Adhering to a strict schedule for machinery inspections will ensure nothing slips through the cracks, particularly for a vertical drill press. Fortunately, inspecting a drill press isn’t arduous. Let’s learn how often you should inspect your vertical drill press.
The Schedule
Most of the moving parts of a vertical drill press require a weekly test. At this time, check for any loose parts, corrosion, lubrication, and effectiveness of the tool. You only need to look at the belt once a month to maintain its good working order.
Vertical drill presses are generally reliable, but they are only as reliable as your care efforts. Even if everything is working fine, perform these weekly and monthly checks.
Pulleys and Drive Belt
We will begin with the once-a-month check of the belt and pulleys. The pulley’s condition should be your first concern. At a glance, make sure they can move freely and no burrs scratch the belt.
Next, check if the belt is loose or stretched. Note if the grooves and teeth are present and that it’s not disintegrating. If the belt is loose, avoid tightening it, as doing so may cause it to break down quickly. The sweet spot for belt tension is an inward pressure of half an inch.
Lubrication Spray
A drill press contains many moving pieces. Lubricating the spinning components is essential to preserving their functions. The chuck is the solid part of the press, but it tends to wear down quickly. A dry lubricant spray will provide extra protection to ensure it doesn’t become loose. Mist the chuck arbor, handle, and spindle with the spray, as well.
The metal components of a drill press can rust over time. Luckily, lubricants can block rust from developing by staving off moisture.
Dust Removal
Those small particles floating around may seem harmless, but they can create problems as they accumulate. Dust can speed up the rusting process and cause the machine to crack. So, weekly checks are paramount. If the drill press is dustier than normal, use compressed air to clean it.
Check the Connections
One of the most frustrating things is when you think something is kaput, only to realize the connection between cables is the problem. A small imperfection between the cable and plug could render the machine useless, so ensure no cables or connections are loose. Don’t forget to test the on/off button!
The bolts holding the base and workbench could loosen because of the vibrations of working with the drill. If this has happened, tighten them so the machine is stable.
Knowing how often to inspect your vertical drill press guarantees your shop’s equipment is in tip-top shape. If you want to add or upgrade your vertical drilling machine, Kaka Industrial is here for you. Our presses have the power and versatility to bore precise holes to construct anything you can imagine!