Dangers and security measures when using a column drill

The column drill is a tool with a certain degree of danger, due to the fact that it is a device for drilling hard materials, which involves great power and reaches high speeds. For this reason, it is worth reviewing in detail the risks and some recommendations to avoid accidents.

Potential Hazards You Should Be Aware Of

The main parts of a drill press are the motor, the power cable, the housing, the adjustment mechanism and the tailstock, the latter of which holds the bits and other cutting and drilling parts. Among these elements, the ones that most often cause problems are the bits, the power cable and the casing.

The head as the main cause of accidents

This piece exposes the most dangerous mobile part of the drill, so when comparing the level of danger, it has the most common causes of accidents, among which, above all, are associated with the snagging of clothing on the edges of the head. Usually, this just causes a big scare and a damaged garment, but not stopping its use quickly could lead to serious accidents.

To prevent these mishaps, you should wear close-fitting clothing and accessories that do not have loose strings, cords, or other surfaces that could come into contact with the rotating part of the drill. If you’re still thinking about buying a model, you can consider short-head drills, which don’t go as deep as they can go but can be safer to use.

As for the bits, it is important that they are always correctly sharpened, since they generally do not provide the expected finishes and increase the risk levels for the user. In this sense, it could unbalance the equipment and reduce control during its use. Also, there are the cases of bits that are poorly attached to the head, which could cause them to detach suddenly, projecting the piece towards the user or the environment at a highly dangerous speed. This can be avoided in a simple way, verifying that the piece has an adequate support before turning on the device, in addition, it is important that it is in good condition or replace it immediately with a new one.

The threats of power

Before using the device for the first time, you must verify that the motor is prepared to receive the electrical voltage of your region, otherwise, it could cause irreversible damage to the column drill and produce electrical overheating throughout the house or the sector where it is located. do you live.

Other threats include frayed cables, which could occur accidentally during model packaging or usage time. In any case, it is necessary to carefully check the entire length of the cable before connecting to the electrical current. If it is damaged, you can easily cover it with insulating tape or with the use of some plastic tube. Similarly, it is advisable to go to a technical center to replace the cable and thus avoid new breakages, since these can cause electrocutions and fires in the worst cases.

Improper use and lack of maintenance of the casing

To save money during manufacturing and provide lighter structures, DIY tool companies have now built even the best drill presses with plastic casings, as they are cheaper and lighter, however these are also prone to breakage in its structure. One of the consequences of these casing openings is the risk of electrocutions, especially if any part or surface near the device is wet.

At best, small breaks cause skin pinching during use, mainly when the drill is vibrating excessively and you slide your hands over the surface. To avoid this, it is also advisable to keep the casing continuously clean, especially with regard to oils and greases, since these substances make it very difficult to hold the tool and could cause sudden movements that bring you closer to turning the head. If you need to clean the device, you must do it while it is turned off, disconnected and with degreasers that are not harmful to plastic.

Consequences of a malfunction

Among the consequences and accidents most frequently associated with the use of a column drill are cuts, abrasions and penetrations caused by the incorrect rotation of the tool. Also common failures include flying particles after bit breakage and inadvertent shifting of the workpiece, which could trap nearby members.

Also, unconscious inhalation of dust particles and substances from the cut is possible. Exposure to noise and vibrations can be just as damaging as the consequences mentioned above, since the damage occurs progressively and imperceptibly until it is too late. Less unlikely is electrical contact, however, the necessary safety measures must be taken to avoid them.

Basic safety guide to using a drill press

Like the portable tool, it is important to use hard plastic glasses that protect your eyes from particles that could be thrown. Likewise, it is advisable to wear a mask that covers both the nose and the mouth, in this way you avoid constantly vacuuming up dust and chips, especially if you work in a workshop or use the drill continuously.

During use, you must always keep your hands on the highest part of the device, along with the speed system and the support handle. However, you should avoid using excessive force, remember that this is a fixed-use device and it usually does most of the work automatically, so you should not push or hold it very hard.

For greater effectiveness, you must be clear about the function of each bit, since this way you avoid a malfunction of the device and you can guarantee its durability. If you work with metals, it is recommended to use soluble cooling oils, which facilitate drilling the surface without forcing the machine. On the other hand, you must remember to collect the power cable properly after use and wear tight-fitting gloves that do not conduct electricity.