Monday, March 24, 2014
Reducing Drill Press Hazards in the Workshop
A drill press is an excellent piece of equipment for the mechanic. Constructed with a stationary base and motor, a drill press features a spindle that is moved up and down with a handle. The drill press is much more precise than a handheld drill but it is also a far more powerful machine and there are safety considerations to take into account when using one.
Mounting
The drill press must always be mounted properly. On bench models, the base should be held with bolts that pass completely through the bench top. Do not use wood screws to hold the base in place. On floor models, the base must be mounted with lag bolts or similar anchors. This prevents the drill press from moving or tipping under load.
Clothing
The spindle of a drill press moves at high speed. Loose clothing can dangerously snag on the spindle. Even a low-powered drill press can easily pull the operator into the rotating spindle if snagged in this way. Because of this, many experienced drill press operators use to wear gloves when operating the machine. Gloves can too easily snag on the spindle or the drill bit. Clothing should be snug and should always include eye protection.
Clamps
All material being drilled should be clamped to the drill press table. This can either be done with C-clamps or by using the mounting slots in the table. Never try to hold the material without clamping it. The spinning drill bit can grab the piece and rip it from your hands.
Learn the Machine
Every drill press has the same basic design, but their controls are in different locations. The most important control, in terms of safety, is the stop button. Every operator should know exactly where the stop button is located. Users should also learn to operate the drill press while keeping themselves in a position where they can easily reach the stop button.
Chuck Key
The chuck key is used to tighten the chuck around the drill bit. Occasionally an operator will forget to remove the chuck key before starting the drill press. This can send the chuck key flying. A spring-loaded chuck key should always be used when possible. These keys have a spring-loaded tip that must be pushed into the chuck to work. When released, the spring forces them out of the chuck.
