Dull drill bits are the primary cause of drill
breakage. Usually after two hours of drilling, depending on type
of paper being processed, drill bits should be sharpened. Using
dull drill bits results in poor work quality and will damage
your drill due to excessive force placed on the drill and drill
bits.
Dirty and rusty drill bits will not permit the
upward passage of waste. Pressure built up by drill chips may
cause a clogged bit to split or break. Keep the bit free from
dirt or rust, clean the drill of all chips regularly and apply
light weight oil to the inside and outside of the bit. This is
particularly true if used in coated or varnished paper as the
coating on the chips frequently fuses into one solid mass when
the bit cools. This can cause breakage the next time the drill
is used. Ideally drill bits should be stored in a bath of
lightweight machine oil when not in use.
Lubricate Drill Bits
Lubrication assists the passage of chips and
helps prevent overheating. Use soap or lubricant sticks for this
purpose. Hold the end of the stick against the side of the
rotating drill bit. Also be sure to touch the cutting edge, as
lubricant must make its way inside the drill bit for ease free
passage of the chits through the drill bit and on the outside
for smooth clean drilling.
Check your Drill Sharpener
The cutting edge of the sharpening bit should be
inspected frequently to make certain that it is sharp and free
of nicks. Never allow a drill to drop onto the sharpening bit…it
will chip the carbide tip. Use gentle pressure and allow the
sharpening bit to do the work. The cutting edge of the drill bit
should be razor sharp when done.
Set Drilling Depth Correctly
Do not cut into the baseboard, the drill should
just touch so to cleanly cut through your last sheet. During
drilling, do not reset the drilling depth. Rather, change the
position of the baseboard frequently. Drilling deeper into the
baseboard dulls drill bits quickly. Replace Baseboards as
required.
Check for Drill Wobble
If spindles are badly worn or damaged, or if
chucks are unable to hold the drill bit securely, or the
worktable is wobbly, a broken or bent drill bit may result.
Important!
To prevent drill bit from overheating, avoid
drilling too slowly. With constant and even pressure, drive the
drill bit through your stack of paper. Allow the drill to easily
cut through the paper. Remember you are using a drill, not a
punch.
