My drill press is a big floor model, but the locking lever for the table is too small to apply adequate torque to lock it in place. Further, it is located on the left side of the tool and I’m right-handed.

My solution was to remove the lever and bring it to the hardware store. There I found a 6-in. length of steel pipe that was close to the diameter of the lever.

Back at home, I used a cordless drill and a 31/64-in. twist bit to enlarge the inside of the pipe for a good tight fit on the lever. Then I jammed the pipe in place and wrapped it with black athletic tape. Now it’s a lot easier to lock the table securely.

Drawing by Jim Richey.

Drawing by Jim Richey

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

MicroJig Matchfit dovetail clamps

These unique clamps have angled tips that hold templates and fences in place without getting in the way.

Buy at Amazon

Incra Miter 1000HD

One of many extremely accurate Incra miter gauges, this model offers 180-degree adjustment to 1/10 of a degree, and a long, straight fence with a telescoping stop system.

Buy at Amazon

Hedgehog featherboards

The Hedgehog's unique spiral shape and single knob make it easy to set up and fast to adjust.

Buy at Amazon