4. Preparation and Adjustment

Index


WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury, turn unit off and disconnect machine from power source before installing and removing accessories, before adjusting or changing set- ups or when making repairs. Be sure all switches are in the OFF position. An accidental start-up can cause injury. 



Fitting the feed handles

Magnet drills are typically supplied with feed handles used to control the height of the cutter during operation.
Depending on the style, orientation and model of the product, the handles can vary in type.
Some may screw in, others may clip on.

For model specific guidance consult the relevant product user manual.

For the VersaDrive range of magnet drills, handles are attached as below:

Take the feed handle (x 3), and screw each one in turn into the pinion shaft.
Ensure the handles are fully secure before use.

madnet drilling handle fitting assembly

To remove the handles, reverse this process



Removing or repositioning the feed handle

On some magnet drills it is possible to remove the feed handles entirely. Typically this allows for the reversal of the handle position so the drill can be used from the opposite side.


IMPORTANT: Where feed handles are repositioned, the operator must have good access to the controls at ALL times.


An example of how to remove the feed handle for the VersaDrive V35 magnet drill can be found below. This process may differ between brands and models so please consult the relevant user manual for model specific instructions.

removing magnet drill feed handle

To remove the feed handle:

First lower the slide until it is at its lower most position.
Unscrew the M5 CSK screw (item 1) and remove the pinion shaft retainer (item 2).
The pinion shaft and feed handle assembly (item 3) can now be withdrawn.


Repositioning the feed handle

For machines where it is possible to position the feed handle on either side of the unit, follow the process above to remove it, reposition on the opposite side and reverse the procedure above to secure back in place.

repositioning magnet drill handles

IMPORTANT: Where feed handles are repositioned, the operator must have good access to the controls at ALL times.

NOTE: Not all magnet drills feature repositionable handles - model specific guidance must be followed in all circumstances.



Mounting a Magnet Drill guard

The drill guard protects against ejection of sharp and/or hot chippings, it also protects against accidental contact with rotating parts and must always ALWAYS be mounted during operation.

Drill guards can be fixed or movable and mounting instructions will depend upon the style of guard and machine in use.


Mounting a Fixed Magnet Drill guard

Below is an example of how to fit a fixed magnet drill guard based on the VersaDrive V35 magnet drill.


  • 1) Slide the drill guard (2) up to the magnet and align the fixing holes with the slots.
  • 2) Fit the 5mm socket cap screw (1) with a 5mm spring washer (2) and nylon washer (3) each side.
  • 3) Tighten the 5mm socket cap screws until the guard is secure.
  • 4) Removal is a reverse of the above.
fitting a fixed magnet drill guard

Mounting a Movable Magnet Drill guard

Below is an example of how to fit a movable magnet drill guard based on the VersaDrive V60 magnet drill.


  • 1) Ensure the drill mounting bracket (1) is attached to the motor lower support and is secure.
  • 2) Slide the drill guard (2) up to the bracket.
  • 3) Fit the 6mm shoulder screw (4) with a nylon washer (3) between it and the face of the guard.
  • 4) Fit M6 thumbwheel (5) with an M6 spring washer (6) and nylon washer to the guard face.
  • 5) Tighten the shoulder screw and then adjust the thumbwheel to allow the guard to just slide.
  • 6) The guard can be locked in position at any time using the thumbwheel.
fitting a movable magnet drill guard


Fitting a magnet drill coolant system

Description: A magnet drill coolant system delivers lubricating cutting fluid that helps reduce heat build up during operation and prolong the life of tools.

Different types of coolant system are available with different models of magnet drill. Fitting and operation instructions will vary from model to model. Below is an example based on the VersaDrive V60T magnet drill from Holemaker Technology.


The coolant system consists of:

  • 1. Coolant bottle
  • 2. Flow adjustment tap
  • 3. Coolant tube
  • 4. MT2 Arbor with integral coolant collar
  • 5. Stay Bar

The coolant system has a cutter holder (4) with an integral collar which allows coolant to be fed down through the centre of the cutter whilst rotating.
The collar is prevented from rotating by the stay bar (5).
Coolant is stored in the coolant bottle (1), the flow is regulated by the tap (2) and fed to the cutter holder collar by means of a flexible tube (3).
The coolant bottle is attached to the main stand by means of a bracket.


Fitting: Fit the coolant arbor by engaging the morse taper of the arbor into the drill units morse taper socket.
The stay bar must be aligned to fit into one of the two slots in the motor support bracket. See image below.

The coolant bottle and tap assembly has a mounting bracket which is slotted to allow easy removal.
To fit the bottle, place the bracket over the 2x shoulder bolts then slide down to lock in place. See image below.

Fit the coolant tube to both the coolant bottle and the cutter holder.

To regulate the flow of coolant, rotate the tap at the bottom of the coolant bottle



Fitting a magnet drill safety strap

Use of the safety strap reduces the risk of personal injury if for some reason there is a loss of magnetic adhesion and the magnet comes loose from the workpiece (such as loss of power supply).
The purpose of the safety strap is to prevent the machine from falling or spinning should there be a loss of magnetic adhesion.

The safety strap should always be used during operation.

The safety strap should NOT be used as an alternative method of clamping to the magnet.

Image above shows an example of how to fit a safety strap based on the VersaDrive V60T magnet drill.

  • Position the machine on the item to be drilled and switch on the magnet.
  • Feed the free end of the strap through the strap slot on the machine and around the workpiece.
  • Fit the free end through the cam buckle.
  • Pull on the free end to tighten the strap.
  • MAKE SURE the safety strap is securely fitted BEFORE using the drill.


Prior to using a magnet drill

Please make sure that the contacting surface for the magnet is level, clean and rust-free.

Remove any varnish or primer. When working on materials that are not magnetizable, suitable fixation devices are obtainable as accessories from HMT, e.g. suction plate, vacuum plate or pipe-drilling clamp.

When working on steel materials with a material thickness of less than 5 mm, the work piece must be reinforced with an additional steel plate in order to guarantee the magnetic holding power.

 

Check the machine for possible damage before using the machine, you must carefully check protective devices or slightly damaged components to ensure they are operating perfectly and as intended.

Check that moving parts are in perfect working order and do not jam and check whether parts are damaged. All parts must be correctly installed and fulfil all conditions necessary to ensure perfect operation of the machine.

Damaged protective devices and parts must be repaired or replaced according to manufacturer specifications.

 

DO NOT use under wet conditions or in presence of flammable liquids or gases.
This magnetic drilling machine is a professional power tool.

 

DO NOT let children near the machine.
Supervision is required when inexperienced operators use this machine.

 

ELECTRICAL SAFETY


Magnet drill electric motors are typically designed for one voltage only.
Always check that the power supply corresponds to the voltage on the rating plate.

 

Make sure to check the Class of the magnet drill you are using to establish the type of grounding required.
VersaDrive V series magnet drills are Class 1 (grounded) machines according to BS EN 62841-1. Earthing connection is required.

 

If the supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by a specially prepared cord. For Holemaker technology machines these are available through the HMT service organization, otherwise contact your machines manufacturer.

 

EXTENSION CABLE

If an extension cable is required, use an approved cable suitable for the power input of your tool (see technical data). When using a cable reel, always unwind the cable completely.

 

  • Try a few simple projects using scrap material until you develop a 'feel' for the machine
  • Let the machine run in for a period of 8-10 hours before starting with big operations.
    DO NOT LOAD THE MACHINE TOO MUCH DURING RUN-IN PERIOD
  • Keep the machine clear from moisture at all times to protect the machine, yourself and others

NEVER use the machine in serious overload



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