DIY I-Beam Drill Press Jig for Safer, Cleaner Drilling
A drill press is useful for both woodworking and metalworking, but switching between the two can create a problem. After drilling metal, the table is often covered with oily residue and sharp metal shavings — neither of which you want transferring to your woodworking projects.
A full-size auxiliary drill press table is one solution, but sometimes a smaller, simpler accessory is all you need.
This shop-made I-beam drill press jig provides a clean, elevated work surface with convenient clamping points. Built entirely from plywood, it attaches directly to the existing drill press table and can be removed when it's time to switch back to metalworking.
A Simple Drill Press Upgrade for Woodworking
The advantage of this jig is its straightforward design.
Rather than covering the entire drill press table, the plywood I-beam provides a narrow, raised surface for supporting and clamping workpieces.
This keeps woodworking projects away from metal shavings and oily residue on the machine table.
The open design also provides room for clamps, making it easier to secure small workpieces before drilling.
Because the jig attaches with ordinary clamps, you can install or remove it quickly without permanently modifying your drill press.
Build the I-Beam Jig from Plywood
The jig gets its name from its I-shaped cross section.
It consists of an upper flange, a vertical web, and a lower flange. The pieces are assembled with glue and screws to create a rigid support.
Upper Flange Supports the Workpiece
The upper flange provides a clean surface for positioning the workpiece.
Its projecting edges also offer convenient locations for attaching clamps to hold the workpiece securely during drilling.
Lower Flange Secures the Jig
The lower flange rests on the existing drill press table.
Clamps hold the assembly in place, allowing you to install the jig when needed and remove it when you're finished.
The vertical web connects the two flanges and provides the raised clearance that makes the design useful.
Add V-Grooves for Drilling Round Stock
One especially handy feature is the addition of V-grooves in the upper and lower flanges.
These grooves provide a cradle for cylindrical workpieces, helping keep them positioned while drilling.
A V-groove is particularly useful when drilling dowels or other round stock because it provides two contact surfaces instead of allowing the workpiece to rest on a flat surface.
The grooves can be routed into the plywood before the jig is assembled.
For safe drilling, always secure round stock with an appropriate clamp. The V-groove helps position the workpiece, but it doesn't prevent the material from spinning if the drill bit catches.
Clamp the Jig to Your Drill Press Table
To use the jig, position the lower flange on the drill press table and secure it with clamps.
Make sure the assembly is stable and that the clamps won't interfere with the drill press spindle, chuck, or workpiece.
Place the workpiece on the upper flange and clamp it securely before drilling.
The elevated surface provides convenient access for clamping while keeping your woodworking project separated from debris on the machine table.
If you're drilling through the workpiece, position it so the bit has adequate clearance beneath the hole, or use a sacrificial backer to support the cut.
A Handy Alternative to a Full-Size Drill Press Table
You don't always need a large auxiliary table to make your drill press more useful for woodworking.
This simple plywood I-beam jig provides a clean work surface, convenient clamping access, and V-grooves for positioning round stock.
It's inexpensive to build, easy to remove, and particularly useful in shops where the drill press handles both metalworking and woodworking.
For a few pieces of plywood and some basic hardware, you can add a versatile workholding accessory that makes everyday drilling more convenient.
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