Drill Press Safety

Use a punch to mark where you're going to be drilling, using a hammer/mallet

Always place scrap wood under your workpiece to protect the table

Check that the drill bit is secured in the chuck before turning the drill press on

While it is still off, pull the drill press down to check that the drill bit aligns with the mark you made

Always make sure to finish tightening the bit using the chuck key, hand tight is not enough

Store bits properly after use, placed in the correct box based on their size

Never hit the chuck or a drill bit with other tools

If the bit becomes loose, stop the press immediatley and re-tighten it

Clamp or secure the workpiece with the workholding clamps or a vice so it does not spin if it catches

If the workpiece begins to spin, stop the press immediately, do not try to catch it

For the workholding clamps, slide the clamp as close to the workpiece as possible. Then, push down the body (green) of the clamp to the work piece and secure it by pulling down the black tab on top.

Never adjust the drill press while it is running

Wait until the drill reaches full speed before beginning to press down

Press down with steady gentle pressure, do not force it

Wait for the drill completely stops spinning before walking away

Take out the bit and return it to its proper box