A Professional Guide to Using Magnetic Drills (MAB)
This article is the extended version of the subject of how to use a magnetic drilling machine.
Professional drilling following the instructions below gives a longer service life for both the annular cutter and the magnetic drilling machine.
The Article Below Gives Full Information on How to Use the Magnetic Drill Press (Magnetic Drilling Machine). On Using Annular Cutters, Professional Tips for a Better Service Life of the Annular Cutter and the Magnetic Drill Press, Basic Safety Instructions Concerning the Use of the Magnetic Drilling Machine, Operating the Magnetic Drilling Machine, Instructions for Horizontal or Overhead Drilling, Instructions About the Material to Be Drilled, Cleaning the Magnetic Drilling Machine After Use and so on.
A. Choosing the magnetic drilling machine:
There are various types of magnetic drilling machine on the market; choose the magnetic drilling machine or magnetic drill press best suited to your purpose. The types of magnetic drilling machine were given in detail in our previous article: Types of Magnetic Drilling Machine
B. Choosing the annular cutters:
Basically annular cutters are of two types: High Speed Steel (HSS) annular cutters and Tungsten Carbide Tipped (TCT) annular cutters. We recommend HSS annular cutters for your normal drilling work, because HSS annular cutters are cheaper in price, can be resharpened and need fewer RPM, which reduces the load on your magnetic drilling machine and extends the machines' service life.
TCT annular cutters should be used only when drilling at diameters larger than 40 mm (1 9/16 inches), because above those diameters TCT annular cutters work out cheaper in price and the drilling is faster.
TCT annular cutters should also be used when drilling very hard materials, such as drilling stainless steel, drilling HARDOX, drilling INOX and so on. For normal metals that are not very hard, HSS annular cutters are best.
C. Instructions on how to use the magnetic drill press and the annular cutter professionally are given below:
- Choose the right annular cutter for the material to be drilled.
- Choose the right ejector pin for the length of the cutter.
- Place the ejector pin inside the annular cutter. Never use an annular cutter without an ejector pin.
- Fit the annular cutter into the machine spindle and tighten the screws correctly.
- Move the machine towards the mark where the hole is to be made and find the mark with the help of the pilot pin, touching the tip of the pilot pin onto the mark.
- After positioning the machine on the mark where the hole is to be made, switch on the magnet switch of the magnetic drilling machine. Check that the magnet indicator lights GREEN. If the magnet indicators light RED, it means the magnet does not have enough material underneath for perfect adhesion. In an ideal situation the material to be drilled should be a minimum of 8 mm (5/16 inch) thick
- Fill the coolant tank with lubricant. Never use the machine without lubricant. Use cutting oil for HSS annular cutters and a water-soluble coolant for TCT annular cutters.
- Set the correct RPM on the machine for the size of cutter used. The formula for calculating the RPM (n) is n = (v X 1000) / (d X 3.14). Here v is the cutting speed of the annular cutter and d is the diameter of the annular cutter. You can also use our website to calculate the RPM automatically. Please click this link:
- Switch ON the coolant tank valve of the magnetic drill press.
10. You should use internal lubrication when drilling with annular cutters, and external lubrication as well when drilling material more than 50 mm (1 15/16 inches) thick.
11. Switch ON the motor switch of the magnetic drill press and start drilling with a slow feed. Do not strike the material with the cutter.
12. Start drilling with a steady, constant feed rate. A feed rate that is too slow or too fast damages the annular cutter.
13. Check whether the lubricant is coming out. Use plenty of lubricant for good results.
14. Applying too much pressure to the feed handle does not speed up drilling; instead it will break the annular cutters.
15. For the best results and a longer service life of the annular cutters, drill with less pressure and a steady feed.
16. To prevent long chips forming, you should use reverse feed when cutting deep holes.
17. To prevent accidents, clean the working area with the BDS PowerWORKER or a suitable cleaning tool after drilling.
18. Perfect drilling following the instructions above will result in perfectly finished holes in less time and with a longer service life for both the cutter and the machine.
D. Video on how to use the magnetic drill press and annular cutters:
E. Poster on how to use the magnetic drill press and annular cutters:
Please click the poster to download it!
F. Basic safety instructions concerning the use of the magnetic drilling machine:
■ Do not use the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) in potentially flammable or explosive environments.
■ People who cannot operate the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) safely because of physical, mental or motor abilities may use the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) only under the supervision or instruction of a responsible person.
■ People with a pacemaker or other medical implants must not use this magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press).
■ Children are not allowed to use the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press).
■Before use, examine the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) for visible signs of damage. Do not operate a damaged magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press).
■ Before starting work, check the condition of the safety chain and the function of the switches on the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press).
■ Repairs to the connecting cable may be carried out only by a qualified electrician.
■ Repairs to the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) may be carried out only by an authorised specialist workshop or the factory customer service.
Unqualified repairs can lead to significant dangers for the user.
■ Repairs to the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) within the warranty period may be carried out only by a customer service authorised by the manufacturer; otherwise the warranty is void.
■ Faulty parts may be replaced only with genuine spare parts. Only those parts ensure that the safety requirements are met.
■ Do not leave the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) unattended while it is running.
■ Store the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) in a dry, temperate place out of the reach of children.
■ Do not leave the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) standing outdoors and do not expose it to moisture.
■ Make sure your working area is adequately lit (>300 Lux).
■ Do not use a low-power magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) for heavy work.
■ Keep the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) clean, dry and free of oil and grease.
■ Follow the instructions on lubricating and cooling the tool.
G. Danger of electric shock (current):
Contact with live cables or components can cause serious injury and even death!
Observe the following safety precautions to prevent any danger arising from electric current:
► Do not open the housing of the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press). Risk of electric shock from touching live connections.
► Never immerse the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) or the mains plug in water or other liquids.
► Use only extension cables or cable reels with a conductor cross-section of at least 1.5 mm².
► Use only extension cables approved for the place of use.
► Check the condition of the extension cable regularly and replace it if it is damaged.
► To reduce the risk of electric shock in the event of a fault, avoid bodily contact with earthed parts (e.g. pipes, radiators, steel beams).
► When using the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) outdoors or in a damp environment, an RCD (residual current device) must be used.
H. Operating the magnetic drilling machine:
Incorrect use of the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) increases the risk of injury!
Observe the following safety instructions so as not to harm others or yourself:
► Operate the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) only with the protective equipment specified in these instructions.
► Do not wear protective gloves while the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) is running. A glove can be caught by the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) and torn from the hand. Risk of losing one or more fingers.
► Remove loose jewellery before starting work.
► If your hair is long, wear a hair net.
► Always switch off the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) before changing tools or carrying out maintenance or cleaning. Wait until the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) has come to a complete standstill.
► To prevent the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) from starting unintentionally, always unplug it before changing tools, cleaning or carrying out maintenance work.
► Do not put your hand inside the machine while it is running. Remove chips only when the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) is at a standstill. Wear protective gloves when removing chips.
► Because the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) can swing dangerously if the power supply is cut, the operator must be secured with a safety harness when working on scaffolding.
► Before every use, check that the electromagnets are clamped securely to the substrate.
► Secure the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) with the safety chain supplied when working in an inclined or vertical position and during overhead work. If the magnet comes loose or the power fails, the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) can fall.
► Before use, check that the tool is tightened firmly.
► Do not let the connecting cable hang over edges (tripping effect).
I. Working in an inclined or vertical position (horizontal or overhead drilling):
When working in an inclined or vertical position and during overhead work, the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) must be secured using the safety chain supplied, to prevent it from falling.
► Before every use, check that the safety chain works properly. A damaged safety chain must not be used. Replace a damaged safety chain immediately.
► Fit the safety chain so that the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) moves away from the operator in the event of a slip.
► Place the safety chain around the handle of the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) as tightly as possible.
► Before starting work, check the soundness of the safety chain and lock it.
► Use protective equipment.
J. Check the condition of the surface (the material to be drilled):
The magnetic clamping force depends on the condition of the substrate. Clamping force is reduced considerably by paint, zinc and scale coatings and by rust. To obtain sufficient magnetic clamping force the substrate must meet the following conditions:
■ The substrate must be magnetic.
■ The clamping surface and the magnetic foot must be clean and free of oil.
■ The clamping surface must be completely smooth and flat.
► Clean the substrate and the magnetic foot of the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) before use.
► Remove all roughness and loose rust from the substrate.
The best clamping effect is obtained on a low-carbon steel substrate at least 20 mm thick.
Thin steel: when drilling thin steel, an additional steel plate (minimum dimensions 100 x 200 x 20 mm) must be placed under the workpiece. Secure the steel plate to prevent it from falling.
NF (non-ferrous or non-magnetic) metals or workpieces with an uneven surface: when drilling NF metals or workpieces with an uneven surface, a special holding device must be used.
K. Cleaning the magnetic drill press after use:
After every use
■ Remove the fitted tool.
■ Clean off chip and coolant residues.
■ Clean the tool and the tool holder on the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press).
■ Clean the guide of the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) slide.
■ Put the magnetic drilling machine (magnetic drill press) and the accessories in the carrying case.
