Drilling jig for drill press needed

[wrangler2]

I am really starting to wear on my lathe by using it to drill, especially on some of these hard exotics.  I have seen several nice jigs on here like the one in the predator call how to essay, and was wondering where to buy one.  I have checked with woodcraft and rockler, but they only have ones for pen blanks and i need one for at least 1 1/2 inch lumber.  I have tried making one but end up drilling better by eyeballing....go figure.   Any suggestions? 

Thanks,

Mike

[Parker]

I use a vise that sits on my drill shelf with a little scrap of wood under it that catches the bit.  I square up my work with a big flat chunk of dymondwood.  I'm in business doing it this way for like $15.  Obviously doesn't have to be dymondwood, just a really square, heavy chunk of wood.

Got mine at Grizzly.

This probably isn't what you're wanting, but it is just another option.

Parker

[BigB]

I have used and do currently use pen vises for my blanks.

I started out using this vise to hold the wood and acrylic blanks for drilling on my drill press.  But I noticed that the jaws of the vise would bow under drilling pressure, and the centerline of the hole would start leaning a few degrees off of the original centerline.  By the time I got to the bottom of the blank with the drill bit, the hole in the top of the blank would be oval.

http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=143609&FamilyID=4365



So, I got this vise instead, and it has been great so far.  No more wallered out holes and a true centerline throughout the length of the hole.  It also opens up a bit further than the last one.  It handles 1.5" square blanks just fine.

http://www.pennstateind.com/store/DRILLCENT3.html


Brian

[TheJester357]

I got a cross slide vise from Harbour Freight. I set it up on my drill press table so all I have to do is set the blank in and plumb it up with a small level. Then I just Clamp it down, use the cross slides to get the bit centered, and drill away. When I have to drill something round, I use a pair of V blocks and plumb them up before clamping.

 Bob

[Braz]

How about posting up a picture or two of that vice Bob. I'd like to see it.

[wrangler2]

Thanks guys.  I like the Penn State one.  I have always had good luck with their stuff over the past 25 years.  I just think I am putting too much stress on my lathe by drilling the hard exotics on it.  It shuts off several times and have to reset it about 4 times on a 4 inch piece of wood.  Would rather use my drill press that is just gathering cob webs.

thanks again

mike

[COYOTE INC]

Are there any options like the pen vice posted with the link (Thanks for including the link!) that open up wider than 1-7/8" so that I can work on larger size predator calls?  I would like to have the ability to work with wood up to 4" wide or larger....Not that I am going to but I would at least like the option.
Many Thanks in Advance!  If that pen vice went up to 4" or more I would have already bought it!

[TheJester357]

How about posting up a picture or two of that vice Bob. I'd like to see it.

 Sorry Braz, just got back to this one. Here is a link to the one I have:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=32997

 Works great, but the plastic handles break very easily. I use a small crescent wrench to move mine.

 Bob

[Braz]

A 4" blank for a predator call? You are kidding, right?

[dogcatcher]

Here is a pen vise on sale  http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2004365/8964/Pen-Makers--Center-Drilling-Vise.aspx?refcode=10IN04NL
 
This is what I use  http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5927&xcamp=google&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cpc&zmam=13262200&zmas=12&zmac=112&zmap=5927
 
Marvin

[COYOTE INC]

A 4" blank for a predator call? You are kidding, right?

I just want it to go larger than 1-7/8". I don't plan on using it on a 4" blank, I just wanted the capability in case I was working on another project.  Nothing wrong with options. 

[COYOTE INC]

This is what I use  http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=5927&xcamp=google&utm_source=googlebase&utm_medium=cpc&zmam=13262200&zmas=12&zmac=112&zmap=5927
 
Marvin

Thanks for the Link Marvin, This is more of what I was looking for. 

Many Thanks,

Tyson