What should you do when drilling a hole using a drill press?

When using a drill press, it is essential to always firmly clamp the material being worked on. Clamping the material ensures stability and prevents it from moving during the drilling process. This reduces the risk of accidents, such as the drill bit binding, which can lead to the material spinning or shifting unexpectedly, potentially causing injury or damaging the workpiece. Clamping also helps maintain precision in the drilling process, allowing for consistent and accurate results.

In contrast, relying on one hand to hold the material, drilling without securing it, or depending on a colleague to hold it introduces significant safety hazards and compromises control over the drill and material. Properly securing the material with clamps is a best practice in machining and machining safety, reinforcing the importance of stable work conditions.