Drill Press

Study Guide

Prepare to use the drill press safely and responsibly from setup through cleanup.

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1. Drill press safety mindset

Use the drill press only after Engineering Safety and Drill Press certification requirements are complete.
The drill press is a rotating machine; entanglement, flying chips, and spinning workpieces are the major hazards.
Never rush, horseplay, distract another student, or reach near a spinning bit.
Stop and ask for help if the bit slips, chatters, binds, smokes, breaks, or the workpiece shifts.
Do not operate the machine if you are unsure about the material, bit, speed, clamp, or setup.

2. PPE and clothing

Safety glasses are required whenever drilling or standing near active drilling.
Tie back long hair and secure hoodie strings, lanyards, jewelry, and loose clothing.
Closed-toe shoes are required in fabrication areas.
Do not wear gloves while operating a drill press because they can catch in rotating parts.
Keep hands clear of the bit, chuck, spindle, and spinning chips.

3. Bit selection and setup

Use the correct drill bit for the material and hole size.
Inspect the bit for dullness, damage, bending, or incorrect type before use.
Seat the bit straight in the chuck and tighten it evenly.
The chuck key must be removed immediately after tightening and before turning on the drill press.
Never leave the chuck key in the chuck.

4. Workholding and table setup

Clamp the workpiece or secure it with an approved vise or fixture.
Never hold small parts by hand while drilling.
Support the material so it stays flat and cannot spin if the bit catches.
Use scrap backing material when needed to reduce tear-out and protect the table.
Adjust table height and alignment before the machine is running.

5. Speed and drilling technique

Use teacher-approved speed settings for the material and bit size.
Larger bits and harder materials often require slower speeds.
Start the drill press before contacting the material, then lower the bit with controlled pressure.
Do not force the bit; forcing can break bits, burn material, or cause binding.
Use peck drilling when needed: drill a little, back out, clear chips, and continue.

6. Chip clearing and adjustments

Clear chips with a brush or approved tool, not with fingers or while the spindle is moving.
Wait for the bit to stop completely before measuring, adjusting, or removing the part.
Do not reach around the spinning bit to move material or scraps.
If the bit binds or the part shifts, stop the machine and ask for help.
Keep the table and floor area clear of loose scraps and trip hazards.

7. Common warning signs

Chattering or vibration may indicate poor clamping, dull bit, wrong speed, or too much pressure.
Smoke or burning smell may indicate wrong speed, dull bit, or forcing the cut.
A spinning workpiece means the material was not secured correctly.
A stuck or broken bit requires the machine to be stopped and teacher assistance.
Unusual sounds should be treated as a stop-and-check signal.

8. Shutdown and cleanup

Turn the machine off and wait for full stop before leaving the station.
Remove the workpiece, clamps, scrap backing, and chips safely.
Return drill bits, clamps, and tools to the correct storage location.
Report damaged bits, missing chuck keys, table damage, or unsafe conditions.
Leave the station ready for the next student.

Hands-on performance checklist

To earn the badge, students must demonstrate safe setup, bit/chuck-key procedure, correct workholding, controlled drilling, and cleanup under teacher observation.

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