Drilling Machine Operator how-to

How to Set the Right Drill Speed

Wrong speeds break bits.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Wrong speeds break bits. In short: know; know; look, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Know the material.

  2. Know the bit size.

  3. Look up surface speed.

  4. Calculate RPM.

  5. Set the machine.

  6. Use coolant.

Safety reminders for drilling machine operators

  • Clamp parts securely
  • Never hold parts by hand
  • Wear eye protection
  • No gloves near spinning bits

Speeds and feeds · RPM · Tap · Ream · Countersink · Pilot hole: see the full drilling machine operator glossary.

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