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Drill Press Safety

1) Must obtain basic shop safety training and equipment-specific training before using this machine. Must wear appropriate PPE and follow all shop rules.

2) Ensure all guards are in place.

3) Know the location of the start and stop switches or buttons and keep the drill press table free of measuring tools and excess materials.

4) Use only properly sharpened drill bits. Remove dull bits and inform the Instrument Maker of the damage.

5) Do not remove metal chips with your hands. Use a brush or other tool to properly remove chips.

6) Never clean the machine while the spindle is still in motion.

7) Do not attempt to make adjustments to the drill press while the spindle is in motion.

8) Do not attempt to insert a chuck key into the drill chuck or loosen the drill chuck until the spindle has come to a complete stop.

9) All belts and pulleys must be guarded. Inform Instrument Maker if improperly set up.

10) All stock must be properly secured with a vise or clamps prior to a drilling process.

11) If the stock slips in the vise or clamps, stop the spindle. Re clamp once the spindle has come to a complete stop.

12) Use the correct speed and drill for the type of material being drilled. Consult the Instrument  Maker.

13) The drill bit should be mounted the full depth and in the center of the chuck. But not on the flutes of the drill.

14) Position the table properly to eliminate the possibility of the bit drilling into the table.

15) Make sure you are using the proper cutting fluids for the material being drilled.

16) Plexiglas and other brittle plastics may be difficult to drill. Ask the Instrument Maker for advice.

17) Feed the drill into the material smoothly. If the hole is deep,  withdraw the bit frequently to remove chips from binding in the hole.

18) If the drill binds, stop the spindle and consult an Instrument Maker.

19) Do not drill with excessive pressure, this may indicate a dull drill.

20) Ease up on the pressure as the drill starts to break through the bottom of the material.

21) Always try to support the part on parallels or a backing board when drilling through material.

22) Never try and stop the spindle with your bare hand. Let the spindle stop on its own.

23) Never leave a running drill press unattended.

24) Once done with the drill press; remove the drill, brush the table and base off, and wipe any oil or residue off with a paper towel.