A drill press is likely one of the first tools in your shop. They’re dumb simple, but that’s their beauty: They drill a hole straight down. That simplicity allows for tons of customization, like fences and other accessories, and applications, like joinery and even light turning. If you want to get the most from this workhorse, scroll down to see a collection of excellent jigs and methods that will benefit nearly any shop.

Get More From Your Drill Press by Roland Johnson

Traditionally a machinist’s tool, the drill press has evolved into a valuable piece of woodworking equipment. But in order to get the most from this machine, some refinements are needed. Contributing editor Roland Johnson gives step-by-step instructions for basic troubleshooting on the drill press, plus designs for simple jigs and tricks that help you to support and stabilize large and small workpieces in precise, repeatable positions. Central to this article is Johnson’s simple, shopmade auxiliary table, and advice on an essential set of bits for woodworking.

Easy Drill-Press Fence by David M. Grosz

This quick-to-make drill-press fence is a big improvement over the clumsy strip of wood and two clamps that most of us use.

Sanding on the Drill Press by Michael Fortune

Aftermarket sanding drums that you use in a drill press come in handy for sanding curves. But as Michael Fortune discovered, they come in a limited range of sizes and grits. Fortune makes his own drums out of plywood disks and cloth-backed sandpaper, and uses them to smooth curves of all sizes. Learn how he makes them and what handy uses he has found for them in his shop.

Drill-press Table Has Built-in Work Supports by Kamran Firooz

Whenever you drill a long piece that extends beyond your drill-press table, it can be a struggle to hold the piece down safely. This shopmade table solves this problem effectively and economically.

Drill Press Tips and Tricks by Michael Fortune

Get the most out of your drill press with expert advice from Michael Fortune. From proper setup to inventive jigs, this longtime professional furniture maker knows how to turn this boring tool into a shop staple. Find tips on making an auxiliary table, supporting large workpieces, bringing the work closer to your eyes for greater accuracy, using stop blocks, holding work securely for drilling end grain and small workpieces, cutting circles, and more. You’ll also learn the value of using your drill press as a sander.

Free Plan: Drill Press Shelf by Bruce Melton

This shelf, made from 3/4-in.-thick Baltic-birch plywood, keeps bits and other accessories for the drill press close by and prevents them from rolling off onto the floor.

Hand-Screw Vise Holds Odd Pieces on Drill Press by Bill Peck

A 110° notch in each jaw adds a ton of versatility to these time-tested clamps.

Video: How to Turn Pulls Without a Lathe by Christian Becksvoort

You can make authentic looking Shaker knobs without a lathe. All it takes is a drill press, a tenon cutter, and a few rasps and files. The process is simple and surprisingly quick. Christian Becksvoort starts with square blanks, uses a tenon cutter to make the tenon, and then “turns” the knob with the tenon inserted in the drill-press chuck. Now you no longer have to settle for manufactured Shaker knobs, even if your shop is not equipped with a lathe.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

DeWalt 735X Planer

At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.

Buy at Amazon

Rockler Dust Right 1250 CFM

You’ll need help to get this heavy unit onto its bracket, but if you’re looking for a central dust collector that won’t gobble floor space, this may be the unit for you.

Buy at Rockler

Makita LS1219L Miter Saw

This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.

Buy at Amazon