How does a Drill Press Spindle Work? Pro Drill Press Guide

How does a drill press spindle work? This question sounds more like, “how does a drill press work?”

Well, to understand how does a drill press spindle works; you must first understand the drill press and its various parts. This is because the spindle is a part of the drill press, and the spindle’s operating mechanism is linked to the drill press’s other features.

Furthermore, there is something you must avoid doing when using the drill press in order to avoid damaging the spindle. You’ll learn more about that afterwards.

Drill Press: What It Is and Types of It

The drill press is a powerful machine that can be used for drilling, tapping, reaming, counter-boring, countersinking, and spot facing as well as for milling 80% lower.

Read More: What size drill press is needed for 80 lower

Now coming to the types of the drill press, it is mainly of two types: 

One is the floor standing drill press which stands on the floor with a help of a strong base occupying a large space.

And another one is the bench top drill press, which needs extra support from a bench or table to stand up. This is because this type of drill press is small compared to the floor standing drill press.

Well, the floor standing drill press is not only bigger, but it also got more power.

Parts of a Drill Press: parts that are linked to the working mechanism of a Spindle

Though the drill press comes in two types, the physical parts of both the drill press models are the same. Even the function of the spindle in both types of drill presses is the same. 

A basic difference between both types of drill presses is that the floor standing drill press is taller than the bench top drill press.

Well, the main parts of a drill press are:

1. Head
2. Motor
3. Power switch
4. Arbor
5. Spindle
6. Drill chuck
7. Handle
8. Table
9. Table adjustment
10. Base table
11. Column

What is the Spindle of a Drill Press?

The spindle of a drill press is a cylindrical shaped object where the drill chuck is mounted on.

Well, I hope you know what chuck is?

Ok, let me tell you.

The chuck is the portion of the drill press where people insert the drill bit to complete their desired work. Well, there is something that you should never leave in the chuck of a drill press for safety reasons.

Find out here: What should you never leave in the chuck of a drill press

Oh, I forgot to tell you that the spindle is mounted inside the quill and the chuck is mounted on the spindle.

So, it means that the spindle is located under the quill and above the chuck.

Now the question that arises is…

How does a Drill Press Spindle Work?

Just a few seconds ago, you have read that the spindle is mounted on the quill, right?

Okay, so that quill is directly connected to the motor with a belt.

So, when we switch on the drill press and the motor starts spinning, the quill also starts spinning because of the belt-pulley system.

And along with the quill, the spindle also rotates in the clockwise direction.

Thus, the chuck and the drill bit rotate, and we successfully complete our work.

Oh, wait.

You need to take the spindle up and down also in order to use the drill press according to your work. So, to make the spindle up and down, you need to use the handle of the drill press.

If you rotate the handle towards the left direction, then the spindle along with the drill chuck and the drill bit will come down.

And if you rotate the handle towards the right direction, then the spindle will go up.  The faster the spindle will rotate, the faster the drill bit will rotate.

Moreover, while working with your drill press, be careful not to drill with too much pressure. Because if you put too much pressure on the drill chuck, then the spindle will get damaged due to the excess pressure on the drill chuck.

And if the spindle gets damaged, you have to replace it or else you cannot work properly.

So, this is how a drill press spindle works.

Some Safety Measures to Maintain

There are some safety measures that one should follow while handling the drill press.

Actually, the safety tips or measures cannot be listed in one article. This is because there is no end to maintaining safety while dealing with the power tools.

But still, in this article, we’ve tried our best to confine some major safety rules that you need to follow while you are near the drill press.

Some of the notable safety measures are

1. The first and foremost thing to do before turning on the drill press is to take away all the loose pieces of stuffs surrounding the drill press. Because the loose stuff coming in contact with the drill press can cause an accident.

Example of loose stuff: hair, clothing, etc.

2. Take off the chuck key from the chuck
3. Don’t attempt to loosen the chuck while the drill press is on.
4. Avoid cleaning the drill press while it’s on and right after you turn it off.
5. It is not safe to touch the drill bit with bare hands right after it has completed a work
6. Wear goggles or any other eye protection to keep the eyes safe from debris
7. Power tools make too much sound, which can cause hearing damage. So, it is better to wear ear protection.
8. It is better and safe to wear no hand gloves
9. Whether be it a floor standing or bench top drill press, make sure to place it in a balanced and steady position
10. Avoid giving too much pressure on the drill press while drilling into something
11. Make sure to lubricate the drill bit from time to time to keep it cool
12. Do not dare to stop the drill chuck or spindle with your hands.
13. Keep yourself at least 3” away from the machine
14. Do not wear any such thing on the hands, which could get stuck with the drill press.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Question: Does the spindle in both types of drill presses works same?

Answer: Yes, the spindle in both floor standing drill press & benchtop drill presses works the same.

 Question: What to avoid while working with the drill press in order to keep the spindle safe?

Answer: Drilling with too much pressure must be avoided in order to keep the drill press spindle safe.

Question: How to make the spindle go up and down?

Answer: With the help of the drill press handle, you can make the spindle go up and down.

Last Words

We hope now you got the answer of, “how does a drill press spindle work.” Actually, not only this one piece of information but now, you also know so many things about the drill press, its different parts, some notable safety measures and some other important questions and answers about the drill press and spindle. Well, all the things will help you a lot to use the spindle in the right way. And you can keep yourself and your drill press safe too.

Have a nice day!

Read Also: Best Drill Press for 80 Lower