I’ve been using the Woodcraft Drill Press Laser #146709 for a couple of years now, and I don't know how I ever got along without it. At this point, the feature is just there, and I don't even think about it; I flip the switch, and the laser cross pattern appears. Then I align my work with the center of the crossed laser lines and drill.
The bottom line is, the drill press laser saves time. And I no longer need to stoop over or bring a light down to the workpiece to line up the bit.
Installation
Attach the laser assembly to the support post of the drill press (photo 2). Next, insert one 9-volt battery into each laser and turn on the lasers. Insert the alignment post into the chuck and adjust the lasers to be perfectly vertical.
Take your time aligning the lasers; an accurate setting ensures that the cross pattern will be spot-on regardless of the table height you use. Expect to spend one-half hour or so to perfect the adjustments.
Once the adjustments are made, you'll never have to touch the assembly -- other than to turn it on and off and to change the battery. I’m still using the original batteries in my unit.
Works with Forstner bits
Depending on the throat depth of your drill press, a drill press laser works even with large Forstner bits (see photo 1). If the bit shadows the lasers' beams, simply turn the bit so the lasers shine through the bit's opening. Remember to align the lasers at the center mark of the hole to be bored while the drill is in the full-up position. After you've lined up the beams, lower the bit to the workpiece and drill away.
All in all, I would rate the Woodcraft Drill Press Laser:
• 10 for usefulness, accuracy and time-savings
• 8 for ease of installation (a little time-consuming but worth it)
• 8 for price, which is around $40
Video of the Woodcraft Drill Press Laser.
Buy this drill press laser.