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RACK AND PINION - DRILLING MACHINE
V. Ryan © 2002 - 2017
 

Below is an example of a rack and pinion as seen in the school workshop and machine shops throughout the world.

As the handle is turned the table moves up and down the central pillar of the drill. This makes it easy to move the table and takes the minimum  of effort.
 
 
 
 
This is a simple but interesting application of a rack and pinion mechanism. The less well designed machine drills do not have this and consequently brute force is needed to move the table up and down. Often this is difficult and requires some strength. The rack and pinion reduces the force needed to move the table and most importantly protects the machine operator and his/her back from excessive strain.
 
 

Above is one of the less well designed machine drills. The table on these machines can weigh a significant amount and if they are used often by the same operator damage to the back can occur.

A well designed mechanism such as the rack and pinion saves effort and time. Sometimes it is a good idea to invest in a slightly more expensive piece of machinery especially as health and safety is very important.
 
 
 
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