Flex FX1551A Operator's Manual page 17

DRILLING
WARNING
with side shields during power tool
operation or when blowing dust. If operation
is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
a. Check that the direction-of-rotation selector is
at the correct setting (forward or reverse).
b. Secure the material to be drilled in a vise or
with clamps to keep it from turning as the drill
bit rotates.
c. Hold the drill firmly and place the bit at the
point to be drilled.
d. Depress the variable-speed trigger switch to
start the drill.
e. Move the drill bit into the workpiece, applying
only enough pressure to keep the bit "biting".
Do not force the drill or apply side pressure to
elongate a hole. Let the tool do the work.
DRILLING WOOD (ROTARY DRILLING MODE)
For maximum performance, use high-speed
steel or brad-point bits for wood drilling, and set
the mode selector to the rotary drilling mode .
a. Begin drilling at a very low speed to prevent
the bit from slipping off the starting point.
b. Increase speed as the drill bit bites into the
material.
c. When drilling "through" holes, place a block of
wood behind the workpiece to prevent ragged
or splintered edges on the back side of the
hole (Fig. 16).
NOTICE: Bits may overheat unless pulled out
frequently to clear chips from flutes.
Always wear safety
goggles or safety glasses
(FIG. 16)
f. When drilling hard, smooth surfaces, use a
center punch to mark the desired location of
the hole. This will prevent the drill bit from
slipping off-center as the hole is started.
g. When drilling metals, use light oil on the drill
bit to keep it from overheating. The oil will
prolong the life of the bit and increase the
drilling efficiency.
h. If the bit jams in the workpiece or if the drill
stalls, stop the tool immediately. Remove the
bit from the workpiece and determine the
reason for jamming.
There are two rules for drilling hard materials.
First, the harder the material, the greater the
pressure you need to apply to the tool. Second,
the harder the material, the slower the speed
should be. If the hole to be drilled is fairly large,
drill a smaller hole first, and then enlarge to the
required size with a larger bit; it's often faster in
the long run.
Fig. 16
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