Drill-Press Table Supports Long Workpieces

Whenever I drill a long piece that extends beyond my drill-press table, I struggle to hold it down safely. My new shopmade table solves this problem effectively and economically. Make the center panel from any sheet goods you have lying around, and mill extrathick edging for all four sides. Then rout a precise groove through the front and back edge pieces to enclose 3⁄4-in.-square aluminum tube stock. I attached 5-in.-wide particleboard panels to the top of the bars (with a rail below each panel to stiffen it), which then slide in and out of the main table to create very stable extension wings. Couldn’t be simpler.

—Kamran Firooz, Loveland, Colo.

—Drawings by Dan Thornton

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Ridgid EB4424 Oscillating Spindle/Belt Sander

With five spindles sized from 1/2 in. to 2 in. and a 4 X 24-in. belt, this sander has become a staple in many a shop Fine Woodworking visits.

Buy at Amazon

Starrett 12-in. combination square

This accurate, robust, well-machined, easy-to-read combo square is as great as ever.

Buy at Amazon

Freud Super Dado Saw Blade Set 8" x 5/8" Bore

Leaves a dado with a flat bottom and even performs excellent on plywood and melamine.

Buy at Woodcraft