Drill Press
Function:
To accurately drill holes in wood.
Why we use it:
The Drill Press is able to drill holes in wood far more accurately than a hand held drill. Because we clamp the wood to the table of the drill press, we are able to accurately control:
-The precise location of the hole.
-The exact depth of the hole.
-The exact angle at which we will drill the hole.
Safety Concerns:
-Because the Drill Press produces a great deal of torque, or rotational energy, we must securely clamp the piece of wood to the drill press table. If we don't, the wood will likely spin out of control, damaging the wood, the drill bit, and potentially the operator.
-It is extremely important to tie back long hair. If long hair is not tied back, it could catch on the drill press as the shaft is rotating. This could pull in the operator causing a severe injury.
-All loose clothing must be removed before using the drill press. Failure to do so could result in the clothing getting caught in the drill press, which could pull the operator in and cause a severe injury.
-The drill bit must be securely mounted in the drill chuck. The drill chuck is tightened using the chuck key. This must be done before operating the drill press. If the drill bit is not secure, it could come loose and damage the wood, the bit, and potentially the operator.
-After tightening the drill bit, it is extremely important that you remove the chuck key. Failure to do so could be very dangerous, as the chuck key could fly out and injure someone.
-If the piece of wood clamped to the table comes loose, you must immediately turn of the drill press and take a step back. Once the wood comes loose, it could fly off the table, causing an injury to the operator.
-You should never wear gloves when using the Drill Press, or any other machine in the shop. A loose glove could get caught in a tool and drag your hand in, causing a severe injury.
-Small drill bits will generally require the Drill Press to be set at a faster speed, whereas larger drill bits will require the machine to be set at a slower speed. However, in this class only the instructor will change the speed of the Drill Press.
Types of Drill Bits
Twist Bit
The Twist Bit is most often used for drilling small holes in wood or metal. It produces a decent hole, but not an extremely clean hole.
Spade Bit
The Spade Bit is an inexpensive bit used for drilling larger holes in wood. It drills quickly, but won't produce a very clean hole.
Forstner Bit
The Forstner bit is used for drilling larger holes in wood. It will produce the cleanest hole of any drill bit. These bits are quite expensive.
Multi-spur Bit
The Multi-spur bit is a type of Forstner bit, but has teeth to help it cut more quickly. It produces a clean cut.
Hole Saw
Hole Saw bits are used for cutting holes in wood. They produce a decent cut, and they cut quickly, as they only cut at the perimeter of the circle, so very little wood is actually turned into sawdust.
Countersink Bit
The Countersink bit creates a pocket into which the head of a screw will sit. It is by using a bit such as this that a screw head can be set below the surface of the wood.
Additional Information:
-When drilling a hole using the Drill Press, the hole will turn out best if a scrap piece of wood is clamped underneath the piece of wood you are drilling a hole in. Doing this will prevent the wood you are drilling into from splintering as the drill bit exits the bottom side.
-If you are unsure about the speed of the Drill Press, ask the instructor to check it and adjust as needed.
Drill Press Parts
Use the image on the left to identify the parts of the drill press.
- On/Off Switch: Used to turn the machine on and off.
- Drill Chuck: Rotates while the machine is turned on and is used to hold the drill bit.
- Table Tilt Adjustment: The table can tilt to 45 degrees to drill angled holes.
- Handle: Used to raise and lower the chuck, which will allow the drill bit to drill into the wood.
- Table Height Adjustment: Used to raise and lower the table. Adjust the table height so that the wood is within 1" of the drill bit.
Drill Press Safety Test
Once you have completed reviewing all of the information, have received a demonstration from the instructor, and have tried the machine at least once, take the safety test below. You must receive a perfect score (100%) on all safety tests.