Delta ShopMaster DP350

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Summary

Safety Information

Safety Guidelines and Definitions

Defines safety symbols and general safety rules for the drill press.

Additional Drill Press Safety Rules

Specific safety precautions for operating the drill press.

Power and Setup

Power Connections and Grounding

Guidelines for electrical hookup, extension cords, and proper grounding.

Motor Specifications

Details on the machine's motor voltage and frequency requirements.

Assembly and Mounting

Assembly Instructions

Step-by-step guide for assembling the drill press unit.

Securing to Supporting Surface

Instructions for safely mounting the drill press to a stable surface.

Operation and Adjustments

Operating Controls and Adjustments

Covers power switch, table, lamp, speed, depth, and quill adjustments.

Drill Bit Management and Techniques

Installing/removing bits, correct speeds, and drilling methods.

Maintenance

Lubrication

Procedures for oiling the variable speed pulleys.

Accessories and Support

Accessories and Service Assistance

Information on available accessories and obtaining parts or service.

Warranty Information

Details of the product's limited warranty coverage.

Service Center Locations

Porter-Cable • Delta Service Centers

Lists of authorized service centers in the US.

Canadian Service Centers

Lists of authorized service centers in Canada.

Summary

Safety Information

Safety Guidelines and Definitions

Defines safety symbols and general safety rules for the drill press.

Additional Drill Press Safety Rules

Specific safety precautions for operating the drill press.

Power and Setup

Power Connections and Grounding

Guidelines for electrical hookup, extension cords, and proper grounding.

Motor Specifications

Details on the machine's motor voltage and frequency requirements.

Assembly and Mounting

Assembly Instructions

Step-by-step guide for assembling the drill press unit.

Securing to Supporting Surface

Instructions for safely mounting the drill press to a stable surface.

Operation and Adjustments

Operating Controls and Adjustments

Covers power switch, table, lamp, speed, depth, and quill adjustments.

Drill Bit Management and Techniques

Installing/removing bits, correct speeds, and drilling methods.

Maintenance

Lubrication

Procedures for oiling the variable speed pulleys.

Accessories and Support

Accessories and Service Assistance

Information on available accessories and obtaining parts or service.

Warranty Information

Details of the product's limited warranty coverage.

Service Center Locations

Porter-Cable • Delta Service Centers

Lists of authorized service centers in the US.

Canadian Service Centers

Lists of authorized service centers in Canada.

The Delta ShopMaster Model DP350 is a 12-inch variable speed bench drill press, designed for precision drilling and various woodworking tasks. This versatile tool is equipped with a flexible work lamp, enhancing visibility during operation. One of its key features is the variable speed control, which allows the operator to quickly and easily adjust drill speeds without the need to remove the cover or manually adjust belts. This convenience makes the DP350 a valuable addition to any workshop, catering to a wide range of materials and drilling requirements.

Function Description

The primary function of the Delta ShopMaster Model DP350 is to drill holes in various materials, including wood and metal, with precision and control. It operates by rotating a drill bit or other cutting tool at a user-selected speed, allowing the operator to feed the tool into a workpiece to create holes of desired depths and diameters. The variable speed control, ranging from 500 rpm to 3100 rpm, enables optimal performance for different applications and materials.

The drill press head and motor assembly are mounted on a sturdy column, which is secured to a base. A table, adjustable in height and angle, supports the workpiece during drilling. The quill mechanism, controlled by pinion shaft handles, allows for the vertical movement of the spindle and attached drill bit. This controlled movement is crucial for achieving accurate hole depths and consistent results across multiple workpieces.

For repetitive drilling tasks requiring exact depths, the drill press features a depth stop mechanism. This mechanism includes a threaded stop rod and stop nut, which can be set to limit the downward travel of the quill, ensuring that all holes are drilled to the same precise depth. The spindle return spring automatically retracts the spindle to its uppermost position when the handle is released, promoting efficient and safe operation.

The flexible work lamp, with an independent ON/OFF switch, illuminates the work area, improving visibility and accuracy, especially in dimly lit environments. This feature is particularly useful for intricate work or when working with materials that require close attention to detail.

Usage Features

The Delta ShopMaster Model DP350 offers several user-friendly features that enhance its versatility and ease of use:

Variable Speed Control: The speed control handles allow for seamless adjustment of the drill speed. Turning the handles clockwise increases speed, while turning them counterclockwise decreases it. This eliminates the need for manual belt changes, saving time and effort. It is crucial to only adjust the speed when the motor is running to prevent damage to the drive belts and pulleys.
Table Adjustments: The drill press table can be easily raised or lowered on the column by loosening a table clamp and turning a raising and lowering handle. This allows for accommodating workpieces of different heights. The table can also be rotated 360 degrees around the column, providing flexibility for positioning the workpiece. Furthermore, the table can be tilted right or left, enabling angled drilling. A table alignment pin ensures that the table can be accurately returned to a 90-degree position relative to the spindle. A tilt scale with a witness line and zero mark aids in setting precise angles.
Quill Adjustments: The quill, which houses the spindle, can be locked at any desired point in its travel using a quill locking lever. This is useful for maintaining a specific drilling depth or for certain sanding operations. The quill locking lever is spring-loaded and can be repositioned for optimal ergonomic comfort.
Depth Stop Mechanism: For drilling multiple holes to the same depth, the adjustable stop nut on the threaded stop rod provides a reliable solution. The operator can lower the chuck to the desired depth, lock the quill, and then adjust the stop nut to contact the stop, ensuring consistent depth for subsequent holes.
Chuck and Drill Bit Installation: The chuck is designed to securely hold drill bits and other accessories with shanks of 1/2 inch or less. Proper installation involves ensuring the spindle taper and chuck hole are clean, opening the chuck jaws, and then tapping the chuck onto the spindle taper with a soft-tip hammer or block of wood. The chuck key, equipped with a self-ejecting pin, is used to tighten the chuck jaws around the drill bit, minimizing the risk of the key being left in the chuck during operation.
Workpiece Security: It is imperative to always secure the workpiece firmly against the table using clamps or a vise, especially when drilling metal or long pieces of wood. For long workpieces, positioning one end against the column prevents rotation, which could cause damage to the workpiece or injury to the operator.
Safety Switch: The power switch is located at the front of the drill press head, with a green button for "ON" and a red button for "OFF." For enhanced safety and to prevent unauthorized use, the switch can be locked in the "OFF" position with a padlock.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity and optimal performance of the Delta ShopMaster Model DP350.

Cleaning: After unpacking, it is important to remove the protective coating from all unpainted surfaces using a soft cloth moistened with kerosene. Acetone, gasoline, or lacquer thinner should not be used for this purpose. After cleaning, applying a good quality household floor paste wax to the unpainted surfaces helps protect them. The work area and table should be cleaned of debris before and after each use, and especially before leaving the tool unattended.
Lubrication: The variable speed pulleys require weekly lubrication with a few drops of light machine oil. The oil holes are located on top of the pulleys. It is crucial to perform this lubrication when the drill press is turned OFF. After oiling, the machine should be turned ON and run through its low and high speed ranges a few times to distribute the oil effectively.
Cord Inspection: The power cord should be inspected regularly for any damage or wear. Damaged or worn cords should be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent electrical hazards.
General Inspection: Before each use, the machine should be checked for any damaged parts, especially guards. Moving parts should be checked for proper alignment and any signs of binding or breakage. Any issues should be addressed before operating the tool.
Spindle Taper and Chuck Cleaning: To ensure a secure fit for the chuck, the spindle taper and the tapered hole in the chuck must be kept clean and free of grease, lacquer, or rust preventive coatings. Household oven cleaner can be used to effectively remove such substances, but the manufacturer's safety rules for its use must be carefully followed.

Adhering to these usage and maintenance guidelines will help ensure safe, efficient, and long-lasting operation of the Delta ShopMaster Model DP350.