What part of the drill press is used for raising and lowering the spindle and chuck?

The feed lever is the component of the drill press that allows the operator to raise and lower the spindle and chuck. This lever is directly connected to the mechanism that controls the vertical movement of the drill bit. When the feed lever is pushed or pulled, it engages the spindle movement, allowing precise control over the depth at which the drill bit penetrates the workpiece.

In the context of a drill press, proper handling of the feed lever is crucial for achieving accurate drilling and maintaining safety during operation. It enables the user to adjust the drill bit's position relative to the work material efficiently.