Drill Press Vise Opinions?

[SkidMarkSteve]

I need to get a vise for my drill press.  I originally wanted to keep it as cheap/basic as possible, but after learning my lesson with other tools I doubt this approach should be kept.  I have been researching vises, looked at Harbor Freight and a few other places where they start @ $15-$20 for the most basic and can go up to $500+.  That price envelopes quality, size, options and what you intend to use it for (besides just holding something down).  To start, I'll tell you my set up and my plan:

1)  I have a small, older (1994) Delta table/bench top press with an 8" (I think) swing.  Terrific condition, the bit has no sign of wobble while in operation.
2)  I will be drilling out the holes in a virgin barrel assembly.  The front trunnion, barrel pin, RSB, GB, FSB are virgin as well.
3)  I am guessing a cross-sliding type maybe best?  One with 4" capacity, or will a 3" work?

I know you get what you pay for, but I don't have a ton of money to throw at a vise.  I was thinking of something like this as an example:


Any facts/opinions experienced with this will be greatly appreciated!

[AKBLUE]

You have to take into account (particularly on a small Drill Press) the amount of room from your platen to the chuck.  Those vises can be quite tall and restrict the movement once you add the drill bit or reamer length etc.  Some times a simple single axis vise block and a bubble level are sufficient.
For AK type work a modestly priced one is not out of the question.
See if there s a used machine shop supply place near you by yellow page google etc.

[Dale99]

I have the 6 inch sliding vise from Harbor Freight.  It's not the best in the world,  but it has worked fine for me. I would highly recommend taking it apart and cleaning and oiling it before you use it. About  $80 if I remember correctly.

AK Blue is right on the mark about checking your drill press clearances,  both vertically and also  horizontally to the support staff.

[ranger1968]

I have the 6 inch sliding vise from Harbor Freight.  It's not the best in the world,  but it has worked fine for me. I would highly recommend taking it apart and cleaning and oiling it before you use it. About  $80 if I remember correctly.

AK Blue is right on the mark about checking your drill press clearances,  both vertically and also  horizontally to the support staff.

  That's the one I am using, only when I got it they were like $40, so that tells you how long I've had it....

   It's worked well for me, and for most hobby-type usage it should be fine....

[SkidMarkSteve]

Thanks for the help, guys.  One of my biggest concerns was having a solid vise that didn't carry an enormous price tag.  Glad to see those HF vises have been working out well, too.

[Danjal]

Also keep in mind the bearings in a drill press aren't made to do mill work. They're designed for straight down force, not side to side. Some folks want to use those vises as an impromptu mill. They get away with it for so long before destroying their press.

[jdscholer]

Also keep in mind the bearings in a drill press aren't made to do mill work. They're designed for straight down force, not side to side. Some folks want to use those vises as an impromptu mill. They get away with it for so long before destroying their press.

Yeah, you should always use the proper tool for the specific job.  --  Oh yeah, I recently found out that end mill cutters aren't nearly as expensive as I thought they'd be.   You should see my selection of combination crescent wrench/hammers.  jd

[ranger1968]

Also keep in mind the bearings in a drill press aren't made to do mill work. They're designed for straight down force, not side to side. Some folks want to use those vises as an impromptu mill. They get away with it for so long before destroying their press.

  This is very solid advice.

[Dale99]

Also keep in mind the bearings in a drill press aren't made to do mill work. They're designed for straight down force, not side to side. Some folks want to use those vises as an impromptu mill. They get away with it for so long before destroying their press.

Yeah, you should always use the proper tool for the specific job.  --  Oh yeah, I recently found out that end mill cutters aren't nearly as expensive as I thought they'd be.   You should see my selection of combination crescent wrench/hammers.  jd

Speaking of End Mills ..... has anyone tried the Mini-Mill from Harbor Freight .... It runs about $600 but with a 20% coupon is $480.

I do not Need one ..... but I Want one

[1mlt]

Also keep in mind the bearings in a drill press aren't made to do mill work. They're designed for straight down force, not side to side. Some folks want to use those vises as an impromptu mill. They get away with it for so long before destroying their press.

Yeah, you should always use the proper tool for the specific job.  --  Oh yeah, I recently found out that end mill cutters aren't nearly as expensive as I thought they'd be.   You should see my selection of combination crescent wrench/hammers.  jd

Speaking of End Mills ..... has anyone tried the Mini-Mill from Harbor Freight .... It runs about $600 but with a 20% coupon is $480.

I do not Need one ..... but I Want one

I have a Grizzly mini mill. It works super good.
http://grizzley.com/products/Mini-Milling-Machine/G8689

Marcus

[SkidMarkSteve]

Also keep in mind the bearings in a drill press aren't made to do mill work. They're designed for straight down force, not side to side. Some folks want to use those vises as an impromptu mill. They get away with it for so long before destroying their press.

Definitely.  My main and only reason for the cross slide would be to get my work piece, say populated barrel, exactly under the drill bit.  If what I'm looking to do is just as easy to achieve with a standard type vise, then I'd rather go with the standard/simple. 

So,  with a small press would it be to my benefit to get a vise that is just small, basic but still well made as opposed to a cross slide?

[Danjal]

Don't get me wrong here, I know people are doing it and its working for them. But they're not rated bearings for machining use. Wait till one comes apart from too fast of a feed. Metal hurts when it's flying. BTDT.

I will use a press as an expedient lathe though. The brass fittings here were made on a drill press.
 

[Danjal]

You can drill a blind hole through a populated barrel. Go small and up to say 1/8". Round the rivet down into the trunions holes with a steel punch then through. Lining them up isn't critical. I've used this method on a pile of ak kits already even before I bought a mill. With the blind hole the rivet rolls right into the open space and pounds out pretty readily as the ends really only mushroom and the middle of the rivet likes to bend in the hole.

As far as a press vise goes. Get what you want or can afford. You can always move it later. A non indexing vise can be clamped down and tapped pretty close with a hammer. So there's not a huge detriment to them really over an indexing vise.

[SkidMarkSteve]

Thanks for the help, Danjal.  I have read were people have used their drill presses like a mini mill and have had the press break, just like you said.  With my press being on the small side, I want to avoid as much side load as possible.  One of the joys of the addiction is all the tools and machines out there happy to take your money.

[Danjal]

Don't remind me about my tax deductible income.