Which operation is NOT typically performed on a drill press?

A drill press is primarily designed for drilling holes in various materials using a rotating drill bit. While it can also perform tapping, which involves creating threads inside a pre-drilled hole, and reaming, which is used to improve the accuracy and finish of holes, it is not designed for milling operations. Milling involves removing material from a workpiece using a rotating cutter, which requires a different setup and motion than what a drill press provides.

The reason milling is not typically performed on a drill press is that a drill press operates in a linear motion primarily focused on vertical movements, while milling machines employ a horizontal and vertical cutting action that allows for more complex shapes and features. Therefore, while some might attempt basic milling operations on a drill press, it lacks the necessary functionality, attachments, and rigidity to perform those tasks effectively.