Here’s a simple method for drilling accurately through irregular workpieces, or for drilling tricky compound angles and having the hole exit where you want it. First clamp a board to the drill-press table and drill the board to match a dowel on hand. Point a short length of dowel and insert it in the hole. Now mark the workpiece for the entry and exit holes, and center-punch the marks. Make the exit punch fairly deep. Place the workpiece’s exit punch on the dowel point and drill on the opposite punch mark.

George Kasdorf, Ft. Wayne, Ind.

Fine Woodworking Magazine, August 1983 No. 41

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Woodriver Circle Cutting Jig

The WoodRiver circle jig, which produces cuts up to 32-1/2 in. dia., and I can confidently recommend it. Unlike similar jigs that can pop off of their pivots mid-cut, ruining a panel in the process, this one has a robust pivot point that registers securely in the jig and workpiece.

Buy at Amazon

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon