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Pre-Requisites

There are no pre-requisites for the following training!

Basics

A drill press is preferable to a hand drill when the location and orientation of the hole must be controlled accurately.

A drill press is composed of a base that supports a column, the column, in turn, supports a table. Work can be supported on the table with a vise or hold-down clamps, or the table can be swiveled out of the way to allow tall work to be supported directly on the base. The height of the table can be adjusted with a table lift crank then locked in place with a table lock. The column also supports a head containing a motor. The motor turns the spindle at a speed controlled by a variable speed control dial. The spindle holds a drill chuck to hold the cutting tools (drill bits, center drills, deburring tools, etc.).

Review the names of the different parts using this PDF: info-sheet-identify-parts-of-a-drill-press.pdf

See The Below video on how to operate a drill press. (1/2)

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See The Below video on how to operate a drill press. (2/2) (Watch until 28:28)

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Table Vise 

Machine Vise, Drill Press, 4 1/2 in Jaw Opening (In.), 4 in Jaw Width (In.)

Work Holding Vise Used on Drill Press

Using a Center Finder

A center finder is useful for setting the spindle of a drill press or mill accurately over a known point. A center 

The center finder is used by installing it in the chuck, placing the pointed end into a center punch mark, and pressing down lightly on the quill. At first, the two parts will probably not be concentric.

The bed of the drill or mill can then be adjusted until the two halves are concentric. Check for concentricity by running your fingers up and down the center finder. You should detect no steps. You should be able to locate the desired position to within .001 inches using this technique. Now the hole is ready to be drilled.

Center Finder 

Edge and Center Finder | Center Finder Tool | LittleMachineShop

(Pointed Tip is Used to Find Centers)

Drilling a Hole

First, a center drill should be used. A center drill has a thick shaft and very short flutes. It is therefore very stiff and won't walk as the hole is getting started. It doesn't cut as easily as a drill bit, so you should use cutting fluid. (Optional for Aluminum) 

Now the hole can be drilled. If the hole is large, it's a good idea to drill a smaller pilot hole before drilling the final one. Your hole will be more accurately positioned, rounder, and the bits will last longer. If the hole is deeper than it is wide. use coolant and back off occasionally to clear the chips. As you step up in drill size, you will need to reduce the spindle speed. If drilling a through-hole, ensure that the bit will not drill the table after moving through your work. To set a desired depth of the hole, there is a depth stop on the quill. - (Scan this MIT Drilling Overview Website)

Center Drill

Center Drill, Number 4, HSS

Speeds and Feeds

Reference the above document to set the drill press to an appropriate speed for cutting material.

Deburring a Hole

Usually, the top edge of the hole will be fairly clean, but the bottom edge will have substantial burrs. To remove them, insert a deburring tool into the hole and run the tool about the edge of the hole with moderate pressure.- (Scan this MIT Drilling Overview Website)

Deburring tool

Debur

Reaming a Hole

A drilled hole will be accurate to about two-thousandths of an inch in diameter. If greater precision is required for slip fits or interference fits, a reamer must be used. The straight flutes of a reamer can not drill a hole. You must drill a hole slightly undersized to start. Be sure to drive the reamer down at a constant, slow speed. - (Scan this MIT Drilling Overview Website)

Reamer

Reamer

Changing Spindle Speeds 

Changing Spindle Speeds A spindle speed and pulley/belt arrangement chart is found on the inside of the pulley cover (D, Fig. 11). The chart is also shown in Figure 12. Refer to this chart whenever changing speeds. To change spindle speeds: 

  1. Unplug the machine from the power source. 

  2. Loosen two bar knobs (E, Fig. 11) found on each side of the head assembly. 

  3. Rotate the tension adjuster clockwise (F, Fig. 11) to bring the motor base as close to the head as possible. 

  4. For desired speed, change the location of belts per pulley/belt arrangement chart. 

  5. Rotate the tension adjuster counterclockwise (F. Fig. 11) to tension the belts. 

  6. Tighten two bar knobs (E, Fig. 11). Belts are properly tensioned when finger and thumb pressure midway between the two pulleys causes approximately ½” deflection. 

QUIZ 

  1. The fellow in the MIT video is using proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for the Shop.
  • True
  • False
  1. Before every time I use the drill press I should check and make sure the spindle speed is correct before I start drilling.
  • True
  • False
  1. It is okay to hold the work with one hand while the other hand operates the quill feed.
  • True
  • False
  1. For desired speed, change the location of belts per pulley/belt arrangement chart.
  • True
  • False
  1. The spindle holds a _______ to hold the cutting tools (drill bits, center drills, deburring tools, etc.)
  • Drill Chuck
  • Cutting Holder
  • World Chuck
  • Charles 'Chuck' Barkley
  1. The Spindle and Quill, on the drill press are the same thing.
  • Yes
  • No
  • Maybe
  1. When drilling a 1/2" hole multiple (2 or more) spindle speed changes will be made.
  • True
  • False
  1. The work piece must be held down by a vise or clamps before drilling starts.
  • True
  • False
  1. Drill Bits can be used for slip fits or interference fits.
  • True
  • False
  1. If a big hole (1/4"+) is being drilled, it is best to start with a smaller hole and step up to the desired hole size.
  • True
  • False
  1. Situation: You are cutting a hole into a small piece of material, while the bit is cutting it snags the material from the vise and start spinning the material. What is the first thing you do?
  • Let go of the Feed Handle, turn off the machine.
  • Go get a mentor
  • Keep pressing, it'll set back into the work holding
  • Show the person next to me
  1. I have used the drill press before, and I have used my hand to hold a work piece down. I will continue to operate the machine this way.
  • Yes
  • No
  • Maybe
  1. We always put away our bits after we are done using them.
  • True
  • False
  1. If you have any question you should ask...
  • Charles Barkley
  • An FTC Coach
  • An FRC Coach
  • John Belushi
  • Anyone BUT Matt

Skillset Verification 

  • Operate a vice
  • Turn on and off the drill press
  • Use a center finder
  • Use a center drill and/or pilot hole
  • Read a speeds and feed chart
  • Change the speed of the drill press
  • Know where the drill bits are
  • Identify shop drill bits vs. workspace drill bits
  • Deburr a hole
  • Ream a hole
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