Drill Press base/Fence - First post in this new cool section

[mmayo]

I bit into the Microjig system and this is project two - drill press base and fence. It is composed of 3/4" Baltic birch plywood- the good $112/sheet stuff. The fence and stop needed three dovetail bolts with their comfortable green nuts. I added two Microjig dovetail clamps to hold down material to be drilled. They can be positioned in any of the dovetail grooves so there is considerable flexibility. I have the fence in back even with the table, but it can go anywhere along the outer two dovetail grooves behind or in front of the workpiece. The sacrificial piece in the "center" is offset to allow 4 rotations before flipping over or replacement. The stop can move laterally as needed. The base is secured with machine screws, washers and t nuts located between the two pieces of plywood. The two base pieces are firmly glued together.

The plan is to make a dedicated fence for this base to drill cheese slicers. After that a bandsaw fence is planned.

I've been told to do something on the first of the year to set the tone. This was my Jan 1 2022 effort.

 

[Wmcullen]

I had to think about why the sacrificial piece is off-center. I get it now and really like that approach.
Thanks for showing your work!

 

[mmayo]

I had to think about why the sacrificial piece is off-center. I get it now and really like that approach.
Thanks for showing your work!

When I saw it on a YouTube Microjig video it sounded useful. This sled was from that video. It would have been easier to NOT make the thing asymmetric, but now that I did it I'm happier. Now I have four rotations and four more on the back.

 

[mmayo]

Folks, please use the two Microjig router bits if you try this. I've heard bad things happen with just the 14 degree bit you have now. Unhappy people.

 

[duncsuss]

Folks, please use the two Microjig router bits if you try this. I've heard bad things happen with just the 14 degree bit you have now. Unhappy people.

I don't understand what you're saying here; I already have a decent selection of router bits, including dovetail bits, so I didn't buy the ones Microjig sell.

Isn't the standard procedure when cutting a dovetail groove to begin with a straight bit to hog material, then follow with the dovetail bit to shape the groove?

What kind of things are you hearing? (And where are you hearing them?)

 

[mmayo]

I don't understand what you're saying here; I already have a decent selection of router bits, including dovetail bits, so I didn't buy the ones Microjig sell.

Isn't the standard procedure when cutting a dovetail groove to begin with a straight bit to hog material, then follow with the dovetail bit to shape the groove?

What kind of things are you hearing? (And where are you hearing them?)

I used the Microjig straight bit to start followed by their dovetail. What "I" have read in multiple places is people who used their personal non- Microjig dovetail bit unsuccessfully. They were very unhappy with their decision. They said it not me so I bought the two suggested bits. It works well so I mention it to you to help.

Before I buy into a new process I read in lots of places. It helps me decide and avoid making mistakes others have made. Deep in the YouTube video comments about Microjig builds there were warnings I took to heart.

As always your mileage may vary. Best of luck.