Drills are one of the most essential power tools for carpenters and DIYers. They need to be handled quite carefully. Every once in a while, you have to drill holes at certain angles. 90% of the time, we have to drill straight holes that are perfectly perpendicular to the surface. It is effortless to get a straight hole by a drill press. But, it costs the top much, and not everyone can afford it. That leaves you with a hand drill. You can easily drill straight holes from a hand drill as well. After going through the information provided here, you will know how to drill straight holes from a drill press and a hand drill.
Contents
How To Drill Straight Holes –Step By Step Guide
If you don’t want to spend so much money on a drill press, here are the steps to drill a straight hole using a hand drill. The steps for drilling straight holes are:
Total Time: 1 Hour
Step 1: Wear Safe Clothing And Protection
Before you get on with your work, make sure you are not wearing baggy clothing or dangling jewelry. Such stuff can get caught in the drill while working. Wear protection equipment on-ear as well as your eyes. This will protect you from the flying debris. If your project emits a lot of dust, you should consider wearing breathing protection as well.
Step 2: Select A Drill
Find the approximate size and depth of the hole you will be drilling. Then select the bit that works best for your purpose. The types of drill bits are:- a) The screwdriver bit does not drill any hole. They require sharpening b) Twist drill bits are used to drill small holes. c) Forstner bits can be used to drill large holes, but they are perfect for drilling angled holes. d) Spade bits are used to drill large holes into the glass better than twist bits. e) Hole saw bits are used to drill larger holes than spade bits. You can’t use them for making partial cuts.
Step 3: Fit The Chosem Bit On Your Drill
The black circular section that is on the front of your drill is chuck. It holds the drill fit firmly in its place. Twist it counterclockwise. This will loosen the chuck, and it will widen the diameter of the jaws. Meanwhile, try to fit the shank ( smooth part of the drill bit) into the widening jaws. Then, tighten the chuck. Make sure that the drill bit is completely secured in it. You will break the bits if you secure the jaws near their flutes.
Step 4: Use A CD
For drilling a straight hole, a CD can come handy. Place the CD’s label side down on the workpiece. Center it to the spot you want to drill the hole.
Step 5: Start Drilling
Place the drill bit into the hole of the disk. Make sure that the bit is in a straight line with its reflection. Hold it firmly, then pull the trigger. Start at a slow speed and increase it when the bit is slightly inside the material.
Step 6: Clean Up
Once you are done drilling, remove the drill bit. Place it back in its case along with the drill. Vacuum the extra chips and dust from the workspace.
Steps To Drill Straight Holes Using A Drill Press
Step 1: Set The Speed
To change the speed on the drill presses, move the drive belt from one pulley to the other. The smaller the chuck axis pulley will be, the faster it will spin. For drilling through metals, a slower speed is recommended. Whereas, a faster speed is recommended for cutting through wood.
Step 2: Fit The Bit
To fit the bid into the drill press, start the process by opening the chuck. Once opened, slide the appropriate bid in it. Then by using your hand, snug the chuck over the bit’s shaft. Now, using a key, you need to tighten the chuck’s three jaws. Don’t forget to remove the chuck; if you do, it will act as a dangerous projectile when turned on.
Step 3: Adjust The Table
If your model has a crank, then adjust the table height with it. Otherwise, remove the clamping lever and adjust your table accordingly. The height should be appropriate for your operation.
Step 4: Gauging The Depth
A depth gauge is a type of threaded rod. This threaded rod controls the distance traveled by a spindle.
You do not have to adjust it while drilling a hole in a piece of wood. But to drill a stopped hole having a fixed depth, you have to lower the bit to the appropriate height. Then, on the proper stooping point of your choice, adjust the knurled nuts present on the depth gauge. One of them is supposed to stop the spindle while the other one is supposed to lock the first nut in its place.
Step 5: Secure The Workpiece
Make sure that your workpiece is fixed at its place before you start drilling. The workpiece should be clamped to the table you will be working on. It should be adequately secured. Never use the tool without anchoring your workpiece.
Step 6: Drilling
By this stage, most of the complicated task has been done. Now it is just the easy part. Turn on the drill to its full speed. Gently lower the bit, moving the rotating lever in the appropriate direction. Release the pressure on the level once you are done drilling. The lever will return to its place.
Things You Should Know
To avoid cracking or splitting, you can drill holes smaller in diameter than that of your nail.
Nail together two pieces of wood to form a right angle. Place the drill bit in the extreme corner of the jig. Turn it on and drill your hole.
Things You Should KnowWhile Drilling With A Drill Press
To avoid the bit from not getting too hot, you can use oil. It also lubricates the bit.
Make sure that you clamp the piece down.
Different speed is required for different bits to dill the right depth.
If you drill at a slower speed, it can increase the life of your tool.
If the chips start smoking or turning brown, you should lower the speed.
FAQs
1. Can a drill a hole just above a plug socket?
You should avoid drilling holes just above a plug socket. For such cases, you can buy a stud finder/ metal detector. Such types of equipment detect wires and pipes.
2. Can a drill block be used to cut square holes?
Yes, you can drill a straight hole with the help of a drill block. You have to use a hand drill with a drill block.
3. What are the drill press machines used for?
They are generally used for drilling and for enlarging a cylindrical hole in a workpiece.
Final Thoughts
It requires special skills to drill the hole exactly where you want it to be. It can be hard to drill a straight hole without a proper guide. We talked in detail about cutting a square hole from both hand drill and drill press. A drill press is complicated to use, whereas a hand drill can be used easily. If your projects are quite simple and you don’t have to drill many holes while working. Then you can use a hand drill for your work. But, a drill press is an excellent choice if you work with hard metals or wood. It can be used for spot facing, counterboring, countersinking, and reaming.
90% of the time, we have to drill straight holes that are perfectly perpendicular to the surface. Getting perfect in drilling a straight hole requires practice. You can use the tricks provided here and practice as much as you can.
Leave a Reply