How important is a drill press? I mean, it's such a boring tool.

If you already have a handheld drill, do you really need a drill press in a home woodworking shop?
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[@RussellTurman]

Almost every woodworking group online (Facebook groups, reddit, etc.) end up full of posts about about this brand or that brand being better or worse. I like that your videos almost never touch on that. Instead it's here's a 20 year old tool and why its useful

[@SpideyScott72]

Back to the basics, this is what grabbed my attention when I first found the channel years ago. Still draws me in!

[@nevoyu]

Same here

[@alexreid4131]

Ditto.

[@cacoffin]

Most definitely

[@RicardoLuna]

Same

[@9and7]

Well said. Easily one of the most important channels in the history of KZbin...

[@ilducedimas]

You managed to stay genuine and down to hearth despite your tremendous ytube success, that's very very rare. Hats off to you my good sir.

[@isakwatz11]

Well yes, but he has made 2 other videos similar to this one already. There is *a lot* of recycled content on this channel nowadays...

[@ilducedimas]

@@isakwatz11 That's another debate.

[@captwalker2732]

I'll add that the drill press is one of the few stationary tools in a woodshop that can be used for other materials (like plastics and metals) safely without any modifications to the machine. That alone makes it a very useful tool.

[@trekie30122]

I was always taught that you still needed to change the speed (and bit) when going from wood to metal? Is this something that has to be done? should be done? or just a matter of learning from someone in a machine shop? I have no experience with plastic but i would presume it would be similar to wood?

[@rolfbjorn9937]

@@trekie30122 Depends is the best answer. Plastics, aluminium (most common "soft" alloys), brass, copper, zinc would work at most speeds. I never change the speed on mine, because I set it to the 2nd lowest ~1100 RPM because I only have a 2.4 Ampere induction motor on it : it lacks torque at higher speeds and it going to work on almost any material I throw at it. For steel, it depends on thickness and hardness. Also depends on how much you care about your drill bits and what quality of drill bits you have.

[@davey2k12]

It's useless less ya in a work shop and want loads of straight holes but battery powered drills can take same tools and portable ..... Good for drilling thick metals .....upgrade to CNC milling machine for production so it's a bit obsolete really

[@jackgetzler3451]

Being disabled with limited use of my hands on my bench top drill press is very useful

[@davey2k12]

@@jackgetzler3451 in that sense it's useful but still limited to clamping work to its table for metal work it's not much of a problem and can use magnets or electro magnet to hold the work for you but mine just a cheap work top one and just sits in shed with a wire wheel on it to clean up metal but I have broke a few small drills in it lol

[@A6Legit]

Perfectly straight holes, and having the power to use large forstner bits are the main benefits IMO.

[@EleutheriaBeth]

This is super helpful to me... I'm only just starting out with woodworking but I have a drill press that I inherited from my dad. Seeing your table with fence means I can actually contemplate how I can use it. Thank you!

[@grahammclennan566]

Thanks Steve. I've had this same drill press I bought second hand maybe 10 years ago and I'll be using it more often now that you've shown me some of the additional features it does like sanding. Love your channel.

[@nicknultien627]

Hey steve, i have to say that if my teachers were half as good as you i would have actually paid attention at school😂 I've watched a lot of your video's and learned so much. Thank you, and keep doing what you do👊🏻

[@f.demascio1857]

Timely video. I used mine this morning making some wooden bushings. The need for a table and fence became evident as I lined up my 1st centered hole. Haven't used my forster bits in a while. I was glad the 1" one was still sharp.

[@dustisamust5602]

You are still the best resource for new, hobby-level and above wood workers. Pros can learn a lot from you too. Woodworking is one thing, teaching is another. Please keep doing it your way- A grateful subscriber.

[@allanm2601]

Steve you're amazing. It's 4pm here in Australia and you've already had over 40,000 views. I've been watching for the past couple of years and learned so much. I hope you had a great Christmas Day and all the best for a safe and happy 2022.

[@wmwalkerco]

I agree with you 100%. I bought one for my first shop years ago, and I can't believe how much I use it, and yes some sort of table/fence system is absolutely key. Thanks for continuing to help people get started in this craft!

[@matthaffner9920]

The only thing I would add is including dust collection with the fence. Best thing I ever did. You can get one from Rockler or make your own. Well worth the money or effort!

[@declanwilson8864]

I just watched your Router 101 Basics from 10 years ago....im so glad you've stopped moving about so quickly on camera...you gave me headache trying to watch you🤣🤣 Your videos are excellent! Extremely informative, clear, love how you don't try to hide the mistakes you make (not that you make many). Keep the videos coming. Take care, stay safe, and thank you.

[@JayThomasofficial]

I just want to take the time to say thank you for all the time it takes you to make these videos not only the hours editing and conceptualizing them. It must be a challenge to put yourself in the shoes of what you think your viewers would like to see . You’re my hero brother I watch all your videos over and over again. A friend once told me “ you don’t have any idea the amount of people you make and impact on “. So keep on truck brother thanks so much for your videos and effort . In the end yours add up to the most valuable . We all appreciate and I’m sure you’ve changed Families and I mean families lives before with your work / art/ info/ Channel🏆

[@sideeyes7480]

My wife surprised me with a Ryobi Drill Press for the holidays this year and then you drop this video drops the next day… serendipity?!

[@foos.998]

Great video, Steve. Have a happy new year!

[@amongtheheathen981]

I was a fan way back but I’ve been off the grid for about ten years and I pop back in and you have almost 2 million followers 🔥 Nice.

[@volodenkagolovin]

Amazing Ryobi advertising) Thank you, Steve. Really happy to find you on youtube. From Russia with love.

[@jameslogan1153]

Great advice, already have one but it’s still in the box. My daughter and I are setting up our shop in the basement. Appreciate your skills and willingness to share

[@timothymbess]

The depth stop (in combo with a Forstner bit) can be very useful for hogging out mortise and tenon slots as well. You can use the precision of the drill press to scoop away ~90% of the material you need and then clean up the holes with chisels, files, sandpaper, etc. By far the best advantage though, is the repeatability of a drill press. A lot of woodworking doesn't require perfectly machined parts, but usually you DO need multiple parts the exact same size and with the same hole patterns for joinery or fasteners.

[@Rusty_ok]

I made your fence system a long time ago and it was easy to make and is perfect for my uses. I have the Wen bench top drill press and it has been indispensable.

[@brianbarker2670]

One nice addition to a table is a sacrificial and replaceable center section.

[@bloodyjimbo7740]

Thank you for making this video (and all you others). Your videos are very informative and commonsense. You've reignited a hunger to woodwork!

[@fredgarvin716]

I got a drill press back when I used to build wooden model planes, but I've used it for many other projects and materials. It's a handy tool to have in the shop.

[@mattmayes599]

Always giving us very good and useful videos no matter your skill level 👍 Thanks for all that you do Steve.. You help us in so many ways

[@richardludbrook7013]

Ive come to the point where i need a pillar drill (drill press) and this vlog has shown me thing i need to consider in my purchase. Thanks🙂👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@suzimooreakathegadgetlady907]

Hi from Adelaide. Thank you, I learn so much off you and your channel.

[@ivancarrejo6551]

i LOVE YOUR VIDEOS!! thank you for the years and years of giving us your knowledge!!

[@Suicaedere666]

Love your videos Steve, thank-you for sharing and Happy Holidays to you and yours🤘🙌😄💥

[@jeffaley2895]

If you’re buying a drill press, try to get one like Steve’s that has a “rack and pinion” crank for raising/lowering the table. Many (like mine) don’t and it’s impossible to lower the table and maintain alignment with the fence. Note that the 1/16” drill used for pilot holes is much shorter than a 1/4 or 1/2” drill bit, thus requiring the table to be lowered.

[@backpacker3421]

You beat me to it. Probably the #1 must have feature IMO.

[@notanavrageloser]

That’s what I hate most about my Shopsmith - there’s no controlled, precise way to move the carriage toward the headstock (or the headstock away from the carriage). One of the reasons I bought a dedicated drill press.

[@tarcorfd8547]

Or use a 4x4 for the short bit then a 1x4 for the longer one.

[@jeffaley2895]

@@tarcorfd8547 that’s a very good idea! My fence isn’t tall enough but that’s fixable. Thanks for the recommendation.

[@jothain]

Valid point there. It's pretty much essential feature or at least you'll miss one if you use one and lose that ability :)

[@eileencollins3126]

Great video, Steve! A drill press is on my list of tools to get. Aside from all the things you talked about is the fact that there are times where it is much safer than trying to do the same job with a hand drill.

[@Nomadboatbuilding]

I remember when buying my first drill press I was totally unexcited by the prospect of acquiring this basic cornerstone of any wood-shop. I was almost by depressed as I brought it home and set it up. These emotions quickly disappeared over the next week as I discovered the myriad of advantages it offered me in my work. I have since added a second one dedicated to metalwork and if I had the space I would add half a dozen more all dedicated to specific repetitive activities such as mortising or cutting bungs, etc. The drill press is the most versatile boring machine you will ever acquire.

[@NickSiekierski]

It doesn't sound boring at all 😉

[@mraymo1977]

This is quite timely since I just got one for Christmas!!!

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome tips, Steve! Thanks a lot! 😃 Merry Christmas! And stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@garypopa6384]

Thanks Steve. Not a boring video at all. I love my 16" Delta floor drill press, use it a lot more than I originally thought. I have dedicated mortising machine and spindle sander, so no longer use these drill press attachments. Most of the time I keep the drill press speed at 1000 rpm, slower speeds (maybe 300 rpm) when cutting larger holes or harder materials like metal. SAFETY FIRST--Don't forget your safety glasses!

[@uttaradit2]

Drill press Its one of my unsung heroes always there and saves the day when needed

[@richardhart7652]

Happy New Year to you and yours

[@richardpender2428]

Great Vid Steve. I have a drill press and use it fairly often, now to make the drill press table as my next project.

[@benjamindbailey]

That drill bit drawer was so pretty and clean. Great video, thanks!

[@danielgreenberg3400]

Love the back to basics! I’m pretty new to woodworking and I love learning the tools of the trade

[@profcah]

Great video as usual. A drill press is one of the first luxury tools I bought and found it to be so incredibly useful.

[@bobp3738]

Great content with a bit of dad jokes thrown in - outstanding!

[@FredrikRambris]

Per Almered's music is back! Really cool and upbeat.

[@trep53]

You covered the drill press very well. I have one about the size of yours and I really love having it. Like most power tools bigger is usually better and I rigged dust collection to capture the wood chips from using forstner bits.

[@as7river]

Of all the tools in my workshop this and the jigsaw are my favorite. Using them is super fun.

[@jgkrus]

Love this and Love your podcasts!!!!!

[@ATMT1]

I just got one second hand from a family friend! This video is so timely!! 😀

[@imcg]

Nice video Steve, merry Xmas and a happy new year.

[@deejaybell7111]

Thank you for this video. This is the type of videos that I like to see you do. I have a drill press similar to the one in your video but I never knew about being able to sand with it, very interesting thank you

[@goyslop4289]

It's not the best to put lateral loads on drill presses, very easy for the chuck to fall out.

[@DirkieB]

Very interesting question! I really want one. Top marks for the boring jokes.

[@VillageCakeLady]

OMG I just caught myself blowing the wood shaving off my phone 🌬 🤦‍♀️ 😆😆😆BWA HA HA HA

[@David.M.]

Thanks Steve!

[@aaronarnold6444]

Really enjoyed the video Steve, thanks for the great content!

[@davidadams405]

The drill press is one of the most used pieces of equipment in my shop. It’s right up there with my table saw.

[@timort2260]

I currently have 4in thoat on my drill press and yeah it sometimes is an issue but not to often. I also use my table as the depth stop as I broke the plastic on on my harbor farts press. For finer adjustment I just move the drill bit then re chuck it. The drill press is the only tool that always is set up in my shop. Just so convenient and good at it's task. I make beer bottle openers with magnets makes it easy to batch out a step.

[@DCgamer723]

I think Steve is subtly trying to included his new fancy drill into each video. Love it

[@glenninn]

Not only does it make "Boring" tasks easier and accurate -- it makes them pretty "straight" forward....

[@bobd.]

The drill press 'size' is double the reach to indicate the center of a circle that it can drill to. Why they don't use the same terminology as with bandsaw who knows. I think you're right and it's just a manufacturers advertising gimmick to make the tool seem larger than it is. Good drill presses can be found on many of local sale sites. I have found three very good benchtop and floor model drill presses on CL over the years. They bring premium prices right now because it takes so long to get anything new. But a 12" benchtop drill press in very good condition should be less than $200 and that amount will usually get you something of better quality than new. Most important if you buy used is make sure you get the chuck key with it because it can be difficult to find the correct size key. Without a chuck key knock $50 off the price before you evaluate anything else about it.

[@bloodyjimbo7740]

Another way of looking at it, I have a 12 inch wide board and I know that I can drill in the middle of it (6 inches from the edge).

[@nevoyu]

Not gonna lie, I see a drill press as that one tool you should have in a shop that's there for when you need it and you'll be glad you have it. It's not gonna do as much as your table saw, but when you need to punch out 36 peg holes for a book self to a depth of no less than .25 inches I'll take a drill press any day compared to doing that shit by hand.

[@A6Legit]

Preach brother lol. Absolutely worth it for those projects, but not necessarily mandatory.

[@BishjamIC]

My second woodworking project ever I got a little abitious. Almost too ambitious. I made a 56 bottle wine rack with dowel joinery, that's 128 slats with two holes each plus holes in vertical stiles, and in the side panels. Looooooots of holes, a drill press was a godsend for all those holes.

[@kellywithay1517]

Great video! Thanks!

[@AudraT]

This tool is awesome! I don't know why it isn't a woodworking staple for more people and I learned something new. Using the press as a sander is brilliant!!! There are about a million unusual things I can sand now. A little advice, spend the money and get a press that can go down to at least 500 rpm. I tried to save money and got the 750 rpm and now I already need to buy a new press.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

My drill press is close to 20 years old. It’s a Craftsman, no “fancy” adjustments like yours. Loosen collar to raise and lower, be sure to receneter the through hole… regardless for woodworking it is there when i need that “very” precise hole. For instance when making Pinewood derby cars with Cub Scouts, predrilling the axle holes to 5/32s is key for easy wheel alignment. I also use it as a press at times by closing down the shank to push tight fitting dowel pins into place… when I use it I am so happy I have it. Thanks for another informative video. Oh yeah never adjusted the speed belts… probably because it really hasnt been a problem

[@spiritwings4592]

Lol mines almost 40 and still looks & works like new.

[@silvorus]

I never would have thought about the smaller drum sander as a option. Thanks!

[@wolfman75]

👍😎Thanks for the info!!!! I have the 8 inch from HF.

[@D1G1TALSYNAPS3]

This is the content in here for. Love ya bro! 😎 And Merry Christmas! -peak river table

[@calvinduke1553]

I watched this video because of the pun. Good info even for a metal worker. Keep up the good work

[@MrGarycharters]

I was actually thus morning looking at getting a press. What pops up? Steve's awesome advice

[@George-0988]

thanks steve

[@mattdillman463]

This is great, just bought my neighbors used drill press in a garage sale.

[@Not_TVs_Frank]

I don't use mine as a drum sander anymore, but I do put an inflatable ball sander on it and smooth out the inside of bowls. Flexible pad sanders are great for the inside and outside of bowls. Both suck in a handheld drill! I made my own table and love having a fence. It makes repeating drilling a distance from the edge easy and repeatable. Plus I can't drill straight so it helps fix that XD

[@anthonyhitchings1051]

A drill press is very handy to have in a workshop - I have one - and value it even though its location is a bit awkward.

[@schmojo33]

I'd like to see you try out Garrett Wade's Portable Drill Guide Jig and see how it compares to a standard drill press for basic woodworking projects/tasks. I don't often need a drill press for my projects but sometimes I need to be accurate and consistent, especially with forstner bits. I think a good portable press fits my needs, budget, and most importantly, space/storage needs. Plus the portable nature can be useful for some deck projects and drilling accurate holes in beams on site.

[@alonzohollingsworth7712]

Thanks great video

[@WeekendShedHead]

Great video Steve, I’ve just subscribed.. I need to start using spindle sanders on my drill press! Very good idea, all the best Rob 🇬🇧

[@leemoore8154]

It's doubled because you can drill a hole anywhere on a board with the listed width. So if you have 6" of clearance, you can drill a hole anywhere on a 12" wide board (because you can spin the board around).

[@stinkyham9050]

I'm pretty sure it's so tool companies can market their tools as bigger and more capable then they really are.

[@pippetdog]

My drill press is one of my most used tools. Definitely a must have.

[@cthulhuhead]

I would love to have a drill press! Your clickbait game is on point with this video title. :D I certainly don't *need* the press, but I became real fond of them when my dad salvaged one when I was much younger.

[@SE45CX]

When dinosaurs roam the earth I remember watching another Steve Ramsey video on how to use a drill press.

[@ShadowzGSD]

For anyone like me an easy way to not lose the chuck key is to put it in the chuck after use.

[@A6Legit]

I drilled a little wooden block that i stuck on the head with velcro, works great. I also store all my different tool specific wrenches on the stand/near by with magnets.

[@bobd.]

I put a strong bar magnet on the side of the DP head and stick the key on there when not in use.

[@reptilezsweden]

The reason for the "doubling" is most likely to indicate the diameter that you can reach every point of

[@WilliamWhitwell]

Or maybe the widest board you can make a vertical cut in!

[@mururoa7024]

For your first drillpress look for the Bosh PBD40. It has electronic variable speed (no more belts to shift!), digital depth meter readout, laser, more power than needed and is cheap. Then when you're more experienced you still keep it because it's awesome.

[@ian1352]

The Bosch is really nice. Laser isn’t accurate though. Apparently can be adjusted, but requires opening the case. The digital depth and electronic speed control are great though.

[@francistaylor1822]

I have the current ryobi, and it has a laser - even cheap drill presses nowdays come with a laser as its very inexpensive for companies to add and very helpful. I haven't ever used it with wood, though I have used it with aluminium to make holes for for arcade cabinet control bullons, when you need it its really handy!

[@ronwhenderson]

Really helpful video Steve, thanks. I'm working my way through your WWMM online course and really enjoying your projects and instruction. If you're taking requests, how about a similar video about bandsaws? Thanks again, keep up the good work!

[@A6Legit]

I really like that table/ fence do you have a video on it? Edit: Already have the link in the description man that is awesome. Thanks

[@notanavrageloser]

Spindle speed = (cutting speed of material) x (cutting factor of tool) x 4 / (diameter of cutter) But, as you said, it doesn’t matter THAT much. Erring on the slow side will help your bits last longer, but wood is pretty forgiving.

[@sgsax]

Definitely the most boring video I've watched today. 😁 I've had a Craftsman 9" benchtop drill press for a long time. It's incredibly useful for all the reasons you mentioned. My only complaint is that the 1/3 HP motor is underpowered and tends to bog down a lot. Of course I may not have the sharpest forstner bits either. I've been on the hunt for a larger one just to get more power. Thanks for sharing!

[@andrewj5998]

I recently acquired my Dad's Craftsman 10 inch bench top drill press and I've used it quite frequently. First thing I did was make a table with an adjustable fence and Powertec hold down clamps. In addition to drilling perfectly straight holes, a drill press is a much safer tool for drilling through small pieces of wood, metal, or acrylic, which can be securely clamped to the table or against the fence. No more spinning work pieces or fighting against the torque of a hand held drill if a bit binds up.

[@chrisisd]

This was one of the first tools that I purchased. Hardly use the hand drill any more. Would have liked to see you discuss the direct drive version.

[@thwwoodcraft1449]

I'm not here to brag or flex, but that Powermatic 2820EVS has been a game changer for me. Yeah I know, waaaaay to expensive. But worth it. And I only use it 3 - 4 times a month.

[@simonhopkins3867]

Enjoy 👍🏻

[@rosascreativeworks5403]

Love my drill press, dunno how I lived without one.

[@Tommy.461]

I bought a drill press exactly like yours a couple weeks ago off marketplace for $85 in almost new condition.

[@btrswt35]

Drill presses are incredibly useful. I find myself using it even for stuff I don't"need" it for and could use a hand drill. In my opinion one of the best advantages is the mechanical advantage the handle gives for downward pressure. Well worth the investment.

[@chrisisd]

Agreed, hardly ever use hand drill no that I have one except when the reach is to much (large boards)

[@btrswt35]

@@chrisisd mostly the same here. Also didn't mention it before but for circle cutters, large hole saws, and large forstner bits it is a must!

[@cheeseisgreat24]

If I remember correctly, the point of it being called by the size of the post to chuck times 2 is because that's the maximum width of a board it can drill to the center of. I could be wrong, but I recall an old shop teacher telling me that.

[@brucelee3388]

A laser alignment guide is very handy when you are making holes in varying places and the drill bit (or hole saw more likely) stops you from seeing where the point of the drill is at, without fiddling about with changing bits for a small one, hoping the job doesn't move out of place if you bump it putting the big bit back in....... One day I'll figure out how to get my add on one to work properly, I assume the ones that come built in to the drill press are easier to set up. One way to tell if a drill press is intended for woodworkers is the depth it can drill to without moving the table - woodworker's drill presses have a capacity of around 6 inches (150mm) while metal working presses may only have a capacity of 3 to 4 inches (I've seen 65mm,

[@JFSmith-nb8hf]

20 years old? It's just a baby, my floor model Delta was made in 1940. Still as good as the day it left the factory.

[@georgelionon9050]

The drill press = the table saw for holes.

[@dalebrames5573]

People consider a drill press and a bandsaw luxury items. I say if possible get em. It’s amazing how much you will use them if they are sitting there. They also give you more capabilities to improve your wood working. Good video Steve

[@lbdeuce]

I’d say the most universally useful tool in the shop.

[@kencoleman7762]

I use my drill press quite often and am very glad I have. I went ahead and purchased the Woodpeckers table for my Nova DVR drill press and it is very helpful. Having the dust collection built into the system is a great boon.

[@bobd.]

The NOVA Voyager is an awesome DP but a bit over the top for most woodworkers especially those just starting out. I got mine about a year ago but that was after 37 years using my Craftsman 15" floor model DP that I bought new in 1983 which I have hung on to because it is still very capable, and I know I could not replace it with a current model for less than $750.

[@Taurine75]

Yay!! I love these videos! I miss them! By the way, do you plan to interview Colin Knecht?