2 Drill Press
2.1 Drill Press Overview
The drill press offers many advantages over handheld drilling, namely improved accuracy and repeatability. As always, plan accordingly. As parts are assembled into larger constructions, they may no longer fit on the drill press table, leaving a handheld drill the only option.
The drill press head sits atop a large column supported by a heavy, stable base. A worktable is raised and lowered on the column with a rack and pinion system. The head houses the drive and control components, including the pulleys, belts, quill, and hand feed wheel. The worktable has a small disposable insert or is often covered with a piece of plywood or similar sheet good. This backs up the reverse side of the workpiece and prevents splinters as the drill bit exits.
The drill bit is held securely in the chuck which is tightened and loosened with a chuck key. A depth of feed stop can be adjusted to control the amount of vertical movement and the depth of the drilled hole. The drill bit is lowered into the workpiece using the feed handwheel.
There are three major dangers to consider at the drill press. The first is getting caught in the spinning assembly. Among the things that will catch in the drill press are: hands, rings, watches, gloves, necklaces, bracelets, shirt sleeves, and long hair. These types of danger are easily avoided by dressing appropriately for the woodshop. The second major danger is having the drill bit “catch” in the workpieces, causing the work to spin around wildly out of control. This danger is avoided by clamping the work securely to the table to prevent movement while drilling. The third danger is leaving the chuck key in the chuck and turning the drill on, turning the key into a flying projectile.
2.2 Drill Press Operation
Hole layout should be completed at a bench, before using the drill press. After locating all hole centers on a workpiece with pencil layout lines, the center should be marked with an awl. This can prevent the drill bit from “walking” off-center when starting. Using drill bits with spur point centers, i.e. Forstner bits and brad point bits, rather than twist bits, will also help. If multiple, precise hole locations are needed, take time to set up a fence or jig on the drill press work table. If drilling multiple holes of different diameters in a workpiece, write the diameter of the hole next to the center.
- Select the correct drill bit for the operation.
- Adjust the drill press speed if necessary, referring to a table to reference bit diameter and material.
- Raise or lower the table so the space between the chuck and table is slightly more than the length of the drill bit, workpiece, and backup scrap.
- Insert the bit into the chuck, tightening with the chuck key and returning the key to the storage location.
- Ensure the bit is held in the chuck properly. Spin the chuck by hand, watching to make sure the drill bit spins straight.
- Set the depth stop if needed.
- If boring completely through the workpiece, make sure the workpiece is backed up with scrap stock to eliminate tear-out.
- Clamp the workpiece securely to the table, carefully locating it under the bit.
- Turn the drill on, and once the bit is at full speed, lower it into the workpiece applying even pressure to the feed handle.
- If boring a deep hole, “peck” by raising the bit up, clearing sawdust, then reapplying pressure to drill to full depth.
DO make sure the bit is properly centered in the chuck and ALWAYS lock the bit securely with the chuck key.
NEVER leave the chuck key in.
DO position and clamp the work securely.
DO feed slowly and steadily into the material. Let the bit do the cutting.
DO drill pilot holes in harder material and step up in sizes to approach your desired bore.
DO NOT drill into the worktable or workholding accessories. Check before starting that it will not do damage after exiting your workpiece.
DO NOT remove your workpiece or clean debris until the drill has completely stopped turning.
NEVER remove chips or sawdust with your fingers.
DO NOT continue drilling if the material starts to smoke. Stop immediately and ask the monitor or instructor for help. In general, use faster speeds for small diameter bits and slower speeds for large diameter bits. Workpiece material also factors into speed selection.
Video: Basic Drill Press Operation
2.3 Making A Push Stick: Drilling The Hole
The push stick hole can be drilled before or after the shape is cut. In general, it’s a best practice to cut any curve in a workpiece last. It’s much easier to reference jigs, take measurements, and devise workholding solutions from straight edges and faces of boards. In this case, the push stick process isn’t very complicated, so you can choose to either drill the hole first or make the band saw cuts.
Make sure to use a backer board underneath the drill bit. Large Forstner bits like the type used to drill the hole in the push stick tend to splinter out the backside of the hole as they break through wood fibers unsupported.
The hole will be used to hang the push stick close at hand at various machines in the shop. Its location is not critical, but it’s good practice to mark a hole center and learn to drill its location precisely at the drill press.
