Drill Angled Holes

One very strong and simple joinery method that has stood the test of time is variously called "stake" or "slab" construction, used for stools, chairs, benches, tables, and more. It consists of a solid slab (seat, tabletop, etc.) with cylindrical mortises (i.e. drilled holes) and sticks (legs, chair backs, etc.) with cylindrical tenons. Often, these sticks connect to the slab at angles other than straight up-and-down 90°. Looking from the front, they might splay out side-to-side. Looking from the side, they might rake forward or back. These angles are achieved by drilling the mortise into the slab in the desired orientation. You can drill an angled hole any number of ways, including on the drill press, as described below.

Layout

Determine the sightline and resultant angle of each leg. Draw the layout on the bottom of the seat.

2. Choose mortise size

1" diameter tenons for a chair or stool leg is typical. Use a Forstner bit.

3. Tilt drill press table

Tilt the drill press table to the resultant angle. Loosen the hex nut under the table, tilt, then tighten the nut. Use a bevel gauge to confirm the angle.

4. Install the bit

Grip the reduced section of the shank only, not the shoulder.

5. Set the depth

Mortises can be either blind or through. Don't drill into the drill press table! Use a spoil board.

6. Clamp the workpiece

Center the drill bit on the mortise location AND align the sightline to the drill shank. Make sure the leg will lean OUT not IN.

7. Drill

Forstner bits require a bit of pressure--they should make large shavings, not dust and charcoal. Raise the bit frequently to clear chips.

8. Repeat

Drill all the mortises. Depending on the seat shape, you may need to tilt the table both left and right.

9. CLEAN UP

Remove the clamps and return them to cabinet, uninstall and return the bit, and SWEEP.