Hi.. I just got a drill press and the manual shows how to use the
spindle lock, inserting a bolt into a threaded hole, but what is it
supposed to lock and when are you suppose to use this?

Also is it a common practice to use a mallet to install the chuck, I
wasn't sure how far the chuck should go into the tapered arbor, but I
was afraid the hammering might increase the runout of the drill.
Nothing is slipping so seems to be working for now.