I just finished the drilling on the bed! I took the advise and tried everything suggested. I am sharing not because I have anything new to add, but to let other less gifted woodworkers know that this is a good place to find help. My ego might take a hit when you guys realize I just never looked under the table to see what was not working!!::o here's my list or "sign' as the case may be!
1. The cleat on the end of the table is a great idea and worked well.
2. I looked at the bottom of the table, and as you guys pointed out, there are some good places and not so good places to clamp. I now know where the good ones are.
3. I went to the better "F" style screw clamps and that is a huge difference. The pads on my ratchet claps will not always fit in the open areas under the table and They are not "deep" enough to clear the sides of the table and bottom out inside the grid spaces on the table.
4. I put an extension on the miter gage and clamped the stock back to that.
It was not enough to hold it along the quill axis, but it did keep things lined up when the bit was working hard. Drilling through a knot pushed stock around without it, but did not move with it.
5. I "again" learn that time spent in set up is time well spent. One might argue that I don't really learn that if I have to find out all over next time.
6. I will not be as reluctant to try some of the angled odd shaped drilling now. It seems less threatening if you know the set up will work.
I don't have an up cut bit, but now I can tell my wife that I really need them. I will need a chuck for them and a safety shield and ....
I often get tools on a sort of reverse order that way.
Thanks again guys.
Saw dust heals many wounds. RLTW
Dave
