Printed from Kezuriba (kezuriba.net/en/maintenance/drill-press/)

Drill press inspection checklist

The 10 maintenance inspection items for drill presses (bench, upright, and radial) (8 common, 2 bench-type). Organized by interval from machine manufacturers' instruction and maintenance manuals and from public documents of parts and oil manufacturers, standards, and laws. Your checks are saved only in this browser.

Intervals differ by machine.
First, check your machine's
manual!

CautionLubrication points, oil types and intervals, belt tension, and speeds differ by model. The values here are examples from published instruction manuals, and your machine's instruction manual takes priority. Do not wear gloves while the machine is running (Industrial Safety and Health Regulations, Article 111)

Daily (including before start of shift)

Lubricate the sliding parts (once a day)BenchBefore start of shiftWhat to checkRack sleeve (spindle sleeve) sliding parts, spiral spring, column outer diameter, rackGuidelineThe specified oil is applied at the specified pointsProcedureFor the rack sleeve, lower the spindle fully with the handle before applying oil (KIRA)KIRA asks that you lubricate before starting work, and specifies 4–6 drops by hand once a day on the rack sleeve, spiral spring, column outer diameter, and rack. New machines are shipped with the lubricating oil drained, so KIRA asks that you always lubricate before running. Lubrication points and oil types differ by model and production period. Check your machine's instruction manual (see the lubrication section)^[1][2][3](1 source, for reference)
Check covers and parts for damage, and that it operates normallyCommonBefore start of shiftWhat to checkBelt cover, handle, table fixing screw, switchGuidelineNo damage to covers or parts. Screws and knobs are properly fitted and work normallyKIRA asks that before use you check covers and other parts for damage and confirm normal operation. Makita also asks that before use you check protective covers and the like for damage and moving and tightening parts for abnormalities, and HOZAN's daily inspection also lists the fitting of parts. KIRA asks that the machine not be used with damaged, peeled, or faded warning labels^[1][4][5]
Check the ground (earth) and the power cordCommonBefore start of shiftWhat to checkGround wire and ground clip, power cord, plug and outletGuidelineProperly grounded. The cord is undamaged and the plug is not loose in the outlet. No dust on the plugHOZAN's daily inspection lists the ground, the power cord, and dust on the plug. Makita asks that you always ground the machine to prevent electric shock in case of a fault or leakage, and check the ground clip for abnormalities. KIRA also asks that you always provide grounding and connect to a power supply with an earth leakage breaker. Do not connect the ground wire to gas pipes or to steel framing that is not properly grounded (KIRA, Makita)^[5][4][1]
Check the V-belt for damage and tensionBenchBefore start-up (occasionally)What to checkV-belt and pulleys inside the belt coverGuidelineNo cracks or fraying in the belt. Tension is neither too tight nor too loose (no slipping)ProcedureTurn the power off, open the cover, and look. For how to adjust tension, see “Changing the belt position and adjusting tension” in the care sectionKIRA asks that you check the V-belt for damage occasionally before starting work. HOZAN's daily inspection also lists belt tension (too tight or too loose). Makita also asks that you check and adjust belt tension during assembly^[1][2][5][4]
Check that the spindle moves up and down smoothly and that there is no abnormal noise or vibrationCommonBefore start-up (occasionally)What to checkSpindle and feed handle, bearings in the rotating parts, motorGuidelineThe spindle moves up and down without catching and returns by spring when the handle is released. No abnormal noise or abnormality from the bearings or motorKIRA asks that, occasionally before starting work, you check that the spindle moves up and down smoothly and that the bearings and motor make no abnormal noise or show any abnormality, and that you stop work and have it repaired if anything is wrong. HOZAN's daily inspection also lists abnormal sound, vibration, and smell, and Makita lists stopping use immediately if there is abnormal noise^[1][2][5][4]
Check that the chuck key (chuck handle) and wrench have been removedCommonBefore start-up (every time before switching on)What to checkDrill chuck, top of the machineGuidelineTools such as the chuck key and wrenches have been removed from the machineKIRA and Makita ask that you confirm adjustment tools have been removed before switching on. HOZAN says that if the power is turned on with the chuck key left in, it may be thrown off^[1][4][5]
Clean up chips and wipe off scattered cutting oilCommonEnd of shift (daily)What to checkTable, base, around the spindle, area around the machineGuidelineNo chips or cutting oil left behind. Screws and fasteners are not looseProcedureDo this after stopping the spindle and turning the power off. Remove chips tangled on the tool with a brush or the like, and do not touch them with bare hands (KIRA)KIRA asks that after work you clean the machine, lubricate the lubrication points, and wipe off scattered cutting oil thoroughly. HOZAN also asks that after use you unplug the power cord, remove chips and dust, and check screws for looseness and each part for abnormalities. KIRA warns that work clothes soaked with cutting oil are a fire hazard and should be washed before wearing^[1][2][5]

Other (as needed, first time, etc.)

Check the drill for wear and chipping, and its mounting in the chuckCommonAt setup (every time a drill is mounted)What to checkDrill cutting edges and tip, drill chuckGuidelineNo chipping or heavy wear on the cutting edges. The drill is mounted securely in the chuck with no runoutKIRA asks that the drill be mounted securely in the drill chuck with no runout. Makita asks that cutting tools always be kept sharp and well maintained. OSG lists runout at mounting and tool wear as causes of oversized and bent holes. For a guide to mounting runout, see the accuracy checks section (OSG: within 0.02 mm)^[1][2][4][6]
After setting the table (body) height, tighten the fixing screwCommonAt setupWhat to checkTable clamp bolt (with handle), screw that fixes the body heightGuidelineThe clamp bolt is tight and the table does not moveKIRA says that working with the table clamp bolt loose lets the table tilt forward and down or shift, producing slanted holes. HOZAN also asks that once the body height is set, you tighten the fixing screw securely^[1][2][5]
Check the warning labelsCommonPeriodicWhat to checkWarning labels on the machine (no gloves, belt entanglement, safety glasses, etc.)GuidelineLabels are not damaged, peeled, or fadedKIRA asks that the machine not be used with damaged, peeled, or faded warning labels, and that replacements be requested from the manufacturer and applied^[1](1 source, for reference)

📚Sources

Items without a mark are those confirmed by two or more sources from different publishers. Intervals, oil types and values: the specification for each machine takes priority. The text is summarized in Kezuriba's own words.