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Purpose
The drill press is used for drilling holes. Fences and stops can help make cuts safer and more precise.
Safety
Do:
- Use clamps, fences, and fixtures to hold the workpiece
- Make sure the table is locked in place before starting
- Use a sacrificial board when drilling through the workpiece
Do not:
- Hold workpieces by hand when drilling - the bit can lift and spin the workpiece, causing injury
- Drill into the table surface or communal jigs
Emergency Stop
The drill press can be stopped with the power switch.
Operating Procedure
- Set the table height:
- Consider the height of your sacrificial surface, drilled material and drill bit
- Unlock the table lock
- Crank the handle to change the height
- Securely lock the table
- If drilling completely through the material, install a waste board to protect the table.
- Clamp the workpiece to the table. Never hold workpieces by hand when drilling.
- Install the drill bit in the chuck
- Set the speed range: large tool = SLOW, small tool = FAST
- Using the feed handle, carefully press the bit into the workpiece.
- When drilling deep holes (more than 2x the diameter of the drill bit), raise the bit periodically to clear chips.
Shutdown and Housekeeping
- Remove all workpieces, tools, and fixtures
- Store drill bits in their proper spot, organized according to size
- Make sure the chuck key is stored in the holder on the side of the drill press
- Wipe down table, handles, switches with a brush or rag
- Sweep floor around the drill press and work table