Which hole-making operations can a drill press perform besides drilling?

Although a drill press is primarily used for drilling holes, it is a versatile machine tool capable of performing several other hole-machining operations using various cutting tools.12

Beyond drilling, a drill press can perform the following operations:

• Boring: Used for enlarging existing holes.12
• Reaming: Used for finishing holes to accurate dimensions.12
• Counterboring: Creates a flat-bottomed enlargement at the mouth of a hole, often to provide a seat for a bolt head or nut.32
• Countersinking: Creates a funnel-shaped enlargement at the outer end of a hole.42
• Tapping: Produces internal threads in a hole with the aid of a special tapping attachment and a tap.152

Additionally, drill presses can be used for spot-facing, which involves machining a surface to provide a flat seat for a fastener.6