Replies

1. 
   4DThinker | Oct 28, 2003 05:22pm | #1

   I haven't seen the shopfox table you mention, but I'll agree that having an x-y table on a drill press is a wonderful idea.   I've been using a home-made (plywood with metal slides, all-thread and wood handles) milling table for years now, and will drive 15 miles home to my shop to use it if the only drill press available for drilling or slot making doesn't have one.  3/8-16 all-thread wotks nicely in mine, giving me 1/16" travel for each full turn, and an easy 1/32 or 1/64 for a half or quarter turn.  I added some masonite to the top that is easily replaced.  And I use B&D workmate hold-downs in 3/4" holes along the back fence to clamp down any work that needs it.

   Again, Highly recommended.

   4DThinker

2. 
   BertJ | Oct 29, 2003 12:40am | #2

   Michael, I've done an extensive Google search and can't find the Shopfox xy table you describe. Sounds like a VERY handy device, and I've been needing something like it for some time. Can you direct me to a source please?

   Thanks,

   BJ

1. 
   4DThinker | Oct 29, 2003 03:35am | #3

   My google search didn't find a shopfox milling table, but it did find a milling vise.  Go to:

   http://www.toolpeddler.com/d2730.htm

   A similar X-Y vise can be seen at:

   http://www.jayhawkbowling.com/Products/Mini-Mill.html

   You can find several others if you search for "x-y table"  A few places even offer x-y-z tables.

   These  let you clamp a piece, them move it in both x and y directions.  If anyone from Fine Woodworking reads this, and is interested, I'd be happy to offer plans to my home-made X-Y drill press table for publication. 

   4DThinker

   Edited 10/28/2003 8:42:18 PM ET by 4DTHINKER

   Edited 10/28/2003 8:52:07 PM ET by 4DTHINKER

1. 
   MichaelPB | Oct 29, 2003 05:24am | #4

   The link to the tool peddler is a Shop Fox like I have except mine is blue.  I described it as a milling table rather than a vise, my mistake.

   I bought the 4" one at Post Tool, now Western Tool for about $45 and saved shipping. 

   I have had some of the cheap versions of this type of tool and they suck.  First one I had was so low the handles could not rotate!  Why scrimp on a $45 tool?

   Anyway, solved a lot of problems for me as I drill into the back of gunstocks and getting them aligned had been a nightmare!

   I keep meaning to make a small flat surface to lock into the vise so that I can do regular drilling.