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

[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.

[SpideyScott]

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

[captwalker]

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.

[ALegit]

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

[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.

[jeffaley]

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.

[matthaffner]

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!

[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.

[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!

[nicknultien]

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.demascio]

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.

[sideeyes]

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?!

[amongtheheathen]

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.

[brianbarker]

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

[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.

[fredgarvin]

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.

[lincolndickerson]

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

[allanm]

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!