Workshop Setup

Build a Better Drill Press Table with Fence and Dust Collection

By Hods Published · Updated

The small, round table that comes with most drill presses is barely adequate. It offers no fence for repeatable drilling, no clamping options, and no dust collection. A shop-made auxiliary table transforms your drill press into a far more capable and accurate tool.

Build a Better Drill Press Table

The Design

Build a flat MDF or plywood table that mounts over the existing drill press table. It features a replaceable insert for the drill bit, an adjustable fence for repeatable positioning, T-track for clamping, and a dust port.

Materials

  • 3/4-inch MDF: 16x24 inches (the table)
  • 3/4-inch MDF: 3x24 inches (the fence)
  • T-track: two 16-inch pieces
  • Replaceable insert: 4x4 inch piece of 1/4-inch MDF
  • 2-inch shop vacuum port fitting
  • Bolts for mounting to the drill press table

Building Steps

Step 1: Cut the Table

Cut the MDF to size (adjust dimensions to fit your drill press). Round or chamfer the front corners for comfort.

Step 2: Install the Insert

Cut a 3-1/2 inch square hole in the center of the table. Build a rabbet around the hole so a 4x4 inch piece of 1/4-inch MDF sits flush with the surface. Drill a bit-clearance hole in the insert.

When the insert gets chewed up from use, cut a new one in two minutes.

Step 3: Install T-Track

Rout two grooves 8 inches apart, parallel to the front edge, and press-fit T-track into the grooves. The T-track accepts T-bolts for securing the fence and clamps for holding workpieces.

Step 4: Build the Fence

Cut a straight piece of MDF for the fence. Add a dust collection notch — a semicircular cutout at the back center that connects to a 2-inch vacuum hose fitting. The vacuum draws chips away from the drilling area.

Attach the fence to the table with T-bolts through the T-track. The fence slides forward and backward and locks at any position.

Step 5: Mount to the Drill Press

Drill holes through the auxiliary table that align with the existing drill press table slots or bolt holes. Attach with bolts and wing nuts for easy removal.

Using the Table

Repeatable Hole Drilling

Set the fence to the desired distance from the bit center. Mark only the position along the fence, not both dimensions. Every hole drilled against the fence is at exactly the same distance from the edge. This is essential for shelf pin holes, evenly spaced dowel holes, and production drilling.

Clamping

Use T-track clamps or quick-grip clamps to hold workpieces firmly. This is critical for drilling metal, where the bit can grab and spin the workpiece, and for using Forstner bits that generate significant torque.

Depth Stops

The drill press’s built-in depth stop controls hole depth. Set it once and drill multiple identical holes — essential for counterbore holes, dowel holes, and hinge cup holes.

Upgrades

  • Replaceable sacrificial fence face: Attach a thin strip of MDF to the fence face with double-sided tape. Replace when chewed up.
  • Stop blocks on T-track: Position blocks along the fence for repeatable hole spacing without measuring each hole.
  • LED ring light: Illuminate the drilling area with a USB-powered ring light mounted around the quill.

Bottom Line

A drill press auxiliary table costs under $20 in materials and takes about two hours to build. It is one of the highest-value workshop jig projects because you use it every time you use the drill press.