BDS Magnetic Drills Ireland: A Buyer's Guide to the MAB Range

Magnetic drilling for steel fabrication

If your fabrication operation involves drilling holes in steel — structural beams, plate, pipe, or rail — a magnetic drill can be the right tool for the job. We are the authorised BDS Machines dealer in Ireland, stocking the key BDS magnetic drill models for the Irish market alongside a complete programme of annular cutters, HSS drills, taps, and accessories. This guide explains what magnetic drilling is, how the BDS range is structured, and which machine is right for which application.

What is a magnetic drill?

A magnetic drill (also called a mag drill or magnetic drill press) uses an electromagnetic base to clamp directly onto any steel surface. The electromagnetic base replaces the need for a fixed workbench or column drill stand — the machine locks onto the workpiece itself, which means it can drill flat plate, vertical beams, overhead flanges, and structural sections in positions that a conventional pillar drill cannot reach.

Combined with annular cutters (hollow cutting tools that cut only the outer ring of a hole, leaving a solid slug), magnetic drills produce cleaner, faster holes in steel than twist drills — particularly for hole diameters above 12mm. Less material to cut means less heat, longer tool life, and better hole quality with less finishing work.

The BDS range — which machine for which job?

BDS Maschinen is a German manufacturer with over three decades of magnetic drilling development. We stock the key models for the Irish market:

MAB 100 K — Compact entry-level magnetic drill

Compact machine. Good entry point for workshops that need magnetic clamping capability without high-volume production demands. At just 9.9 kg, the MAB 100 K is the lightweight of the BDS range — easy to handle with low overall height. Equipped with KEYLESS quick-change drilling system, keyless drill chuck, magnet indicator, and permanent internal lubrication.

MAB 825 110v — High-capacity drilling and tapping

The classic among the large BDS magnetic core drilling machines. For core drilling up to Ø 100 mm and 110 mm cutting depth. Tapping up to M30. Suitable for heavy fabrication and structural steel workshops needing maximum capability.

MAB 1300 110v — Most powerful portable magnetic drill we stock

For the largest diameter, deepest annular cutter work on heavy structural steel. Bridge construction, offshore fabrication, heavy plant. The 220v version is available on request.

Annular cutters and accessories

A BDS magnetic drill without the right annular cutters is only half the system. We stock the full BDS accessories programme:

• R/Broach Cutters (standard depth)
• Long R/Broach Cutters (extended reach)
• HSS Twist Drills with 19mm Weldon Shank
• HSS Machine Screw Taps with 19mm Weldon Shank
• Industrial Arbor with Manual Internal Lubrication
• Weldon Shank Adapter for Drill Chuck

All BDS accessories use the 19mm Weldon shank as standard — ensuring cross-compatibility across the MAB range.

Why choose BDS?

BDS Maschinen GmbH holds the German Brand Award 2023, the Red Dot Design Award, and the German Design Award — recognitions of engineering quality, product design, and brand integrity. Their machines are used in bridge construction, shipbuilding, plant engineering, aircraft construction, mining, and rail track installation across more than 100 countries. For the Irish buyer, the practical upshot of that track record is product reliability, long service life, and available spare parts — the real total cost of ownership factors.

FAQ 

Q: What size holes can a BDS magnetic drill cut?

Annular cutters for BDS magnetic drills typically run from 12mm to 130mm diameter. The correct machine model must be matched to the cutter diameter — the MAB 100 K handles smaller diameters, while the MAB 825 and MAB 1300 are rated for larger diameter work up to 100 mm and 130 mm respectively. We can advise on the correct pairing.

Q: Can BDS magnetic drills drill on vertical or overhead surfaces?

Yes. The electromagnetic base clamps to any flat steel surface regardless of orientation — flat, vertical, inclined, or overhead — as long as the steel surface provides adequate holding force (typically 10mm+ plate thickness is recommended for the larger machines).

Q: Does we provide technical support for BDS machines?

Yes. Our technical team can advise on machine selection, annular cutter sizing, and Weldon shank accessory compatibility. Call 056 772 9949 or email info@kws.ie.

Q: What warranty covers BDS machines purchased from us?

BDS machines are covered by the manufacturer's standard 1-year international warranty. Contact us for warranty terms specific to the model you're purchasing: 056 772 9949.

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