8.3 Machine Components
Micky R. Jennings
It is important that all drill press operators are familiar with the components of the machinery they are using. Getting to know the equipment, features, and functionality will help the machinist perform work in the safest and most efficient manner, as well as give them the industry specific nomenclature necessary to effectively communicate with coworkers.
Base
The baseof the machine is the supporting feature, typically made of heavy cast iron. It is often bolted to the floor for maximum stability. The base includes a flat surface used to bolt large parts by way of the integrated tee slots. The back of the base is where the column is attached.
Column
The columnis a precision cylindrical shaped rigid tube that is attached to the base. The column provides support for the other components, tying them to the base. The head of the drill press is located at the top of the column, while the table travels between the base and head.
Table
The tableof the drill press is designed to support the work. The operator positions the table along the column and locks it in place. It is adjustable up and down, rotates side to side, and may rotate or twist to suit different hole making operations. The up and down movement sometimes employs a mechanism for ease of adjustment.
Head
The headis attached at the top of the column and contains the electrical components, on/off switches, gearing, pulleys, quill, and spindle. On the right side of the head is a handle for moving the quill up and down to create movement for the hole-making operations. The motor is mounted at the back of the head.
Motor
The motoris the power source for the drill press, and it is attached to the drill press head. Motors come in various horsepower ratings, depending on the size of the drill press and the intended work performed. During operation, the motor turns a series of belts and pulleys to rotate the spindle.
Pulleys
The pulleysof the drill press are utilized to transmit rotational movement from the motor to the spindle by way of vee belts. The belts can often be moved to different pulley steps in order to select spindle speeds. Some drill presses may use an adjustable pulley to select spindle speed ranges, while finer adjustments are made with a variable frequency drive.
Spindle
The spindleis located within the drill press head and holds the tooling by way of a Morse taper. The spindle rotates on bearings inside the quill and provides the rotational movement necessary to perform the machining operations. It is connected to the motor by a series of belts and pulleys.
Quill
The quillis a cylindrical component that rides up and down in the head when the machine’s quill handle is pulled. The quill handle of the drill press is attached to a spur gear and meshes with a rack machined into the back of the quill. The spindle is located inside the quill and rotates on bearings.
Quill Stop
The quill stop is a device that allows the operator to limit the downward