How to Use a Radial Drill: A Beginner’s Guide

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Do you want to use your radial drill but aren’t sure where to start? Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast, a small shop owner, or simply looking to add precision to your drilling projects, this guide will walk you through the basics of using a radial drill with confidence.

We’ll cover when to use a radial drill, its main parts, step-by-step usage, and where to find one. Let’s dive in and get you started the right way!

When to Use a Radial Drill

Radial drills are perfect for tasks that require drilling into large or heavy workpieces that can’t easily be moved. Here are some ideal beginner scenarios:

• Furniture Making
  Use a radial drill to bore accurate holes in wood for dowels, screws, or joints in custom furniture pieces.
• Metalworking Projects
  Whether you’re building a small frame or a bracket, a radial drill can easily handle steel and aluminum with precision.
• DIY Workshop Builds
  From crafting a workbench to installing fixtures in thick materials, radial drills are your go-to for heavy-duty drilling.
• Automotive Repairs
  Great for creating or enlarging bolt holes in engine parts or frames that are difficult to maneuver.

Click Here to see all New and Used radial drills for sale

Know the Parts of a Radial Drill

Before you fire up your drill, it’s important to understand its key components:

• Base
  The heavy bottom of the drill that supports the machine and workpiece.
• Column
  A vertical post that holds the radial arm and allows for vertical adjustments.
• Radial Arm
  The arm moves horizontally and vertically, allowing the drill head to position over the workpiece.
• Drill Head
  The part of the machine that holds the motor and spindle, it travels along the radial arm.
• Spindle
  This rotates the drill bit and is responsible for the actual drilling.
• Table
  A surface to place your workpiece, which can often be raised, lowered, or rotated.

Use a Radial Drill in 5 Steps

1. Take Proper Safety Precautions

Always wear safety glasses and gloves. Remove loose clothing and tie back long hair. Ensure the machine is on a flat surface, and that all guards are in place. Check the drill bit for tightness and inspect the work area for hazards.

2. Position the Workpiece

Secure your material on the drill table using clamps or a vice. The stability of the workpiece ensures accuracy and safety.

3. Adjust the Radial Arm and Drill Head

Loosen the radial arm lock and move it to the desired height. Slide the drill head along the arm to line up the bit with your marking on the workpiece. Tighten all locks before proceeding.

4. Select Speed and Feed

Set the spindle speed according to your material and drill bit size using the control knobs. Slower speeds are better for metal, while faster speeds are ideal for wood.

5. Begin Drilling

Lower the spindle slowly using the handwheel or automatic feed. Apply steady pressure until the bit penetrates the material, then retract carefully. Repeat as needed.

Find Used and New Radial Drills and More at Sterling Machinery

In this guide, we walked you through when and how to use a radial drill, especially the versatile Used KAO MING Radial Drill KMR-1600DH. With over 70 years of experience, Sterling Machinery Exchange is your trusted partner for both new and used metalworking machinery.

Browse our available radial drills or contact us directly at 626-444-0311. Want to sell your machinery? Click here to submit your equipment.

Check out our full inventory at SterlingMachinery.com.