How To Get the Most From Your Drill Press

Whether you’re a machining hobbyist or own your machine shop, you’re going to be using a drill press. While using a drill press may seem like a basic procedure, you may not be using it to its maximum potential. Here some tips on how to get the most from your drill press.

Modify the Tension

Your drill press has a belt drive that it uses to function. Therefore, the tension on the belt drive is fundamental to test and adjust as needed. Operational lag will occur when the pressure is less than the required amount—applying more tension than required will produced increased pulley arrangement vibrations. Drill orientation and hole quality will be heavily affected by these vibrations. A properly calibrated tension will yield higher-quality drilling.

Properly Align the Drilling Table

If you want vertical holes that look fantastic, you will need to make sure you align the drill press table at precisely 90 degrees to the drill tool. This alignment helps to lock down the workpiece so it’s flat on the table. There is an amazingly effortless process to help you properly align the table. On the trial work board, perform a practice drill. Underneath the board, place a parallel rod. Drill from one side of the board, aligning the tilt table until the drill hits the rod straight. Fix the table in place once the perpendicular position is determined.

Get the Right Accessories

Having the right tools on hand can ensure you complete a job quickly and efficiently. Purchasing high-quality drill bits for your drill press is crucial. Drill bits of mediocre quality or the incorrect type for a drill press can result in messy and inaccurate holes. Having the right-sized morse tapers can help you switch rapidly between tools. The more equipment you have, the better and more precise your work will be.

Check Your Speed

Make sure you’re using the most efficient and effective drill speed for the job. Improper drilling speed can be accountable for forming wood chips, workpiece damage, and other issues if you aren’t careful. Low drilling speeds can result in a lot of wood dust. Extra high speed, on the other hand, can cause tool vibrations. Set a safe drilling speed to achieve better completion operational lead times.

The more research you do, and the more experience you gain, the more efficient and creative you will be with a drill press. Make sure you’re practicing the most optimum methods when machining.