This experiment was conducted by Jodee from Inspire Woodcraft. It’s a thoughtful, cautionary test exploring whether a drill press can be used like a router in very specific situations.
While the idea might seem practical in a pinch, this experiment highlights important safety considerations and tool limitations. It’s a great example of woodworking curiosity balanced with a clear understanding of risk.
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Why Even Try This?
Jodee wanted to flush an insert on his miter saw table that had become slightly raised due to an added layer of tape. Instead of reaching for a handheld router or setting up a router table, he decided to test whether a drill press could handle the task using a router bit.
This wasn’t about saving time or cutting corners—it was about understanding what the tool could and couldn’t do. The goal wasn’t to recommend the method, but to explore its boundaries safely and share the results.
The Setup and Planning
To start, Jodee installed a router bit into the drill press chuck, ensuring the direction of rotation matched the bit’s design. Because drill presses aren’t built for side-to-side loads, everything had to be supported carefully to reduce lateral stress.
Temporary fences were added using tape to help guide the workpiece. A phenolic ply spacer was placed under the drill press table to raise it slightly, giving the bit enough clearance without bottoming out or contacting the table.
The goal was to create a light trim pass—just enough to remove the thickness of the tape and bring the insert flush with the surrounding table surface.
Test Cut and Workpiece Support
The insert was taped along the bottom so it would glide smoothly across the drill press table. Jodee used small scrap pieces to help guide the workpiece and kept his hands clear of the spinning bit.
This light and controlled setup was essential. Even a small shift or too much force could cause the bit to chatter or the chuck to loosen—a dangerous scenario when using tools outside their intended design.
Performing the Pass
With the bit adjusted to the correct height, Jodee carefully fed the insert across it using a slow, steady motion. The router bit removed just enough material to bring the tape level with the surface.
After checking the fit, he repeated the same process on the opposite edge. The result was a perfectly flush insert, trimmed safely with minimal material removal.
What Went Well
The experiment worked in this very specific case. A combination of careful planning, minimal depth of cut, and extremely slow feed rate made it possible to remove the small amount of excess material.
Because the bit wasn’t asked to remove a large volume or cut a full profile, the drill press held up without issue—this time. Jodee noted the clean results and was able to complete the flush trim successfully.
What to Avoid
Despite the outcome, Jodee strongly advised against using a drill press like a router for anything beyond very light tasks. Drill presses are designed for vertical movement and cannot safely withstand side-loading.
The chuck isn’t built to hold bits under lateral pressure, and in some cases, it can come off mid-operation. Jodee recalled a past experience where the chuck detached during a sanding operation, a moment he describes as both scary and avoidable.
Applying the same forces with a spinning router bit could result in even more severe consequences. Kickback, ejected parts, or a broken chuck could turn a simple trim into a dangerous accident.
Better Alternatives
If you need to trim a small insert or perform shallow shaping, there are safer options:
- A router table or handheld router is designed for lateral cuts and provides proper control and bit stability.
- A chisel or hand plane can be effective for small adjustments, especially on flat surfaces.
- For tape or veneer thickness, sanding blocks or a card scraper may be enough.
The important takeaway is to use each tool for its intended purpose. Just because a bit fits doesn’t mean the tool is safe or effective for the task.
Lessons from the Experiment
Jodee’s test reinforces a few critical woodworking principles:
- Tool design matters — don’t expect safe results when using tools beyond their purpose.
- Slow, controlled cuts — if experimenting, reduce risk by moving slowly and taking light passes.
- Workpiece support — never underestimate the value of good fences, clamps, and guides.
- Know your limits — success in one case doesn’t mean it’s repeatable or scalable.
This experiment isn’t an endorsement—it’s a visual and practical reminder that woodworking safety comes down to understanding your tools and thinking ahead.
Final Thoughts
Jodee’s video offers clear reasoning, thoughtful technique, and a helpful reminder of why routers and drill presses have distinct roles. Curiosity may drive innovation, but in the workshop, caution should always lead the way.
Support Jodee by visiting his online store here: https://inspirewoodcraft.com/collections/all.