Drill Press Vice - Woodworking Talk

Tom5151 · 03-20-2009, 12:48 PM

I just picked up this drill press.....got it for $75.

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/tls/1081229657.html

My question is about a drill press vice. It does not come with one. Can I use ANY drill press vice or do i need one made by craftsman specifically for this model?

Craftsman makes one that runs about $40 dollars but I have seen some at Harbor Freight for like $12 to $20. Does it make a difference?

Thanks,
Tom

dbhost · 03-20-2009, 03:21 PM

Do you want a drill press vise, or a drill press table? They serve different functions... A DP vise is usually used when machining metal parts and such, a DP table gives you a fence, stops, T slots for hold downs etc..

After my experiences with the "quality" of the Grizzly DP table, I would suggest looking up how to build your own. The particle board they used wasn't even as good as regular MDF, but pretty close to pressed cardboard it seemed...

Anyway they are pretty simple to make. Get one of those Rockler T-track kits with the T track, T bolts, and knobs, I would cut out your table, install threaded inserts in the bottom that are lined up to bolt through the X slots in your iron table. Cut a dado on each side to install the T track, set up your T track, use some aluminum L extrusion for a fence frame, run a dado across a wooden fence strip of your sizing for T track, install the T track there, and bolt it all up...

FWIW, 3/4" sanded BB or oak ply, topped with 1/4" hard board seem to be a popular setup.

Tom5151 · 03-20-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbhost

Do you want a drill press vise, or a drill press table? They serve different functions... A DP vise is usually used when machining metal parts and such, a DP table gives you a fence, stops, T slots for hold downs etc..

After my experiences with the "quality" of the Grizzly DP table, I would suggest looking up how to build your own. The particle board they used wasn't even as good as regular MDF, but pretty close to pressed cardboard it seemed...

Anyway they are pretty simple to make. Get one of those Rockler T-track kits with the T track, T bolts, and knobs, I would cut out your table, install threaded inserts in the bottom that are lined up to bolt through the X slots in your iron table. Cut a dado on each side to install the T track, set up your T track, use some aluminum L extrusion for a fence frame, run a dado across a wooden fence strip of your sizing for T track, install the T track there, and bolt it all up...

FWIW, 3/4" sanded BB or oak ply, topped with 1/4" hard board seem to be a popular setup.

Well i was actually looking initially at a vice that attaches to the drill press table and holds wood stock in place. I hadn't considered the table idea. i do have a fence for the table itself already. It came with the tool

dbhost · 03-20-2009, 03:26 PM

Yeah, go with the table. Being able to set up the fence and stops has been a lifesaver for me!

If you buy a pre made one, avoid the Grizzly. I own it. I had to gorilla glue it back together after 4 months in my shop because the particle board couldn't handle the stress of the hold downs where it mounts to the iron table... I hear good reports about the one at Harbor Freight though!

kziggy · 03-20-2009, 07:52 PM

Tom - If you do want just a vice for the existing table, I just purchased one from Harbor Freight and it was not expensive. It has a bolt with a substantial eye shaped adjustment nut that fits in the slots on your table. I too have the Craftsman drill press and the vice works just fine. But I also like the idea of building your own new table for the drill press - that way you can construct it with any kind of vice, lock down or adjustable guide rail device(s) you want. Good luck - Ken

firehawkmph · 03-20-2009, 09:23 PM

Tom,
I have one of those machinest type vices on my drill press. It moves on an x an y axis with separate handles. It is heavy enough that I don't fasten it down. It works very well for most drilling operations. I also think a table with a fence would be nice too. I haven't tried one yet but am thinking about it.
Mike Hawkins