The hole may be simple; holding the workpiece is often the difficult part. A long section can overhang the table, a welded bracket can sit unevenly and a large plate may be hard to position under the spindle. Plan the support and clamping as part of the drilling job, not as a last-minute fix beside the machine.
Start with the part’s centre of gravity
Sketch the part in the orientation needed for the most difficult hole. Mark where its weight sits relative to the drill table, which surfaces can be clamped and where an external support would be needed. The table has to carry the intended load, and the work must remain stable throughout the cut. Follow the machine’s rated capacities and the manufacturer’s workholding instructions.
For a long bar or section, plan support on either side so it cannot tip as the tool enters or leaves the material. Consider how the component will be moved between holes without losing the required alignment. A vice, stops or dedicated fixture may save time across a repeated batch, provided the arrangement is suitable for the operation.
Check that the tool can reach the hole
Once the part and its fixture are in place, recheck the distance from the hole to the column. The quoted throat depth only helps if the actual clamping arrangement allows the part to be positioned. Also allow room above the work for the chuck, tool and required spindle travel. Our capacity and throat depth guide explains these measurements.
The Meyer pillar drill range includes different table sizes and throat capacities. Use the current model specification with your fixture dimensions rather than assessing a loose component on the floor.
Know when the setup becomes impractical
If a fabrication is too heavy to reposition or holes are spread far across it, a radial arm drill may be a better machine format. Selmach has an existing Meyer radial arm drill overview that explains why moving the head over a secured part can help. Keep the choice separate from the workholding question: either machine still needs suitable support and a safe setup.
Read our industrial pillar drill buyer’s guide for the full specification. If your parts are awkward to handle, contact Selmach with a drawing, dimensions and a photograph of the current setup so we can discuss an appropriate machine and fixture.
Published 30th September 2026