15 Expert Drilling Tips

Nick presents fifteen of his most useful drilling tips to help make your drill press and hand drill operations easier, more accurate, and -- most important -- safer.
For more information, see Nick's book on USING THE DRILL PRESS. It covers operations, alignment, selecting drill bits, and keeping them sharp. It also includes well over a dozen drilling and drill press jigs that you can make yourself. The book is available in PDF format from the Workshop Companion General store at workshopcompan... .
And if you'd like to have the plan for the WOODWORKING DRILL PRESS TABLE that you see in this video, you can find it at workshopcompan... .
To see all of our videos and SUBSCRIBE for more, see: / @workshopcompanion .
And please visit the WORKSHOP COMPANION GENERAL STORE where we offer a wide selection of Nick's BOOKS and PROJECT PLANS in digital format: workshopcompan... . All our plans feature both English/Imperial and metric measurements. And you can pick up one of Nick’s books FREE just for visiting!
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And thank you so much for your time and interest!

[@bohnhjorth]

Not only am I learning a lot, but watching these videos just leaves me with a warm, comfortable feeling.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@Armandot6]

A breath of fresh air, just good straightforward advice without typical KZbin editing with jokes and filler bs.

[@AZHighlandHomestead]

From a shepherd who just picked up a border collie pup to help herd the sheep, thank you for including Bella in your videos. I love seeing her bounce up onto the workbench to see what you're up to. - Nick from Precott, AZ

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Have owned and trained border collies all my life. Love the breed. Bella is my first kelpie, the collie's Australian cousin. Even more energy, if you can imagine that.

[@AZHighlandHomestead]

@@WorkshopCompanion more energy?! Border collie cousins from down under must be like most other things from there, more intense! :)

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@AZHighlandHomestead True that. I swear.

[@dianeewoldt3035]

Another great video Nick. I’ve been woodworking for over 40 years starting under the tutelage of my dad. He always said that if you can read, you can figure anything out- but I must admit that properly executed videos have been a great help to me. You are consistently one of the video sites that I trust (some sites leave me with the hair on the back of my neck standing up…). I appreciate your videos because like my dad, you explain WHY you do it this way rather than tell you how to do it. The WHY is every bit as important as the how because it helps with other related tasks. Happy Woodworking!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@TomSaw_de]

Well said. I would describe it: With the why attached, skills memorize much better cause you can easily re-derive the 'formula of success' from the why. Good woodworking everybody

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@TomSaw_de So true. Many years ago, when working towards a pilot's license, I had a good deal of trouble learning to land the airplane -- my instructor simply gave me a series of procedures with no theory or theme to connect them. I happened on a book written by a famous pilot who detailed his trials learning to bring a plane down safely in which he explained the physics and the traditions behind each step -- the whys, as you put it. It was eye-opening. Furthermore that info enabled me to improvise safely in later years when the weather or runway conditions weren't as amenable as they were when I was just learning. The whys aren't just necessary to doing it right, they are vital to doing it when the circumstances call for creativity.

[@Fangman123789]

​@@WorkshopCompanion I love woodworking and flying and plan to get my pilots license at some point in life, do you by chance remember the title of said book written by a famous pilot? Or perhaps you remember the pilot's name? I would appreciate it, if you even read this, if you could reply whenever its convenient and thank you in advance if you do. Also a big thank you to you and your helpers for providing all of these amazing videos!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@Fangman123789 "Kill Devil Hills"

[@-_.._._--_.-.-_-_-_-...-.-]

We're so lucky to have Nick as our Workshop Companion! A True Legend of the Art! Thanks for all the work and dedication. It is a great inspiration and resource for all of us.

[@Beakerzor]

Thanks for taking on this topic and really drilling in.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks -- I thought I gave it a good spin...

[@jerrymiller7556]

Good video, thank you! I worked in machine job shops for forty eight years and the most dangerous machine in the shop is the drill press. Drilling and counter drilling brass or brass alloys are especially dangerous. They will suck the bit down into the material and either lift the work off the table, or jerk it out of your hand, sometimes even when the workpiece is in a vise. Clamp the part, vise, or work holding device to the table for safety. If a person drills lots of brass for ornamentation, grind a flat on the lip of the drill to dull it and it won’t suck into the workpiece and it still cut fine. You may need drills done this way just for use on brass. Some grainy woods will do the same thing and the dull lip method may cause a hasty hole, so clamping is the best method. Counter drilling for a closer sized hole will be the most opportunity for sucking the drill in brass, thin or sheet metal, and some woods. Longer pieces can rest against the press column to prevent spinning. A fence can be a great safety feature as well. Another thing to help counter drill for size is to grind a small radius on the drill flutes. This really helps the drill size the hole correctly and prevent suck down in wood. The only times I was ever cut badly in all my many years was drill press injuries. Be Careful and Stay Safe!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing. And you're quite right about the drill press -- it's just as dangerous as the tools with whirling saws and knives. Perhaps more so, because you're not on you guard as much with a drill press as you are with a saw or and jointer.

[@edm00se]

Another good one in the books. My kid loves seeing Bella pop up.

[@Mighty_Atheismo]

Finally! I have learned the dog's name!

[@edm00se]

@@Mighty_Atheismo I think I saw it in one of the other comments, assuming that's accurate.

[@valiany]

Love you man. You remind me my grandfather. God bless you.

[@beck645]

Sir I only discovered your videos a week ago. Now you are like an old friend. My God how I have learned from you. Deeply grateful for not just the knowledge but for how professional you present it and especially for the perfect humor you add. Why can’t other KZbin people be a tenth as great as you are? I get so tired of vulgar know it alls. You put them all to shame. I truly wish I could shake your hand and just sit down and talk with you. I’m also a teacher but on a very different subject. People like us are sadly going extinct. I savor your every word and cannot tell you how great your videos are. Deepest respect to you. Love your dog too. Adds a fun touch of humanity.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@mattelias721]

You're a fantastic teacher, Nick. All these tips are great. I would add a caution on the tape trick, because it only works to the point where the tape fills with dust, pushes upward, and then you blow out the back of what you're doing. Also, thank you for the "no glove" tip - really, you should never wear gloves for the same reason associated with the drill press, with any power tool.

Videos requires to be watched a couple of times, so many nice advices to pay atention to.. thnaks for sharing it.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@joemcgraw6288]

Alot of food for thought and entertaining as well, (your dog stole the show).

[@farrierss1724]

Found it very Bore-ing. Great tips, thanks! Awesome dog

[@Sharp_Stone]

Also a tip for men and women with long hair, tug it in your shirt or clip it so it isn't loose around the drill bit.

[@ArchEdge]

Thanks Nick - Always a great Video.

[@BobBlarneystone]

Good advice. I would add that it's important to select the correct RPM range for a particular size bit and material. Generally, smaller bits require higher rpms. And wood is much softer than steel or brass which require slower speeds and may need a lubricant. Find a chart online that gives this info - it should not be difficult to find.

[@dr.fillyblunt7505]

This guy's delivery is top notch. Subbed.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks...and welcome.

[@bradleytuckwell4881]

Thanks Nick I’m always impressed with your methods of sharing your knowledge.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@kiwdwks]

Good information...thank you. Your dog is awesome!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@Geblorg]

Been watching a lot of woodworking videos where people talk about their thought processes and dramatize their voyage, to the point I have to fast forward through the thing. These videos are well-paced, well-narrated, and full of good info. I don't subscribe to many channels but this was worth it, and might check out the merch section ;)

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@sapelesteve]

Great tips as usual Nick! Must be nice having Bella as your assistant pouch in the shop! 👍👍🐶🐶

[@WorkshopCompanion]

She's a handful, but she's good company.

[@groovybanana6632]

I'm so glad I saw the last tip about never drilling with gloves! I often use gloves when doing woodwork so I will definitely take them off before drilling anything. Thank you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@davidhull2060]

Every good woodshop should have a furry helper!

[@robstrawn9170]

I greatly appreciate all of your videos. Every video you put out I learn something new, you are very educational, thank you very much..

[@TiffMcGiff]

The paste wax screw tip is money! Thanks Nick!

[@JuanAgustinLopez]

That beautiful Bella is either masterfully trained or she has an impeccable sense of comedic timing 😁

[@WorkshopCompanion]

The latter. She will do anything to make us laugh. When she was a pup, my wife and I laughed when she chased her tail. Nowadays, when things seem to be getting too serious or stressful, Bella starts chasing her tail.

[@rifficide]

Love these videos so much. Between the knowledge, presentation, great humor, nice editing, and that adorable shop dog, this is my absolute favorite woodworking channel. Keep 'em coming, guys, you're doing fantastic work.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@wandelust]

Love this guy. This is the kinda teacher I wish I had when I was younger 😊

[@cerberus2881]

I learn so much when I come here! The Glove Safety Tip at the end was an eye opener!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

For us too. It was something we hadn't give much thought to until our good friend sent us a picture of his bandaged hand and mangled glove. He told us that had the V-belt on his drill been a little tighter, he might have lost some fingers.

[@aghakia1]

Another amazing clip. He is a Bodhisattva 😊

[@WorkshopCompanion]

As much as I appreciate the implied compliment, I am about as far from being an arhat as the next woodworker. Fact is, most of the time, I feel a lot closer to samsara. I'm just decent craftsman and fair-to-middlin' teacher working hard at just being.

[@2down4up]

Wow! Just wow! How have I not heard of/found this channel before now?! Subbed! I’m kings pepper to say I had heard of and indeed used a few of those tricks/tips, though not all of them. I’m an auto tech so I’m mostly dealing with metal however the one thing I always try to impress on those that work with me, is use the clutch on your drill/screw gun! Especially working in plastic interior bits! The clutch is your best friend! I use that exact same Milwaukee installation driver for much of my work and I’m almost never in drill mode unless I’m actually drilling! The diff is so awesome too!

[@MrMarkpeggy]

Thanks, Nick and Bella, for the great video 👍

[@WorkshopCompanion]

We all thank you.

[@GeraldJensen]

Excellent advice ... I have a friend who was "degloved" while wearing a glove at the drill press. His injuries were so severe, he underwent numerous surgeries and eventually was fitted with a prosthetic device.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Yikes!

[@kencoleman7762]

I really appreciate these videos. Sometimes there is information new to me and other times I enjoy the reminders. Also, thanks for featuring Bella. She adds to the enjoyment I have watching the video and I appreciate the interaction you have with her.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

She steals the show; let's admit it. Thanks for saying -- from both Bella and me.

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

Nice vid. I’ve been watching for a short time on your DIY tips and how to’s , and I always notice that wood propeller hanging on wall! Which got me to pondering. Could you maybe make some large ceiling fan blades and demonstrate how to make them?? I have a few motors laying around that the factory blades did not hold up

[@WorkshopCompanion]

We may do a video on making a propeller in the far-distant future, but fans and props are two different things.

[@dwaynelejeune3508]

@@WorkshopCompanion blade is a blade lol. Just delet the middle part 😂

[@johnrice6793]

Your companion is one hellofa wonderful fellow. Intelligent he is!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

She thanks you for saying. Bella is either a Kelpie or a McNab Sheperd -- both close cousins to border collies and just as smart.

[@cjc9719]

Love this guy!

[@kendibben3179]

Good tip on the glove wearing, great video nick .👍 Always very informative even for myself being a time served carpenter. Sometimes it’s good to go back to basics

[@dpmeyer4867]

thanks

[@tgahan01]

Great idea. Thanks!

[@guybowers9094]

Really useful tips as usual. The glove thing made me think of the other day when I was drilling a hole in some wood and it slipped off and the bit caught my sweat shirt twisting itself up in it just as your demonstration with the glove which I don't wear while doing those tasks

[@carldavis6902]

Thank you for sharing

[@wayneprice6918]

Best teacher on the web! Thanks for the great tips. Seen solutions here that I have never seen anywhere else.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@christopherpassmann6949]

You have a very good helper!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Agreed.

[@parkercombes]

Thanks so much for all of your woodworking wisdom.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@TheTurbinator]

I dont even do a lot of woodworking at home. Just occasionally cut some two by fours or flooring when upgrading my house, but I watch all the videos on this channel regularly. The host is such a personable and friendly guy, and his way of teaching and talking is so relaxing that I sometimes spend up to an hour just watching his videos. Thank you for making these videos, you and the dog are awesome. 😎

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words, from Bella and me.

[@MyGrowthRings]

Nice video, Nick and Travis and Bella!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks from all.

[@XBigLevX]

Found this channel only a few weeks ago and feel cheated in how much I've missed not seeing his content when he first started. Man this stuff is amazing!

[@terryt2910]

Another excellent WC video, thank you. I especially found the chuck removal worthwhile. I've found that a piece of painters tape on top, where the drill will enter, can help with tear out on entry. I wish you have spoken about the use of a fence. They're easy to build and have many useful functions, including safety. Thank, again.

[@wookieecantina]

Great video and the South Park-esque opening character is brilliantly done! Love it!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@4ndrej]

thank you for the no gloves safety tip!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@mesoed]

Love that you've been sharing some of your book knowledge here.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for saying.

[@alessandrosuppini943]

Thank you Nick, always a pleasure to listen to your useful tips 👍

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@Amalgamotion]

I love a good drill press, the speed adjustment on them might be overlooked but I find it a close second to a router table for versatility in a shop tool. Reminds me to set up a little kit around the one at my job. Be good to have some scrap pieces to adjust the height, I'm usually doing the awkward reach to adjust w. the crank. 🥺

[@amadeol]

Thanks for the video, you are the best. Saludos desde Argentina

[@WorkshopCompanion]

You're welcome from Ohio.

[@WarrenDrakeVRN]

Another great video and a great compliment to your books!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@susanmonson6848]

You have the most informative channel , and it's entertaining!

[@martingagne3136]

Thanks for those tips again ,

[@MystiqueULH]

Now I know why I stripped a few screws. The drill was set too high. Glad you put that in there. Thanks

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@MystiqueULH]

@@WorkshopCompanion Love your dog too - have 4 myself.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

@@MystiqueULH That's almost enough.

[@annaredd2422]

I always learn something new from your videos. Thank you

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@Mighty_Atheismo]

TRAVIS!! You're the man!!! Bella! What a lovely name for a dog. This is truly youtube's best woodworking channel bar none.

[@iggysixx]

All great tips; thank you (...and it's fun to see how enthusiastic your dog is :) My cat also always wants to be part of everything I'm doing - walking across my work, laughing at "harm's way" ;))

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bocan3189]

You Sir, are literally the Geppetto of woodworking... one thing that I don't like about your videos is: they end. Carry on Sir!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@jimp7015]

50 years a skilled tradesman and I'm still learning from you.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

And I'm still learning from folks like you. This is a never-ending process.

[@selianboy8508]

Your Bella is a smart pup... really knows the drill!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It's never boring when Bella's in the shop.

[@Rusty_ok]

Good tips

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@rustydegeorge5726]

Just discovered your KZbin channel a couple of days ago. I’ve already watched a number of your videos and I have found them to be extremely informative, knowledgeable, and helpful… please keep them coming!! Ordered your Using the Bandsaw book this morning and can’t wait to receive it.

[@budgillett9627]

I love dogs and IMO dog lovers are more compassionate people than dog haters. Great videos!😊

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@johnsrabe]

Anubis! Love the ears and the smile. Thanks for more dog in these recent videos. And of course thanks for the tips. And the glove warning.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome. And I hadn't noticed but the prick ears and long nose are very similar to Anubis. Great observation.

[@ST-0311]

I love this channel. Great knowledge, great presentation, and great dog.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Travis, Bella, and I thank you.

[@patmash]

Best ending to any video ever. Great tips as always thank you sir.

[@venkataramanaupadhya5277]

You are very smart👌🥰

[@mmabagain]

Yep. Even reamers will oversize a hole by a tiny amount. When using a .500 reamer in metal, the finished hole is anywhere from .5002 to .5005.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

True that. That's why I have a set of adjustable reamers.

[@castlecodersltd]

Great video, thanks for sharing your tips 🙂

[@brianfendley5095]

Great video Nick, keep them coming.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

That's the plan.

[@skjelm6363]

Greeting from Cologne, thanks for your very well made videos!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks from Ohio.

[@FormerlyKnownAsAndrew]

Must be nice to have Bella in the shop! ❤

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Absolutely.

[@ahorton6786]

Bella stole the show there!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

She usually does.

[@martinholden2281]

Thanks for the great insight. All the best!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@69goodfella]

Best doggo!

[@themonkeydrunken]

Just found your channel, and I'm loving the content. Also that's a really sweet pup and she adores you!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Bella and I thank you for the kind words.

[@timort2260]

Another great video always learn a little something. And huge thank you for your router dropping bit video. Haven't dropped a bit since.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

OMG! Thanks for saying.

[@lesblack413]

All very sound advice Nick. Thanks for presenting, and to Bella also!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@brucewelty7684]

Nick, I say this with all due respect: You are a nut! keep it up!

[@ScottyDrake]

Love me some Bella. Hey...good tip about the gloves. Thanks, Nick. (Oh, yeah...the other tips were good, too.)

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks.

[@jimaronson2323]

The dog is awesome.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I thinks so too.

[@bjornhenning2433]

I adorable just love watching it... as simple as that

[@WorkshopCompanion]

[@ThisRandomGuyYouDidntNotice]

7:20 it seems like the scraps you used are a bit warped, they seem to act similar to a leaf spring. if the scraps are not flat you may get a hole that is not 90 degree. I tend to use coated ply scraps, they seem to hold their shape pretty well :)

[@riba2233]

Awesome as usual, thanks!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Most welcome.

[@garykorzelius5930]

Great Video as usual, and nice catch Bella

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Bella says thanks.

[@sethwarner2540]

Sir, you are a prise! Consistent constant genius ideas and techniques; timeless thoughts!!

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Thanks for those kind words.

[@F0XD1E]

Glove tip is clutch. Had a close call with that myself. A shorter V-block stood on end is also a good way to get your hand drill perpendicular to the workpiece.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Good tip.

[@craigtanner6916]

I love your puppy 😄

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Me too.

[@jaygadd1805]

Hmmm...why is Bella so interested in the bench top? It's cute and all, but...oh! I get it🤭 Good doggo🐕

[@scottscott4067]

Use the tape trick all the time drilling for concrete anchors

[@WorkshopCompanion]

It works, doesn't it? Thanks for sharing.

[@karolskakes388]

9:05 Waxing the screw - an alternative is any old bar of soap, does wonders - helping a friend used liquid dish soap, yup it worked too. I view many wood work videos, but I only make fixtures or refinements based on what your team presents. arf arf

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I agree, soap works well since it's mostly glycerin. However bar soaps often contain some sodium hydroxide, which may react with the tannic acid and other extractives in the woods, darkening or changing its color around the screw holes. This doesn't usually matter since screw holes are commonly hidden or out of sight. But it's something to be aware of.

[@tomowens2720]

The dog stole the show.....as always! While I don't have one yet, woodworkers also have fractional twist bit sets. These cover the slightest sizes between standard bit sets

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I don't know where you're writing from, but here in America we commonly have twist bits available in fractional, metric, numbered, and lettered sizes. It's a ridiculously confusing system and you need a huge chart to determine what's what, but the result is that we have over 150 diameters commonly available between .013" and .5" (.33 mm and 13 mm).

[@csantana9]

Wow even your little furry friend is a hammer catching expert.

[@ashokmoghe8035]

Another great video - Nick. The last safety tip demonstration was very effective. Never thought a machine like drill press that looks relatively benign has actually good amount of damaging power packed in it. Thanks.

[@WorkshopCompanion]

Talk to an experienced machinist. They have the same healthy fear of drill presses that woodworkers do of table saws.

[@fettpack6828]

Awesome video, I always learn something new watching you videos. No hard feelings intended but Bella is the star. You give us the knowledge but she always brings a smile to my dial. 👍

[@WorkshopCompanion]

I don't mind sharing the spotlight.