WARNING: The drill press is one of the most dangerous tools! Here's how to use it safely.

[@TonySmith-oq7sz]

The first year of my Toolmakers apprenticeship was mainly about drumming in the importance of safety. However the safety precautions also needed to be practical. On the drill press what was most important was to have a quick method to stop the workpiece from spinning. All we did was secure a stop on the table to rest the workpiece against. If the safety setup is too complicated most would do without.

[@joemcgarry1106]

Retired toolmaker here. I agree

[@kenshores9900]

Not a machinist but have seen enough things happen that I realize that using clamps, lubricants, and the correct drill speed for the material. Speed is not as important as with metals. Like you said it only takes an instant and you have a flying projectile. Good thoughtful video. Thanks.

[@frisc45]

"Let me talk to you about safety while I drill without my safety glasses"

[@petcatznz]

You mention the risk of drills grabbing when drilling thin sheet metal. A great way to avoid that happening is to place a folded (3 or 4 folds) piece of cloth between the drill and workpiece to control the bite of the drill bit. I have done this many times and it works great to produce nice circular holes in thin sheet metal with no tendency to grab the workpiece. I’d still recommend using a fence just to be safe though. Give it a try, you’ll be surprised at how well it works.

[@hansdegroot8549]

Great video. Thanks for sharing. The metal plate that comes with the drill press to put your material on is kind of "hollow". The edges (downwards) are the deeper than the middle part of the down side and most of the time there are some "ribs" to make it a little stronger. I have four "triangles" underneath the surface of the metal plate, in the middle of each is a rib. To make clamping possible I cut out triangles of plywood of the same thickness as the edge. In the plywood triangles I drilled holes, in which I glued small magnets. This way the underside of the drill press plate is more or less flat and I can use clamps whenever I want.

[@deo.1006]

Hello, You are so right! 4 weeks ago I almost destroyed the thumb of my left hand, the large tendon had to be operated on: I used the 50mm Forstner Bit on a drill stand to drill a rain gutter (plastics), forgot a stop and didn't know of a hold-down device for this purpose. My expensive and painful mistake...

[@csimet]

MagSwitches definitely help the situation over hand-holding any workpiece, but just be aware that while they are excellent for vertical holding power (up/down to the face of what they are attached to), they are nowhere near as strong with lateral loading (side to side shear strength) and can slip. This is especially true of the smaller ones and on smooth metal surfaces and/or ones coated with wax. You need very large MagSwitches or many small ones to achieve enough lateral holding strength. I've had parts I tried to hold to my drill press and table saw, slip under side loading. Those 150s you show are rated for 150 lbs. of face holding strength (each, up/down), not lateral (shear). Just be careful with extra large drill bits that have a tendency to grab. For me, nothing replaces actually clamping the workpiece down when I use those, as well as using a firmly locked down fence to side brace against the possible rotation of the part.

[@jeffa847]

Do you think the 150s he mentions are strong enough laterally?

[@archiesatamfan1760]

My adopted grandfather had an old drillpress that I inherited. So I appreciate the instruction video and for those of you wondering no I haven't used it yet. Cause I know any tool can be dangerous if used improperly. That and It's in storage right now cause I don't have room for it where I live currently.

[@davidthompson9359]

I'm just now getting back into a workshop after a disaster to my father in 81, but I don't remember so many accidents around the tool shop growing up with my father's shop and training at high school.

[@SlumberingChaos]

TIL I have been far too lax with my drill press and super lucky. Thank you for this video!!

[@thesweetone]

2 decades ago I nearly lost my hand when a bit caught on a sheet of aluminum and it shredded my hands and fingers, quick thinking mad eme pull it back and I was able to save my hand.

[@jdwht2455]

Good tip as I've not seen those mag switches and will be looking at them for my (identical looking) drill press. Nothing gets your attention faster then a 1/2" drill bit grabbing a chunk of steel and spinning it around - and I know better since a part of my job years back was a huge 6 foot radial arm drill press

[@nucleochemist]

Thanks Ive also noticed they are pretty dangerous. I often run mine off a variac to reduce the speed and power. However clamping has always been a nightmare so I will into the magnetic locks.

[@brucelee3388]

Twist bits are more dangerous generally than Forstner and similar bits because as they come out the back of the job they try to lift the job UP. I was drilling some 3/4" holes in resin castings, had the drill vice braced against the column - the drill ripped the casting up and out of the vice then proceeded to give me a good thrashing with the casting. Took a few attempts to get enough clamps on to stop that. Another danger is long sleeves or similar loose clothing - if they get caught they will pull you into the moving parts suddenly and leave you tangled up, possibly unable to turn the machine off or get yourself free. You probably won't even be able to get to your phone to ring for help if you are working alone.

[@raymitchell9736]

Thanks Colin for the ideas, and info about the mag switch sale... I got the drill press fence, feather board starter kit, a riser feather board, and a couple of mag switches to play with on a future jig if I want to make one... I wanted to get the drill press vise, but it was $339.99 and that would make my total over $600... maybe there will be another time, I have to space out purchases.

[@asd67lkj]

Very timely, apart from Magswitch specials (I am in Australia), I just this week found 2 magswitches that I used on my tablesaw and they are 'pinned' to the metal wall on my shed. I now have use for them....

[@5280Woodworking]

Thanks for the tip! Ordered the large AND small fences! Love this company, they’re just down the road from me!

[@joebrown1382]

Thanks Colin always looking out for our safety. I have had bits grab the material while trying to hold the piece it's a stupid thing to do.

[@gaiustacitus4242]

In all the years I ran machine shops, I've had but one worker injury related to drill press operation. Of course, all employees received proper training on use of machinery, tools, and general shop practices. In addition, weekly meetings were held where safety training was reinforced. This doesn't happen in home workshops.

[@WillysPerformanceCycleCtr]

Very interesting topic! Thanks for sharing your experience and solutions for typical drill press issues. Also, the discounts are great!

[@leenoble7472]

Great mag switch commercial! That really made me want to buy all of them.

[@racma8698]

You are right Collin, my fingers can testify it !

[@walleyeye]

Good video. I am but andrill press this summer and appreciate the tips!!!

[@tedpuckett2779]

Interesting vid. I have recently gotten a drill press and think the Carter mag switch fence is how I’m going to solve the issue. They have adjustable locations on the larger one so while I have the smaller table the longer fence would give more reference area if doing longer length items. Thanks for sharing the video. Always enjoy what you show.

[@Rusty_ok]

I have a plywood top with a homemade plywood fence with built in wooden clamps. I can’t afford those fancy magnetic clamps. This is more of to a product recommendation then an educational video.

[@oneeyedphotographer]

The deck on mine is melamine, manufactured for shelving. It's screwed, along with the fence, to the table at one corner. The fence is a length of MDF, a hold drilled to accommodate an F clamp. The other side/end is held down by the clamp, and the fence position is adjustable by swivelling it. I don't do a lot of woodworking, if it wears out I will replace it, more quickly than I could replace a sacrificial patch.

[@notsoberoveranalyzer8264]

I got my first drill press recently. When I first started to use it, I was extremely nervous but as I’ve used it more and more, I’ve gotten more and more comfortable- almost too comfortable. So I’m glad to have caught this. Honestly, it seems to me that tools get more dangerous the more comfortable ( I really mean “lazy” with them). Not that it’s great for you to be so scared that you aren’t secure in using them either.

[@galaga00]

I remember reading a thing about more plane crashes happening with seasoned pilots for this same reason.

[@masterjefftkd]

Martial arts and Concealed Carry weapon instructor here. Well, here in Florida the new law shut down my concealed carry business, so now I'm just martial arts. Anyway, you are dead on right about a respectful fear of tools. When I used to teach concealed carry classes, the first thing I did was hand out a folder stuffed with disturbing gunshot wound photos. Some freaked out and left. Good. Better a lost student than a dead or maimed one. Naivety is a killer. If you can't handle the truth about what a tool accident can do, probably best to stay away from that tool. I recently set my T-shirt on fire doing "one quick cut" with an angle grinder. After smacking the fire out, I put away the tool, sat down at the computer, and looked up angle grinder injury photos. That set my mind right. Now I'm ready to get back to work, safely, never when I'm tired, never when I'm angry, and definitely never in a hurry. Anyway...good luck with your tools!

[@bobd5119]

Excellent video! The more safety videos, the better.

[@aprildegele1510]

Now that I've watched it through a bit longer, would you please list the link to where you got that mag switch set-up? That would be a game-changer with that jig you put on top.

[@nickloy2107]

What you did not show is using an X-Y "machinist" vise, A 4" vise is not expensive and works very well for getting holes in exact position.

[@MoranGuyVideos]

Bosch bench top drill press pbd40 comes with built in fence and metal table which is great. I think this drill is one of the best with capacity of 13mm chuck. floor stand drill press that's another story

[@timstools]

When it grabs you can bend the main shaft in your drill, I did.

[@36736fps]

After using a drill press without issue for more than 40 years, I recently had a mishap where the bit jammed in the workpiece and spun the drill press vice until the bit broke and threw the vise through a wooden door about 8 feet away. If the bit had broken about 1/4 turn earlier the vise would have hit me in the chest. Two weeks earlier and it might have hit my grandson in the face. I made 2 mistakes. I was trying to drill out a 1/4" hole with a 3/8" bit in a brass fitting and the very corners of the bit end easily jammed in the brass. And I did not have the vise fastened down to the table. My only injury was a cut on my hand when I reflexively tried to grab the spinning vise. Complacency is a bitch.

[@gdonham1203]

I have a table with a fence. On the deck I have two t-tracks. So I use the fence and one or two clamps to hold down pieces. The typical drill press with the cast table is made for metal work. In wood working we tend to drill bigger holes than the hole in the table. So having a table on top with a fence and t-tracks is much safer than just holding down the work with your hand. Even if you dont get hurt you can ruin your work piece. 😀

[@Sillyturner]

This is exactly what I did with my drill press. Works great.

[@myleswillis]

Guilty as charged. Holding a piece of sheet steel with my bare hands...what was I thinking. Well it bit and only god knows why I didn't even end up with a single scratch. I understood that was the only warning that I would receive. Clamps or fences always, great video.

[@blaksin]

I need to put a fence in; I use a machining vice for small parts otherwise hands and hold like f; thanks for this

[@masterjefftkd]

You are awesome, Colin!

[@WoodWorxGuy]

Are a pair of MagJig 90’s strong enough for a drill press fence? My hunch is yes, but I thought I’d throw it out there.

[@markcourtney7251]

Great tips!

[@bunkie2100]

Only two tools have sent me to the emergency room. The first was a jig saw. I have no idea how it managed to rip the nail off my ring finger. The second was my cordless drill. I was using a forstner bit and holding the workpiece with my left hand. The bit grabbed and jumped out of the hole and tore off my thumbnail, breaking the bone in the tip of my thumb in the process. I see people doing this all the time. It gives me a visceral reaction every time. Forstner bits are really nasty and it takes only the slightest off-axis pressure to get it to grab and buck. I haven’t chucked one in in a hand held held drill since.

[@contessa.adella]

Yeah..I thought I must get those mag clamps until I saw the price…in UK like 120 bucks equivalent.

[@woodsniffer]

Good video Colin alittle long but still informative

[@gaiustacitus4242]

Too little emphasis on drill press safety and too much focus on marketing a specific company's products.

[@woodsniffer]

@@gaiustacitus4242 15 sec in beginning and 30 seconds in middle and 13 seconds at end of video is not too much focus on marketing. Colin makes many Jigs that help a woodworker. And Magswitch does make a good product , I know it takes alot of time making video's, Thanks again for Posting Colin.

[@gaiustacitus4242]

@@woodsniffer Most of the video focused on presenting workholding solutions offered by the manufacturer he promoted. He should call it what it is - a promotional advertisement.

[@dashcammer4322]

It's ironic that you're taking about how dangerous a drill press can be - while you're drilling without eye protection.

[@Mojo4884]

I had seen a guy drilling into a fairly large sheet of stainless-steel diamond plate with no clamps he lost control of it and got a big gash in his arm. Got lucky as in it was bad but could have been a lot worse.

[@Peter-976]

Excellent Video!! I would add that when using your metal vise, why not just attach it to your first mag jig? It would save you from having to buy the mag platform.

[@terryk3118]

Probably would not have the holding power to resist the torque of the drill bit breaking through the workpiece. Interesting to know how powerful the magnets are on that vise mount compared to the 150's shown.

[@davidbisbee929]

I checked out the Mag Switches as I intended to make a drill press table. No discount after they tacked on a $27 UPS shipping charge for two small switches.

[@robertkahmer1373]

Collin. You did a video on mag switches where you told us how large a hole to drill for various switches and how much of an offset Can you tell me how big a hole to drill for mag jig 60 and what offset. I also didn’t see the info on the mag switch Black Friday sale?

[@osgeld]

any power tool is dangerous, but I have never had a drill press shotgun a chunk of wood at my head like a table saw. Most people would think the safe practice to using a table saw is to have minimal grip with a pair of dainty sticks but OMG a freakin drill press! Make a jig with 9 toggle clamps!!! Also, I would argue big bits are not all that big of a deal, most people can stall a hole saw just with minimal hand pressure ... twist bits are the one's that like the suck the work up and swing it at your face

[@Z-Ack]

Drill press is by far one of the safest tools in the shop.. unless you have a bigger 8+.hp that weighs more than you than yea those can grab you up like a full size lathe.. but still not a dangerous tool in the workshop.. a hand drill is usually more dangerous and will hurt you more often

[@watermain48]

I appreciate your concern for viewers' safety, but this video seemed like a commercial for Mag Switch.

[@melissaburns5240]

I guy I used to work with lost the tip of his finger to the knuckle using drill press when it grabbed the metal and smashed his finger against the column.

[@peterd2587]

No eye protection?

[@paolopagliaro980]

I doubt there are more people seriously wound by the drill press than by the table saw.

[@notsoberoveranalyzer8264]

So according to the US commission for Consumer product and safety commission 2,500 workers are hurt by drill presses per year. I’m trying to find out what they estimate for tablesaws. I know it’s at least 30,000 per year ~ but the pool isn’t just for workers, but those who use them at home. But I still can’t imagine that drill presses hurt/kill more. They do, but yeah.

[@asherfine1672]

Yeah, but does it matter? The idea is to prevent injuries and this video made the point PERFECTLY!

[@shoey64]

Where do you find those mag switches?

[@acikusej]

Is it more dangerous than a radial arm saw?

[@AlexDiesTrying]

2:20 Well, that's just a friction fit. Stop it with a piece of wood and it'll fall off. Doesn't mean actual grabbing can't happen and yes, a fence is a great way to reduce the risk involved.

[@grandn8646]

How come when I go to your mag switch link it says "you are shopping with Izzy Swan"? If I was to use that link, will you get the credit for my purchase or would Izzy?

[@pietklusser1896]

Goede tips!!‼👌 Bedankt.🙏🙂

[@leroymontano9080]

Thank you

[@terryk3118]

The vise mount looks very exciting. Sounds like I'd get 15% discount on that one but didn't see that reflected once I had it in my cart. Is that discount not available until November 25? Will this one qualify for the 10% additional discount for using your link?

[@peltona]

Totally agree that drill presses are dangerous. Great tips. Good to remember to put your safety glasses on your face though.

[@dashcammer4322]

That was the first thing I noticed.

[@AlexDiesTrying]

I want a scream stop that immediately disengages the belt. And I don't wanna have to say Alexa...

[@dennisafowler]

Hi Colin, I just wanted to let you know the deal is not available to Canadians. I was sent this message from Mag-Tools by Magswitch Hello Dennis - We are sorry for the inconvenience but are not shipping to Canada. Please contact one of our Dealers in Canada. Here is a list. ORS, WACHS, Fastenal. If you need anymore information please let us know. Thanks!

[@themeat5053]

$300 for a mag switch fence is aimed at the newest generation of woodworkers. So with 30% off it's still $200; lots of groceries. All this stuff is great if they want to send me one, gratis, also.

[@tektrixter]

Exactly. Mag switches for jigs look like a great convenience, but not at $100 for a pair! It would be nice if a less industrial version was mode for woodworkers at a lower price-point.

[@maitajack]

As much ax you can rest your part again the left side of the round post before you start drilling. That is an habit to acquire.

[@johnfreihaut7362]

No option for shipment to Canada? Links are for your discount but can only choose US or Mexico to ship to, am I missing something???

[@dennisafowler]

They messaged me and said no shipping to Canada, despite their website saying they ship to Canada

[@stevesteve9]

@@dennisafowler Thxs Dennis, interesting given Colin is based in Canada

[@juliocanales]

Thx for ur video

[@מעייןהמלבלבתחייםםםם]

Thanks!!!

[@ninomaiorano6697]

Why can’t I find your modification to your drill press incorporating a set of calipers

[@timbailey8254]

Your right about that

[@WalterRiggs]

If it has a motor, it will eventually turn you into hamburger if you are stupid in its use.

[@garycoots5629]

and a regular drill press vice was not included here because.... oh, wait, what are those slots on the table for???

[@Wraith3Snpr]

Oh this is cool! *Looks up price* Well I have a piece of scrap wood, some clamps, and a fence...

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

A few years ago I was trying to drill a 1 inch hole through a sheet of steel. In a fraction of a second the bit grabbed the sheet, snapped it out of my fingers, whipped around, and nearly disemboweled me. Got a good lesson about, "Oh, this will only take a quick second. I'll just..." ... just wait a darn minute, put on my PP, CLAMP the dang piece, and keep my intestines where they belong. That's what I'll do.

[@vashon100]

8:24 8:39 Is a Jake anything like a Jig?

[@brianstevens3858]

Sleeves, long loose hair, and apron tails are the most common source of drilling accidents. Clamping material should be a given, even in hand drilling.

[@georgecharney994]

Great video! I’m sure it was an oversight, but you forgot your safety goggles.

[@georgeschnecker5338]

Never leave a bit in the Chuck when not in use .

[@aaudain1]

Very interesting 🤔

[@neoruss3553]

Augh i think these solutions feel kind of unnecessary and overcomplicated for just drilling wood. If we are talking about drilling smaller pieces where you can't get enough of a leverage or your hand is getting close to the drill, then yes this is advised. On other hand, drilling metal is totally another level of danger and requires more cautious approach.

[@michaelfairchild]

*meanwhile angle grinders*

[@jeffa847]

The total number of injuries is probably higher on tablesaws because they are used so often but I bet per hour angle grinders with a cut-off wheel are the worst

[@carpentryfirst3048]

I got and use everything. Most dangerous tools are table saw, router/router table, and joiner. Grinders are pretty safe tbh

[@ErgoCogita]

@@jeffa847cut off wheels, while being a rather dangerous implement, have a rather low failure load so they are more carefully applied. They might lacerate if exploded but grinding wheels and pads tend to apply far more load to the skin because they don’t explode and it’s usually user error. I think the same point applies here with drill presses. The tool doesn’t give, your knuckles do.

[@ronh5623]

I always wear safety glasses even if it's a simple drill.

[@vashon100]

2:20 Safety glasses protecting your chest?

[@Tito74]

Bought me one

[@CementRoots]

AND this is the reason the rest of us have to pay a premium for Gagswitch stuff

[@vashon100]

Gagswitch LOL

[@scot1711]

Nice Videos! I think you would have sent a safer message at the start of the video by actually WEARING your safety googles and not have them just hanging from your neck.

[@williamsmith9026]

Lucky for me my drill press is junk like my band saw so it never gets used

[@SilentSoundGuy]

There are no good arguments for why a drill press is more dangerous than a table saw.

[@Rww930]

a safety video with no safety glasses

[@FrankJohnson-ye8lt]

There can only be one 'most dangerous' tool so how can the drill press be one of 'the most....?

[@dougvarley3303]

How about safety glasses???

[@CoastGord]

A sheer eye-rolling topic...this is why vices exist. Darwins' theory provides.

[@wes_d]

Safety demonstration without any safety gear…no PPE. Fail.

[@gordondurr1226]

You need safety glasses on

[@JCLunda]

Safety glasses?

[@zumbazumba1]

IF you think drill press is dangerous you didnt see the russian lathe accident video !Maybe its better that you didnt thou ,live in bliss of not knowing.

[@downhomeonthefarm6464]

Wearing a long sleeve shirt or coat will get you hurt. Loose fitting work gloves are dangerous.

[@zumbazumba1]

There are no dangerous tools only stupid users that dont abide to safety rules and respect the tool.

[@InspectaDech]

makes safety video and doest wear the safefty glasses on his neck

[@mickwreay3034]

As already said, you show poor safety by not even wearing safety glasses!

[@kyleolson8977]

NONE of these solutions are what I would recommend for a woodworker. I'm honestly a little puzzled by what you're missing. Get a full drill press table with T-Tracks and an optional fence. You can buy the cheapest ones for under $60. You can use hold downs in the tracks, clamps will work on the edge of the table, you probably have the ability to have a sacrificial board in the middle. The things you give up like the ability to tilt the table, maybe you have to keep the original table lower, it's all worth it. If you really need to you can take the table off but you'll probably never do it. I had a small table on my old benchtop press and when I got a full size press I got a larger table.

[@michaelfairchild]

Its likely to put a product into the mix.