RESOURCES

The standard for stainless steel and alloy drilling. Chlorinated/sulfurized formula creates an extreme-pressure boundary layer at the cutting zone — reduces work hardening and edge buildup better than general-purpose oils. We keep a can on every bench.

A heavy-duty sulfurized cutting oil that performs well across steel, stainless, aluminum, and cast iron (except dry cast iron). The applicator brush tip makes it easy to apply directly to the bit before entry. Good bench staple for mixed-material shops.

Lighter-duty than the sulfurized options above, but genuinely useful for aluminum drilling and light steel work. No chlorine smell, cleaner to work with. If you do mostly aluminum and mild steel and want one affordable all-purpose fluid, this covers the basics.

The industry standard for a reason. Accurate to 0.001", reliable zero, and the display is readable under shop lighting. We use these to measure web thickness and lip symmetry when assessing drill condition. Buy once, use for decades.

Useful for checking point angle consistency across larger bits and verifying square setups on the drill press. The scriber and level are bonus. A quality combination square belongs in every toolbox — this one holds its accuracy without costing a fortune.

A properly sized drill press vise is the single best safety upgrade you can make. Wilton's 4" model has solid jaw parallel tracking, enough clamping force for steel, and slots for table mounting. Don't hold round stock by hand — clamp it.

A depth stop on the drill press spindle is standard; a vise stop for consistent X-Y positioning is less common but just as useful in production setups. Reduces repositioning time and improves hole-to-hole consistency when drilling multiple parts.

Anti-fog coating that actually works, wraparound coverage, comfortable enough to wear all shift. Drill chips are fast and small — eye protection is non-negotiable. These are the ones people actually keep wearing instead of hanging on the machine and forgetting.

26 dB NRR. Cushioned cups, adjustable headband, folds flat for storage. If you're running a drill press for more than an hour at a stretch, your hearing is worth protecting. Foam earplugs work too, but earmuffs are easier to use consistently.

The definitive machining reference. Speeds and feeds, tolerances, drill sizes, thread forms, material properties — it's all here, authoritatively. If you work in metal, this book belongs within arm's reach of your machine. Get the toolbox edition for the shop; it's built to take abuse.

A laminated quick-reference card covering HSS and carbide speeds/feeds by material is cheap, handy, and saves you from having to flip through the Handbook every time. Keep one on the drill press. Several manufacturers make good versions — search "drill speed feed chart laminated."

Standing on concrete for a full shift adds up. A quality anti-fatigue mat reduces leg and back fatigue significantly — the contoured surface encourages subtle weight shifting that flat mats don't. It's not a tool, but it keeps you sharper at the end of the day.