10 clever things to do with a drill press

[@StumpyNubs]

▼EXPAND THIS SECTION FOR MORE RESOURCES RELATED TO THIS VIDEO▼ *Links promised in this video:* -Drill Size Gauge: amzn.to/3mRlYFV -Video about drill press dovetails: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYfHZGWjm6-Ji68 -Video about drill press mortises: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4vToXV_fd-LsLc -Weekend Woodworking Tips Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL-gT7JMZFYjdEek80MaL5UC2mPvY0jNiK -Check out our project plans: stumpynubs.com/product-category/plans/ -Instagram: instagram.com/stumpynubs/ ★THIS VIDEO WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY★ Fisch Forstner Bits: amzn.to/2tvzbJg Fisch Drill Bits: amzn.to/2BHJLl4 *Please help support us by using the link above for a quick look around!* (If you use one of these affiliate links, we may receive a small commission) ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE CHEAP TOOLS★ -123 Blocks: lddy.no/vpij -Mechanical Pencils: amzn.to/2PA7bwK -Lumber pencil: amzn.to/2QtwZjv -Pocket Measuring Tape: amzn.to/2kNTlI9 -Irwin Drill Bit Gauge: amzn.to/2AwTkQg -Nut/Bolt/Screw Gauge: amzn.to/2CuvxSK -Self-Centering Punch: amzn.to/2QvbcrC -Self-Centering Bits: amzn.to/2xs71UW -Angle Cube: lddy.no/10nam -Steel Ruler: lddy.no/10mv7 -Utility knife: amzn.to/3nfhIiv -Center-Finding Ruler: lddy.no/10nak -Bit & Blade Cleaner: amzn.to/2TfvEOI -Digital depth gauge: amzn.to/3mwRf2x -Wood Glue: amzn.to/3mqek6M -Spade Bits: amzn.to/3j8XPtD ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE HAND TOOLS★ -Digital Caliper: amzn.to/384H1Or -Marking Gauge: lddy.no/10muz -Marking knife: lddy.no/10mv0 -Narex Chisels: lddy.no/sqm3 -Stanley Sweetheart Chisels: amzn.to/3y5HDOc -Mini Pull Saw: amzn.to/2UEHBz6 -Gent Saw: lddy.no/ss2x -Coping saw: amzn.to/2W7ZiUS -Shinwa Rulers: lddy.no/zl13 ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE POWER TOOLS★ -Miter Saw: amzn.to/3gqIlQ8 -Jointer: amzn.to/3yc3gfZ -Planer: amzn.to/3mn6BGF -Router: amzn.to/3grD22S -Sander: amzn.to/3DdvD0Y -Cordless drill: amzn.to/3D9ZiIm -Brad nailer: amzn.to/3gsRkjH -Mini Compressor: amzn.to/3mvrmQr -Bladerunner: amzn.to/2Wl0TtJ -Jig Saw: amzn.to/3zetTBY -Scroll Saw: amzn.to/3gq9qDc -Multi-Tool: amzn.to/3muZuMi ★SOME OF MY FAVORITE OTHER TOOLS★ -Drill Bits: amzn.to/3B8Ckzh -Forstner Bits: amzn.to/3kk3wEI -Shop Vacuum: amzn.to/2Wkqnbl -Machine Setup Blocks: amzn.to/3gq7kDh -Counter-Sink Bit: amzn.to/37ZukUo -Featherboard: amzn.to/3DeqHsq -ISOtunes Hearing Protection (Save $10): bit.ly/3BHYdH7 (If you use one of the affiliate links above, we may receive a small commission)

[@johnnybananas751]

I appreciate the fact you kept that video so concise. All too often people want to turn that into a 10 minute plus video to get the double revenue, and I can’t stand that. Thanks for keeping it short, sweet and to the point.

[@StumpyNubs]

There is no "double revenue" rule for a 10 minute video.

[@74beeper97]

That was the most informative 3:23 minutes on KZbin

[@rolandmohler2695]

Amen to needing the speed charts. Not just for Forstner bits but for all bits. Your bits will last longer and you will make better/cleaner holes!!!

[@pawpawstew]

I'm currently using my drill press to show off my extensive dust collection, but that's a whole different story.

[@harrickvharrick3957]

Nonetheless, out of sight, or was it on other moments, at a time or times when those visitors you showed around your shop were NOT around, you must have been doing SOMETHING!

[@hovanti]

I use mine the same way. After this vid, I feel sorry for mine.

[@dougprentice1363]

I was just trying to rig up a dial indicator to check table. Then I see tip using coat hanger. Simple, great idea.

[@turningpoint6643]

The indicator would probably be a bit quicker and gives you a direct measurement of how much your off as you make the adjustments, so it's my preferred method. However you choose to do it it's called tramming the table until it's square to the drill presses spindle. And yes the bent wire also works, but it's easy and cheap to increase it's accuracy. Just use a piece of thin paper between the wire tip and the drill press table. Slightly tug on it at each quadrant of the table and if the paper has the same amount of drag feel left to right and front to back as the wire is rotated around the table your under .001" in accuracy in being square to the spindle. And the thinner the paper is the more accurate this method will be. It's an old machinist trick from back when hand rolled cigarettes were common. I keep a package of those rolling papers with my precision measurement tools.

[@JCWren]

@@turningpoint6643 "I keep a package of those rolling papers with my precision measurement tools." -- Yeah, I've heard that line before :)

[@dougprentice1363]

@@turningpoint6643 thanks for the comment. I'm a tool designer. The work environment of precision hampers me in my hobby wood shop. But I do cringe when people talk about 1/64 being close enough. And people not knowing that .001 is one thou.

[@turningpoint6643]

@@dougprentice1363 I'm far more into metal machining than actual wood working. But yeah I'd certainly agree that carry over from metal precision levels is a hard habit to break. However machining wood with a Bridgeport clone and it locked in a good milling vise along with a dro and power feeds has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. :-)

[@turningpoint6643]

@@JCWren LOL yeah I guess it could be taken that way, but I gave up smoking dope over 30 years ago so those papers really are part of my precision measurement tools. Zig Zag brand in the light blue package are so close to .001" in thickness that's what use as there measurement.

[@PaddyDoc]

Being a fairly novice woodworker, I love these tips clips ✊🙏

[@janeblogs324]

If only there were more genuine videos like this. No fluff, no ads

[@AnttiNannimus1]

Tips, tricks, and hacks--most of these from you are excellent, and I mean that seriously. I've been collecting them all my life, which is going on eight decades now. I think soon I will have enough of them stored up that I will be able to call myself a master woodworker. Thank you, Stumpy-Nubs for contributing throughout my apprentice and journey-man training.

[@darrylportelli]

Amazing as always ... The bent wire trick is gold

[@marcman94]

I've never seen or heard about your channel before this video popped up. Thanks for not making it overly long and complicated.

[@boastagon]

Just picked up a used drill press this past weekend and I've already put it to use, but this video is right on time!

[@rooster700rr]

2:14, When using a clamp, vise or similar to hold something free hand like tip # 8. After clamping the part in the vice, The back end of the vise is often long enough to reach the vertical post on the back of the drill press. Rotate the vise so that it is touch the vertical post. This way, should the drill bit catch and try to rotate the vise, it cant spin because its already touch the vertical post. This prevents the vice from 1) whipping around and smashing the vertical post and damaging the workpiece, vise/clamp and the vertical post and 2)helps prevent the vise from whipping around and either pulling you in or doing a full 360 and smashing your hands.

[@yevrahhipstar3902]

The mini-mill gets you the 'thumbs-up'!

[@steenfraosterbro3268]

I bought a set of Fisch fostner wave cutters 5 years ago. Still works amazing. Best drills I ever had.

[@dapperdave4952]

Hey James thanks for some more GREAT shop tips! I might have one for you...Rather than grabbing the pointy end of the drill from the index, put the pointy end down it will reduce those puncture wounds to your fingers.

[@CrusaderSports250]

My freind who has an engineering workshop keeps his drills that way, first time I saw that, it just makes sense, also you don't hold the hot end when putting it back!!☺.

[@tin-man5687]

DANG-IT! Wish I had known about this channel years ago. Some of these tips would have come in incredibly handy. Definitely gonna keep this vid saved for future projects. Thanks!

[@microstrader]

You should bring this back... great series.

[@anthonym.pacelli1960]

Some of these I figured out purely out of necessity but the first tip with the Z shaped piece of wire to determine table to spindle level is awesome, going to try it today,thanks !

[@robertkovacic4623]

This one is good - I can’t believe how easy this wire tip is ... one of my favorites. And thanks for the speed chart .... it will come in handy even though your imperial system is killing me ...some weird fraction of something of something of something .... But I still like your channel and I follow it regularly ... keep it up;) Greetings from Slovenia!

[@david9783]

I think America should go to Metric...much easier.

[@G58]

Ever since I discovered that it’s the way the rim of Forsner bits drag in the base of the hole being cut that causes them to overheat (to the extent that some woods smoke), I’ve always modified them with two V shaped relief cuts around the rim behind the cutting edge, effectively creating second cutting edges. I also stone the lead cutting edge to a very fine finish. The result is that the bits cut more efficiently and never overheat anymore. Some of the more expensive traditional Forsner bits are actually made this way, but the cheaper ones do not.

[@donny_bahama]

This sounds like a great trick. I’m trying to picture it but I can’t. Could you post a link to an uploaded photo? (Maybe using Imgur or one of the others.)

[@TomiLynch]

Would love to see a picture of that too!

[@notdisclosed]

The forstner bits in a drill press can make a great nibbler for roughing out various contours. Just be sure to have a sacrificial board beneath your work.

[@Jonas_Keunecke]

Yes, can also work great with the depth stop to make notches or recesses with a flat bottom. With the fence I also managed to put a recess into a round piece, have the fence towards you and just draw a straight line across it anywhere on the wood, then you can use that as a reference to keep the holes in line

[@egbluesuede1220]

The drill press should be one of the first tools for any beginning woodworker. You can get a decent one fairly inexpensively new or used. Great tips too!

[@fmh357]

OK, I live in an apartment presently but am looking for a house and shop where I now live. I just discovered your channel and so far your tips have been awesome. Thank you very much.

[@larrystrayer6080]

I pickup great tips on your channel. Great job “Teach”. As a metal sculpture artist my wood working is crude at best and only done when I gotta. I use the drill press to turn crude hammer forms using rasp/ files. Your chisel tip was enlightening. Thanks.

[@artswri]

OK, you got me again James (!) I thought for sure that this time I'd know all the tricks. Wrong again(!!) Never seen the chisel in a vise trick... I've been doing it the hard way using sandpaper (it works, but not as elegant and precise as the chisel). (Someday I'll catch up to you on tips and tricks for at least one tool... But not yet...and please, more, keep them coming! Thanks!!!)

[@kenjenkins7184]

So much great tips in just 3 minutes. Thanks

[@johnedwards785]

Thank for these great tips! I'm never disappointed after watching your videos. You do an excellent job and your tips for wood working are always helpful! Thank you so much!

[@brianakins83]

Love the rapid fire method

[@josephdestaubin7426]

Ironically, the best advice in this video was the commercial at the end. Well done sir.

[@ethangerardot204]

First tip just blew my mind - thank you for this concise tip video!

[@alfredomarquez9777]

JUST WATCHING YOUR FIRST TIP, YOU ALREADY MADE MY DAY!!! : A few years ago I bought a terrible quality Craftsman drill, that came with TWO defects: 1) Way too much free play in the quill assembly, losing all precision as to make it utterly useless. 2) It came with a defective upper pulley that was SO UNBALANCED as to almost shake the entire drill to pieces, due to being cast with a core-shift mould. After wasting my time with the local Sears store here in Mexico, which didn't respect the warranty, I resorted to order a nearby lathe operator to make me a steel sleeve and to reduce the diameter of the quill to remove the freeplay, and also turned the inside of the step-pulley to remove the inner off-center material to return the pulley to a balanced condition, but installing the steel sleeve into the drill cast iron head in perfect perpendicularity was troublesome... until I saw your coat hanger wire tip, that is pure GENIUS!!!! (needless to say, I'll never buy another Craftsman product in my life, and won't recommend any to my friends!)

[@robertbikers9502]

Which model Craftsman drill press? old from the 50's-60's or the 80's-90's?

[@alfredomarquez9777]

@@robertbikers9502 About 2001.

[@philscott7949]

Great paced video with very clear voice. Well done. 🏆

[@Great.Milenko]

all awesome tips, the quick hold-down technique seems like it would be particularly useful for me.

[@EngineerMikeF]

Best video you've done in some time. Fast, useful, and tho I've had a drill press since early 80's, I learned new tricks. I watched it twice!

[@coreygrua3271]

Worth watching two or three times. Smart stuff, as usual. James’ tips make my shop and its woodworker better and better.

[@mikecurtin9831]

Good stuff explained clearly and concisely. Your signature treatment. Thanks much.

[@ClarinoI]

You just explained why I had to buy new Forstner bits a little while ago.

[@sapelesteve]

Really excellent tips SN! Booked marked for later viewing!! 👍👍😉😉

[@mikepearson2136]

Best ever of your 'tips' videos. Many thanks for many thinks

[@elessarstrider5210]

0:35 What if it doesn't? How do you true the table? The Craftsman I use slopes down toward the front. I have looked for years how to true it without adding a second platform. Thought of just using a wide face grinding wheel on the drill, but idk. I know my geometry and structural mechanics, but the drill design doesn't accommodate the required adjustments. My brother returned a Craftsman radial-arm with a similar droopiness. I know, Sears went belly up.

[@Chris.Davies]

Thanks for the helpful tips. I just got some decent Forstner bits, and so I am very happy to get the speed advice. The coat hanger wire tip is a great one.

[@stanleydenning]

#6. Never wear gloves while doing anything with a drill press. I got a glove caught on a drill bit and ended up with a broken finger. I recommend not wearing gloves at all while using any power tool.

[@Storebj0rn]

For this particular use case, though, I use single use nitrile gloves. If I’m using a wire cup to remove rust, stuff flies everywhere. I guess I should actually test that the gloves will tear immeduately when stuck….

[@swcheshier61]

Very good advice! Toolmaker/machinist, metal fabricator and amateur woodworker here. I am also a medic. I have seen numerous injuries caused by gloves worn around rotating tools. Lost fingers, broken hands and arms…

[@theguy9208]

​@@swcheshier61hey there, my dad makes custom furniture and says he knows what can happen if a glove gets caught in spinning parts especially the table saw, but he does it anyway. It bothers the hell out of me and i mention it every other time i see him do it, ive even told him straight its not like hes clumsy but shit happens and i would hate to literally watch my dad cut his own hand off right in front of me, that speech didn't work on him lol. Being so experienced do you have any suggestions for how i can convince him to stop wearing gloves/ a safer alternative for fingertip grip i can tell him about?

[@jillianonthehudson1739]

This was one of your best videos yet!! Never thought of using it as a vertical lathe. Smart!

[@iserod2206]

So overjoyed with #10🤯Now i can do yet another project that I thought i didn't have the proper tool for and had been holding off on DIYing. THANK YOU, and consider me subscribed!

[@kencoleman7762]

Very useful and nicely paced. I also have a Nova Voyager DVR drill press purchased largely because I found changing speed inconvenient and I seldom knew the recommended speed. My Rigid drill press worked well but the Nova Voyager changes speed with a turn of a knob and the computerized display provides an encyclopedia of useful information. I will be able to employ several of your suggestions. Thanks.

[@chrisnash2154]

Now that, was a lightning round! Very useful tips!

[@jamarie1972]

Great tips cheers Hello from across the pond 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@patrickfiles6080]

Excellent--my drill press has become the least-used tool in my shop because I don't really know how to use it. Thanks for these!

[@ParaBellum2024]

Excellent tips, as usual. I bought a drill press and used a straight length of silver steel rod in the chuck, along with a combination square to set the table, but your "zed" (not zee, please!) wire is genius. I agree about the magnetic dishes too. I only own one, but it's a tool that is useful enough to have several. I used it once to check my drive for nails etc., and picked up loads, plus some strange looks from the neighbours!

[@mac243877]

Again stumpy delivers the goods, great tips this is the best woodwork channel on you tube

[@charleselkins4546]

Great tips. Love the hold down idea

[@GlennBrockett]

Thanks for the coat hanger trick. I hadn't thought of that method for squaring up the plate.

[@chrissscottt]

Like the dowel trimming idea. Thanks.

[@iwpsurf]

Awesome tips. Thanks for sharing your knowledge!

[@stitrock8595]

Clever is my new favourite woodworker clickable title word. Nice video

[@kerrygibbs8198]

I love these tips!! I know it’s a great video when I’m disappointed that it’s over too quick. Lol thank you!

[@NomenNescio99]

Most "top 10" videos on youtube these days are just totally dysfunctional click bait stuff. Nice to see that trend broken, there actually were useful and actionable information in this video!

[@Hawthorn-nz]

Jeez man, you crank out the content!!!! Great stuff - regards from New Zealand.

[@jimichan7649]

These were all great tips! Any day that I learn something new is golden. Thanks for making my day.

[@adoreslaurel]

This is an eye opener, Fantastic.

[@sammathis]

Man, that hold-down tip is the real deal.

[@isaacplaysbass8568]

Great tips; another that I like is as a guide for vertical hole tapping: After drilling the hole that needs to be tapped, replace the drill bit with the tap, with the chuck "hand tight" only. Lower the tap down into the hole, then manually turn the tap back and forth. Once the tap is sufficiently seated deep in the hole, release the chuck, and then continue the tapping with a regular tap wrench.

[@MrCoolAttitude]

A drill press is def on my next big tools purchase. It's been stuck in my wish list for so long. I just cannot seem to get straight holes when drilling through long material.

[@username8171]

Look at that tool selection !

[@hovanti]

Right to the point(s), and great information; thank you.

[@gorinator]

Thanks for keeping the video short!

[@robertlangley258]

Excellent video. Thank you Sir.

[@leeisenberg]

Good stuff, Thanks for sharing. - take care from TN.

[@JP-xr9qg]

You motivated me, I'll put a drill press on my holiday wish list!

[@InCountry6970]

Very good tips. I must say, I only knew a few of them, thanks !

[@stevemitchell9520]

Looking at buying a drill press soon, so it's really handy to learn these idea's & many others I'm sure. I'd like to know all it's capabilities & get as much use out of it as possible. Keep up the great tips 👍

[@markodriscoll3660]

Excellent...really really really helpful. Thank you Stumpy

[@sudoDavid]

Wow no clue wearing gloves while using a steel brush could be such a big deal - such a simple oversight tysvm i'll just wear latex or similar

[@StumpyNubs]

Wearing gloves with a drill press is a bad idea, a cup brush just increases the risk.

[@skysurferuk]

A couple of those I hadn't thought of, nice.

[@duncanclews9424]

Thank you for your knowledge and inspiration ! I've made some beautiful furniture thanks to tips from you and Steve Ramsey

[@stevenleonard7219]

I used my drill press with a right angle fence and a 4” hole saw to put a decorative end on my pergola slats.

[@david9783]

Great tips! Salute from S.C.

[@WoodenItBeNice]

Hi James, What a bunch of tricks. The one I will definitely be using is the first one, it's one of those moments, once again, when you think "Why didn't I think of that?" Thanks for all of these. Take care. Cheers, Huw

[@toddperry9860]

Thanks I printed the screen shots for my shop!

[@Gibbydogs]

Wow great tips I can’t wait to try some of them.

[@leonportelance9613]

Really good, easy, handy, thankye kindly.

[@czredhead8286]

Thank you so much. Great ideas that I, for one, had never thought of or seen before.

[@fnaah_au]

this video was soo good, I watched it at normal speed.

[@drreason2927]

Wow, I usually already know the "secret tips..." bla bla bla, but you had SEVERAL tips on this one that I didn't know before but wish I did. Now I do. Thanks!

[@wiseoldfool]

Great tips. That playlist is going to be a very useful resource.

[@n8sot]

Great tips!!!!!!!! Thanks Stumpy!!!!!!!!!

[@rhocass]

Great tips! I like the impromptu lathe tip for sizing dowels in particular, but I'd add a note of caution: Be VERY careful to take only extremely light passes, and ensure there's no chance of losing control and having the cutter dig in. Drill tapers tend to be a friction fit, which is fine because drilling applies only axial force (pushing into the spindle). Sidecutting (impromptu lathe spindle or chucking an endmill or router bit) can apply significant radial or moment loads which can cause the (solid steel) taper to dislodge and fly out, possibly towards you. A lightweight creative workaround is one thing, but don't go too hog with this idea!

[@haroldaubry8344]

Great tips! I do have a question you might be able to answer. I bought a drill press mounted branding iron recently. Works as intended. But, when I raise and lower the spindle with the branding iron mounted, the iron slightly rotates (drill press OFF obviously). This causes an uneven and misaligned brand if I make more than just one “press” with the iron. Do you know if it’s possible to “lock” the spindle somehow to prevent the slight left / right rotation when I raise and lower the branding iron?

[@markduggan3451]

Thanks for all you do.

[@makermark67]

Great info as usual. Some of these I've used, some I've not. Thanks again, James.

[@64maxpower]

These videos are my favorite

[@davehenderson2826]

Great tips Stumpy!! Thanks!!

[@contessa.adella]

Wow….great👍. Extra: Purchased a set of seven Fisch metric Black Shark Forstners - Largely on James’s recommendation and they are beautiful, almost jewellery. Not cheap, but well worth the outlay.

[@WPGinfo]

Nice tips, conveniently bunched together!

[@Yawles]

Love it! Great ideas, as always

[@kensmith6908]

Your videos always rock!

[@MaxCruise73]

I have used a vertical CNC machine as a lathe before. Mounted turning tool in vise. Mounted the work piece (steel) in a collet chuck A little setup and a short program and I was making chips Saved on lathe time which was in short supply at that time.

[@22busy43]

Saved this in my watch later so I can watch a few more times.

[@Leonardokite]

Wow, I'm saving this to a "watch later" category. Some very great ideas. 1:53 not wearing gloves seems crazy to you think about it. Better to get a little skin on your hand chewed up into have a glove that gets caught up and then breaks your fingers or worse.