Super-Simple Drill-Press Table and Fence
Easy to build from scraps, this fence and table setup increases accuracy and adjusts without tools.
A fence and stop block come in handy when drilling identically placed holes in multiple pieces and securing your work safely. This simple drill-press fence works great. It’s made from cheap supplies—scrap stock, a few basic nuts and bolts, and a clamp. The best part is it can be adjusted without tools.
To start, make an oversize table from 3/4-in.-thick plywood and mount it to the steel drill-press table with carriage bolts and wingnuts, recessing the bolt heads in the table. Make the T-slot fence from two halves. Cut a rabbet and slot in each half on the tablesaw, then glue the halves together. Drill a pivot hole through one end of the fence and fasten it to one side of the table with a 1/4-in.-dia. carriage bolt and a wingnut.
The sliding stop-block’s tongue is sized to fit in the fence’s T-slot, and tightens against the fence with a toilet bolt (available in the plumbing department of home centers) and a wingnut. It is also quick and easy to remove when you need to use the fence’s full length.
To use the fence, pivot it to the desired distance from the drill bit and secure it with a C-clamp. Then, if needed, slide the stop block into position and tighten the wingnut.
Jim Richey
Jim Richey
John Cusimano, Lansdale, PA
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