Top 15 Drill Press Safety Rules That Woodwokers Should Know

As with all operations, there are some invaluable rules to follow to protect yourself from injury when using your Drill Press. Here is a list:

• Read your Drill Press owner's manual and follow the guidelines presented there.
• NEVER leave the chuck key in the chuck. ALWAYS remove it before turning on the machine.
• Wear proper eye, dust and ear protection.
• Lock the table tilt trunion and down tubes firmly in position before you turn on the machine.
• Keep hands, fingers, etc. at least 3" away from the moving drill bit at al times.
• Roll your sleeves up above your elbows, remove all jewelry and tuck long hair under a cap.
• NEVER wear gloves when working with stationary power tools.
• Position the worktable so the stock is properly supported at all times.
• Whenever possible, clamp the workpiece to the worktable for added safety.
• NEVER try to stop the machine rotation by grabbing the Drill Chuck.
• Never try to chuck a drill bit with a tapered square shank in your Drill Chuck. Use only straight
shanked bits.
• Always try to work with the table at mid-chest for maximum visibility and control.
• If you must use an auger-type bit with a screw-type lead (not recommended), always pre-drill a pilot
hole that's the same diameter as the largest diameter of your screw lead to prevent potential grabbing.
This is especially true when working with hardwoods. Auger bits with spur-type (non-screw) pilots
are preferred.
• If you must create a hole that's larger than an available hole saw (our recommendation for boring large holes), use a scroll saw, bandsaw, saber saw, hand-operated saw or routing set-up. Shopsmith Does Not Recommend the use of adjustable, beam-type circle cutters or flycutters. These tools are very dangerous, even when your workpiece is clamped solidly to the worktable.
• ALWAYS turn off and unplug the machine before changing modes of operation or performing maintenance procedures.Visit the Woodworking Plans Website pages for more woodworking articles.

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