Potential
Problem

Possible Cause

Remedy

Drill Chuck hard
to adjust

Chuck is sticking

Chuck is corroded

Internal gears are broken

Apply graphite

Replace chuck

Replace chuck

Chuck wobbles

Chuck loose on spindle

Defective chuck

Tighten chuck setscrew

Replace chuck

Bit wanders,
resulting in
off-center hole

Bit dull

Bit loose in chuck

Bit not aligned

Nylon drive is worn

Bit bent

Chuck loose on spindle

Main spindle bent
 

Quill bearing worn

Sharpen bit

Tighten Chuck jaws

Align bit

Replace nylon drive

Replace bit

Tighten chuck setscrew

Replace sindle
(factory job)

Replace quill bearing
(factory job)

Entrance of hole
is ragged

Bit dull

Wrong type of bit

Sharpen bit

Switch to proper type of bit for the job

Exit of hole
is ragged

Workpiece is not properly backed-up during drilling

Bit dull

Wrong type of bit

Use scrap block back-up
 

Sharpen bit

Switch to proper type of bit for the job.

Hole sides
are ragged

Bit dull

Wrong type of bit

Sharpen bit

Switch to proper type of bit for the job.

Hole too big

Wrong size bit

Stock notsceured during
drilling

Bit bent

Main spindle bent

Change to correct size bit

Clamp stock into position defore drilling

Replace bit

Replace main spindle
factory job)

Hole too deep
or too shallow

Depth stop control
improperlyset

Depth stop control not properly locked

Depth stop control broken
 

Rip fence or miter gauge back-up slipped during drilling

Chuck loose on spindle

Carriage, table or headstock not locked

Set depth stop control
properly

Tighten the depth stop control handle

Replace depth stop control mechanism

Secure rip fence and/or miter gauge and try again

Tighten chuck setscrew

Lock carriage, table and/or headstock in position