DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill (Step by Step)

Upgrade your hand drill with a drill press stand and get the most out of your drill. A drill press stand is a perfect tool for fixing your drill in position, helping you to drill more accurately. Make a DIY drill press stand for your hand drill with this step-by-step guide and video.

A drill stand for a hand drill (sometimes called a drill press stand), is designed to hold a hand drill in position, ensuring the drilled holes are accurate and precise. The main advantage of a drill stand is to drill a series of uniform perpendicular holes in a workpiece. Using a drill in combination with a stand will help you achieve better results than using a drill handheld.

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to make a drill press stand for hand drill. The construction is designed mainly for corded drills. A drill is mounted on the drill stand and locked in the desired position in two ways to ensure that the drill is firmly held in place.

  1. Around the drill collar
  2. From the top of the drill

This drill press stand is universal and can be used with power drills of different sizes whose collar diameter is 43mm. It is designed for precise vertical drilling up to a depth of 22 cm. The drilled hole in the base of the stand enables drilling even below the level of the table.

The drill stand can be used separately or in combination with a drill press table. It is portable, and it can be easily clamped down to a table and used as a benchtop drill press stand. If you’re planning to use the stand together with a heavier hand drill consider fixing the stand to a workbench to prevent tipping.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

To get the most out of this DIY drill press stand use it together with a drill press table. The table contains t-tracks that allow for other accessories such as a drill press fence, hold-down clamps, or a drill press vise. These add-ons make all repetitive tasks more efficient and will make your work much easier.

I built the entire stand during the weekend. All the necessary material is readily available in any hardware store. For the construction, I used birch plywood. Birch plywood is a high-quality material and its use will contribute to the quality of the final product. This is not a beginner project and some woodworking experience is recommended.

NOTE: The most important part when making a drill stand is to make sure the spindle of the drill is perpendicular to the surface being drilled.

How to Make a Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill Video

If you want to learn how to build a drill stand for a hand drill, watch the step-by-step video below.

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Table of Contents

  1. Drill Press Stand Video
  2. DIY Drill Press Stand Plans
  3. The Material you will need
  4. General Questions
    1. How do you drill a straight hole without a drill press?
    2. Is a DIY Drill Stand worth it?
  5. How to make a Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill (Drill Stand)
    1. Step 1: Build the Stand
    2. Step 2: Attach the Stand to the Base
    3. Step 3: Make the Sliding System
    4. Step 4: Make a Holder for the Drill
    5. Step 5: Attach the Drill to the Stand
    6. Step 6: Attach a Handle
  6. How to set up and use a DIY Drill Stand
  7. Improvements and add-ons to the Drill Press Stand
  8. Woodworking Jigs Used for the Project

*Safety is your responsibility. Make sure you know what you’re doing and take all necessary safety precautions while working with power tools. Safety comes first!

DIY Drill Press Stand Plans

Download the Drill Press Stand Plans here
DIY Drill Press Stand Plans

What you'll need to make a DIY Drill Stand

Material – Birch Plywood
Drill Stand Body
Base plate – 300 mm x 210 mm x 12 mm
Stand – 290 mm x 80 mm x 24 mm
Stand – 102 mm x 80 mm x 12 mm
Stand – 2x – 200 mm x 40 mm x 12 mm

Drill Stand Moving Part
Backplates – 2x – 130 mm x 320 mm x 12 mm
Strips – 2x – 310 mm x 15 mm x 9 mm
Strip – 310 mm x 40 mm x 9 mm
Drawer Slides – 27 mm x 32 mm x 9 mm

Drill Stand Drill Attachment
Sides – 2x – 140 mm x 60 mm x 12 mm
Drill Collar attachment – 80 mm x 110 mm x 24 mm
Top Attachment – 2x – 60 mm x 15 mm x 12 mm
Top Attachment – 1x – 70 mm x 15 mm x 12 mm

Baltic Birch Plywood 12mm – https://amzn.to/3tMzJx5

Tools:
Circular Saw – https://amzn.to/4aMD0xg
Corded Drill – https://amzn.to/3NSA3Bo – Bosch GSB 13RE (Tool Review)
Hand Drill – https://amzn.to/3HqLEnH
Trim Router – https://amzn.to/3HbQcOg
Spring Clamps – https://amzn.to/41Nuh9D
F-Clamps – https://amzn.to/48ArzY1
Machinist Square / Speed Square
Center Hole Punch – https://amzn.to/48Fq7mv
Chisels – https://amzn.to/3tHNJrT

Other:
Drill Bits – https://amzn.to/48Kaaf7
Forstner bits – 20mm – https://amzn.to/3Hd1aDb
Double-Sided Woodworking Tape – https://amzn.to/3tPMGpM
Wood Glue – https://amzn.to/48ltKhJ
Epoxy – https://amzn.to/3tJ5R4L
Sandpaper Sheets – https://amzn.to/41OMx2p
Wood screws and hardware – https://amzn.to/41PodgQ
Electrical Rubber Tape – https://amzn.to/3vtxrU7
Handle – 140 mm x 30 mm
M6 Bolts, M6 Washers, M6 T-nuts
Drawer Slides – use quality slides!

Check all the Tools I Use

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How do you drill a straight hole without a drill press?

If you don’t have a drill press or a drill stand for a drill, it might be difficult to drill a straight hole by hand using just a drill. So how to keep a drill level? A simple drill guide will make this operation much easier. It is an easy drill jig that will help you make straight perpendicular holes without using a drill press.

It is easy and quick to make, can be used both horizontally and vertically, and can be used by hand or clamped down to a table. The moment the wood wears out, you can simply make a new one.

RELATED: How to Drill Straight Without a Drill Press

Drill jig for straight holes. DIY Drill Straight Jig.
how to drill a straight hole without a drill press

Is it worth it to make a DIY drill stand?

Definitely yes. A drill mounted on a drill stand will turn your drill into a small drill press. It ensures the drilled holes are accurate, precise, and perpendicular. The biggest advantage of a drill stand is to help drill a series of uniform perpendicular holes in a workpiece. Drill stands are portable, allowing you to quickly drill multiple holes in many locations. This is especially beneficial if you work with large pieces of wood.

Also, drilling with a drill stand is faster and more accurate. Depending on the drill stand table or the drill press vise you can also drill at an angle. These add-ons can be adjusted with a gauge and locked in the desired position. It pays to have a portable drill stand in the workshop. Drilling will be easier and the price is much lower. 

Let’s start building!

The stand is primarily designed for the Bosch GSB 13RE drill, although drills of different sizes will fit in. The entire build is made of Baltic Birch plywood. For the rails that enable going up and down with the drill press, I am using basic drawer slides. Although better quality drawer slides would pay off. They tend to be firmer and wobble less.

This homemade drill stand is designed for cord drills with a collar diameter of 43mm. I have tried several other drills with this stand from light to more robust, but I recommend using lighter and smaller drills. Otherwise, if the drill is too heavy the drill stand might tip over.

The stand can be used freely or it can be clamped down to a workbench/material drilled with hold-down clamps. The cut circle in the base stand allows the drill to go through and drill below the level of the table.

The drill is operated manually. There is no spring that would pull the drill back. This is an improvement that can be added to this build.

Drill Press Stand parameters:

  • Drill with collar diameter of 43mm
  • Drill depth up to 220 mm
  • Double attachment of the drill – around the collar and from the top of the drill
  • Portable, mobile, quick setup
  • Handle for stable drilling

To build the saw guide you will need a circular saw, a trim router, and a hand drill. You could also use a table saw. For the main cuts, I am using a Circular Saw Straight Edge Guide.  To cut smaller pieces and for more delicate cuts I am using a jigsaw table.

How to make a Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill (DIY Drill Press Stand)

Step 1: Build the Stand

Cut all the parts for the stand (Drill Stand Body). To cut all the parts I was mainly using a circular saw straight edge guide and a jigsaw table.

Get the stand piece – 290 mm x 80 mm x 24 mm (or glue 2 pieces together as I did) and cut in 3 slots for attachment. To cut the slots I used a dado jig for a router. The individual slots are 10 cm apart and each has a length of 2 cm. The first slot is cut 4 cm from the bottom of the plywood piece.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Tape the bottom piece (102 mm x 80 mm x 12 mm) to the base plate (300 mm x 210 mm x 12 mm) and drill 4 holes with a 2mm drill bit (just to mark the position of the holes). Make sure the edges are parallel to each other so the stand is square to the base plate.

Drill 6mm holes in the bottom piece and glue it with the stand piece.

NOTE: It is important that all the pieces are perpendicular to each other. You can ensure this by using a simple wooden square or a machinist square.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Glue the other supporting pieces (200 mm x 40 mm x 12 mm) to the stand and additionally fix the stand with screws. Since the stand holds the entire weight of the drill, don’t save on screws.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.
Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Step 2: Attach the Stand to the Base

Drill shallow 20mm holes with a Forstner bit and 7,5mm holes for M6 T-nuts in the bottom piece (in the marked predrilled holes). Insert T-nuts in the base plate and fix the drill stand to the base plate with M6 screws and washers. Make sure the t-nuts are flush with the surface of the base plate.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.
Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

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Step 3: Make the Sliding System

Attach the sliding rails (drawer slides) with screws to one of the back plates (130 mm x 320 mm x 12 mm). The edge of the sliding rails is 20 mm away from the edge of the back plate. Use a marking gauge to make sure the rails are parallel to the edge of the plate. Make sure the screws do not interfere with the movement of the retractable part.

NOTE: It is important to attach the sliding rails in the right way. The pull-out part must ride upwards.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

To fortify the entire moving part, add plywood strips around and in between the rails. Attach them to the back plate with glue and screws.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Insert 3 T-nuts along the centerline of the middle plywood strip. The position and the distance of the t-nuts correspond with the drilled slots on the stand piece. The t-nuts serve for attaching the entire sliding part to the stand. Make sure the t-nuts are flush with the surface.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Attach the second back plate using double-sided tape and screws.

Make a Homemade Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this portable drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Attach the sliding system to the stand with M6 bolts and washers. You might be having trouble finding the right length of the bolt. If so, cut the bolt to the desired length.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.
Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Step 4: Make a Holder for the Drill

The holder is designed for drills with a collar of 43mm. The drill is attached to the stand in two ways – around the collar, and from the top of the drill. Together, these two methods ensure the drill is tightly fixed in position, perpendicular to the base plate. The upper part is adjustable and can accommodate drills of different sizes.

1. Attachment around the drill collar

Cut a 43mm hole in the drill attachment piece using a router circle cutting jig. Try to make the hole as precise as possible.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Attach the holder to the sliding part with glue. Use a machinist square to make it perpendicular to the stand. The position of the holder should be at least a little longer than the length of the chuck and spindle up to the collar of the drill.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Cut 2 slots in the side attachment pieces. One slot goes through, the other slot serves as a rail for the upper attachment (the width of the slot is equal to the width of the upper attachment pieces). Use a router guide to cut precise slots.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Attach the side pieces to the sliding part with glue and secure both the holder and the side pieces with screws

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

2. Attachment from the top of the drill

Drill 2 6mm holes in the upper side attachment pieces (60 m x 15 mm x 12 mm) and carve a hexagon to fit in a nut. Sink the nuts in a fix them with epoxy.

Glue and screw all the pieces together and reinforce the corners with plywood supports.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.
Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Step 5: Attach the Drill to the Stand

Insert the drill into the drill stand. If the drill wobbles after being inserted into the lower holder you can add electrical tape around the drill’s collar until you get a perfect fit.

Add a foam stripe into the bed of the upper attachment and slide the attachment into the cut slots.

Adjust the drill accordingly to ensure it’s perpendicular to the bottom plate. Once it’s perfectly aligned, secure it in place using the upper attachment by tightening the bolts.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.
Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.
Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Step 6: Attach a Handle

Attach a handle to the side of the stand for improved handling and ease of use while working with the drill press stand.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

Turn your drill into a homemade drill press stand and take advantage of all its benefits. This is one of the must-have jigs for your drill. It is definitely one of the top woodworking jigs I use daily for my projects.

Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.
DIY Drill Stand

How to set up and use a DIY Drill Stand

Provided steps below describe how to set up and how to use a DIY Drill Stand. Take all safety precautions. Keep in mind to use the right drill bit for the job. Every material requires a different type of drill bit.

How to set up the Drill Stand

  1. Place the drills stand on the workbench
  2. Secure the stand with clamps
  3. Mount the drill in the socket
  4. Secure the drill from the top
  5. Mount the drill bit
  6. Take all safety precautions
  7. Now the drill stand is ready for use

How to use the Drill Stand

  1. Place the drill stand on the workbench or the workpiece
  2. Secure the stand and the workpiece in position
  3. Mount the drill bit
  4. Adjust the stand or the workpiece where you will drill the hole
  5. Hold the drill with one hand and secure the stand with the other using a handle
  6. Make sure nothing is obstructing the drill hone, both above and below the workpiece
  7. Drill a hole
Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop.

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Make a DIY Drill Press Stand for Hand Drill. Turn your drill into a drill stand and add this mobile drill press stand to your garage workshop. Homemade Drill Press Stand.

I hope the information shared in this blog post inspired you and that you are ready to build this Drill Stand. 😉

Improvements and addons to the Drill Press Stand

1. Drill Press Handle (Wheel)

A handle or a hand wheel is an important part of a drill press. It allows to control and measure how much feed is given in a workpiece. In a combination with a spring, the handle will return to its original upper position.

When moving the handle down the spring develops resistance making it easy to drill precise and accurate holes. With this utility, you will be able to repeatedly drill the same deep holes into the workpiece.

2. Drill Press Table with T-slots

A drill press table enlarges the work surface of a drill stand and makes it easier to work with the workpiece. Using a drill press table improves the accuracy and precision of drill holes. The table should be solid and strong enough to withstand heavier loads with an option to attach the table to the drill press’s table (usually with bolts) or to the workbench (usually with clamps).

However, you will achieve the best results, if the drill press table is equipped with t-slots that support the use of other suitable utilities. These are especially t-track clamps/hold-down clamps, a t-track fence, a stopper, or a drill press vise.

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Drill Press Table

3. T-track Fence - Drill Press Fence

A drill press fence slides along t-slots on the drill press table in all possible directions and thus allows you to set the workpiece in any position. The fence should be square to the drill press table and should be equipped with built-in stoppers that will allow you to make exact repetitive precise holes. However, a stopper does not fix the workpiece in place, for this purpose it is better to use track clamps.

DIY T Track fence for a drill press stand
Drill Press Fence

4. T-track Clamps – Hold Down Clamps

T-track clamps (hold down clamps) hold the workpiece in position while drilling. They can be fixed on the drill press table as well as on the drill press fence. While drilling hands should not get close to the drill bit and having multiple options for fixing the workpiece will not only ensure the quality of the drill hole but will significantly contribute to ensuring work safety.

There are many track clamps on the market. In case you are making DIY t-slots, you should make sure you will be able to mount both shop-made track clamps as well as any DIY track clamps.

5. Drill Press Vise

A drill press vise is a device that holds and secures the workpiece tightly between its jaws making sure the piece won’t move when the drill bit is pressed into it. The vise is attached to the drill press table either with bolts and screws or with hold-down clamps. Using a vise ensures better work safety.

When using a drill press vise for woodworking purposes it is recommended to use a vise that is equipped with wooden jaws. Wooden jaws are more gentle on the workpiece and will not stain the piece with grease, as is the case with metal jaws.

How to mount a drill press vise to a drill press table
Wooden Drill Press Vise for Drill Press

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a DIY drill press stand?

A DIY drill press stand allows you to convert your hand drill into a stationary drill press for more precise drilling operations. It’s a cost-effective solution for those who can’t afford or don’t have space for a dedicated drill press.

How do I make my DIY drill press stand stable?

A wide, heavy base and a well-constructed frame are crucial for stability. Additionally, you might want to bolt the stand to your workbench or the floor to ensure it doesn’t move while you’re drilling.

Are there any ready-made drill press stands available?

Yes, there are ready-made drill press stands available in the market if you prefer not to build one yourself. These stands typically offer a range of adjustability and a sturdy construction.

Is building a DIY drill press stand a safe option?

Building a DIY drill press stand can be safe if you follow a well-designed plan, use the right materials, and exercise caution when assembling and using the stand. It’s essential to prioritize safety, especially when working with power tools.

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About the author, Lukas
About the author, Lukas

Meet the creator of AllFlavor Workshop! As a passionate DIYer and woodworking enthusiast, Lukas is always looking for ways to make things himself rather than buying them off the shelf. With a keen eye for design and a knack for working with wood, Lukas enjoys sharing his craft with others and helping them discover the joy of building. Whether you're an experienced woodworker or a novice looking to try your hand at a new hobby, you're sure to find plenty of inspiration and tips on AllFlavor Workshop.