Drill Press Introduction

This is the content required for an introduction to our drill press - reading this does NOT replace the mandatory session with a tutor! It will make it a lot quicker though ;-)

Let's begin! First off, make sure you have read the machine's manual.

Safety

Dangers

• exposed & rapidly spinning chuck
• possible kickback due to a drill bit that binds with the material
• the tool's table can destroy your drill bit
• belt-based speed selection
• no prevention of turning on after loss & restoration of power (keine Anlaufsicherung)

Precautions

• wear personal protection but not gloves, they could get caught!
• stay clear of the chuck when in operation - use a machine vise for small workpieces
• unplug the drill press when changing a bit or touching the chuck for any other reason
• unplug the drill press before opening the belt housing at the top
• be prepared for sudden movements of the workpiece, especially when using large diameter drill bits or hole saws - clamps can be very useful!
• always check whether the tool movement you are planning is possible before turning it on - adjust depth stop and/or table if necessary, and use a piece of scrap wood if the drill bit is too wide to fit through the hole in the table after exiting your workpiece
• make sure there is nobody nearby who might be surprised by a piece of shrapnel flying their way!
• never use a machine vise on top of a wooden board or two unsecured wooden boards at the same time (tower rule)!
• if the power has been lost for whatever reason, always press the "off" button before restoring it!

Speed Selection

• unplug the drill press
• open the belt housing by removing the screw on the right
• check the explanation inside the top to see what speed is set/which belt setup you need for your desired speed
• loosen the screw holding the motor at distance
• pull the motor towards the front to loosen the belt
• repeat as necessary:
  • move the side of the belt that will go to a smaller pulley up or down (whichever you decided you'll need)
  • follow with the other side of the belt
• double-check you have the belt set up for the speed you wanted and that both sides are on pulleys at the same height
• push the motor back and tighten its screw again
• close the belt housing and put its screw back in

Suggested Reading

Besides these safety notes, you should read about the different drill bits to know what you're doing! Different materials usually require different bits, and the drilling speed depends on the bit as well as the type of material.