DP table, version 2

[pop-pop]

Got a new DP earlier this year and temporarily used my previous table. Version 2 is the same overall design with a few dimension changes and improvements. The fence is WoodRiver and I bought an extra flip stop for it.

The top and bottom layers are 1/2” BB ply and the middle layer is 5/8” BB ply. I extended the T-tracks for the fence a bit and that does make blind insertion by feel of the fence nut easier when re-installing the fence.

The T-track is slightly thicker than 1/2” BB and a router plane was the ideal tool to deepen the groove slightly.

The Kreg auto-adjust clamps have served me well. I almost always snap down both clamps or at least one clamp and the fence. No more whirling stock.

The clamps came with a piece of slippery adhesive plastic tape that kept twisting. I made these HDPE saddles and so far seem to be an improvement.

With a 2-1/2” Forstner, here are four positions on one side of a 5” square sacrificial insert. I miscut the square hole position by about 1/2”.

With the slight bevel on the table, the elevator crank seems to have enough clearance.

 

[Hmerkle]

I think that is GREAT!

I don't have the data, but I should look it up - there is a claim that the most occurrences of injury in the shop are from the operator "attempting" to hold a piece of stock during a drilling operation...
(I argued years ago that it couldn't be as dangerous as a miter saw or table saw, but at that time (late 90's) the list was long - broken wrist, cuts and abrasions in the hand or forearm and then impacts or other eye damage!)

Even if the data is not overwhelming, the short answer is- "Lock your stock!"

 

[pop-pop]

Added storage area underneath for hold-down clamps.

 

[pop-pop]

I did a show&tell on the above DP table tonight and this Kreg Autoclamp improvement caught the eye of several Triangle Woodworkers Association members. They had the same problem that I had with the original flimsy rectangular washer not staying put. The fix is a simple saddle made from slippery plastic like a cutting board.

 

[drw]

Mike, very innovative...thank you for sharing.

 

[HITCH-]

Nice build indeed!

 

[pop-pop]

Nice build indeed!

Thanks. After a year and a half, it has worked pretty well for me. One hand to position the stock and the other to lock the first clamp. Then the second clamp.
Sometimes a quill handle would hit a clamp so I removed two handles and just use one.

The vac port sometimes gets most of the chips, other times not. I keep a cheap paintbrush nearby to sweep any remaining chips into the port after I remove the stock.

 

[gamiller3rd]

Added storage area underneath for hold-down clamps.
View attachment 205855

Smart idea

 

[pop-pop]

After a few years of use, a minor design error of mine has emerged. The fence hold-down runs out of t-track about 3/4” (my finger) too soon. Re-engaging the t-bolts interrupts my work flow enough to be a PITA. Here is the situation:

I need remake the table and extend it back a couple of inches (with a notch for the post) to support longer tracks.

 

[drw]

Mike, I look forward to seeing your design modifications. Your tool and jig modifications are usually innovative or practical...or both!

 

[tvrgeek]

A DP table is on my list. Probably the next shop upgrade after my next woodworking project. I like those clamps as my regular vise-lock drill press clamp is a pain to snug the ring below the table every time you move it. I gather the down pressure on the clamp also locks it onto the track. I do as much metal work though so I wonder if they hold firm enough. I was thinking about affixing the fence to one of those clamp/cutting guide. Maybe I should just stick with SOP and the T-tracks but affix the table with the clamp/guides to make switching from woodwork to metalwork quicker.

I love those gear jobs that move the crank and lock forward, but that is a lot of work and I hate my drill press anyway. Taiwan Delta. POS. Sheaves not round, quill play, not much more rigid than the Sears bench-top I hade before. No, can't justify a Nova.

 

[pop-pop]

A DP table is on my list. Probably the next shop upgrade after my next woodworking project. I like those clamps as my regular vise-lock drill press clamp is a pain to snug the ring below the table every time you move it. I gather the down pressure on the clamp also locks it onto the track. I do as much metal work though so I wonder if they hold firm enough. I was thinking about affixing the fence to one of those clamp/cutting guide. Maybe I should just stick with SOP and the T-tracks but affix the table with the clamp/guides to make switching from woodwork to metalwork quicker.

I love those gear jobs that move the crank and lock forward, but that is a lot of work and I hate my drill press anyway. Taiwan Delta. POS. Sheaves not round, quill play, not much more rigid than the Sears bench-top I hade before. No, can't justify a Nova.

Down pressure does lock the clamp to the track.

I have a small shop yet 3 DPs: 1) Small Skil benchtop (my initial DP), 2) benchtop Nova pictured above primarily for woodworking, and 3) elderly floor model Craftsman with a cross-slide vise primarily for metal working and tall things and I would not give up any of them.

 

[tvrgeek]

Thinking through this morning. Here is a concept for holding the woodworking table on the metal working table:
Table would sit on a riser block screwed to the two clamps. Naturally with the T-tracks, replaceable center, fence, dust collection...

Quick on and off so I would bother to use it. Not sure if the compliance of the clamps would have any play. As I type this, I am having second thoughts. Maybe better to attach with up-side down drill press Vise-grips as the clamps.

 

[pop-pop]

After a few years of use, a minor design error of mine has emerged. The fence hold-down runs out of t-track about 3/4” (my finger) too soon. Re-engaging the t-bolts interrupts my work flow enough to be a PITA. Here is the situation:
View attachment 228539

I need remake the table and extend it back a couple of inches (with a notch for the post) to support longer tracks.

Rather than make a redesigned table, I figured there must be an in situ solution. I used new longer t-tracks with plywood extension support brackets.

Each table extension bracket looks like this:

Grooving the table extensions beforehand made an in situ solution easy.

Here is my DP table ready for use and no more risk of the fence slipping off the end of the t-tracks.

 

[gamiller3rd]

Necessity…the mother of all invention. Well done sir