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Hey everyone,

So I have made a habit of trying to build a jig or fixture to accompany every project/commission that I do. I figure this way, I can slowly build up my arsenal with jigs that I need and will make use of. The current commission in my shop is going to require some very precise hole drilling, so I figured this might be the perfect time to build that drill press table that I have wished I had so many times before, so off I went.

Some drill press tables out there get pretty wacky, but I was trying to keep this relatively simple and base it off of stumpynubs' simpler version of a drill press table. It is basically a box made of 1/2" birch ply (first time to work with it and I enjoyed it a lot) and walnut joists, for lack of a better term. The top is double layer ply, so it totals 1" thick. It came out perfectly square to the chuck, so no shimming or adjusting necessary. There is a space between the top layer and bottom layer about 2 1/2" where I will keep my drill bits. The bottom layer is just 1/2 ply with a notch in the back to allow for the crank to move the table up and down (see picture 3). There are two 3/4" t-tracks to hold both clamps and a fence. The fence is just a jointed piece of cherry about 1 1/2" thick by 2 1/2" tall. It all works smoothly and was simple and not stressful to make (unlike crosscut sleds). Took about 6 hours in all. I will be using this thing for a long time.

Hope you enjoy!!!

Go make some sawdust!!!

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Comments

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626 Posts
Simple is usually the best. Very nice. I built one for my D/P. They're great. Enjoy.
 

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756 Posts
I like simple. That top is good for 90%. You can always build a few jigs to set on that table for the other 10%. I kind of view it like this. The more things something does, the less good it does each thing.

Nice build!
 

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158 Posts
Brilliant in its simplicity. Great build and project. It's perfect.

I added it as a favorite.
 

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861 Posts
Nice top. Like the handy storage. I think I'll copy your idea.
 

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64 Posts
but won't through holes make a Swiss cheese of the new top?
Just askin' cuz I've replace the insert I built into mine a number of times over the years.
 

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1,088 Posts
Eldercop, I am planning one making a cut out for replaceable inserts at some point, but I'll probably wait until I need it.
 
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