DIY TIPS

How to make a wooden drill guide block？

Drilling a perfectly vertical hole with a handheld drill is notoriously difficult, especially on curved surfaces like logs. This guide demonstrates how to create a simple, reusable wooden Drill Guide Block that acts as a physical stabilizer, ensuring your drill bit stays at a precise 90°every time without the need for an expensive drill press.

Author

Lilian

May 13, 2026

0 comments

Materials List

Hardwood
Electric Hand Drill
Drill Bits
Square/Ruler
Clamps

Step by Step

Step 1: Marking and Layout

Draw a clear center line on your scrap wood piece. Use a square to ensure your marks are aligned, so the guide hole is centered on the block's face.

Using your hand drill (or a drill press if available), carefully drill a hole through the scrap wood. This hole must be perfectly perpendicular to the block's flat surface, as it will serve as the "template" for all future holes.

Step 3: Cutting the Viewing Notch

Cut a small "V" or rectangular notch into the side of the block, intersecting with the guide hole. This allows you to see the drill bit making contact with the workpiece and helps wood chips escape during drilling.

Step 4: Final Inspection

Check the interior of the guide hole for smoothness. Ensure the bottom surface of the block is perfectly flat so it sits flush against your workpiece.

Grab some hardwood and make your guide block today—perfectly straight holes are just minutes away!