DRILL STANDS

Accessories such as rill stands can be used to clamp a drill in position so that it can be used like a machine drill. Stands such as these are fine for light work but for heavier work it is recommended that a Machine Drill / Bench Drill is used. A drill stand is normally used when storage space is limited. However, if there is enough bench top room buy a bench drill as it is safer and it can be used for a wider variety of drilling. Drill stands are usually supplied without guards or machine vices. This inevitably means that they are not as safe.

COMMON DRILL BITS

Good quality drill bits are manufactured from High Speed Steel (HSS). This type of steel keeps its sharp edge for along time and is capable of cutting through extremely resistant materials. Do not buy cheap carbon steel bits as they are a false economy. They will wear quickly an will not cut through resistant materials

Twist drills come a range of sizes. the more common sets of twist drill range from 1mm to 10mm in diameter. When drilling the larger diameters it is wise to drill a smaller ‘pilot’ hole first and then increase the diameter of the hole by drilling with a larger size.
When drilling metals, use a lubricant such as oil. This will cool the drill bit as it cuts and lubricate the surface of the drill bit against the surface of the material being cut.

Masonry bits are very similar to normal twist drills. However, tip is usually made from carbide steel. This is extremely tough and keeps its sharp edge even when drilling stone and brick. From time to time the tip will need grinding in order to re-sharpen the cutting edge.

Hole Saws are used to drill large diameter holes, usually through thin wood boards. When drilling it is important to withdraw the saw/drill regularly to allow all the waste wood/chippings to escape from the hole. If this is not done the saw tends to ‘jam’. This can be dangerous.
Hole saws are provided with a range of sizes of saws. The saw can be changed easily. The grub screw holds the saw firmly against the shaft of the drill bit so that it revolves at the same speed.

Flat Bits are use to drill fairly large holes in wood boards and sections. They can be purchased in a range of sizes.

A Forsner Bit is used to cut ‘blind’ holes in wood based materials. A blind hole is one that does not go all the way through the material being drilled.

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