What is the purpose of a drill press in machining?

The purpose of a drill press in machining is to precisely drill holes in various materials. Drill presses are designed for accuracy and stability, allowing for consistent hole placement and depth. Unlike handheld drills, a drill press is secured on a workbench, which enables better control over the drilling process. This precision is crucial in many machining applications, where exact measurements and angles are necessary for tasks such as assembling components or creating parts that must fit together tightly.

In contrast, the other options describe processes that do not align with the primary function of a drill press. Cutting threads typically requires a tap or a threading machine, shaping metal is usually done with tools like lathes or mills, and polishing surfaces is accomplished through different techniques and tools specifically designed for finishing work. Each of these processes serves unique purposes within machining, but they do not represent the core function of a drill press.