5 ways to IMMEDIATELY improve your drill press

[@andyf8503]

I've been happy with my drill press table for 17 years. Then I watched this.

[@MWAWoodworks]

🤣🤣🤣 I'm pinning this comment!

[@ranflstci1357]

🤣

[@martingagne3136]

lol same here

[@Muksanim2012]

This is one of the best videos I've seen for a drill press. Everything was quite simple in plan and execution. The amount of storage and work space was exceptional. Thanks to someone whose experience makes a big difference.

[@jack5402]

It's hard to find anything new in builds that hasn't been done dozens of times, but I've never seen anyone embed magnets to prevent bits from rolling off a work surface before, and that's something that you can use in other situations too. Nice build overall, extra kudos for the magnet trick.

[@hansblonk1465]

Looking at the picture i reminded me of a router table… could be double function

[@paulkolodner2445]

I glued some magnets to the underside of the top surface of my stepladder for the same purpose.

[@wildgoobsid5]

WOW. Someone who actually knows what a table saw guard is and uses it! Kudos to you!!!!! Great skills and videos! Cheers.

[@DCSuperShine]

brand new woodworker here... just started last year and slowly improving my shop... definitely going to build all of these improvements for my shop!!! Thank you for all your awesome vids!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Glad I can help!

[@Raven.flight]

Love your work. I came here to KZbin today to find a solution to my sad and sorry vertical drill press that was a hand-me-down from my deceased dad. I'm going to SO enjoy making this and give new life to his press.

[@mheermance]

The drawer front installation tip alone made this video worth watching.

[@Lumberhacksteve]

Thanks MWA, got the plans and have started the build. One thing I note, is that the quality of Ply you have looks exceptional. In Australia we are very limited on quality ply with out spending a fortune. I have already spent over $340 on materials and thats not even using premium ply. I will do a video etc for Aussies with metric conversions and explaining about rubbish wood. Where do you get your wood from. What are your major outlets like.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Wow that's a crazy spend for such a small project. I wish you luck and look forward to your video. I get my wood locally in Nashville.

[@user-wt7ri8pm4g]

I love how you say everything you're doing as you're doing it. Makes it so much easyer to follow your steps. Thank you sir

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@kenlandry6211]

What a good idea for drill press better usage. The cabinet, drill top, vac adapter and the caddy make your drill press a one stop for drilling with minimum mess. Brilliant. I like your video and copy your ideas.

[@gundamblaster5889]

I think my favorite feature is the table extension. I really like the amount of detail you have added which is the lament edge and surface of the plywood, and an adjustable metal bar for making straight drills and making sure the piece of wood will not go anywhere. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Especially for me since I am just beginning my DIY journey

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome! Good luck on your journey!

[@jewdd1989]

By far the best drill press mount I’ve seen. I love the magnets hidden under the Formica not to mention the ease of cleaning and the storage you built for the drill press itself is so smart. Thanks and look forward to more shop builds like this

[@MWAWoodworks]

🙌

[@kenday7942]

Very nice job - not only a good presentation for drill press, your building techniques are really down to earth and effective and your presentation is easy to follow. And you don’t waste a lot of time but you explain things as you go along. There was a lot of little things in here that can be taken from this and applied to other things in the shop. All in all, an excellent presentation and and a very nice looking and well thought out project.

[@MWAWoodworks]

🤗

[@danield954]

I really like the magnet under the table for bits falling off. An upgrade I did to my drill press that you did not mention is converting it to a variable speed without changing belt positions. I did this by repowering the drill press with an old treadmill motor and controller.

[@FixitFreeman]

That sounds like a video? 😀… or please post a picture here?

[@cnctroubleshooting9052]

Wow… just…wow… you solved problems I didn’t realize I had. Favorite hack is undoubtedly the sacrificial off-center circular plate (12:20) in the center of the table that you can rotate to get a new drilling area when you need it to eliminate blow out on the back side of your work piece. Nice work

[@Chuckplaysblues]

I was searching for a simple way to attach my vac hose to my drill press table. Most solutions are attached to the support column, which would get in the way, or they are way too complicated! Your Velcro-dowel-block solution was the perfect solution for me. (Now you’ve got me interested in that drill table!). Thanks.

[@BrenQ99]

You are a next-level genius. There is nothing you didn’t consider! This is SUPERB!!!

[@Txwag91]

Glad I watched this video before I set up my drill press. This is the one.

[@jbenson9403]

Great build. I think many are now green with envy. I want to add that the statement, "and put it back", is the key to all organization of tools.

[@stevenmalikoff1958]

Great comment! That phrase should be routed into a sign and fixed to the wall in all school woodworking shops.

[@andrewpinson1268]

I have watched a number of your videos now and have been watching videos like this for years. Pat yourself on the back you do excellent work from building projects themselves to all the additional things we look for to help us build them. Top 10% woodworking.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Yep. I find this super useful. This is on my list. I have a floor model drill press. It’s old and has some issues. I’ve been “storing” it for a friend for about 10 years now. I’ve wanted to switch to a small counter model like yours. Tomorrow my friend is bring me hers and this is what I plan to do. This may end up being my first cabinet build for the shop. I can already see how great it will be to get all my bits in one place. I laughed when you talked about having to get your box of bits out, open it and then go back to the drill. I only laugh because that’s pretty much what I do and I get annoyed. LOL. That plan bundle is looking better and better.

[@David-hm9ic]

While I thought all of the drill press upgrades were worthwhile, your dust collection solution is my favorite. Simple and effective!

[@HyperactiveNeuron]

This is awesome. I love your design for every part. The magnets are a stroke of genius. Easily the best part. I built a similar table a couple of years ago using melamine which didn't hold up as well as I had hoped. I used an 80/20 extrusion for a fence too. Best decision. Now I think I need to rebuilt it and definitely add the magnets. Awesome project 🍻

[@MWAWoodworks]

The 80/20 is the best. I have it all over my shop

[@ederorellana9919]

This video inspired me to build a stand for my drill press. I appreciate you sharing your tips and tricks to make the job easier. Great work! Thank you for sharing.

[@marvindavidson5103]

Great video. I loved the ideas, the pace, the camerawork and the build itself. The bit-catching magnet idea was genius. I've upgraded my full-height drill press in a whole different way, using specialized milk crates. Mine is practical, but yours is practical and beautiful! Thank you.

[@foxhallww311]

I always chuckle of the dust collections sucks jokes. Every single time! I am such a child :)

[@MWAWoodworks]

It's very tough to not make the dad jokes

[@foxhallww311]

@@MWAWoodworks it's most welcomed though

[@DanielRustad]

I just inherited an old beat up table top drill press. Now I know how to bring it back to life! Thank-you!

[@andyjame5608]

This press has worked like a charm for my projects kzbin.infoUgkxajoEbapTfqWaadnqb04h6U576yxXp-FE . I didn't even secure it to my table top, mainly due to the fact that I was using a 15 lbs drill vise. It's not flimsy at all as to what others have claimed it to be. Make sure the locking nuts and levers are secured and there won't be any issues with light pressure and patience. I was able to drill through aluminum, plastic, and steel (steel took a while) with no problems at all. Yeah it took a little longer than a regular drill press, but I don't have the space OR the money for one.The instruction manual was worthless, but luckily assembling the press was intuitive. However, the manual would be good for ordering replacement parts if needed. There is a nice breakdown of the parts that are included in the kit. Before ordering, make sure it is compatible with your unit, it is clearly stated what models the press is compatible with.This was an excellent purchase for $40!!

[@ederorellana9919]

I built my drill press cabinet following your lead in this video. I’m proud to say that it looks great and it’s much more convenient to have all the bits in the drawers. Thank you for sharing.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome!

[@JonasRabbe]

Came across this from the algorithm, and I just wanted to say that I’m loving your style of video. The narration is super helpful, and your attention to detail is wonderful. Since I am in the progress of making a drill press table myself, it was a very timely video to watch as well.

[@saliyalokeshwara]

While the pimped out drill press was impressive. I was amazed by how easy your cabinet carcass was made. Absolutely loved the video

[@MWAWoodworks]

Ah yeah it's a super simple stand. Just a quick box 👍

[@JustinShaedo]

Thank you, that was great. I'm going to at magnets under the edge of so many things. The dust collection is great too. Getting most of the chips is good, getting the dust is even better.

[@MWAWoodworks]

You're welcome 😁

[@JerryTregaskis]

I really like your drill press add-ons, especially the dust collection idea. Very impressed with the use of magnets!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks!

[@JamesArvidson]

Love the video. You show a lot of great upgrades and show real world applications in a simple way. Thanks.

[@GaryLundgrenCrafts]

Great video! Timely for me too. I have a new drill press arriving this Thursday, 3-16-23. I will use your ideas. Thanks! 👍👍

[@V1N_574]

The magnet is such a great add on like fine wine!!! I love the whole build!!!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah the magnets are a great help 🧲

[@lambdaguy77]

I started witching this because I thought it was going to be about drill jigs. I stayed because this is a really great build, and I really need to get to work building a drill press station like yours for mine. Thank you!

[@tammamakkari8046]

Quiet inspiring and creative. You are my favourite cabinet builder out there, love your techniques and efficiency 👏👏

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you 🙏

[@scope21]

Nice drill press stand and table, one of the better ones I've seen on KZbin! Really dig the dust collection strap, so simple but effective

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you! Yeah dust collection is so frustrating at the drill press. I wanted to keep it simple

[@sectionate999]

You're probably one of the few woodworking channels I watch that used the blade guard on their table saw!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Ha, sometimes!

[@jonathanzj620]

A lot of grest unique ideas here i haven't seen elsewhere. Definitely plan to steal some of these. Thanks!

[@painkllrrr]

I am really liking that formica laminate table surface & the dust collection block idea - well done!

[@philshock3805]

Some really awesome suggestions! Love your solution for holding the vac hose. I made a very similar drill press table by laminating 3 pieces of 1/2 baltic birch plywood, complete with track runners for hold downs and a homemade fence. I cut a rectangular hole in the top layer thinking it'd be easy to make replaceable inserts. It turned out pretty well and I made a bunch of inserts. Only problem is -- I NEVER have to replace them because I still use a scrap pieces on top of the table when drilling holes. lol

[@MWAWoodworks]

😂😄😂😂 I used to have a table with rectangle inserts and I never changed them because it was a pain to pop them out. I'm hoping this way just rotating it is simple and I'll actually do it.

[@philshock3805]

​@@MWAWoodworks Lol Would love to hear how the circle works for you in the long run -- agree spinning would be easier. Mine are easy to flip around or swap out, I just can't get past the idea that a single hole is going to require more effort (minimal as it may be), and add another step the next time I have to drill something. Definitely a mental obstacle and sounds silly but I've found it's too easy to keep a piece of MDF on the table and freely move it around. John Heinz has a video where he made a new drill press table sans replaceable inserts for the exact same reasons. Mentally, I went ... YES! haha At any rate, keep up the fantastic work ... appreciate the heck out of you!

[@fredkoch1109]

Terrific build. Really like the forstner bit storage idea and thanks for info on the extrusion.

[@MWAWoodworks]

You're welcome Fred!

[@dondavis769]

Good video sir- I like several of your ideas, especially the way you handled Duer collecting and also the ‘carcass’ of the stand 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@enzothebaker22]

The magnet thing...just...yeah! Brilliant. Also, serious kudos on your editing/av work. Very easy for me to come back and use as a reference. Great job!

[@danielschilke2994]

Love the magnets in the top. So sick of bits rolling off into the abyss behind. Definitely adding to mine. Thanks for the idea!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah the magnets rock

[@DrummondMac]

Excellent ideas for upgrades to drill press. I have an old ShopSmith (like born in '52 old ... like me 🤣) which I am using as drill press now mainly - but the table and maneuverability is just not smooth etc. I'm excited to build this upgrade table to get more control and accuracy from the drill press. Thanks for the great video. PS: I bought your 'Ultimate Table Saw Fence" plans, and although they were lacking some details I am LOVING the Fence and have built all the jigs too! Thank you.

[@davidpage4963]

Very impressed by all aspects of your upgrades. Uber functional and really sharp looking.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks David!

[@andrewbieger5004]

Great build on the drill press stand. Using the 80/20 extrusion was way cool for the DP fence. I never knew you could use traditional T bolts in those slots, so tone of possibilities exist for the Misumi products.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah I have used Misumi several times over the years. It was such a great find for shop jigs

[@andrewbieger5004]

@@MWAWoodworks Thanks. If possible, it would be great if you could give us a primer on the use of the stuff, particularly with regards to compatibility with T bolts, etc. I know they have many series of extrusions and have now idea where to start.

[@mikeconroy2651]

Nice build! I bought a table, and it has most of those features. I have a 4" drill press vise mounted to a board and that sit's on top of the table 99% of the time. I have never once used the tee tracks although I was certain I would prior to installing it.! I placed a large version of a kitchen knife magnet on the belt cover, and it holds at least 30 bits and a few chuck keys.

[@eddieagha5851]

Excellent ideas! Love the Caddy and the Forstner bit storage! And the magnets are genius!

[@Gogreenoo3]

Nice work! Awesome features you added to your table. Nice simple cabinet construction too

[@NirvanaWoodWorksbyJanie]

This is by far the best drill press table I've seen, since Shop Nations drill press table lol. Shout to Travis for the under the table t-track idea. Touch of genius right there. Lots of features that are here and there from other drill press tables I've seen out there 👌🏻. I use magnets as much as I can in the shop but the idea to stick them under the table to catch any bits, didn't and prob would have never occurred to me. GENIUS. The caddy for bits at the table, I've seen that a lot around, specifically on Pinterest, BUT, never really thought it would make a good solution, simply b/c I'd be too lazy and leave the bits there as oppose to putting it up where it goes. Just a personal issue I guess 🤦🏻‍♀ lmao. The best feature, at least to me is the shop vac so simple yet, never would've thought about this at all.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah Travis and I discussed the t track on the bottom! Super genius idea 💡

[@MCsCreations]

Really nice work, Matt! It turned out great! 😃 I need to make a table for my drill press as well! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks brother 🙌

[@libertarian1637]

As a note you can buy down cut blades for your jigsaw. If you use a square sacrificial section and offset it by about a 1/4 you can flip it 4 times before replacing it. Looks nice and is a great addition to a drill press. I made a similar table for my drill press but stuck exclusively to wood and T-Track. I also used some 1x to edge the plywood as I just didn’t like the look of the exposed plywood. I made some extensions for my table raise and lock rods so I could adjust my table height and lock it down without issue. With a good table I find myself using the table much more for woodworking.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah I've already ordered some downcut blades to add to my tool bag!

[@libertarian1637]

@@MWAWoodworks: Just be aware they’re a different beast to standard blades. You really need to go slow and make sure you’re pushing down otherwise they can throw you out of the cut and cause quite a bit of damage.

[@jayblanchard4477]

I love these add-ons and I am inspired to upgrade my drill press cabinet now, especially the table. I love the dust collection addition, but I am thinking about attaching the strap to the block with a t-nut that can be positioned in the t-track. No extra hole in the table and the position can be moved to either track.

[@ginageith3861]

Thank you! I like the table and the magnets. I hope Santa will help me make this over Christmas break. Thanks for the tip about metal fencing materials.

[@dakine215]

The Forstner Bit storage build is an invaluable tip!

[@MWAWoodworks]

So simple and so so much better than the box!

[@robertivey3268]

I will be building the drill press table for my drill press in the next month or so. That is a great idea. Thanks

[@stephenpohlman326]

Just finishing the drill press table/storage. Very well thought out and presented.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you sir!

[@josh5680]

Thanks for the heads up on Misumi. Didn't realize they were so inexpensive direct from the manufacturer.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah they are great. Their website is a little intimidating but you get exactly what you want. Lots of specifications you can define

[@seansysig]

The bit caddy with magnets is a must have!

[@lucasjw]

Great design with some helpful details I’ve never seen before! On dust collection, I’ve found putting the hose as close as possible to the bit gets nearly everything, even with a Forstner bit.

[@MWAWoodworks]

That's the key. I've also tried using my 4" hose, but it's just too intrusive and can get in the way of operating the drill press

[@keithgarcia5271]

Try adding a step down adapter from 4" to 2" which will increase the velocity as it tries to maintain airflow. While you're down to that diameter, consider adding on one of the flexible semi-rigid hoses that hold shape and position to manage the perfect position close to the bit and stock.

[@joelcopeland3018]

Your table is great and I will be using your build when I finally get a good drill press.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome 👍

[@pointblankokc]

Man I dig these ideas. No BS, all good stuff. Good video man.

[@rflournoy]

Great upgrades! I like all of them and it gave me the ideas I need to upgrade my drill press. Thanks!!!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thank you 😊

[@jeffreysmith5018]

Love the caddy idea. Magnets are a great addition - very slick

[@MWAWoodworks]

The magnets are pretty handy

[@andrewbrown8148]

Great upgrades~! I have a very old drill press table that I built years ago from a Wood magazine plan. It's been great, but I think it's time to upgrade and I really like the one you built. Looks like I have a replacement solution. Thanks much~!

[@burntsider8457]

I install drawer slides to the cabinet walls before assembly. For me, that's easier than reaching in the cabinet because you can clamp the slides in place and screw downward on your workbench and always with your dominant hand.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah.... Planning and forethought 🤣🤣🤣

[@LiloUkulele]

"That solution really suck"😂😂😂Great tips and tricks. Subscribed.

[@mcbkatn]

That was bad ass and a pleasure to watch. favorite feature was the magnets. Nowhere near as talented as you but I'm going to steal as much of this as I can manage when I get a drill press!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Awesome! When you get your drill press I have plans available for everything in the video!

[@tomfield2292]

The T-track on the bottom is genius for attachment to the original drill press table. I"m about to embark on building one, and was wrestling with this problem

[@MWAWoodworks]

It's so much simpler and clean too

[@davidmcmichael8113]

Excellent Video I noticed you used two different types of pocket hole machines, the Kreg and the Castle pocket hole machines. What are the pros and cons, what is your preference and why did you do this. In your opinion which is better and why. Thank You.

[@MWAWoodworks]

The Castle machine is far better, just a completly differt tool.

[@chrisbezant4760]

Love the magnets ideas. I will steal this idea. Thanks.

[@MWAWoodworks]

You don't have to steal it, I'll give it to you 😂

[@chrisbezant4760]

@@MWAWoodworks So simple, why didn't I think of it!! Thank you.

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

This.is brilliant! My favourite? All of them. I'll be adding this to my shop soon!!!!

[@MWAWoodworks]

🙌

[@MrLeram12]

The simplest one I needed bad...dust collection. Thanks for the video.

[@idahopete9211]

I like the drill caddie idea! The anti-roll away magnets is brilliant!

[@arronking5561]

Loved the dust collection idea. Next item on my to-do list!

[@barbaracipiti9056]

I really like the bit caddy. Nice work! Love the video!😊

[@CustomCutsByChris]

Great solutions as always, Matt. Keep it up!

[@MWAWoodworks]

👍

[@bucknboard]

Excellent build and very ingenious. On thing you might consider is to use threaded inserts for the t-track under the table. I had the same scenario and T-track was constantly coming loose (granted the substrate wasn’t plywood lol😂). Keep up the fantastic videos sir!

[@TheVideoGameVault]

Really like the magnets idea. Nice work!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Thanks!

[@tarz9386]

I added a light to mine. You did a good job.

[@MWAWoodworks]

I don't have a light on this one, but that's a good add on also!

[@briankinnaman6532]

Man, that bit caddy is a great idea! I’m definitely gonna try to put that on my project list. Thanks for sharing!

[@jplieurance]

Very impressive. Information overload from all the cool ideas! Thank you!

[@terryevans1976]

Excellent video. My old drill press needs this upgrade.

[@philledbetter206]

Awesome project with some really great ideas. Magnets to stop drill bits from falling off, forstner bit storage, cheap extrusion--all top notch. Love the sliding drawer too! I'm in Nashville like you--where do you get your baltic birch from?

[@MWAWoodworks]

Hey Phil! I get all my ply from Nashville Plywood Co

[@billymusgrove1140]

That’s some great ideas, I like being able to use scrap wood to make my stuff for my shop.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah for sure

[@farshadbagheri]

Thanks for sharing your tricks. Looking forward to using them on my next build.

[@Zamboni-0805]

Turn out very nice. Just curious, it looked like some of your pocket holes were done with the Kreg and others look like the were done with a Castle Pocket Hole Machine. Is that correct?

[@MWAWoodworks]

That's correct

[@davidcole333]

That's going next level...then taking it up a notch. The only thing I can possibly think of is adding a sanding drum to give your drill press that capability.

[@foxhallww311]

I just laughed at the dad joke about the dust collection sucks again.....lol

[@TactlessWookie]

Excellent. I need to build something like this for my 10" drill press. Thank you.

[@docghines]

That magnet trick is pretty clever.

[@MWAWoodworks]

One of my favorite features!

[@usedcarsokinawa]

Thanks for sharing your mistakes, it makes you look human and it makes us feel good too!

[@MWAWoodworks]

👍

[@buzzmooney2801]

I like the embedded magnets, and I really hadn't considered formica, but I think I'll probably do that. I REALLY like the caddy: I have a few bits I like to keep at my press full-time, on a nearby shelf, but this is a LOT better! My press is a floor standing model, so the stand wouldn't work for mine, but I might devise something on casters, that could sit overtop the baseplate.

[@MWAWoodworks]

Glad you liked everything so much ☺️

[@robertdiffin9136]

I love the simple solution for dust collection!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yeah it works well!

[@robertkerby2581]

Wow, an amazingly cool, and ingenious set of upgrades! - Any plans available? Well done!

[@MWAWoodworks]

Yep. Link to the plans in the description 👍

[@csemeniu]

Dust collection setup, simply, effective, genius.