Piolo V. Villonez
BME 222/L (7267)
Parts and Function of a Post Drill
1. Base
- The drill press base is typically made of cast iron because this sturdy material gives
the machine stability even when it is being used heavily.
2. Column
- On the base, the column is vertically mounted. Given that it supports the table that
the workpiece would sit on during operation, this component requires precise
machining.
3. Head
- The feed handle and sleeve are located on one side of the drill head, and the electric
motor is located on the other. This arrangement creates a counterweight that
optimizes the weight distribution of the drill.
4. Spindle
- At the top of the column is where the drill spindle is mounted. It cradles the chuck,
which in turn cradles the drill bit, and fits into the sleeve. The cutting tool and chuck
are turned by the spindle, which is rotated by the motor at a predetermined speed.
5. Sleeve
- The tapered shaft of the chuck is intended to be held by the drill sleeve, a hollow
steel shaft. During operation, the sleeve is moved vertically, moving the drill bit to
and from the workpiece.
6. Motor
- Along with the spindle, the electric motor is positioned at the top of the column.
Through the drive belt, this motor transmits power to the drill shaft.
7. Drive Belt and Pulley
- The drive belt receives energy from the motor and is attached to the pulley on the
spindle. The drill bit spins at a high speed while being driven into the workpiece by
the spindle rotating together with the driving belt.
8. Drill Chuck
- The drilling device, often a drill bit, is held in the drill chuck. This part has a body, a
key, jaws, and a sleeve.
9. Feed Lever
- The feed handle regulates how quickly and forcefully the drill bit strikes the
workpiece by controlling the drill bit's vertical movement.
10. Table
- The table can be shifted up or down depending on the task at hand because it is
related to the column. On some large drilling machines, the drill head can move up
and down, but the table may be fixed. If your benchtop drill press has a work table
lock, you can unlock it, move the table up or down to accommodate the height of the
workpiece, and then relock it.