How to Build a Woodworking Drill Press Table with Fence & Storage
A standard drill press works great for drilling accurate holes, but its small cast-iron table isn't always ideal for woodworking. This shop-built drill press table adds a larger work surface, convenient clamping options, an adjustable fence, dust collection, and even a storage drawer. It's a practical upgrade that makes your drill press more versatile and easier to use.
In this first video of our drill press table build series, we take a closer look at the design and construction of the tabletop. You'll see how a few thoughtful features turn an ordinary drill press into a more capable woodworking tool.
Why Build a Woodworking Drill Press Table?
A drill press is one of the best tools for drilling straight, accurately positioned holes. However, most drill presses are designed with metalworking in mind. Their small cast-iron tables offer limited support for larger woodworking projects, and securing a workpiece can be frustrating.
A dedicated woodworking drill press table solves these problems by providing a larger, more stable surface with built-in accessories for positioning and holding your work.
The Woodsmith design includes a durable laminated top, adjustable fence, convenient clamping slots, replaceable inserts, dust collection, and a storage drawer. Each feature makes drilling, sanding, and other drill press operations easier.
Building a Strong, Durable Drill Press Table
The foundation of this project is a wide tabletop made from two layers of 3/4" Baltic birch plywood. Laminating the layers creates a thick, rigid surface that provides plenty of support for larger workpieces.
For added durability, the top is covered with plastic laminate. While this step isn't absolutely necessary, the laminate provides a smooth, wear-resistant surface that stands up to regular shop use.
The tabletop also features a distinctive shape, with angled corners and several cutouts designed to make clamping easier.
Shaping the Tabletop with Simple Tools
At first glance, the cutouts and shaped edges might look complicated. But they're surprisingly easy to make using common woodworking tools.
Start by removing most of the waste with a jigsaw. Then use a router with a flush-trim bit, along with templates and straightedges, to clean up the cuts and create smooth, consistent edges.
This approach makes it easy to produce a professional-looking tabletop without complicated machining setups.
Easy Clamping with T-Track and Bar Clamps
One of the biggest advantages of this drill press table is the variety of ways you can secure a workpiece.
Built-in T-track allows you to position accessories such as hold-down clamps wherever they're needed. This is especially useful for repetitive drilling operations or when working with smaller parts.
The large slots in the tabletop offer another option. They're sized to accommodate standard F-style bar clamps, making it easy to secure larger or unusually shaped workpieces.
With these two clamping options, you can position and hold your work securely without fighting the limitations of a standard cast-iron table.
Replaceable Inserts Protect the Table
Drilling through a workpiece can quickly damage a tabletop. That's why this design includes a replaceable insert directly beneath the drill bit.
The insert supports the underside of the workpiece, helping reduce tearout as the bit exits the wood. It also prevents repeated drilling operations from damaging the main tabletop.
When the insert becomes worn, simply replace it with a fresh one.
This feature becomes even more useful when paired with the table's dust collection system. A separate insert with a larger opening can be used when operating a drum sander.
An Adjustable Drill Press Fence with Dust Collection
A good drill press fence makes it easier to position workpieces accurately and drill repeatable holes.
The fence on this table attaches to the T-track, allowing it to be repositioned as needed. Like the tabletop, it features a durable laminate surface.
Split Fence for Better Bit Clearance
The fence includes a split design with an opening in the center. This provides clearance for the drill chuck when using shorter bits or drilling close to the fence.
The opening also serves another purpose: dust collection.
Built-In Dust Collection for Drilling and Sanding
Dust collection is one of the most useful features of this drill press table, particularly when using a sanding drum.
The fence and interchangeable inserts work together with a concealed dust collection passage in the storage case below the tabletop.
A dust port at the rear connects to a shop vacuum, helping remove dust and debris from the work area.
This arrangement keeps the dust collection components out of the way while making the drill press more useful for sanding operations.
Add Convenient Storage Beneath the Table
Once the tabletop and fence are complete, you'll have a fully functional woodworking drill press table. But there's one more feature that makes this project especially handy.
A storage case mounted beneath the tabletop provides a convenient place to keep drill bits, accessories, and other small tools.
The case is divided into two sections. The front contains a storage drawer, while the rear houses the dust collection passage and vacuum connection.
It's a compact arrangement that makes good use of the space beneath the table without interfering with the drill press.
Build Your Own Woodworking Drill Press Table
Whether you're drilling precise holes, using a Forstner bit, or sanding curved workpieces, this shop-built drill press table makes the job easier.
The large work surface, versatile clamping options, adjustable fence, replaceable inserts, and dust collection system combine to create a practical upgrade for almost any woodworking shop.
The project uses straightforward construction techniques and common shop materials, making it an approachable build with benefits you'll appreciate for years.
➤ Get the Step-by-Step Woodworking Drill Press Table Plans
The complete plans include the information you need to build the tabletop, fence, and storage assembly.
Watch the Complete Drill Press Table Build Series
In Part 1, we introduce the project and focus on the tabletop, including the laminated construction, shaped edges, clamping slots, T-track, and replaceable insert.
The following videos take a closer look at the adjustable fence and the storage case with its built-in dust collection system.
- Part 1: Woodworking Drill Press Table Overview — Explore the features that make this drill press table a versatile woodworking upgrade. (Video embedded above.)
- Part 2: Building the Main Table — Build the laminated work surface with clamping slots, T-track, and replaceable inserts.
- Part 3: Making the Adjustable Fence — Add a split fence with T-track, adjustable positioning, and dust relief.
- Part 4: Adding Storage & Dust Collection — Complete the project with a storage drawer and hidden vacuum connection.
- 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.
