Documentation: https://cdn0.grizzly.com/manuals/t33959_m.pdf

Tool Manual

Drill press basics

What does a drill press do?

A drill press spins a bit precisely in one spot  (X-Y axis) and allows you to easily adjust the pressure (Z axis).

• 4-1/2″ maximum hole depth with bit 3/16″ above stock
• Adjust the variable speed anywhere from 550 RPM to 3500 RPM
• Includes a built-in work light, a precision laser, a 1/16 to 5/8 inch chuck
• 11″ x 14″ cast iron table with T-slots can rotate 360 degrees
• 4″ Cross Vise for precision placement
• Chip guard (not a substitute for safety glasses)
• DO NOT CHANGE THE ANGLE OF THE TABLE!  Clamp your wood at an angle

Use, rules, and safety

• Always wear eye protection, whether you are using the chip guard or not
• The drill press is not on the vacuum system – use a shop vac to clean up during and after use.
• Check and empty the shop vac before and after use.
• Unplug the drill press or hit the big red pushbutton to disable the drill press after use and when changing bits
• Keep both hands on descent arms on the right side of the machine – don’t ever put a hand near the bit or the work when the drill press is on
• Only change the speed with the speed control lever when the drill press is running! This is signposted on the machine but please try to avoid this as it can damage drive pulleys and belts.
• Adjust the speed slowly and let the drill press stabilize on a speed before you begin drilling
• Release the table lock before adjusting the table height.  Lock the table when it is not being adjusted.
• You can rotate the table completely out of the way if you want to drill into the top of something large or tall.
• You can remove the cross vise and clamp work directly to the drill press table or the base.
• No freehand drilling on the drill press. Everything must be clamped, either in the cross vise or to the table or base.
• Do not adjust the table angle. Clamp the workpiece at an angle instead.
• You must tighten a keyed chuck in two positions to allow the jaws to equalize pressure on the bit so it doesn’t wobble or loosen during use.
• Do not overtighten the chuck – not all of your hand strength is needed.  It is better for the bit to slip than to break.

Drill speed

Using a reasonable speed and pressure yields the best results and prevents breaking bits.

• 1000 rpm works for most purposes
• Larger bits need slower speeds
• Smaller bits can run faster, but don’t need to
• Any speed can be made wrong with too much or too little pressure

Drill bits

Drill bits come in different sizes and styles with different capabilities

• Twist drills make smooth holes in flat surfaces of most materials – must be perpendicular to the workpiece
• Forstner bits make smooth whole or partial holes with flat bottoms in wood at any angle.  They often have a maximum speed printed on them.
• Spade bits make rough holes quickly – better for running romex through studs than for woodworking
• Drill index has sizes organized by small increments
• Hole saw make large holes but leave a plug inside the bit (that you remove).  Compare with Forstner bits, which turn the whole hole into shavings

Clamping Work

You must always clamp your work somehow.  Never just hold your work and drill it.

• Use the cross vise to clamp your work and then move it into position
• You can remove the cross vise and clamp your work to the table.  You can rotate the table for easier positioning,
• You can loosen the table lock and rotate the table out of the way.  Then you can clamp your work to the base of the drill press.
• Two clamps are better than one if you aren’t using the cross vise, because the work can spin loose.