I came up with this tip when the measuring tape/depth gauge peeled off my bargain benchtop drill press. Now that I own a better machine, I find this tip faster and easier than using the numbers on my drill press stop, especially when drilling a hole that’s not at a neat, round-numbered depth.
To set the press, start by cutting a spacer block equal in width to the depth of the hole you want to drill. To use the spacer, simply set the bit so that the tip is touching the wood, insert the block as shown, and then lower and lock the drill press’s stop. Remove the block and you’re ready to drill.
