decableguy2000
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2012
- Messages
- 654
I have an off shore made drill press that I would like to mount a drill press vice on.
How to measure T-slots on a Drill press table?
- Thread starter decableguy2000
- Start date
txvwnut
Well-known member
Measure the slot at the table top and that will give your t-slot size.
https://www.mcmaster.com/tee-nuts/t-slot-nuts-5/
Above is a link to T-nuts and their dimensions. Find what fits your slot. You may find that your slots are not 'standard' and may have to adjust the T-nut, or T-bolt if you go that route. Just make sure that you sandwich the top of the t-slot between the bottom of the vise and the flange of the t-nut. If you don't you run the risk of pulling out the flanges of the t-slot.
on edit;
This link shows a mill table with severely damaged T-slots
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/repair-damaged-mill-table-pallet-351378/
lg
no neat sig line
Above is a link to T-nuts and their dimensions. Find what fits your slot. You may find that your slots are not 'standard' and may have to adjust the T-nut, or T-bolt if you go that route. Just make sure that you sandwich the top of the t-slot between the bottom of the vise and the flange of the t-nut. If you don't you run the risk of pulling out the flanges of the t-slot.
on edit;
This link shows a mill table with severely damaged T-slots
https://www.practicalmachinist.com/vb/general/repair-damaged-mill-table-pallet-351378/
lg
no neat sig line
Last edited:
ez-duzit
Well-known member
Unless you intend to do the same operation, over and over, it is foolish to permanently mount a DP vise. Instead, when necessary, use Vise-Grip clamps to secure it once you have it adjusted for each setup.
I prefer this type of drill vise
https://www.penntoolco.com/wahlstrom-float-lock-drill-press-vise/
Or if it’s not heavy drilling I just put the part in my 8in Heinrich and don’t even attach it to the table
https://www.penntoolco.com/wahlstrom-float-lock-drill-press-vise/
Or if it’s not heavy drilling I just put the part in my 8in Heinrich and don’t even attach it to the table
BTL-A4
Well-known member
Keep in mind that the slots could be metric or SAE. Measure accurately so you can convert to get the right nuts.
MountaineerMiner
Active member
- Joined
- Jul 28, 2012
- Messages
- 44
Use calipers if you have them. The Rockwell pictured below had an odd size slot. They were just off a standard mill table T slot size.
Also, I second ez-duzit's comments for quick jobs, but if you have tee slots I would also suggest looking into a set of T slot quick grips for the task. I just finger tighten them and the pressure of the clamp is enough to lock them in place. I have always had bad luck using regular clamp grips on any drill press larger than a table top, the casting webs or depth always get in the way. You then have a set of T nuts for when you need a little more holding power too.
I sprang for a set of grip-ons for the metal shop but also have a set of cheap HF clamps in the wood shop for the same purpose. Since that drill press is a threw slot table they worked well once I made some extended wing nuts for them. They both work, but the grip-ons much better.
Also, I second ez-duzit's comments for quick jobs, but if you have tee slots I would also suggest looking into a set of T slot quick grips for the task. I just finger tighten them and the pressure of the clamp is enough to lock them in place. I have always had bad luck using regular clamp grips on any drill press larger than a table top, the casting webs or depth always get in the way. You then have a set of T nuts for when you need a little more holding power too.
I sprang for a set of grip-ons for the metal shop but also have a set of cheap HF clamps in the wood shop for the same purpose. Since that drill press is a threw slot table they worked well once I made some extended wing nuts for them. They both work, but the grip-ons much better.
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