Drill press burning or splintering the wood

What you see

1. The wood splinters around the hole on the underside, where the bit breaks through.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. The bit smokes or leaves the hole scorched.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

Likely causes

Most-agreed first: the more makers name a cause, the higher it sits.

1. Splintering: nothing backing the underside of the work as the bit comes through.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. Burning: the wrong speed for the bit and the wood.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

3. Burning: chips packing the hole.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

4. Burning: a dull bit.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

5. Burning: feeding too slowly.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

What to change

Change one thing at a time, so you know which change fixed it.

1. Put a scrap board under the workpiece.

   3 sources agree , sources [1, 2, 3]

2. Set the speed for the bit and the wood from a speed chart.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

3. Back the bit out often to clear the chips.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

4. Sharpen or replace the bit.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]

5. Feed steadily and firmly enough that the bit keeps cutting.

   Two sources: JET (JPW Industries) and WEN Products , sources [2, 3]