Using the chuck key, open the chuck just far enough so that the drill bit can be inserted centrally into the chuck jaws. Carefully tighten the chuck so that it grips the drill bit on the blank portion of the drill shank. Do not tighten the jaws on the drill flutes. Remove the chuck key. Rotate the chuck by hand to confirm that the drill bit is inserted properly and there is no drill wobble.

Adjust the Motor Unit Height

Loosen the lock screw and adjust the motor unit up or down so that the drill bit clears the top of the workpiece. If you are drilling through the workpiece, be sure the drill bit will pass through the hole in the base. Note: Item 14 is not intended for use as a headstock lock. It is designed to remove headstock/column play. Once tightened by hand, it should no longer require any adjustment.

Different drill sizes and workpiece materials require different spindle speeds. In general, harder materials and large drills require a slower speed. Softer materials and smaller drills require a faster speed (see Figure 3).

To change the spindle speed, unplug the machine, unscrew the cover lock 3 and remove the top cover 2. Move the belt to different positions by sliding the belt first to a smaller pulley, then, while turning the pulley shaft, relocate the other end to the larger pulley. Be sure the belt is tracking properly before reinstalling the top cover and turning on the motor (see Figure 4). Check belt tension.

When drilling blind holes (holes that do not break through the bottom of the workpiece), the depth of the hole can be controlled by setting the depth gauge to the desired depth (each division is 1mm). For example, to drill a hole 19mm deep (3/4 inch), lower the feed handle until the bit touches the workpiece. (Note: you may have to reposition the motor unit to obtain the desired spindle travel). Set the gauge to 19mm and then drill the hole until the dial reads 0 (stops automatically). The hole has now been drilled to the desired depth.

Drilling Parallel Holes

You can drill several holes in a line by using the parallel guide (see figure 5). The scale shows the distance from the drill bit; each small division is 1mm. The parallel guide is also helpful to brace the workpiece and keep it from spinning if the drill bit grabs. Be careful not to loosen the allen screw too far or the nut inside the slot will fall out.

Very little maintenance is required to keep your drill press in fine working order, but, if adjustments are necessary, follow the guidelines below:

1. Spindle side-play can be minimized by adjusting the locknut located on the left side of the motor unit 1-1/2 inches behind the spindle and towards the bottom of the motor unit. While moving the feed handle up and down, tighten the lock nut until the play is minimized, but not so tight so as to restrict free movement of the spindle. The spindle should return by itself to the full up position.