DRILL PRESS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Proper eye protection must be worn when using the drill press.
EXPLANATION: This protects the eyes from danger created by flying particles and accidental moves by others.
2. Get permission from the teacher each time before using the drill press.
EXPLANATION: This creates order and keeps unqualified students from operating power tools.
3. Speeds may be changed only with the approval of the teacher.
EXPLANATION: Speed selection can be critical. It is best left to an experienced person.
4. If work is seized by the drill, step away immediately. If possible, and without endangering yourself, turn the power off.
EXPLANATION: First get yourself out of danger, then try to save your work.
5. Do not attempt to stop the drill press with your hand.
EXPLANATION: Stopping the drill press by hand can cause severe injury to the hands.
6. Turn off power after using machine and wait until it comes to a complete stop before leaving it or removing project.
EXPLANATION: Another student may not notice
the machine is still running and may be injured. Moving the project
before the machine has stopped may cause the material or operator to be
cut by the bit.
7. Guards must be in place before turning on power.
EXPLANATION: Guards are designed to keep the hands out of moving parts.
8. As the drill begins to break through the material, ease up on the feed pressure.
EXPLANATION: The drill has a tendency to seize
the material as it breaks through the other side. Easing up on the
pressure reduces this tendency.
9. Remove chuck key before turning on the power and immediately after tightening.
EXPLANATION: Chuck key may fly out and hit someone.
10. Bits must be held tightly with all three jaws of the chuck. (Use chuck key to secure.)
EXPLANATION: Bits may slip within the chuck and damage the shank of the bit or fly out of the machine causing injury.
11. Use a clamp or vise to hold your work.
EXPLANATION: This insures that the work will not fly out of the machine.
12. Special set-ups must be checked by the teacher before the power is turned on.
EXPLANATION: Information about a special
set-up may not be given during a demonstration given to the whole class.
This information may be vital to your working safely.
13. Long pieces should always be on the left side of you.
EXPLANATION: It work starts to rotate,
post on rear of drill press will prevent work from hitting operator
because drill rotates right to left as you face the machine.
14. Select the proper speed for the size bit you are using.
EXPLANATION: For safe operation larger bits require slower speeds – smaller bits require higher speeds.
15. Punch marks should be made in material to be drilled so drill does not wander about.
EXPLANATION: Drill bit will not start easily unless a punch mark is made. It will slip to the side.
16. Remove all loose clothing and secure hair before starting to work on the drill press.
EXPLANATION: Static electricity attracts clothing and loose hair into the moving drill which can cause severe injury.
REFERENCES: Pictures and more information on drill presses can be obtained from these books:
General Woodworking, by Groneman, pp 176-180.
Exploring Woodworking, by Zimmerman, pp 51-53.
Cabinetmaking and Millwork, by Feirer, pp 412-432.
Advanced Woodwork and Furniture Making, by Feirer and Hutchings, pp 298-312.
