- Run drill at correct RPM for diameter of drill bit and material. Ask shop personnel for the correct RPM.
- Always hold work in a vise or clamp to the drill table.
- Use a correctly ground drill bit for the material being drilled. Shop personnel can help select the correct bit.
- Use the proper cutting fluid for the material being drilled. Ask the shop staff about the appropriate fluid for the material you are machining.
- Remove chips with a brush, never by hand.
- Ease up on drilling pressure as the drill starts to break through the bottom of the material.
- Don’t use a dull or cracked drill. Inspect the drill before using.
- Don’t drill with too much pressure.
- Always try to support part on parallels or a backing board when drilling thru material.
- Never place taper shank tools such as large diameter drills or tapered shank reamers in a drill chuck. Only straight shank tools such as standard drills can be clamped in chucks.
- Always clean drill shank and/or drill sleeve, and, spindle hole before mounting.
- Remove taper shank tools from spindle or sleeve with a drill drift and hammer.
- Never try to loosen the drill chuck while the power is on.
- Lower the drill spindle close to the table when releasing the drill chuck or taper shank drill to reduce the chance of damage should they fall onto the table.
- Never clean a machine while it is in motion!!
- If the drill binds in a hole, stop the machine and turn the spindle backwards by hand to release the bit.
- When drilling a deep hole withdraw the drill bit frequently to clear chips and lubricate the bit.
- Always remove the drill chuck key, or, the drill drift from the spindle immediately after using it.
- Wear safety eye protection while drilling.
- Let the spindle stop of its own accord after turning the power off. Never try to stop the spindle with your hand.
- Plexiglas and other brittle plastics can be difficult to drill.
- Ask a shop technician for advice on drill and coolant selection when drilling these materials.
Safety goes beyond a set of information and rules to memorize. Safety is a culture. You live it by learning it, and learn it by living it … so that you and others can go on living. Safety is very important !
