Drill presses can be used to bore holes in a variety of materials, provided it has enough power, and the correct method is used: Wood: Wood is perhaps the simplest material to drill. A good drill press can handle everything from soft woods like pine, to hard woods like maple. Be sure to use a wood boring drill. Plastic: When drilling plastic, use a lower speed than you would for other materials. This will ensure the material does not splinter or melt. Metal: To drill steel, speeds of around 500 RPM are ideal. It’s also a good idea to lubricate the drillbit with oil, to prevent over heating. Whatever material you’re drilling, be sure to wear adequate eye protection to prevent debris from entering your eye.