This tool is maintained by the wood tech team and people they have specifically trained. Do not do any of the following tasks without talking to a woodtech first.
This wiki defines maintenance for the Pillar Drill. It is based on the manufacturer’s handbook and established practice.
The maintenance consists of a bi-monthly inspection and cleaning. The drill will also be cleaned and checked by members in general use.
For general notes on wood shop maintenance see here.
Warnings
- This task requires the removal of safety guards, exposing machine belts. Turning the tool on while maintaining it could result in life-changing injury or death. Lock out/tag out the machine prior to maintainance.
- This task involves the removal of machine parts – set to one side in a safe place and don’t lose them.
- Wear RPE and goggles as required.
- This task deals with sharp bits – handle with care.
Tools Required
- Lock out/tag out kit.
- Air-line & hoover.
- Methylated spirits/solvent wood cleaner.
- Engineer’s Square
Prep
- Check area is clear of projects and storage.
- Turn off drill at the wall and lock out as required.
Blue Exam – Inspect and Clean
- Loosen the table clamp on the left hand side of the pillar. Using the crank on the opposite side, raise and lower the table, checking it moves easily left and right as well. Tighten the clamp and check the table is secure.
- Check the condition of the centre insert; flag it for replacement if needed.
- Loosen the clamp on the fence and check that it slides easily forwards and back, and stays in place when the clamp is tightened. Check the chuck key is present on the fence.
- Select a drill bit at random and fit it to the chuck. Rotate the chuck by hand, ensuring it turns freely. Check the chuck is secure in the quill.
- Check the bit is straight and secure in the jaws. Using a square, check that the table is square to the bit in both directions. Remove the bit.
- Open the top of the drill. Inspect for any signs of problems such as metal or rubber swarf, or frayed bits of belt. Hoover out the compartment so that it is clean and dust-free.
- Rotate the chuck by hand, inspecting the belt for chafing, perishing or signs of wear. Check the belt is on the lowest set of pulleys and move it if required.
- Check the belt tension is correct: 1/64th of deflection for every inch of belt span.
- Close the top of the drill.
- Remove power isolations and restore power to the drill. Check the on and off buttons work, then test the eStop works.
- Fill out the Kanban card and Record Sheet.
- Clean up. Sweep up any leftover dust and return tools to storage.