Drill Introduction

This page is INCOMPLETE and still missing some important information before it can be used as a resource. Please use the "Discussion" feature above or talk to one of the tutors if you would like to help improve it. Thanks!

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This is the content required for an introduction to our drill presses and handheld power drills (NOT rotary tools) - 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, if available (check its "InfoBox" in the wiki for instructions how to find it).

Safety

Personal protection:

(Breathing protection recommended depending on bit and material)

Dangers	Precautions
exposed & rapidly spinning chuck	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 on a drill press make sure the drill can't accidentally be turned on when changing a bit or touching the chuck for any other reason make sure there is nobody nearby who might be surprised by a piece of shrapnel flying their way!
possible kickback due to a drill bit that binds with the material	be prepared for sudden movements of the tool or workpiece, especially when using large diameter drill bits or hole saws - clamps and vises can be very useful! never use a machine vise on top of a wooden board or two unsecured wooden boards at the same time (tower rule)! handheld drills may transfer the kickback to your hand, not just the workpiece - firmly hold the tool and use a secondary handle if possible, especially for the rotary hammer
a drill press table can destroy your drill bit	always check whether the tool movement you are planning is possible before turning it on adjust depth stop and/or table if necessary 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
drill presses: belt-based speed selection	unplug the drill press before opening the belt housing at the top
some drills do not have a prevention of turning on after loss & restoration of power (keine Anlaufsicherung)	if the power has been lost for whatever reason, always press the "off" button before restoring it!
the chuck key can be flung at you if left in the chuck when the drill is turned on	always remove the chuck key right after using it, do not leave it in the chuck any longer than necessary

Speed Selection (Drill Press)

• 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.