It is not often that I have to test a prototype. Prototypes can be misleading because they are, by definition, not quite the full, on-the-market product. The reason I only had the prototype? Because the whole of the first production batch of REVO low profile magnetic  drills have already been pre-ordered and sold and the only one left is the prototype. So here goes.
G and J Hall are a long established Sheffield company with masses of drilling expertise and a very practical outlook on tools, so when they saw a gap in the market, they went for it. When working in confined spaces on I-beams or truck chassis, what is needed is a compact low profile magnetic drill that is capable of drilling the larger diameter holes required accurately and repeatedly - the latest REVO magdrill is the result.
With the success of previous REVO magdrills like the Compact 32, G and J Hall was well placed to build and develop on that model.The most obvious thing to do when developing a compact magdrill is to place the motor at right angles to the drilling plane, because it is the motor that takes up vertical space. This change however, requires a complete redesign of the gearbox and cutter chuck assembly. The operating handle also needs to be smaller so the cutter advance gearing needs to be different and the handle needs to be removable so that it can be placed at the most convenient angle for the operator.The new REVO will fit inside a 200mm gap- that means that it will fit comfortably into vehicle chassis box sections. Athough the travel on the cutter is limited to a bit over 30mm, it is clearly enough for the kind of work that this drill is designed for. Another little bit of thoughtful design is the LED light aimed at the cutter point. Working in box sections can be a dark business, so a light is a necessity some of the time. This light is designed to come on when the drill is plugged in. This means that it is shining all the time, helping the operator to line the machine up BEFORE the magnets are switched on, when the drill can no longer be moved. For safety and convenience a couple of other design tweaks have been included, for example, overload protection and a quick-release chuck. This chuck will allow most common makes of HSS and TCT cutters to be used and dispenses with the use of the easily-lost hex key. I must say that I was amazed at how easily this system worked as the cutter can be fitted and released in a matter of seconds. I then wondered why it had taken so long to come up with the idea, because in concept, it is a simple one.
In short, readers must by now have worked out that G and J Hall had quite a development challenge to get all the elements of this drill operating correctly and in harmony with each other. But when I used this drill for the first time I was immediately struck by the fact that it worked extremely harmoniously and was very user-friendly. All the functions work smoothly and work well, and bearing in mind I was testing the prototype it was doubly surprising. The production model will, I am certain, be even better.
The makers would be the first to admit that there a some small downsides to a compact machine compared to a “normal” magdrill. These include the fact that the cutters have to be changed with the machine on its side and there is no built-in coolant bottle to lubricate the cutters. The first downside is unavoidable in a compact machine, and with the quick release bit system, cutter changing is so easy it barely qualifies as much of a downside. And the fact that there is no coolant bottle is no tragedy either - it makes more sense to be able to apply the coolant with a squeezy bottle from whatever angle is easiest for the job in hand when you are working in a confined space.
The whole kit is compact enough to come in its own blow moulded custom case. So while I am now getting to stage where I quietly avoid carrying heavier weights when I can, it is actually not too much of a hassle to carry this drill to the jobsite.
I must admit to having some difficulty finding a “real” test situation where I could try the REVO Low Profile out. No one volunteered to have a few holes drilled in their truck chassis and stray box sections were hard to come by. In the end I found some pieces of bent steel in a steel merchant’s yard and snuck off with my test pieces only a few quid lighter in the wallet.
Setting up the machine is straightforward. Being relatively light in magdrill terms it is easy to position, and it is made easier by the strap handle on the top of the machine that allows for gripping and moving. The built-in light is bright enough to provide enough light for accurate line-up. On the prototype the stroke handle has a square socket, but production models have a hex socket that allows more adjustment options for easy handling. Also, the handle can be used on either side of the machine - very sensible design because you never know when the machine might be used with one side butted up against a slice of steel. Once lined up and then switched on using the clearly marked switches at the back of the drill, the smooth and quiet motor spins the cutter and off you go. Frankly, considering the size of the holes I drilled (up to 25mm in diameter) the task was accomplished with amazing ease and lack of stress.
I don’t usually provide a specs list with reviews, but I include one with this review simply because users might want to know what this delightful little machine is capable of.

REVO-lution Low Profile Magnetic Drill
• Motor Input Power 1100W
• Magnetic Adhesion 15000N  (1530Kg)
• Speed  - No-Load 650 Rev/min
• Stroke 30mm    (depth of cut)
• Core Drill Capacity 35mm    (diameter of core drill)
• Weight 10Kg
• Cutter Fitting Type  3/4” Weldon Shank  (Universal)
• Speed  - Load 390 Rev/min
• Cutter Holding Quick Release  (no tools required)
• LED Worklight
• Speed of the machine is suitable for both HSS and TCT cutters.