Safely Lock Down Your Drill Press in an Instant

[@PaskMakes]

paskmakes.com/the-marking-knife/ I had this idea a couple of months ago and I've been itching to get at it. I'm super pleased with it as it works exactly how I hoped it would and makes the drill press a safer machine. It's quick and easy to set which I reckon makes it a winner. If something is easy to use then it will get used. Hopefully it inspires you to make one for yourself. If you do, there would be many ways to do it, not just by machining. You could fabricate one or even make one out of wood. :)

[@jmacca6906]

I'd highly recommend checking out @MariusHornberger too, he's recently done something similar but dialed to 11

[@TheClimbex]

I'd recommend pure alcohol/ethanol as a coolant/lube for aluminium. WD-40 isn't the best for it.

[@stephensmith8756]

@@TheClimbex How about the old school half kero, half paraffin liquid, or half WD 40, half paraffin ?

[@TheClimbex]

@@stephensmith8756 @@stephensmith8756 never tried that. On fully enclosed milling centers we use an high tech emulsion and even there, in small threat holes, we use ethanol for aluminium. In steel or stainless we use a thick cutting oil. For cutting aluminium on an open milling machine or drill press ethanol is best.

[@DavidTaghehchian]

This is fantastic work. I always get nervous seeing people use bare hands on a drill press, or even an non-secured vise. 10/10 idea and execution. Thanks for sharing.

[@JohnBysinger]

The use of the shoe to translate ring clamping force into rod clamping is genius. Very well done sir!

[@RichardMerrill3Hawk]

That's what struck me too -- the shoe solves the problem, and it's completely hidden too!

[@nickcody7257]

I also like how it clamps to the rod and stand with a single clamp action. The only thing I slightly question is needing a shoe, it seems like the rod hole could intersect the main center hole and clamp directly against the stand. It would be a much smaller surface area but the force would be more focused, for what is needed seems like it would still suffice for holding. Either way its a great device.

[@planbuildrepeat8264]

​@@nickcody7257 the shoe is likely to distribute the clamping force. The higher pressure from the smaller clamping area might deform his bar and reduce tool life.

[@deangriffiths8107]

@@planbuildrepeat8264 The shoe was aluminium the bar steel.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much John - glad you enjoyed that! :)

[@jlarts]

That is so clever and well engineered, it should probably be a product on its own. Nice one Neil

[@MKRM27]

Most people would just buy a magswitch

[@jlarts]

@@MKRM27 whatever works for you

[@PaskMakes]

Thank you! :)

[@steveclark..]

@@PaskMakes If you were going to make and sell these, what would be the cost would you think?

[@robt9619]

It's literally a shaft collar with a hole drilled in it, the even have ones that lock just like the one he made.

[@chadstorm92]

The main thing I love about this channel is the randomness of your projects. We never know what awesomeness Pask will come up with next. Can’t wait for the next one!

[@allenwilson9656]

And he always shows his mistakes and he's able to concur and continue

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you're enjoying the projects Chad - I'm very lucky to be able to make what I want and try new things out! :)

[@charlieevergreen3514]

Random, Kumiko, Random, Kumiko, Random, Kumiko, Random, Kumiko, Random, Kumiko... I love it. Thank you Pask!

[@douglidz2944]

Neil, I gotta say that is the slickest drill press vice setup I think I’ve ever seen, easy to use and there are no clamps to get in the way. Genius.👍👍👍

[@plainnpretty]

I agree very clever

[@PaskMakes]

I really am super happy with it Doug - Thanks very much! :)

[@_J.F_]

I've never seen a clamping system like this before but it is beautiful, elegantly basic, and seems extremely useful too.

[@PaskMakes]

My first idea wasn't as elegant but I tinkered and it evolved - glad you liked it! :)

[@Rick-nj2pi]

This you could definitely market this as well...Excellent solution for a very dangerous operation.

[@invertedpolarity6890]

As a refinement to this design, you could put a slight angle, maybe 1 or 2 degrees to the hole in the clamp for the rod angled down toward the drill table. So when you tighten down the clamp, the rod would push down on the vice holding it in position.

[@Vickie-Bligh]

What an absolutely wonderful idea. Not only a great idea but a fabulous result. Love watching your content, Neil. You are such a clever & talented maker. Thank you for sharing this with us all.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Vickie! :)

[@lerikhkl]

Holy crap this is genius! I've recently started rewatching all your videos (already seen them all, some multiple times), and there's just something special with all of your projects! You're a true source of inspiration and information, thanks a lot for everything :)

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Erik - glad you're enjoying the videos! :)

[@digisports22]

Genius, just pure genius. I can’t get enough of the thoughts that comes from this man’s head. Pure genius!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! :)

[@ianday38]

I felt really pleased with myself for making some t-nuts so that I could bolt mine through the table, now you've completely blown me away! I'm always impressed that you make things like the camlock lever rather than repurposing a cheap bike part. Good work.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Ian - I'm sure your system works fine. Making things like the cam lever is the fun part! :)

[@legros731]

And you can get the same exact result with a screwdriver in the table slot and like magic you got a stop

[@MaxGiganteum]

-- I was thinking the same exact thing... a table top quick release hold down clamp on a slotted shaft or simply a pin through one of the table slots and bump the vise up against it when centering the work under the drill bit. That's all it takes and it's quick and easy. While he did manufacture an elegant solution that seems to function, he was seriously overthinking things when he came up with his solution to a simple problem. I'll still give it two thumbs up. Best wishes! - Max Giganteum

[@tjw4947]

Love this idea, drill press accidents are no joke and the number of near misses I have had makes me think that this is a wonderful device for any drill press. Kudos.

[@dazdaz105]

That’s probably the most useful thing I’ve seen made on KZbin for a very long time and well engineered. No fuss, no waving arms about, no boring intro and no narcissistic mentality. You have a new sub 👍

[@blaugrana-jw3dd]

This is probably in the top 10 of the most genius ideas I've seen in the makers world. Mad stuff!!!

[@reesewoodworks]

By far and away my favorite maker on KZbin. Love all your projects and videos! Keep up the amazing work!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Clark! :)

[@beckermen]

Great build. You're getting a lot of mileage out of the drill press! It's fun to see the progression from restoration to customization. I would say that "I thought it would need some tinkering but, it just worked perfectly" is a major theme for your videos. Cheers!

[@samuelb6960]

Just looked up float lock vise and gotta say yours is a massive improvement.

[@IanSmithKSP]

Fantastic concept and execution as always. Quality of life improvements in the shop are a direct translation to quality of work improvement. This piece is no exception I’m sure

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you like it Ian - Thanks very much! :)

[@jimsjacob]

Wow! This is just getting great! Each project gets more and more intricate. The execution is the real treat for me and I really appreciate the fact that you’re not editing out the over site with the hole from the wrong side. It helps me to soldier on with my projects if I make a mistake. Cheers!

[@rossilake218]

Everybody gets ahead of ourselves. Good save, though... It's always step 1,2,3 etc.

[@Vikingwerk]

Now that is a *brilliant* design. Quick, easy, reliable, simple to use, and fancy looking to boot!

[@stavros_katsopr]

Easy? Bless ya if you think so...

[@tifhorn3311]

I really appreciate that you also show your mistakes, like with drilling hole/recess on the wrong side. It's important part for me and it shows that mistake doesn't have to be total failure ;)

[@johnmay3266]

Your engineering skills never cease to amaze me. Good job Neil.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much John! :)

[@MurcuryEntertainment]

I feel like this would be a great intro to machining project, because it uses multiple work holding and machining techniques, it's practical and useable, and adjusting it to fit an individual drill press would be a good exercise in how to modify a design.

[@trulsdirio]

Yep, that's an idea to patent asap. Cast in different sizes for the most common diameters (and/or with a lip that accapts plastic shims to adapt different sizes in one size cast) and you got yourself a really god product on your hands!

[@seansysig]

Perfect shop drill press accessory. I don’t have a mill or lathe, but I’m going to make this for sure! I breakdown old desktop printers and save chrome rods and bushings. Thanks for sharing your amazing talent with us!

[@bigoldgrizzly]

I used to have a system like this that utilised the ring clamp from a damaged drill press with the same radius as mine. Worked well enough but a bit cumbersome, I let it go with the press when I sold it. Your version looks much easier to use - well done Sir

[@DireWolfForge]

I am always impressed with your work. However on this particular piece, I am astounded. This is amazingly well thought out and brilliantly executed. Bravo, my friend! I wish I had half of your skills, as I would love one of these for my shop.

[@bobbyjackson4452]

Thanks again for bringing us a great project. I, for one, appreciate when you leave in the mistakes to show how to correct them. I always learn a new technique watching you videos. :)

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you find the videos useful Bobby! :)

[@alojzsuc6010]

What an amazing idea! This shoud come as a standard accessory with every drillpress. You should get a patent for it!

[@Jmashandsprouts]

Unfortunately he can't now, because he's shared the video with the world. You can only get a patent for something if it's novel, and that means it can't have been published anywhere in the world prior to the patent application.

[@Craftlngo]

I'm always impressed by your ingenuity. This is one elegant, and brilliant solution!

[@danfarris135]

Everytime I use the drill press, especially with large drills I think of all the people who have been injured by this single piece of equipment. Thanks to a good shop teacher that instilled in us the respect that this machine needs 40 years ago. Making this accessory is on top of my list even though I do a lot of my drilling on a Bridgeport most of the time these days.

[@adamduerr1203]

This whole project is so well designed and executed. Great project and thanks.

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Adam! :)

[@angusmurray3767]

A great example of a well-made video. The video quality is good with good in focus close-ups, the commentary succinct and to the point, the sound and accoustics excellent. Great content too!

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Angus - Glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@jimmygjr]

Love that tap wrench. If I open up my chuck all the way it fits perfect over the back side of the part sticking out of the ratchet. Then I can put pressure on with the quill and tap with the other hand. Works perfect.

[@joesobaski1966]

The drill press accessory video I didn’t know I needed. By the guy who needed to do it. Bravo, well done as always!

[@Gilyarth]

Always such a joy to come home and discover that you posted a new project for us to enjoy! Thanks a million Neil!

[@PaskMakes]

Glad you're enjoying the videos Joel - Thanks very much! :)

[@ertplus838]

this is great, if you're in a situation without this tool in the future though, i was taught at tafe to face the vice backwards with the vice resting against the pillar. works well enough to break the drill bit and keep you out of trouble.

[@Lesservector]

This is ingenuity you would see from people living in the early 20th century. I admire the concept of a singular motion have two different functions become locked down, then in one easy motion you can freely move it wherever needed.

[@joell439]

Super nice result. I suspect as you use this more and more you'll realize that locking it down is unnecessary for most cases. Having it free floating is truly where the magic of this design shines. Since the rod is captured such that the vice can't spin once the drill bit is engaged. Free to slide in X and Y does not compromise the safety in anyway. Locking it down is really only helpful if you have multiple holes to be drilled in the same location. 👍😎👍 Thanks for the inspiration ...... I have added it to my list of projects i need to work.

[@ianvicedomini2648]

This is why I love watching your videos Neil because there's always something worth watching and the amazing work you do is outstanding and inspirational to the brim. Absolutely awesome idea mate and as always, I thoroughly enjoyed the video 😉😉👍🏽👌🏅

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much Ian - glad you're enjoying the projects and videos! :)

[@robin_marriott]

I’m glad you’ve made this. Every video I see when someone is holding something while drilling makes me grit my teeth. This is an elegant solution and if it’s not something which already exists, you should consider getting some made and selling them.

[@flingshotlife]

Such an excellent video and device to make. I see so many people not clamping work in a drill press and it’s just a disaster waiting to happen. Some people will just use a dowel pin to post a work piece up against, which is better than no work holding device. But a dedicated vise is the way to go.

[@supyrow]

I think mrpete showed a design very similar about 8 years ago. Nice to see the project come back to life!

[@supyrow]

Called a 'floating vice'

[@Kalabrese119]

Oh my god, I spent days making a cross vise so I can move my piece without having to undo the clamp and it turned out wobbly and all. This is so much simpler. What a clever idea!

[@CraigsWorkshop]

That's very inventive Neil. Loved the creative machining setups, and I also love how simple and usable the end result is. Great stuff, thank you for sharing. Cheers, Craig

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks Craig - glad you enjoyed it mate! Still learning with the machining but I'm thoroughly enjoying it. :)

[@HWPcville]

Thanks for posting. I'm not a machinist and as such I don't have much in the way of machining tools. However, I do a good bit of cutting metal and drilling with a drill press. I purchased a vice-grip type tool that bolts down thru the drill table slot and then clamps down onto the material being drilled. It works pretty good for what I do and it has saved my fingers no doubt. I do an inward cringe when I see someone just holding a chunk of steel with their fingers. You design is really nice. Thanks again.

[@Heartheaart]

Love how you always find a way to use recycled material and super clever!! Love your videos

[@PaskMakes]

thank you - Glad you enjoying the videos! :)

[@michaelcoccojr2513]

Again. I'm blown away. I want one. Even if it's for my crappy HF drill press. Cheers to you good sir

[@willb1157]

Utterly inspiring. I have wood working tools, for building stringed instruments but how I would LOVE a budget milling machine if there is such a thing. Thank you and a pleasure to watch.

[@nrml76]

That was surprisingly complex for what on the outside looks like a very simple device. Hats off to you for coming up with such an ingenious design.

[@DEtchells]

The moment I saw the ring clamp I was like 👍!GENIUS!👍 Thanks for the vid, making one of these is on my list now! My drill press is a floor-standing model with a rack on the back so I’ll need to make the separate inner ring you mentioned, but I love the elegance of your design. Big thanks for sharing this with us!

[@joshmofosho]

well done chap bloke mate guy sir. you have given me inspiration for something i have been pondering for many years. i will be writing you in when i go to the ballot box next month.

[@ianoliver4924]

Absolute brilliant idea and they way you described and showed how to built is a credit to you. Pity the manufacturer of these drill presses didn’t take up this idea. Thanks

[@Mitrasmit]

Absolutely genius. If I had a mill I'd be making this today. I'm not sure it can be working as flawlessly without it, but maybe if I work carefully it might. Would buy it in a heartbeat!

[@tonyennis1787]

The way I solved the problem was to clamp a stop to the table so if the piece spun it would hit the stop, giving me time to clear my hands. Adding the rod to the vise as you've done, but such that it extends past the drill press post, will also solve this problem. You don't need the ring at all. I've never had a situation where the drill press return spring can lift the workpiece and the vise however.

[@jerekirkpatrick2092]

There are several problem solving steps that can be used by all that watch this build. Thanks for sharing. Jere

[@jsteifel]

nicely done. Another thing is that you don't even need to lock the ring, it will prevent spinning by it's design, and will allow movement from hole to hole much quicker. But still it works well tightened for more accurate holes.

[@michaellinahan7740]

Neil, today I had earmarked to make your lock down clamp for the drill press. However, I ended up changing the design. My drill press has the rack and pinion height mechanism o the column so I thought about your suggestion of using packing pieces but I didn't think it would work for me for 2 reasons; firstly the packing pieces would have to be stationary as the rack on the column only moves when the table is moved side to side; secondly the clamp would have to have a way to allow rotation between clamp and packing pieces and not allow the packing pieces to fall out. What I did was to take some 50mm mild steel bar about 45mm long and once faced and skimmed put a 7mm hole through the center, then part the bar into 2 pieces, one 21mm and the other the rest of and then face the cut surfaces. Now put a 4mm rod (an piece scavenged from a roadside printer) through both pieces and trap it securely in the milling machine vice with the 7mm bar laying on top and going front to back (I never know what axis that is!) Now find the edge and use a 6mm end mill start a hole about 12mm from the outer edge on the join line of the 2 pieces, once it is 10-15mm down finish the hole with a 6mm drill. Without moving anything enlarge the hole to suit the bar, I used 1/2". Now take the 2 halves and take a skim cut (I just did the top piece) now when the bolt is tightened the rod is trapped. Tomorrow I will cross drill for the screws to hold it to the vice. Thank you for the idea, I had fun and the achieved 2 outcomes; kept me out of earshot of her indoors and exercised the old grey matter!

[@jlawillems]

Awesome Neil! The craftmanship is from another level, sheer brilliance. Please keep on making these projects, while your videos are always a blast to look at, both the length, the level of details and variety of camera angles (and your voice-overs). Cheers!

[@anway1953]

Simple idea and it's amazing no one has thought of this! Brilliant!

[@markhedquist9597]

I agree. This IS fantastic!

[@DanielCooper1]

Seriously cool stuff, Pask! I'm in awe at your skill and making quality, that thing is beautiful.

[@freddyvelasquez4168]

Fantastic use of scrap metal. Safety win’s every time. Cheers from Brooklyn, NY.

[@krahwinkel9503]

Absolutely fantastic. So many good solutions for this bunch of small challenges in this project.

[@PaskMakes]

I tinkered around with the design before starting and it eventually got to this - I'm super happy with it! :)

[@kencross25]

Great idea Pask. I have held many projects by hand under my drill stand just to watch it either attempt to break my wrist or take off flying like Superman. I'm going to try this collar idea of yours, currently I'm just bolting my vice to the table with bolts. Putting on and taking off is such a hassle.

[@Abrikosmanden]

Brilliant build. When I saw it on Instagram I thought that you had made the hole for the rod slightly proud of the ID to clamp the rod onto the column, but the shoe is a much better solution! Also, quite cool that you automated it ;)

[@gerjaison]

I'm just adding and repeating on what everyone have said, because i really appreciate this video, "Genius!"

[@tonyioannoni4951]

I looked at the floating clamps they sell, and none come even close to the one you made, way more simple, clever and functional!!!!

[@nealwalden3543]

Just brilliant in everyway. The video, narration and final usefulness of this. Wildly great. Greetings from a cabinetmaker in California.

[@noelzinger1113]

Appreciate you keeping the mistake you made, in the video and showing us your excellent solution to correct the problem. I need one of those!

[@More-Space-In-Ear]

You've come a very long way, Neil, and I'm proud of you my friend. Though watching KZbin hasn't been my utmost concern recently, it's still great to see you still doing great videos. Well done buddy 👏 👍😊

[@PaskMakes]

Thanks very much! :)

[@stevejeffryes5086]

That collar locking bothe movements in one clamping action is a brilliant design

[@nee3029]

Brilliant Ideas? Instead of simply screwing the vice onto the machine table as intended. Wasting time building a fixture? 1 single t-nut stone with a nut is completely sufficient, but no, that is a waste of worthless time 😂😂

[@bdbear10]

It really looks like metal! You matched the drill so well.

[@ezrabartsch1505]

You outta know that I think you’re brilliant and your videos are a real treat to my life.

[@lindonwatson5402]

Mr Pask, this is elegant, effective and impressive as always. Inspired again!

[@russianotter]

Simple, elegant, effective, this is absolutely brilliant design!

[@campbellmorrison8540]

This is an inspired idea I love it. I watched Blondihacks make a float vice and was convinced that was the way to go but this is much better in my opinion and I could make this where I would have been struggling to make the float vice. Thank you for taking the time to put this up

[@rogergreenwood3409]

that's a seriously good tool .An outstanding improvement on the traditional design.

[@melgross]

This is a great idea! I was going to make a sliding drill press vise from scratch. But this is better. I did make a change though. Since I upgraded my press to a bigger inverter ready 3 phase motor and VFD, I’ve been using it for tapping with smaller taps than I want to do on my mill. But the problem with power tapping, as you know, is the lift the part has unless it’s locked to the table. As you show, getting that right is a real pain. The regular floating vise, which I was also going to modify has a major problem. If you have to drill off center to the hole in the middle of the table (yes, it happens), then you end up drilling through the table. Your way, the part leaves space between the bottom of the part and the table. So a one side support as this has still allows the table to rotate up. So I made two supports one for either side of the vise, and made the part for the press column longer to better resist the lift force. The clamp is higher than the posts on this design to get at it easily. When I said “made”, I really mean designed, as I’m away for the week, so I’m making nothing other than a nuisance of myself and my wife for our daughter (though she says differently).

[@mistral2099]

SENSATIONAL! What magnificent workmanship and professionalism. I didn't want the video to end! I could watch your work all day long!

[@ashleychambers7602]

Brilliant idea and superbly fabricated as always, great photography too 👍

[@madeljacky]

That's the best and easiest moved drill press clamp that doesn't get in the way that I have seen yet, you should patent that idea ! Very well made to and the video showing how you made it is excellent.

[@Qopzeep]

I just love watching the process and how it all comes together. Whatever the project, your craftsmanship is an excellent watch!

[@bibekbose5676]

Sheer genius sir.. I'd never get an idea like that in a million lifetimes.. stay well.. regards from kolkata

[@cutekidstories]

Another fantastic build. I am always impressed by how clever your solutions are.

[@bkdiyprojects6641]

What a brilliant solution you have demonstrated. Amazing idea, narration, camera, editing ... just loved everything, love all your projects and always wait for the next.

[@bobweiram6321]

I must say, this is clever! There's a bunch of floating lock vise builds on KZbin, but this one is simple and easier to build.

[@jamesa7506]

Your drill press keeps getting better! 👍

[@jamescartwright3854]

Now you need to re finish that little vice in the blue to match!! Stunning work mate. I love it!!

[@darylcross5610]

Brilliant Neil as always. Excuse me for thinking of a possible improvement. A second rod or square bar or plate could be used to eliminate the possible lift of the vice that happens when a bit typically bites and sticks as it breaks through the bottom of steel. I'm thinking of many build variations now that dont need all the machining.

[@no-expert]

I used to be a bit scared of the parts going flying because it happened on my dads drillpress when I was younger. Now that I have got my own cheap one, I still had this tension until recently I discovered that I can stop it with my hands on the workpiece. This is a great project and l keep it in the back of my head until I get a more powerful one :)

[@yoyopg123]

I'd say the float lock vise you mention is better than the cheap drill press vises that a lot of beginners buy. Your vise looks significantly better than the those cheap vises. For one, the cheap ones inexplicably have a gap at the back jaw so you can't use thin or average width parallels without them falling down. Second, when you tightened your test piece , the amount of jaw lift was negligible, which tells me that the ways and the screw are fit to way better tolerances than those of the cheap vises. So for your situation, your decision to work with what you had was spot on. Great build!

[@alanmuddypaws3865]

Nice! I wish I could be as talented and clever a machinist as you are.

[@fishfreak911]

This is the coolest thing on the internet I've seen all day. Well done. I'd buy this!

[@jacobwild278]

Beautiful and elegant design in function and form. This could be a revolutionary product.

[@howder1951]

Beautiful, the clamp assembly is nothing short of elegant, well done, thanks for the vid!

[@robertbamford8266]

Fantastic design. And simple to operate. Making it, not so much.

[@joewhitney4097]

Great video and safety idea for the drill press. I think it will be very handy. I was taught to use the drill press column as a stop arm when possible to stop rotation of the drilled part. This accessory takes that to a much better safety feature. Thanks for sharing.

[@paultidswell2981]

That is a fantastic enervation to the drill press Neil. Great job

[@okiwatashi2349]

You need to get these on sale Neil, absolute genius!