An apparatus and method are disclosed for efficiently lubricating printed circuit boards (16) which are being machined. A vacuum system (50) and a lubrication system (70) are employed on a drilling machine (10) having a spindle assembly (12) and an independently-movable pressure foot (26) wherein the vacuum system (50) and lubrication system (70) are each in fluid communication with a working area (42) defined by the interior of the pressure foot (26). A method for using the vacuum system (50) and the lubrication system (70) includes directing the pressure foot (26) against the workpieces (16) to create a fluid seal, creating a vacuum within the interior of the pressure foot (26), supplying lubricant (78) to the hole being drilled so that lubricant (78) accumulates only within the working area (42) and, finally, releasing the pressure foot (26) from engagement with the workpieces (16) to permit a flow of air into the interior of the pressure foot (26) thereby permitting used lubricant (90) and chips (92) to be evacuated through an exhaust conduit (54) and into a waste receptacle (56).