Drill Press Holddown Step Blocks

[gee-dub]

Just one of those things that you think might be helpful to someone. The main purpose is to support the rear of a holddown when the stock being held exceeds the holddown's design parameters . . . wow, that sounded technical

Not necessarily specific to the drill press. You probably don't even have to make them; you probably end up with some triangle shaped scraps from any number of projects. Be that as it may . . . the slot is cut at the bandsaw and does not have to be a precision cut. The triangle shape lets them tuck into, under, and around various backer blocks and hold downs. The slot lets them straddle the securing bolt for the holddown. They can be stacked for really thick stuff. I keep a few in a drawer at the drill press.

We now return you to your regular program.

[BillyJack]

I’ve thought about it, but It’s been easy enough for me to just clamp. 

[Mark J]

@gee-dub, good idea and helpful with those types of clamps wherever they're being used.

But this is my idea of a drill press hold down .

Obviously my needs are different.

Actually, I was just about to make a post on this subject when I saw your timely submission.  I keep the four F-clamps in the table slots and generally I am able to find a flat place in between the webbing on the underside of the table for at least two of them, but it can be a challenge.  

Yesterday I had this idea.  Small piece of scrap and 1 inch hole for the clamp pad.

Should bridge the webbing at least some of the time.  

[gee-dub]

@Mark J - Perfect!  I stick little magnets in my blocks to hold them in place long enough for me to get the clamps on.

Wow that is a terrible picture .  I also tried one of those Bessey Gear Clamps when they were 50% of at Rockler.  The handle does stay out of the way at the fence but a Kant Twist format clamp seems to do as well.  It is amazing the number of methods and tools we use to hold stuff still .  Everything from our workbenches to 1"spring clamps.