Wild_Bill wrote:
Collets aren't very useful in a drill press spindle. The taper in the
spindle is meant to accept drills with tapers on the shanks, or
arbors to mount chucks.

When you spot deals on drills with morse taper shanks, buy them for
drill press and lathe use. Many made in the USA by quality makers
will probably never completely wear out in your lifetime.

A 5/8" chuck will probably take care of most of your needs for
drilling, except for very small drills.

You might want to get a couple of Morse-to-Jacobs taper arbors (with
tangs, for removal) in the event you might need to use a very small
chuck in the future.

Twist drills aren't supposed to slip in chucks, ever. Tightening the
drill chuck in all 3 positions should eliminate any slippage.. if
not, the chuck is probably defective or just poorly made, time to get
a good quality chuck. Cleaning and lubrication may help, but a
quality chuck in good condition should give the best performance and
least amount of aggravation.
For large drills that are likely to grab in thin workpieces, 3 flats
can be ground on the shanks with a Dremel or other suitable method.
For large drills that are only used in thin work, the drill points
can be reground with more point angle.

When using old drills that may have burrs on the shanks, always
remove the burrs with a file, just enough to restore the surface.
Badly damaged morse tapers (and arbors) should be avoided unless the
taper can be reground.

Nevermind using water as a lubricant. A reasonably good cutting
lubricant is the best choice. Not only is the drilling going to
provide faster, easier and better results.. your sharp drills will
stay sharp longer. There's not much point in trying to use dull drills,
they'll most
likely just result in damage to the drill press.

Ah, thanks Bill, that is all good to know. I will yield to consensus and
pick up some proper lubricant for drilling adventures.

I never knew about tightening up the chuck in all three places - thanks a
TON for that one!

Jon