How to Square a Drill Press Table for Accurate Drilling
Drilling straight, accurate holes starts with a properly aligned drill press. If the table isn't square to the spindle, your holes can end up slightly angled instead of perpendicular to the workpiece. Even a small misalignment can cause problems when drilling holes for dowels, hardware, or precision woodworking joinery.
Fortunately, there's a quick way to check your drill press table alignment using nothing more than a bent steel rod.
A Simple Trick for Checking Drill Press Alignment
Instead of trying to position a square against the drill bit, make a simple alignment gauge from a piece of steel rod.
Bend the rod twice at roughly 90° to create an offset arm that reaches down toward the drill press table. The bends don't need to be perfectly accurate because the test relies on rotating the rod around the spindle.
Secure the rod in the drill press chuck, then lower it until the end of the rod just touches the table.
With the drill press unplugged, rotate the chuck by hand and watch the end of the rod as it sweeps across the table.
Adjust the Drill Press Table for Accurate Holes
If the rod maintains the same contact with the table throughout its rotation, the table is square to the spindle.
If you notice a gap opening or the rod pressing harder against the table at certain points, the table needs adjustment.
Loosen the table's tilt adjustment and make small corrections until the rod maintains consistent contact as it rotates. Depending on your drill press, you may need to shim the table to correct the alignment.
Once the table is properly squared, tighten the adjustments and check it again.
This simple drill press tune-up takes only a few minutes and helps ensure that every hole you drill is straight, accurate, and perpendicular to the workpiece.
