Thread: Delta Bench Mount Drill Press

Building my cnc and I’m drilling a lot of 1/2" thick aluminum plate mostly with 1/8” to 3/8” bits and have these questions.

When you are drilling, are you supposed to raise the bit often to clear the savings or you do it in one steady motion until the hole is done? (I use WD40 for lubrication or motor oil)

Some times the chuck comes off while I’m drilling and only on large holes. Is there a reason? (the chuck is attached to the cone shaped spindle and I just stop the drill and push the chuck up)

I also drill quite a bit of .625 AL plate. I prefer to pilot or double drill. Ex: pilot with a smaller drill which is only large enough to clear the web of the final drill. On the pilot drill I clear the chips frequently (unload the bit/raise the bit often) so as not to bind the bit and break it. On the next drill I can usually drill all the way. If a large hole I will "step up" with two or more bits, on a drill press that is.

knn

Thank you Knn, sounds like a good way and I will do the same