mixture of materials - limestone, thermalite blocks, concrete and engineering brick, and have been happy with the individual blue coloured ones Toolstation sell (I think they are the same as the sets you mentioned above) They are made by Marcrist in Yorkshire with a local helpline rather than being bought in from China. Since I bought mine I've seen a couple of local builders and plumbers using the same make.

[Stephen Dawson]

With out question I would go for the Marcrist kit from Toolstation. I used to used Marcrist all the time, but because of the amount of coring we do we upgraded our whole system to Hilti.

Regards

Steve

[RzB]

Interestingly I spoke to PDP this week.

told me that core bit wear was significantly affected by the power tool used. I had been using a Bosch Multidrill. This is OK for the smaller bits but evidently a drill specifically designed for Diamond Core bit drilling is necessary for the larger sizes... also better for the smaller sizes...

They recommended something like the Makita 8406.

But you probably already know this... :-)

Roy

[John Stumbles]

'Schere' kit at a reasonable price (compared to the Marcrist from Toolstation, at least). Given tha they claim to be diamond cutting specialists is their stocking of this line likely to be a useful guide to its quality?

I'm still looking for the ideal core drilling machine. Or at least a decent one I can afford :-)

What makes something like the Makita suitable when other machines of similar power rating (it's only 850 W) and speed (1500 rpm) aren't? My 2Kg Makita which is not much lower powered at 780W and presumably lower geared at 1100 rpm failed miserably to drive any size core drill and even a 22mm SDS twist drills (though that's mainly down to the wimpy clutch which slips at the slightest provocation).

I've been using a cheap'n'cheerful 1500W or so 'Ferm' brute from Screwfix but it's too damn heavy for drilling in awkward places; and seriously considering the remarkably lightweight 1000W SDS LiDL currently have on offer for £40 (even if it only lasted a year that's less than the depreciation on the Makita is likely to be!)

[Doctor Drivel]

Matt/Lord Hall will be along to tell you otherwise.

[RzB]

=== clip

John,

I know nothing about the company other than the conversation I had with them and Lawsons...

were very helpful on the subject.

From the discussion I had, I think PDP have actually tested a number of machines for diamond core bit drilling - hence their recommendation of the Makita. They wobbled on about different types of gear boxes and other stuff..

My best advice to you is pick up the phone and talk to them... I'm sure they will be only too pleased to advise...

Roy

[Doctor Drivel]

That depreciation over one year would be the finest ever, as they guarantee the drill for 3 years, so you get your money back. Can't beat it.

Matt/Lord Hall will be along top say they pick your pocket on the way out so you lose the money.

[John Stumbles]

Don't suppose you have a number for PDP? They don't show one on their wibble and haven't replied to my email. Also their web site is borked so I couldn't order anything from them if I wanted to :-(

[RzB]

Hmmm - it's on their "Contact PDP" Page - 01227 711 555

[John Stumbles]

Hmmn, yes. Having contacted both I now know that for core drilling I need a machine that can run at about 3000rpm Like the Makita 8406 (speed

1500rpm), and that specialised core drilling machines are good for this because they're geared to do run slowly, whereas general SDS machines run too slowly. Er, or something.

Well sod that I'm not spending more on a machine than a set of core drills so we'll just see what works with my 1500W SDS brute.

Whether their core sets are any good I dunno but Lawsons have some reasonably priced truecut sets so I'll give that a whirl.