Use a Drill Press (The Gold Standard)

Use a dedicated drill press for guaranteed perpendicular holes with repeatable accuracy, adjustable depth, and consistent results.

How It Works

A drill press has a motor-driven spindle mounted on a rigid vertical column. The spindle travels up and down on precision bearings guided by the column, ensuring the drill bit enters the material at exactly 90 degrees (or any other set angle). A flat table supports the workpiece and can be adjusted for height and angle. This mechanical constraint eliminates the human error inherent in freehand drilling.

Instructions

1. Secure the workpiece to the drill press table using clamps or a drill press vise. Never hold the workpiece by hand — the drill can grab and spin it
2. Install the appropriate drill bit in the chuck and tighten
3. Adjust the table height so the bit will reach the workpiece at a comfortable feed handle position
4. Set the depth stop to control how deep the hole will be
5. Set the spindle speed appropriate for the bit size and material (slower for larger bits and harder materials)
6. Turn on the press and lower the bit into the workpiece using the feed handle
7. Apply steady, moderate downward pressure. Let the bit do the cutting
8. Retract the bit and turn off the press

Tips

• A benchtop drill press suitable for home workshop use starts at around $100-200 and is one of the most useful stationary tools you can own
• For occasional use, some makerspaces, community workshops, and woodworking clubs have drill presses available for members
• The drill press table can be tilted to drill angled holes with the same precision as perpendicular ones
• Use a sacrificial backer board under the workpiece to prevent tearout on the exit side of through-holes
• For metal drilling, use cutting oil and reduce speed significantly compared to wood

Common Mistakes

• Not clamping the workpiece, which allows it to spin dangerously when the bit grabs
• Running the press too fast for large bits or hard materials, which dulls the bit and overheats the workpiece
• Not using a center punch, which causes the bit to wander slightly even in a drill press
• Forcing the feed handle instead of letting the bit cut at its own pace, which can break bits and damage the workpiece