How to Use a Flip Stop and Hold-Down on a Drill Press
By Infinity Cutting Tools | Premium Woodworking Tools ... | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to set up and use a flip stop and mini T-track hold-down on your drill press for repeatable holes and secure clamping.
Quick answer
A flip stop on your drill press fence lets you drill repeat-length holes without measuring each time, while a mini T-track hold-down clamps your workpiece firmly to prevent movement.
Why use a flip stop and hold-down together
The flip stop handles repeatability, the hold-down handles safety. Without the hold-down, a workpiece can spin or lift during drilling, ruining your layout and potentially causing injury. The flip stop alone only sets the depth or position, not the clamping.
Choosing the right track for the hold-down
The Infinity Tools Aluminum Hold-Down is designed for any 1/4" x 20 hex head mini T-track. If your drill press table doesn't already have a T-track, you'll need to install one that matches that bolt pattern. The hold-down does not come with a track, so plan accordingly.
Step-by-step setup and use
- Mount the flip stop on your drill press fence: Slide the Infinity Tools Flip Stop into the top channel of your fence. Tighten the locking knob so it won't move during drilling. Position it at the distance you want the hole from the fence edge.
- Install the mini T-track and attach the hold-down: If your drill press table doesn't have a T-track, rout a slot and install one that accepts a 1/4" x 20 bolt. Thread the Infinity Tools Aluminum Hold-Down into the track. Position it so the clamping pad will press on the workpiece near the drill point. A common mistake is placing the hold-down too far from the hole, which allows the workpiece to lift on the opposite side.
- Set the workpiece and engage the hold-down: Place your workpiece against the fence and under the flip stop. Lower the hold-down arm until the pad contacts the workpiece, then tighten the knob. The workpiece should be immovable but not crushed. Check that the flip stop is still touching the workpiece after clamping—if the workpiece shifted, re-adjust the stop.
- Drill the first hole and reset for repeats: Drill your hole. Flip the stop up, remove the workpiece, and insert the next piece. Lower the stop, engage the hold-down, and drill again. The stop ensures every hole is the same distance from the fence.
- Adjust for different hole positions: Loosen the flip stop and slide it along the fence to a new position. Re-tighten. If you need to drill multiple rows, use a spacer block between the stop and workpiece to offset the row depth. Mark the fence with tape at common positions so you don't have to measure each time.
Products used in this guide
- Infinity Tools Flip Stop For Standard Drill Press Fence: The Infinity Tools Flip Stop locks into the top channel of a standard drill press fence and moves along its length. You can set it once for a hole position, then flip it up to clear the workpiece and flip it down again for the next identical hole.
Infinity Tools Flip Stop For Standard Drill Press Fence - Infinity Tools Aluminum Hold-Down For Mini T-Track; With 1/4" x 20 Bolt: The Infinity Tools Aluminum Hold-Down clamps using a 1/4" x 20 hex head bolt into any mini T-track. It holds the workpiece flat against the table while you drill, reducing the chance of tear-out or the piece spinning.
Infinity Tools Aluminum Hold-Down For Mini T-Track; With 1/4" x 20 Bolt
