The Bernardo MD 5050 VD variable drive magnetic core drilling machine offers core drilling capacities up to Ø 50 mm with a maximum depth of 50 mm, twist drill capacity up to Ø 13 mm, drill head travel of 155 mm, continuous speed adjustment from 100 – 810 rpm to adapt to core drilling, reaming, boring, universal 19 mm Weldon shank for standard core drills, automatic internal lubrication with integrated tank, electromagnet with an adhesion force of 15,600 N, 1700 W 230V single-phase motor. Weight 11.2 kg, machine dimensions 150 × 280 × 430 mm. Suitable for metalworking, machine construction, automotive sector, construction site and workshop jobs. Manufactured in Austria, distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Core drilling capacity: Ø 50 mm × 50 mm depth
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Max twist drill: Ø 13 mm
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Head travel: 155 mm
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Spindle speed: 100 – 810 rpm
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Magnet adhesion force: 15,600 N
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Motor: 1700 W – 230V single-phase
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Weight: approx. 11.2 kg
Who uses the MD 5050 VD and for what
The Bernardo MD 5050 VD is a portable magnetic core drilling machine sized for mechanical workshops, metal fabricators, and construction sites. Continuously variable speed 100 – 810 rpm: the 'VD' in the name indicates 'Variable Drive', the electronic system that allows selecting the optimal speed for each tool-material combination. Low speeds (100-200 rpm) for hard steels, 300-500 rpm for standard steels, higher speeds for soft materials. A useful feature in workshops with a variety of machining operations and materials. The electromagnet with an adhesion force of 15,600 N ensures secure fastening on steel structures even in vertical or overhead positions, with a safety belt/chain supplied as standard. The automatic internal lubrication system brings the coolant directly to the tool through the spindle, significantly extending the life of core drills (expensive consumables) and improving hole quality. Its 11.2 kg weight and compact dimensions (150 × 280 × 430 mm) make it transportable to the construction site in a case or plastic container, without the need for a pallet truck or crane. In Krollit customer workshops, the MD 5050 VD is chosen by metal fabricators, automotive workshops, steel structure manufacturers, industrial maintenance technicians, and on-site installers.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo magnetic core drilling machine range is organized by core drilling capacity (max diameter and depth) and drive type. The range includes 10 models divided into 3 families:
E family (fixed speed): MD 3550 E (Ø 35 mm), MD 3850 (Ø 38 mm), MD 4055 (Ø 40 mm), MD 5050 E (Ø 50 mm). Suitable for workshops with standard repetitive operations on known materials.
VD family (Digital Variable Speed): MD 3550 VD (Ø 35 mm), MD 5050 VD (Ø 50 mm), MD 6050 VD (Ø 60 mm), MD 9875 VD (Ø 98 mm). Continuously adjustable speed to adapt to the material, suitable for workshops with a variety of operations.
M family (multi-gear/multifunction): MD 5075 with 2 gears (Ø 50 mm × 75 mm depth), TPC 1000 multifunction with tapping up to M18.
VD version of the MD 5050 E: same geometric capacities (Ø 50 mm × 50 mm depth) but with electronic variable speed 100-810 rpm. Difference with 5050 E: the 5050 VD adapts to different materials (hardened steels, special alloys) by setting the appropriate speed.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 working days (7 days for Southern Italy). Weighing 11.2 kg, it is shipped in a case/plastic container and can be easily handled by one person, even on a construction site. 19 mm Weldon core drills, arbors, adapters, and original Bernardo spare parts are available from stock with 3-5 working days shipping. Customer assistance in Italian is available.
Who the MD 5050 VD is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Passionate hobbyist |
Suitable |
For advanced use on variable materials. The VD costs more than the E version but handles more types of processing. |
| Workshop with a variety of materials |
Recommended |
Variable speed 100 – 810 rpm allows finding the optimal value for each material (mild steels, hardened steels, aluminum, special alloys). |
| Industrial maintenance / installer |
Recommended |
Suitable for contexts where the processing material changes frequently. Fine speed adjustment significantly extends the life of core drills. |
Not suitable for: deep core drilling beyond 50 mm (the MD 5075 with 75 mm depth or MD 9875 VD with 75 mm depth are correctly sized); tapping operations (the TPC 1000 multifunction is the correctly sized choice); non-magnetic structures (aluminum, non-magnetic stainless steel): the electromagnet does not adhere; continuous industrial high-rate use (magnetic core drills are sized for intermittent use).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Max core drilling diameter |
Ø 50 mm |
| Max core drilling depth |
50 mm |
| Max twist drill diameter |
Ø 13 mm |
| Drill head travel |
155 mm |
Speed and tool holder
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle speed |
100 – 810 rpm |
| Weldon shank |
19 mm |
| Weldon - base distance |
170 mm |
Magnetic base
| Specification |
Value |
| Magnetic adhesion force |
15,600 N |
| Magnetic base dimensions |
165 × 80 × 50 mm |
Motor and power supply
| Specification |
Value |
| Motor power |
1700 W |
| Voltage |
230V |
| Power supply |
Single-phase |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
150 × 280 × 430 mm |
| Weight |
approx. 11.2 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo MD 5050 VD magnetic core drilling machine
- Plastic carrying case
- Coolant tank
- 1.5 – 13 mm keyless chuck with 1/2'' – 20 UNF / Weldon 19 mm adapter
- Safety belt/chain for vertical and overhead use
- User manual in Italian
- Set of service tools
Frequently asked questions
On what materials does the MD 5050 VD electromagnet work?
Only on magnetic ferrous materials: structural steel, iron, carbon steels. It does not work on aluminum, non-magnetic stainless steel, non-ferrous materials.
The electromagnet creates the magnetic field that fixes the machine to the structure: without ferrous material, fastening is impossible. For working on aluminum or non-magnetic stainless steel, fixed drill presses or dedicated mechanical fastening systems are needed. For most standard metal structures (metalworking, frames, profiles), the electromagnet is the fastest and most reliable fastening system.
Can I use the core drilling machine in a vertical or overhead position?
Yes, with the included safety belt/chain. The 15,600 N magnetic force is sized for fastening in any position, but safety always requires the additional mechanical restraint.
The electromagnet holds the machine even during a momentary power interruption for the seconds needed to prevent falls, but in case of a prolonged interruption (torn cable, blackout), the safety belt/chain is the only reliable system. Standard safety procedures ALWAYS require mechanical restraint in addition to the electric magnet, regardless of the nominal adhesion force.
How does the automatic internal lubrication system work?
The coolant (oil-water emulsion or dedicated metalworking oil) starts from an integrated tank and is carried directly to the center of the tool through an internal channel. It works in any position (even overhead) by gravity or pressure.
Internal lubrication significantly extends the life of core drills (expensive consumables) by reducing friction and dissipating heat. Without lubrication, drills last 30-50 holes; with internal lubrication, 100-200 holes. The coolant fluid is not included; it is available from standard industrial suppliers.
Is the 19 mm Weldon shank a universal standard?
Yes. The 19 mm Weldon is the international standard for core drills: most commercial drills (Karnasch, Magbohrer, Rotabroach, BDS, etc.) use this shank. The drills all have a 19 mm Weldon pin for quick fastening via a lateral set screw.
For workshops with drills of other brands or standards, adapters can be used. For future investments, the 19 mm Weldon is the most widespread choice with the largest market offering. Original Bernardo drills come with a 19 mm Weldon shank and are available from stock with 3-5 working days shipping.
How much does the motor consume during intermittent use?
The 1700 W motor typically absorbs 1.7-1.9 kWh per effective hour of work. In intermittent craft use (1-2 minutes per hole, pauses between holes), the average consumption is 0.3-0.5 kWh/hour.
The motor only operates during hole cutting: it is off between holes. For workshops with significant electricity costs, consumption is negligible. The core drilling machine is an electrically efficient machine: the nominal power is only engaged during the actual working minutes. For intensive continuous use, a standard industrial meter is recommended.
