5.2: Drill Press and Jig Saw

5.2 Drill Press and Jig Saw

The drill press and jig saw perform very different jobs, but they are often used together when creating shapes.

The drill press produces controlled holes.

The jig saw can begin inside a drilled hole and cut an enclosed or curved shape.

This combination is especially useful for features such as the interior handle opening in the cutting-board project.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this section, you should be able to:

• Identify the major parts of a drill press.
• Select a basic drilling approach for a woodworking operation.
• Explain the importance of securing the workpiece.
• Use a backer board when appropriate.
• Explain how a drilled starter hole can be used with a jig saw.
• Describe the basic safe-use principles for both tools.

Drill Press

What the Drill Press Does

A drill press holds a rotating bit vertically above a work table.

The operator lowers the bit into the work using a feed handle.

Compared with a hand-held drill, the drill press makes it easier to:

• drill perpendicular holes;
• control hole location;
• use larger bits;
• repeat a hole depth; and
• hold the work securely.

Major Parts

Important parts include:

Head and Motor — Drive the spindle.

Chuck — Holds the drill bit.

Chuck Key — Tightens or loosens many drill-press chucks.

Table — Supports the work.

Quill and Spindle — Move the rotating bit up and down.

Feed Handle — Lowers the bit into the work.

Depth Stop — Limits how far the bit travels.

Power Switch — Starts and stops the machine.

Drill press labeled with power switch, chuck, chuck key, table, quill feed handle, depth stop, quill lock, and speed adjustment.

Figure: Drill Press

Choose the Correct Bit

Use a bit appropriate for the hole you need.

Common woodworking drilling operations may involve different styles of bits for:

• small pilot holes;
• larger clean holes;
• flat-bottomed holes; or
• starter holes for interior cuts.

Do not use a dull or damaged bit.

Ask your instructor if you are uncertain which bit is appropriate.

Secure the Work

A drill bit can grab a workpiece and cause it to rotate.

Use clamps or a drill vise whenever the size or shape of the work requires additional control.

Never assume that a small piece will be safe simply because you can hold it with your hand.

Remove the Chuck Key

After installing a drill bit:

Remove the chuck key before turning on the drill press.

A chuck key left in the chuck can be thrown from the machine when it starts.

Make removing the key part of your normal setup routine.

Drill Speed

Larger drill bits generally run at slower spindle speeds.

Smaller bits generally run faster.

The method for changing spindle speed varies among machines, so check with your instructor before making speed adjustments.

Use a Backer Board

When drilling completely through a workpiece, place a backer board underneath when appropriate.

A backer board:

• supports the fibers as the bit exits;
• reduces tearout; and
• prevents the bit from cutting into the machine table.

Clear Chips

When drilling a deep hole, periodically raise the bit to clear chips.

Do not use your fingers to clear chips while the spindle is moving.

Breaking Through the Bottom

As the bit approaches the bottom of a through-hole, reduce the feed pressure.

This helps reduce tearout and gives you better control as the bit exits the workpiece.

Important Drill-Press Practices

• Make sure the table and head are secure.
• Install the bit correctly.
• Remove the chuck key.
• Secure small or irregular work.
• Keep hands away from the rotating spindle and bit.
• Use a backer board when appropriate.
• Stop the drill press before removing the workpiece.
• Uses other than normal drilling require instructor approval.

Jig Saw

A jig saw is a hand-held power saw with a narrow blade that moves rapidly up and down.

It is useful for:

• curved cuts;
• irregular shapes; and
• interior cutouts.

The jig saw used in WMT 101 is taught through instructor demonstration and the general WMT portable-power-tool safety rules.

Interior Cuts

One of the most useful jig-saw techniques is beginning a cut inside a workpiece.

For example, to cut a handle opening:

1. Lay out the opening.
2. Drill a starter hole inside the waste area.
3. Insert the jig-saw blade through the hole while the tool is off.
4. Position the saw base securely on the work.
5. Start the tool and cut toward the layout line.
6. Leave a small amount of material for later shaping.

The starter hole must be large enough for the blade to enter without forcing it.

Basic Jig-Saw Practices

• Receive an instructor demonstration before use.
• Secure the workpiece so it cannot move.
• Keep the saw base supported on the work.
• Keep hands away from the blade and below the cutting area.
• Disconnect the tool from power before changing the blade or making adjustments.
• Do not force the blade through a tight turn.
• Allow the blade to stop before setting the tool down.

The jig saw creates a rough cut. Refine the surface afterward with appropriate hand tools or abrasives.

Check Yourself

1. Why is a drill press useful for accurate woodworking?
2. Why must the chuck key be removed before starting the machine?
3. Why might you use a backer board?
4. Why should a large drill bit generally rotate more slowly than a small bit?
5. How can a drill press and jig saw be used together to create an interior opening?
6. Why should the jig saw cut slightly into the waste rather than directly on the final line?