"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote in message
m...

Bob, I don't see anything special to position a stop block. Do you just
clamp them in place? I'm thinking of putting a T slot on the face to
hold
a small block. Or possilbe a flip stop, but I don't think that much
sophistication is needed.

I've never used a stop on the fence. Maybe its because I don't have one. I
cannot think of when I would use it, except (like the table saw) to make
repetitive holes in similar pieces. A simple stop with an F-clamp will be
what I'll use until I see the need. It would be easy to add T-track on the
existing fence.

Do you move it much? I was thinkin gof just putting a couple 5/16" bold
countersunk and wing nuts on the bottom.

I have to move it to use the vertical fence. Just last night I had to drill
some carefully placed 5/8" holes in the end of small block of wood. I used
the vertical fence and I'm impressed with how well it works, once set up.
The only way to do an equal job would be with router/jig or a horizontal
boring machine, which I don't have.

For horizontal use, I find myself occasionally sliding the table forward or
backward an inch. As I think about it, the T-track beneath is overkill if
you just plan to use only horizontal. Go with your idea and add T-track
later if you find the need. T-track is big pain - I used a dado blade which
worked well, but I hate the labor of setting up a Dado blade.

Pretty but non-essential
1. router cut circular cutout in rear of table (doesn't really buy
anything)

Allows the fence to be set back more? I was thinking about that as it
would move the track back past the post.

It gives an extra inch or so. I guess I'd probably miss it, if it were not
there. When you move the table too far back, the raise/lower handle on the
drill press bangs into the table.

Essential but missing
1. Clamps near the center of the table.

Hmm, maybe a track down the center to allow for a clamp and any place?

Not a good idea. I don't want to end up accidentally drilling holes in the
center mounted T-track. I'm in the "thinking-designing" phase and will come
up with something or find a website that already had the great idea. It
amazes me how many drill press tables slap T-track around the periphery -
useless in my opinion. Also some of the drill press fences are festooned
with T-track. I see it on a table saw or router table where you are moving
wood past the cutter, but a drill press????

My original concept was very simple. Just a flat melamine covered board
and
a couple of T slots. This takes it to a little higher level. I may make
the
simple one and then add as I go and then make a "final" version
incorporating all the newer idea.

Melamine is fine if you have it or like working with it. It serves no real
added value on a drill press because you are not sliding wood across the
table. Its pretty, though. Actually a drill press table is as low tech as
it gets - just be sure its reasonably flat and stable material.

Bob