The Bernardo MD 3850 fixed-speed magnetic drilling machine offers core drilling capacities up to Ø 38 mm with a maximum depth of 50 mm, a drill head stroke of 55 mm, a no-load speed of 800 rpm, a universal 19 mm Weldon shank for standard core drills, an electromagnet with an adhesion force of 14,500 N, and a 1650 W, 230V single-phase motor. It weighs 9.5 kg and has machine dimensions of 150 × 300 × 260 mm. Suitable for metalworking, machine construction, the automotive sector, construction sites, and workshops. Manufactured in Austria, distributed in Italy by Krollit as an official Bernardo distributor since 2007.
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Core drilling capacity: Ø 38 mm × 50 mm depth
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Head stroke: 55 mm
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Spindle speed: 800 rpm
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Magnet adhesion force: 14,500 N
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Motor: 1650 W – 230V single-phase
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Weight: approx. 9.5 kg
Who uses the MD 3850 and for what
The Bernardo MD 3850 is a portable magnetic drilling machine sized for mechanical workshops, metalworking shops, and construction sites. Fixed speed 800 rpm: simple and reliable configuration for standard use on typical materials and diameters. For workshops primarily working with structural steel using standard core drills, the fixed speed is correctly dimensioned, avoiding the electronic complexity and cost of an inverter. The electromagnet with an adhesion force of 14,500 N ensures secure attachment to steel structures, even in vertical or overhead positions, with a safety belt/chain included as standard. Its 9.5 kg weight and compact dimensions (150 × 300 × 260 mm) make it transportable to the job site in a carrying case or plastic container, without the need for a pallet jack or crane. Among Krollit's customers, the MD 3850 is chosen by metalworking shops, automotive workshops, steel structure manufacturers, industrial maintenance personnel, and on-site installers.
Its place in the Bernardo range
The Bernardo magnetic 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 (Variable Digital 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 for adaptation to 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.
The MD 3850 is sized for workshops with standard daily use. For workshops that alternate different materials (mild steels, hardened steels, aluminum), the corresponding VD version offers greater flexibility: for the MD 3850, the VD equivalent is the higher VD range. The advantage of the E version lies in its simple construction (fewer electronic components) and lower cost.
Krollit logistics and support
Bernardo shipping in 5-9 business days (7 days for Southern Italy). With a weight of 9.5 kg, it is shipped in a plastic case/container and can be easily handled by one person, even on a construction site. Weldon 19 mm core drills, chucks, adapters, and original Bernardo spare parts are available from stock with 3-5 business day shipping. Customer support is available in Italian.
Who the MD 3850 is for
| Profile |
Compatibility |
Reason |
| Passionate hobbyist |
Suitable |
Semi-professional machine for occasional use on steel structures. Operates on 230V domestic single-phase, 9.5 kg weight manageable by one person. |
| Metalworking shop with daily use |
Recommended |
Ø 38 mm capacity and fixed speed of 800 rpm dimensioned for standard structural steels. Reliability of a simple configuration without complex electronic components. |
| On-site installer |
Recommended |
9.5 kg weight and compact dimensions (150 × 300 × 260 mm) make it transportable. 14,500 N magnetic force for secure attachment to vertical structures. |
Not suitable for: core drilling beyond Ø 38 mm (upgrade to MD 5050, MD 5075, MD 6050 VD, or MD 9875 VD models); deep core drilling beyond 50 mm (the MD 5075 with 75 mm depth or MD 9875 VD with 75 mm depth are correctly sized); workshops with a variety of materials requiring different speeds (the corresponding VD version offers greater flexibility); non-magnetic structures (aluminum, non-magnetic stainless steel): the electromagnet will not adhere; continuous industrial high-cadence use (magnetic drills are sized for intermittent use).
Working capacity
| Specification |
Value |
| Max core drilling diameter |
Ø 38 mm |
| Max core drilling depth |
50 mm |
| Drill head stroke |
55 mm |
Speed and tool holder
| Specification |
Value |
| Spindle speed |
800 rpm |
| Weldon shank |
19 mm |
Magnetic base
| Specification |
Value |
| Magnetic adhesion force |
14,500 N |
| Magnetic base dimensions |
156 × 80 × 50 mm |
Motor and power supply
| Specification |
Value |
| Motor power |
1650 W |
| Voltage |
230V |
| Power supply |
Single-phase |
Dimensions and weight
| Specification |
Value |
| Machine dimensions (L × W × H) |
150 × 300 × 260 mm |
| Weight |
approx. 9.5 kg |
Compliance
| Specification |
Value |
| Marking |
CE |
Standard equipment
- Bernardo MD 3850 magnetic drilling machine
- Plastic transport container
- Spirit level
- Safety belt/chain for vertical and overhead use
- User manual in Italian
- Service tool kit
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials does the MD 3850's electromagnet work on?
Only on magnetic ferrous materials: structural steel, iron, carbon steels. It does not work on aluminum, non-magnetic stainless steel, or non-ferrous materials.
The electromagnet creates the magnetic field that attaches the machine to the structure: without ferrous material, attachment is impossible. For working on aluminum or non-magnetic stainless steel, fixed drill presses or dedicated mechanical clamping systems are required. For most standard metal structures (metalworking, frames, profiles), the electromagnet is the fastest and most reliable clamping system.
Can I use the core drill in a vertical or overhead position?
Yes, with the included safety belt/chain. The 14,500 N magnetic force is sized for attachment in any position, but safety always requires an additional mechanical restraint.
The electromagnet holds the machine even during a momentary power interruption for the seconds needed to prevent falls, but in the event 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.
Does the MD 3850 have automatic lubrication?
Not integrated. For prolonged core drilling on hard steels, it is recommended to manually apply metalworking lubricant to the tool before starting the hole.
Manual lubricant application is less convenient than the automatic lubrication of higher versions, but for intermittent artisanal use, it is manageable. The difference is noticeable in series production: with automatic lubrication, drills last 3-4 times longer. For workshops with regular consumption of core drills, consider a model with internal lubrication.
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. All drills have a 19 mm Weldon pin for quick attachment via a side 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 are in 19 mm Weldon shank and available from stock with 3-5 business day shipping.
How much power does the motor consume in intermittent use?
The 1650 W motor typically draws 1.6-1.8 kWh per actual hour of work. In intermittent artisanal 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 drill is an electrically efficient machine: nominal power is only used during actual working minutes. For intensive continuous use, a standard industrial meter is recommended.
