Woodpeckers Drill Press Table Review: A Precision Woodworker's Assessment

Drill press tables are small. They are usually cast iron, seven to ten inches in diameter, and slotted only for basic clamping. That is fine for simple vertical holes, but it is not enough for furniture, cabinet work, or any project where you need to drill a line of holes at exact spacing, support a wide panel, or use a fence to align the bit. A replacement table changes the machine from a simple hole-driller into a versatile workstation. The Woodpeckers drill press table is one of the most respected options in this category. It is expensive, but it is built for woodworkers who care about accuracy.

The Woodpeckers drill press table is a large, precision-machined aluminum table designed to replace or sit on top of the standard cast iron table of a drill press. It features a grid of threaded insert holes for clamps and fixtures, a replaceable insert plate around the bit area, and a built-in fence system. The table is larger than standard tables, providing support for wide panels and long stock. It is sold by Woodpeckers, a well-known manufacturer of precision woodworking tools, and is available in several sizes to fit different drill press models.

The Woodpeckers drill press table is an excellent upgrade for woodworkers who need precision, repeatability, and support for large workpieces. It is well-machined, thoughtfully designed, and built to last. However, it is expensive, and it requires a drill press with a standard column diameter and enough vertical travel to accommodate the added thickness. For hobbyists who drill occasional holes, the cost is hard to justify. For serious woodworkers, furniture makers, and cabinet builders, it is a worthwhile investment that transforms the drill press into a precision workstation.

Table Size and Material

The Woodpeckers table is machined from aluminum plate, which is lighter than cast iron but still rigid. The surface is flat to a high tolerance, which is critical for accuracy when using fences and stop blocks. The table is larger than standard drill press tables, typically 16 by 20 inches or more, which provides support for wide panels and long stock that would overhang a standard table. The grid of threaded insert holes allows you to attach clamps, hold-downs, and fixtures anywhere on the surface.

The honest flaw is the thickness. The table adds height to the drill press, which reduces the maximum drilling depth. If your drill press already has limited quill travel, the added table thickness may prevent you from drilling through thick stock. You need to check your drill press specifications before buying. Also, the aluminum surface can be scratched by metal tools or rough hardware, which mars the appearance but does not affect function.

Who should skip it: anyone with a drill press that has limited quill travel or a non-standard column diameter. The table must fit your machine, and the added thickness must not compromise your capacity.

Fence and Insert System

The built-in fence system is the highlight of the Woodpeckers table. The fence is aluminum, straight, and adjustable with precision tracks. It allows you to align the bit to the edge of the workpiece with accuracy. The fence includes a stop block system for repeatable hole spacing, which is essential for cabinet shelf pin holes, dowel joints, and other repetitive tasks. The replaceable insert plate around the bit area lets you use zero-clearance supports, which reduces tear-out on the back side of the workpiece.

The flaw is the fence height. It is adequate for most work, but very thick stock or tall fixtures may require additional support. The fence is also designed for woodworking, not metalwork, so it is not suited for holding metal vises or heavy fixtures. The insert plates are replaceable but not inexpensive, so you should keep the stock plate clean and use sacrificial backer boards for through-hole drilling.

Who should skip it: metalworkers and anyone who needs a table for heavy metal vise work. The fence and insert system are designed for wood, not steel.

Clamping and Fixture Support

The grid of threaded insert holes is a genuine advantage over standard drill press tables. You can attach clamps, hold-downs, and custom fixtures anywhere on the table. This is useful for holding irregular shapes, supporting long stock, and creating repetitive setups. The inserts are brass or steel, which resists wear from repeated clamping.

The flaw is that the inserts can loosen over time if not maintained. You need to check them periodically and tighten them with a small wrench. Also, the grid pattern is fixed, which means some clamping configurations may not align perfectly with the insert holes. For most work, this is not a problem, but for very specialized fixtures, you may need to drill custom holes.

Who should skip it: anyone who wants a simple, low-cost table without the complexity of threaded inserts. The Woodpeckers table is designed for users who will take advantage of its features.

Fit and Installation

The Woodpeckers table is designed to fit standard drill press columns. It clamps to the column with a heavy-duty collar and bolts. The table is machined to sit flat and level, and the installation is straightforward if your drill press has a standard column