Fig. 6 shows a pillar drill being used to drill a hole in a piece of aluminium. The machine is commonly found in school and industrial workshops. It is used...

(a) Name the parts of the pillar drill labelled A and B [2]

1. A - Depth stop / depth gauge [1]. This is set to limit how far the drill bit can travel downward, ensuring all holes are drilled to a consistent and accurate depth.
2. B - Chuck / drill chuck [1]. This is the three-jawed clamp that holds the drill bit securely in place. It is tightened using a chuck key.

(b) State why a centre punch mark should be made on the aluminium before drilling [1]

A centre punch creates a small indentation in the surface of the aluminium. This prevents the drill bit from wandering (sliding across the smooth metal surface) when it first makes contact, ensuring the hole is drilled in exactly the correct position [1].

(c) Give two safety precautions that should be taken when using a pillar drill [2]

Any two from the following, each worth [1]:

• Wear safety goggles / eye protection to shield eyes from flying metal swarf and chips.
• Tie back long hair to prevent it being caught in the rotating chuck or drill bit.
• Do not wear loose clothing (ties, dangling sleeves, jewellery) as these can become entangled in the moving parts.
• Clamp the workpiece securely to the table using a machine vice or clamps, rather than holding it by hand, as the drill can snag and spin the workpiece violently.
• Use the guard (transparent safety guard) to provide a barrier between the operator and the rotating drill bit.