What is a common hazard of not properly securing stock on a drill press?

Failing to properly secure stock on a drill press can lead to significant safety concerns for the operator, making potential injury a prominent hazard. When the workpiece is not adequately clamped or held in place, it is susceptible to movement during the drilling process. This movement could cause the stock to suddenly shift, resulting in the operator losing control of the drill or encountering the rotating drill bit unexpectedly. Such scenarios can lead to serious injuries, such as cuts or even more severe accidents.

While inaccurate cuts can occur if the stock shifts, the immediate and serious risk associated with unsecured stock is safety-related. Wear on the drill bit may happen over time due to multiple factors but is not an immediate concern of improper stock securing. Similarly, while increasing cutting speed can improve efficiency, it does not address the pressing danger of an unsecured workpiece, which is the primary risk in this scenario.