Drill Press Dust Collection: Make Custom Inserts for Better Dust Control
A woodworking drill press table makes drilling more accurate, convenient, and versatile. But even with a large work surface, adjustable fence, and built-in dust collection, there's always room for improvement. One of the easiest upgrades is a set of replaceable drill press table inserts designed to collect dust and chips right where they're created.
In Part 5 of our Woodworking Drill Press Table series, we'll explore three simple insert designs that improve dust collection during drilling and drum sanding. Each one takes advantage of the dust collection system built into our shop-made drill press table.
How the Drill Press Dust Collection System Works
Our Woodworking Drill Press Table features a dust collection system built into the storage case beneath the work surface.
A hidden chamber directly below the replaceable insert connects to a channel leading to a dust port at the back of the table. Attach a shop vacuum, and dust can be drawn through the insert and out of the work area.
The split fence also plays an important role. A relief area beneath the fence provides a path for dust and chips to travel toward the opening in the table.
This arrangement works especially well when using a sanding drum in the drill press. However, a solid insert blocks the airflow, limiting the effectiveness of the system during normal drilling operations.
The solution is to make a few specialized inserts that provide an opening for dust collection while maintaining support for the workpiece.
Three DIY Drill Press Table Inserts for Dust Collection
One of the advantages of a replaceable insert system is that you can customize the opening for different operations. These three designs are easy to make from MDF and offer different combinations of airflow and workpiece support.
1. Notched Insert for Everyday Drilling
The simplest dust collection insert starts with a standard rectangular insert and adds a notch along the back edge.
When installed in the drill press table, the notch creates an opening that connects with the dust relief area beneath the fence.
As you drill, the shop vacuum can draw loose chips and dust through the opening and into the collection chamber below.
This design retains a solid surface beneath most of the workpiece, making it a practical option for everyday drilling.
2. Center-Hole Insert for Drilling and Drum Sanding
Another option is an insert with a large circular opening in the center.
This design allows air and dust to pass directly through the table while leaving material around the opening to support the workpiece.
The center opening also makes it possible to move the fence closer to the drill bit without completely blocking the dust collection path.
For drum sanding, the opening can surround the sanding drum, allowing dust to move into the collection chamber beneath the table.
Making this insert is straightforward. A large Forstner bit creates the opening, and the remaining material provides support around the hole.
3. Slotted Insert for Increased Airflow
For even more airflow, consider a slotted insert with several elongated openings.
The slots provide additional paths for dust to enter the collection chamber. This makes the design especially useful when you want to collect fine dust generated during sanding operations.
Despite its more elaborate appearance, the slotted insert is surprisingly easy to make.
Start by drilling 1/2"-dia. holes at both ends of each slot. The adjustable drill press fence makes it easy to position the holes accurately and maintain consistent spacing.
Next, move to the router table and use a 1/2" straight bit to connect the holes. Start at one end of each slot and rout toward the opposite end. Then flip the insert over and complete the cut from the other face.
The result is a clean, consistent set of openings that provides a generous path for airflow.
Get More From Your Woodworking Drill Press Table
A replaceable insert is a small feature that adds a lot of versatility to a drill press table. Rather than relying on one opening for every operation, you can keep several inserts on hand and swap them out as needed.
Combine these custom inserts with an adjustable fence, T-track accessories, convenient clamping slots, and a built-in dust collection system, and your drill press becomes a much more capable woodworking tool.
Best of all, these inserts are inexpensive to make, so there's no reason not to experiment with different openings to suit the way you work.
Build Your Own Woodworking Drill Press Table
Ready to upgrade your drill press? Our complete woodworking plan includes the table, adjustable fence, replaceable inserts, storage drawer, and integrated dust collection system.
GET THE STEP-BY-STEP WOODWORKING PLANS → Build a Woodworking Drill Press Table
Watch the Complete Woodworking Drill Press Table Build Series
Follow the complete project from the initial design through the finishing touches:
- Part 1: Woodworking Drill Press Table Overview — Explore the features that make this table a valuable shop upgrade.
- Part 2: Building the Main Table — Build the laminated work surface with clamping slots, T-track, and a replaceable insert.
- Part 3: Making the Adjustable Fence — Add a split fence with T-track accessories and dust relief.
- Part 4: Constructing the Drawer Box — Build the storage drawer and integrated dust collection chamber.
- Part 5: Making Custom Dust Collection Inserts — Upgrade your drill press table with three easy-to-make replaceable inserts that improve airflow, capture dust and chips, and add versatility for drilling and drum sanding. (Video embedded above.)
With these five videos, you'll have everything you need to follow the construction process and build a feature-packed drill press table for your own workshop.
