I ran into a problem with the Drill Press today.
There was a shrill/squeaking sound as the bit retreated from the wood block.
It turns out that sound was the bit coming loose, and the bit had to be tightened up several times, even after torquing down the bit really tightly, and after about 10 holes, the bit loosened up again.
What RPM were you running it at and what size drill bit?
This is woodshop. Feeds and speeds haven’t been discovered yet. Still working out the kinks with peck drilling. The chuck is probably seen better days.
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Wood Magazine also published one that’s free to download. I have a large format printer at work and would be happy to print it out.
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That would be a good reference to have near the DP.
What kind of chuck is it?
Norris…?
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The drill bit would shatter everytime if you try to have Chuck Norris hold it.
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A chart isn’t the issue.
Until Drill Press training takes place(being worked on by a volunteer), adjusting the speed is just asking for trouble. The drill press uses a variable pitch pulley system. It just isn’t easy for most people to adjust the speed. This is why the speed is mostly left alone.
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Crappy Powermatic chuck. Maybe a decent keyless chuck is the answer in this environment. Precision isn’t really the deciding factor. I offered this solution before, but people begin complaining that it isn’t precise enough.
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7/8” drill bit.
I don’t know what RPM the machine was running at.
So, I am still learning about all this, but since the chuck isn’t holding the bit, is there away to roughen the shaft (knurling) to grab the bit?
That’s awesome
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That could work. You might also make sure the bit is clean. Sometimes bits are shipped covered in oil and or wax. It is most likely something you don’t have much control over and the part needs replacing. I’ll run some test holes when I go up there next and see if I encounter the same issue.
Ah, it was a brand-new out-of-the-package bit. So maybe there was some residue on it. Thanks!
FYI - I was working on the drill press today. Bit slipped. To get it to not slip I had to use all my hand strength on the key and tighten in all three holes on the chuck. The key seemed worn (or maybe the chuck or both) and it was difficult to keep the key centered. But once cranked down - it didn’t slip. I was drilling 7/16" holes in 4" thick oak. Had to use much more force on the powermatic key than on my low end Wen drill press at home, where I only have to tighten one of the three holes on the chuck.
Note: “All my hand strength” - I have notoriously weak hand strength, way below average - not bragging here, just stating a fact.
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