Before I explain to you how to use this press, I will explain to you what is a drill press is and what it is for. This drill is specific in that it can be attached to a workbench, stand, or floor. If you want to use this drill somewhere other than in your workshop or garage, you can get a portable version.
The drilling press consists of six basic parts, namely the pole, the stand to which it will be attached, the adjustable table, the spindle, the chuck, and the drilling head.
Table of Contents
How Is It Different From A Classic Drill?
Is this type of drill more efficient than a classic drill? Unlike a conventional drill, much less effort is required when applying the drill to the workpiece if you use a drill. The table to which the drill is attached provides additional safety and makes operating it much easier and safer. You will be much more precise because the angle of the spindle is fixed to the table.
However, this is not the end of the differences between classic and press drills. The drill press has a much more powerful motor that allows faster and more efficient drilling of holes.
A drill like this has various purposes. If you are someone who likes to do handicrafts, either professionally or as a hobby, you will like it because with its help you can perform some other actions besides drilling holes. This is possible thanks to the accessories that can be placed on the chuck.
Make sure the lateral load is not large to avoid accidents. With this press, you can drill holes in metal, wood, and plastic. This type of press is great for you if you are someone who loves precision, speed, or if you need it every day.
How Does a Drill Press Work?
The drill press generally has a manual speed adjustment. This is possible thanks to a stepped pulley. The number of available speeds varies from two to three speeds. Usually, this drill is large, heavy, and very difficult to move, so you will have to free up a lot of space in your garage or workshop for it.
That shouldn’t be a big problem, because this kind of drill is mostly owned by people who are professionally engaged in that business. It may be unnecessary to have this type of drill for your home use.
Although its disadvantage is that it is heavy and takes up a lot of space, this type of drill has many virtues, some of which are incredible precision and strength. You don’t need to have an incredibly calm and stable hand to drill an ideal hole.
This drill is designed to solve that problem. Also, thanks to it, you can forget about deductively estimating the depth of the hole you are drilling. Each of these drills has a depth stop that guarantees you the same depth of all drilled holes.
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How to Choose a Drill Press?
This drill press is not a small investment, so there are some things you need to consider before buying it. Choose which type of drill suits you. You have two options to choose from: a benchtop and a stationary one.
The first model is smaller and easier to move around, while the second is much heavier to move, but has more capacity and power. The next characteristics you need to pay attention to are the swing and spindle travel.
You can find out how big the swing is by doubling the distance between the central pillar of the machine and the spindle. It determines the maximum width of the material you plan to put on your drill.
The spindle travel determines how much the drill can move down as the handle rotates. Pay attention to its power. It is generally not highlighted on the drill itself, but you will easily find out how much it is using the following trick.
Multiply the value of amps and volts in the electrical nameplate. The number you get represents the watts of your drills. The larger the number of watts, the stronger the drill will be and it will be able to drill harder materials.
When to Use a Drill Press?
Although you may have wondered if you need this drill, perhaps you are not even aware of how many situations it would suit you in. You’ve seen tutorials on how to make a coat rack a million times, but you didn’t have anything to drill with precise holes and at equal distances.
Your child wants a wooden toy, but you are aware of how much work it is if you do not have this drill. Do not disappoint your child, nor yourself. Just imagine how proud you would be of yourself after a job well done.
You want a new stair railing, a garden railing or you want to make a house for your dog. I will not go on with the enumeration because I believe that you have so far realized in what situation this machine can be useful.
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How to Use a Drill Press?
If you are an amateur, using this machine for the first time, or simply want to remind yourself of the correct operation of it, always read the instructions issued by the manufacturer before use.
Do not forget that not all drills are the same and that you need to study each of them well before use. Before use, inspect your machine thoroughly. It is crucial to understand each part of it and to know what it is for.
This Type of Drill Usually Consists of
- A high-power motor;
- A series of gears at the top of the drill by means of which the speed of the drill is adjusted;
- Clamping heads whose purpose is to accept a variety of bits; arms, the purpose of which is to raise and lower the clamping head and extensions;
- The table that is adjustable and can be raised and lowered, as well as adjusted to be at a certain angle.
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Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Set Up Speed
In most cases, you can adjust the speed of your drill. My recommendation is that the drilling speed is set to the slowest speed, at least for metal. If you drill a tree, you can do it at a higher speed, but only with additional precautions. Be sure to check what is recommended for which material in the instructions for use of your machine.
Step 2: Fit the Bit
In this step, the process begins by removing the chuck and moving the drill by hand to clamp the chuck around the extension shaft and press the jaw of the chuck using a wrench. Don’t forget to remove the clamping head!
Step 3: Adjust the Table Accordingly to Your Needs
Set the table to suit you and be appropriate for the task you want to perform on it.
Step 4: Adjust the Depth of Your Holes
If you want all the holes you drill with this drill to be the same height, don’t forget to adjust the nut to the depth at which you want your drill to stop.
Step 5: Attach the Object You Are Drilling to the Table
This is a very important step that you can easily forget. For your safety, secure the item.
Step 6: Start Drilling
Once you are finished with all the above-mentioned moves, you can begin drilling the holes. Before drilling, set the drill to the speed at which you want it to work.
Be Careful When Handling Drill Press
You’re probably wondering why I said it’s important to set the drill to a lower speed when drilling holes in metal. You should do that because metal can cause the drill bit to wear out when drilling. It wouldn’t be bad to apply a small amount of cutting grease to the metal before you start drilling, either.
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What Do You Need to Keep Your Machine in Great Shape?
It is very important to lubricate your machine as the heat and friction it creates during operation can damage it. After each use, clean the drill and remove the Univer. After a thorough cleaning, cover the drill press with oil so it wouldn’t rust.
Also, take into account the length of use of the drill to avoid over-operation of the electric motor. If you are working in extreme cold, do not work at high speed as the metal becomes very sensitive to extreme cold. By contrast, if you work at a high temperature, that can cause overheating of the engine
Final Thoughts
If you like to make items for the home or personal use yourself, it would be good to have a drill press. With its help, you will be able to make extremely precise and accurate holes. The size of the holes in the material you are drilling depends on the size of your drill press.
Read this text carefully, and regarding your budget, consider whether you need this type of drill. If you are able and have enough space in your house for all the necessary equipment for this drill, get it. You will not regret it.
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