How to Operate a Drill Press
A drill press is most often used when more precision is needed than a power drill can provide. Besides being able to accurately bore to a pre-determined depth, a drill press can also bore at just about any angle without slipping like a power drill would. A drill press also has more power and more speed options than a power drill, which means it can bore cleaner holes through a greater variety of materials without damaging the bit. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Drill press
- Material to bore
- Drill press bits
- Jig (if necessary)
- Various attachments (as needed)
Instructions
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1
Select the proper bit and install it in the chuck. Some bits are not designed to take the amount of power a drill press puts out while others are designed only for specific materials. Make sure you have the right bit for the job and then turn the chuck to tighten the vise around the shaft of the bit. Depending on the model of drill press you are using, you may have to use a chuck wrench to tighten the bit properly.
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2
Adjust the table and the depth stop to the appropriate setting. If you are using a jig, set it up as well. This will ensure the material is in the right place and the hole is the right depth into the material. Different models will have slightly different methods for making these settings, so check your owner's manual for the directions specific to your model.
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3
Put the material in place and use the drill press's lever to slowly lower the bit until it is touching the material. Make sure the bit is touching where you want the hole to be drilled. If not, raise the lever and adjust the material. Keep doing this until the material is in the right place.
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4
Set the speed for the drill press. Different materials and different size holes require different speed settings. Too slow or too fast can damage the material you are drilling into or even damage the bit.
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5
Press the "On" or "Go" button and use the lever to lower the bit into the material. Use firm steady pressure so the bit is doing the work while you are guiding it in.
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Raise the lever slowly when you reach the depth stop. Once the bit is completely out of the material, press the "Stop" button. Repeat the process for the next hole.
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Tips & Warnings
Various attachment are available to do a variety of tasks. These attachments may not be available or may not fit every model, so check your owner's manual to the discover the full capability of your drill press.
Flying debris can damage you eyes, so always wear safety glasses when operating a drill press.
- Photo Credit Photo by LHOON, 2002
