drill press vice for 80%

[sdnative13]

I am just trying to get an idea of what kind of vice most people are using to assist them with their 80% build. I am coming across many different variation:

a basic 4" drill press vice http://www.harborfreight.com/4-inch-...ise-30999.html

up to a drill press milling vice: http://www.harborfreight.com/5-in-ru...ise-69159.html

and anywhere in between. yes both of these are from HF tools but they give you an idea of the different styles. I plan on using a drill press to make the initial holes then a router with a mill bit to finish it using a jig. Any help, suggestions, and/or recommendations are appreciated.

[fusion213]

Just use the standard vice. No reason to get fancy when you're just drilling holes. Make sure your drill press is tall enough to accommodate room for the vice, jig, and bits.

[Jimmybacon43]

Just use the standard vice. No reason to get fancy when you're just drilling holes. Make sure your drill press is tall enough to accommodate room for the vice, jig, and bits.

Are you speaking out of experience from having done this?

And to the OP, don't forget to keep us posted on the build. I'm assuming from your methods listed that you'll be using the easy jig from 80% arms?

[fusion213]

Indeed I am speaking from experience.
I used a modulus arms jig. Unfortunately, I bought an 8" WEN drill press which didn't afford enough height. The modulus arms setup is fairly tall, so you need the room to clear the jig.

[Jimmybacon43]

Ok, cool, that will save OP some money on his build. I just assumed that the less expensive vise would be less sturdy....somehow. I guess it just has less adjustment options. If he's using a router to do the milling then that shouldn't be an issue.

[sdnative13]

Answer

Are you speaking out of experience from having done this?

And to the OP, don't forget to keep us posted on the build. I'm assuming from your methods listed that you'll be using the easy jig from 80% arms?

I haven't decided which jig I will be using. 80%arm is a possibility

[ez2b]

I used a basic vice kind of like your first option.mine has like taller sides but any vice will work

[ford63man]

I like the milling vice. It gives you options. say you are done with lowers
and you are working on a project that has 4 holes all lined up in a row.
you wont have to lay them out with a pencil. keep you vice square on the table, and just rotate some handles to move your work over.

but like earlier post said, make sure you have the room to fit all your stuff
between the quill and the table.

[durandal]

drill press vice for 80%

I have both. Neither mount properly on the 8" drill press from HF. If you are going to get them, use them with a larger drill press.


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[ford63man]

one more quick note. keep checking Craigs Lst for drill press, you can get better quality for the same price as HF. even a old worn drill press has less run out than the new HF drill press.

[bohoki]

you can free hand it just make some bolt on guide blocks

[622F]

For those also looking to buy a drill press, I'd recommend that you assemble your jig and take it to the hardware store to select your drill press. In the hardware store pic out the drill press you like, then grab a vice similar to the vice you already have, or plan to buy. Put your jig on the vice, and the vice on the drill press table. Then check how much clearance you have. Most small drill presses probably will not give you enough clearance once you throw the vice on it with a jig. Don't forget to take into account the length of the drill bits too. While you are at it, if you need a vice, play around moving the jig around on the different vices while on the drill table. That way you know what you buy is going to fit and work for your specific application.

[622F]

one more quick note. keep checking Craigs Lst for drill press, you can get better quality for the same price as HF. even a old worn drill press has less run out than the new HF drill press.

Wise words. HF is very hit and miss with quality.

[noozeyeguy]

I have the milling vise and the HF 8" press. As others have mentioned, the HF presses have a lot of runout. It's ok for an AK build, used cautiously. It's better than a hand drill.

The milling vise works well though. Wait for a 20% coupon, and snag the vise for $56, and buy a press off CL.

My $.02, YMMV.

[fusion213]

For those also looking to buy a drill press, I'd recommend that you assemble your jig and take it to the hardware store to select your drill press. In the hardware store pic out the drill press you like, then grab a vice similar to the vice you already have, or plan to buy. Put your jig on the vice, and the vice on the drill press table. Then check how much clearance you have. Most small drill presses probably will not give you enough clearance once you throw the vice on it with a jig. Don't forget to take into account the length of the drill bits too. While you are at it, if you need a vice, play around moving the jig around on the different vices while on the drill table. That way you know what you buy is going to fit and work for your specific application.

Excellent advice. I wish I had done this. It would've been a smoother and safer process.