Drill Presses
A drill press is steadier than a hand drill, but the spinning spindle and bit can grab gloves, sleeves and hair, and a bit that catches in the hole can spin the workpiece into your hand like a blade. Most drill press injuries happen because the part wasn’t clamped.
- General Industry
- Fabrication
- Shops
Clamp the work
- Hold every workpiece in a drill press vise or clamp it to the table. See Clamps & Vises.
- Secure the vise to the table, or butt it against a stop on the side the bit turns toward, so it can’t spin.
- Support long pieces at the ends.
- Put a scrap backer board under wood and thin metal to reduce tear-out and grabbing.
- Never hold small parts, sheet metal or round stock by hand. Thin metal especially can catch and spin.
Chuck keys
A chuck key left in the chuck becomes a flying projectile when the press starts. Remove the key every time, right after tightening. Use spring-loaded keys that fall out on their own, or keep the key on a holder away from the chuck.
What to wear (and not wear)
- Safety glasses or a face shield; chips and broken bits fly.
- No gloves near the turning spindle and bit; they can be grabbed and pull your hand in.
- No loose sleeves, jewelry, lanyards or ties. Tie back long hair.
Guards and controls
- Keep the belt and pulley cover closed while the press runs.
- Use the chuck guard if your press has one.
- Know where the stop switch or emergency stop is, and make sure you can reach it without reaching past the bit. See Machine Guarding.
Drilling safely
- Use the right speed: slower for large bits and hard metals, faster for small bits and wood.
- Use sharp bits, and center-punch metal so the bit doesn’t wander.
- Feed steadily, and ease off as the bit breaks through. That’s when it’s most likely to grab.
- Use cutting fluid on metal and back the bit out often to clear chips.
- Clear chips with a brush or hook, never your hand, and only after the spindle stops.
- Let the spindle stop completely before adjusting the work or table.
Maintenance
Turn off and unplug or lock out the press before changing belts or speeds or doing maintenance. See Lockout/Tagout.
Before you drill
- Workpiece clamped or in a vise, vise secured
- Chuck key removed
- Belt cover closed and guard in place
- Speed set for the bit and material
- Safety glasses on; no gloves or loose clothing
Standards & references
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