This is just a suggestion. Maybe make a stabilizing platform from a piece of plywood ,that extended past the base approximately 3-4 inches on each side. Trace out the middle and cut out where the drill bit goes. Then attach the press to that. How would that work.
Thanks PF, great idea. I have this guide and have encountered similar issues. Using an extra-long plywood base would allow me to stabilize and clamp the guide better to the workpiece without having to drill holes in the workpiece.
@@stormhenge Since this smart ass calls the user manual "trash", what would you expect? I wonder, when he saw all these holes in the guide base, didn't have a "spark of genius" to figure out they're made to attach the guide to a larger and clamping capable base? I think he lost some brains, along with his third hand in the 1996 accident...
Just discovered your channel tonight and have enjoyed a few of your vids. Great stuff so far. I've subscribed and hope your channel is successful. Regarding the drill guide, I have one that's a cheap clone of the woodpecker one and learned that it doesn't replace not buying a drill press (yet). You can make due but not great. They are best when you're guilty of poor planning and have something that's already (or partially) assembled and you discover you need to drill more holes and have them be straight.
Good to know Sean! It's tough for me to throw down a ton of money for a high quality drill press at this point in my career, however I'm sure I will some day. I so rarely have a need for really accurate drill holes, but I'm sure that will change. I think you described every one of my projects with the "poor planning" :) I'm getting getter at it though!
Ill tell ya one really cool addition they could do is add a laser sight to exactly where the drill bit will go...most $200 table drill presses have that so I dont saee why they couldnt add it to this.... Aoll drill guides rock btw....you need to either clamp it down at the base or add a larger platform and use that as a clamping point. They do also sell a edge drill guide that connects to that and gives another precision guide to it.
Oh man! What a cool idea. that would be amazing to have a laser to show where the drill bit would hit! I've learned the hard way that that drill guide absolutely needs to be clamped down or have a larger base attached to the bottom. I was thinking when I bought it that the hefty weight of it would provide enough stability, but that is just not the case! Thanks for commenting and watching Spills51!
It seems like one of the chief complaints is the stability of the base -- rocking and turning. But wouldn't that be an issue with most any drill guide? If not, then what about the base of this particular model that's different from other brands that would cause this? Is it a QA control issue? Base too small? I've never used one but an in the market so would really like to know.
Great question Manuel. After making that video, I've come to the realization, that the rocking issue is probably an issue with all of these. I may make a follow up for this video as it still gets a lot of views and I think the one thing that I didn't know about when making this video, is that it is recommended to make a wider base for it. Kind of like you would for a router. I haven't done that for mine yet, but it is on my to do list! Thanks for watching!
As with all tools there is a learning curve, techniques for accurate and safe operation, etc. it appears that either your surface is not flat, the r the sole of the tool is not machined flat.
I agree Michael. I think the best thing I've learned since purchasing this is that it is very helpful to attach a piece of plywood or some other large area piece of scrap onto the base of this tool. This dramatically increases the stability of the device. I appreciate the comment! :)
If you would have read the trash you would have seen the 2 nuts on either side of the press where the handles attach were for shipping only. They need to be removed before screwing on the handles. No tightening the handles correctly with the packing nuts still there caused some of your wobble. I bought one and the 1/4” drive attachment broke the first time I used it. Tickler replaced it and I haven’t broke the second yet, but it is the weak spot on this tool. I fear I will break it again.
Thank you so much Ethan! Yes, I have since read "most" of the instructions. I have even mounted the guide to a jig to help with the wobble. All great points! I appreciate you watching and sharing your feedback! Thanks so much!
It's a DUH on the forstner bit use. You simply can't use a drill guide and expect the same performance and steadiness of a true drill press. Both have obvious advantages and limitations. But a little thinking and enginuity will get you reasonable results with a drill guide. Still a good vid.
Well I don’t know much about the woodpeckers version, but nothing I have ever bought from woodpeckers has ever disappointed. If your asking to pick one I would say woodpeckers, but I would assume that is a bit more pricey!
1. This is not a drill press. It is a "drill guide". 2. The objective of a drill guide is to improve the precision of drilling work more accurately than can done with an electric drill, old fashioned hand powered drill or bit brace which is considered "free-hand" which, like hand saws of old is not a skill easily picked up by the occasional woodworker/carpenter, let alone a newcomer to this field. This really is a nice drilling accessory and I think, as of july 2023, it is at the top in terms of quality of design, build and versatility. It is a nice addition to any craftsman's toolbox. They have an edge guide and vise that compliment this tool very nicely . Is there room for improvement? Always room for improvement. The three items combined are well thought out. You can make a large base plate that can be c-clamped to the work. If you were needing to accurately drill into floor of 20k sq ft room, you could improvise a surface clamp involving leverage and weights.
It helps, but it is still I problem in my opinion. You can build a plywood base for it to give it a little more support though. Thanks so much for sharing and watching TruFrag!
This and the Woodpecker's drill guide are unreasonably expensive. I just don't understand what makes it so expensive. Might aswell get an entry level drill press. 🤷♂
I agree with you Black Water! Thank you so much for watching! I think Milescraft makes one too. A little bit cheaper but probably has the same problems.
interesting festool has not come out with their own version of this, of course they would make it only work with their drivers, which is the problem right there. Too many disfunctional shapes.
Oh man, what a great thought, We should take bets for how much they would charge for it. Surprised woodpeckers hasn't either! :). Thanks for watching debandmike!
Your expecting the same performance out of this drill “guide” as a drill press. This thing is only to aid in the drilling or vertical holes. Obviously the guide is gonna lift when you apply pressure to drill the holes. Either way the price for this thing is absolutely ridiculous
Haha! Yeah, I am definitely going to add a larger base to it. However, one of the reasons I got it was because I wanted to be able to place it wherever I wanted however added a large base will sort of defeat that. I'll be honest now that I have it, I've revisited a lot of videos where I've seen it used and they all tend to wobble, just didn't notice it until I got it! Thanks for watching Mr. Meat! Foureyes used it a lot and it wobbles in a lot of his videos as well!
I don't know if it's part of the comedy relief, but you keep calling this a "drill press". It is clearly a "drill guide". As with any drilling process, it's up to the operator to secure the work and tools before using them. On the other hand....if you still need a third hand, I know a guy who has a used one for sale....let me know.....
I wish I could admit it is because of the comedy relief, but I'll be honest it is probably just my oversite! Thanks, you are absolutely correct in stating it is a drill guide not a drill press! Let me know how much for the 3rd hand! :)
This is just a suggestion. Maybe make a stabilizing platform from a piece of plywood ,that extended past the base approximately 3-4 inches on each side. Trace out the middle and cut out where the drill bit goes. Then attach the press to that. How would that work.
That is an excellent idea! Thanks for sharing. I think I will do just such a thing!
Thanks PF, great idea. I have this guide and have encountered similar issues. Using an extra-long plywood base would allow me to stabilize and clamp the guide better to the workpiece without having to drill holes in the workpiece.
Exactly... pretty simple jig for any woodworker to make.
That's actually what the manufacture recommends in their demo video
@@stormhenge Since this smart ass calls the user manual "trash", what would you expect? I wonder, when he saw all these holes in the guide base, didn't have a "spark of genius" to figure out they're made to attach the guide to a larger and clamping capable base?
I think he lost some brains, along with his third hand in the 1996 accident...
Well, I am going to have to get a drill press. Your review was very helpful for me.
Glad it was helpful! Unfortunately the drill guide is not a replacement for a drill press, thanks for watching Douglas!
Just discovered your channel tonight and have enjoyed a few of your vids. Great stuff so far. I've subscribed and hope your channel is successful.
Regarding the drill guide, I have one that's a cheap clone of the woodpecker one and learned that it doesn't replace not buying a drill press (yet). You can make due but not great. They are best when you're guilty of poor planning and have something that's already (or partially) assembled and you discover you need to drill more holes and have them be straight.
Good to know Sean! It's tough for me to throw down a ton of money for a high quality drill press at this point in my career, however I'm sure I will some day. I so rarely have a need for really accurate drill holes, but I'm sure that will change. I think you described every one of my projects with the "poor planning" :) I'm getting getter at it though!
Ill tell ya one really cool addition they could do is add a laser sight to exactly where the drill bit will go...most $200 table drill presses have that so I dont saee why they couldnt add it to this....
Aoll drill guides rock btw....you need to either clamp it down at the base or add a larger platform and use that as a clamping point.
They do also sell a edge drill guide that connects to that and gives another precision guide to it.
Oh man! What a cool idea. that would be amazing to have a laser to show where the drill bit would hit! I've learned the hard way that that drill guide absolutely needs to be clamped down or have a larger base attached to the bottom. I was thinking when I bought it that the hefty weight of it would provide enough stability, but that is just not the case! Thanks for commenting and watching Spills51!
It seems like one of the chief complaints is the stability of the base -- rocking and turning. But wouldn't that be an issue with most any drill guide? If not, then what about the base of this particular model that's different from other brands that would cause this? Is it a QA control issue? Base too small?
I've never used one but an in the market so would really like to know.
Great question Manuel. After making that video, I've come to the realization, that the rocking issue is probably an issue with all of these. I may make a follow up for this video as it still gets a lot of views and I think the one thing that I didn't know about when making this video, is that it is recommended to make a wider base for it. Kind of like you would for a router. I haven't done that for mine yet, but it is on my to do list! Thanks for watching!
As with all tools there is a learning curve, techniques for accurate and safe operation, etc. it appears that either your surface is not flat, the r the sole of the tool is not machined flat.
I agree Michael. I think the best thing I've learned since purchasing this is that it is very helpful to attach a piece of plywood or some other large area piece of scrap onto the base of this tool. This dramatically increases the stability of the device. I appreciate the comment! :)
So how far of an angle can you drill before it starts to drill into the frame/base?
Great question. Let me check next time I'm down at the shop!
You can screw it to another piece of three quarter ply or hardwood that extends to the edge of your Project piece where you could then clamp it
Yessir! That is an excellent tip. I've since learned that which makes things a little better. Thanks for sharing and watching Johassenmank!
Could mount the press on a larger base? I imagine the depth of the added base would limited…
Excellent point and I completely agree. That is what I intend on doing with it next time I use it. Thanks so much for watching!
Hope you bought the optional mount
No I have not bought that, I need to look into that. Thanks so much for sharing! :)
What about play in the chuck and the bit? Much wobble?
That is very well constructed. Essentially zero wobble, and zero play!
Good review. But those short music interludes of just a second that fades loud then soft are annoying.
I agree with you, I'm still trying to figure this video editing, youtube thing out! :) I'll keep trying to improve as I post more videos!
If you would have read the trash you would have seen the 2 nuts on either side of the press where the handles attach were for shipping only. They need to be removed before screwing on the handles. No tightening the handles correctly with the packing nuts still there caused some of your wobble.
I bought one and the 1/4” drive attachment broke the first time I used it. Tickler replaced it and I haven’t broke the second yet, but it is the weak spot on this tool. I fear I will break it again.
Thank you so much Ethan! Yes, I have since read "most" of the instructions. I have even mounted the guide to a jig to help with the wobble. All great points! I appreciate you watching and sharing your feedback! Thanks so much!
@@FlynndoggWoodwork Was this enough of an improvement to recommend the tool? I'm kinda concerned about the wobble after having seen your video.
Yeah, I think so, Just be a little careful if you are using forstner bits!
It's a DUH on the forstner bit use. You simply can't use a drill guide and expect the same performance and steadiness of a true drill press. Both have obvious advantages and limitations. But a little thinking and enginuity will get you reasonable results with a drill guide. Still a good vid.
Thanks for watching!
Rocklea or Woodpecker Auto line ?
Well I don’t know much about the woodpeckers version, but nothing I have ever bought from woodpeckers has ever disappointed. If your asking to pick one I would say woodpeckers, but I would assume that is a bit more pricey!
@@FlynndoggWoodwork A bit? LOL...
1. This is not a drill press. It is a "drill guide".
2. The objective of a drill guide is to improve the precision of drilling work more accurately than can done with an electric drill, old fashioned hand powered drill or bit brace which is considered "free-hand" which, like hand saws of old is not a skill easily picked up by the occasional woodworker/carpenter, let alone a newcomer to this field.
This really is a nice drilling accessory and I think, as of july 2023, it is at the top in terms of quality of design, build and versatility.
It is a nice addition to any craftsman's toolbox. They have an edge guide and vise that compliment this tool very nicely .
Is there room for improvement? Always room for improvement.
The three items combined are well thought out.
You can make a large base plate that can be c-clamped to the work.
If you were needing to accurately drill into floor of 20k sq ft room, you could improvise a surface clamp involving leverage and weights.
Thanks for sharing Twinhit, great information!
The stability issue is solved with the one long handle and a clamp...
It helps, but it is still I problem in my opinion. You can build a plywood base for it to give it a little more support though. Thanks so much for sharing and watching TruFrag!
This and the Woodpecker's drill guide are unreasonably expensive. I just don't understand what makes it so expensive. Might aswell get an entry level drill press. 🤷♂
I agree with you Black Water! Thank you so much for watching! I think Milescraft makes one too. A little bit cheaper but probably has the same problems.
Screw the drill guide (not drill press) to a larger sub-base - like 3/8" MDF to provide clamp space as needed.
Yes! That is a great idea, and something I will do next time I use this thing. However it's been sitting in my drawer ever since I got it!
And rockler needs to Redesign that quarter inch quick connect
With at least 3/8 hex.
Nobody's going to use an impact driver with it.
Thanks for sharing johassenmank! Hopefully they will heed your request! :)
We lost a lot of hands during the summer of '96
Haha! Sounds like you had a similar one to mine! :) Thanks for watching!
interesting festool has not come out with their own version of this, of course they would make it only work with their drivers, which is the problem right there. Too many disfunctional shapes.
Oh man, what a great thought, We should take bets for how much they would charge for it. Surprised woodpeckers hasn't either! :). Thanks for watching debandmike!
Your expecting the same performance out of this drill “guide” as a drill press. This thing is only to aid in the drilling or vertical holes. Obviously the guide is gonna lift when you apply pressure to drill the holes. Either way the price for this thing is absolutely ridiculous
The reason may be in the book. Do all those holes in the base mean anything? Don't you have that sweet Ryobi bench top drill press? Forget this thing.
Haha! Yeah, I am definitely going to add a larger base to it. However, one of the reasons I got it was because I wanted to be able to place it wherever I wanted however added a large base will sort of defeat that. I'll be honest now that I have it, I've revisited a lot of videos where I've seen it used and they all tend to wobble, just didn't notice it until I got it! Thanks for watching Mr. Meat! Foureyes used it a lot and it wobbles in a lot of his videos as well!
I don't know if it's part of the comedy relief, but you keep calling this a "drill press". It is clearly a "drill guide". As with any drilling process, it's up to the operator to secure the work and tools before using them. On the other hand....if you still need a third hand, I know a guy who has a used one for sale....let me know.....
I wish I could admit it is because of the comedy relief, but I'll be honest it is probably just my oversite! Thanks, you are absolutely correct in stating it is a drill guide not a drill press! Let me know how much for the 3rd hand! :)
@@FlynndoggWoodwork I did check on the 3rd hand - I don't think you would be interested - he wants an arm and leg...
OMG I'm laughing outloud!
Maybe I should have read more before posting a comment. Sorry.
Haha! No worries, thanks so much for watching lenpiazza! :)
Its a Drill GUIDE, not a Drill Press OR Piller Drill 🤔
Yes! You are correct. I think I expected a little too much out of this tool when I got it!
Very disappointing
Thanks for watching Eddie!