Record Drill Press Vices

Record Drill Press Vices at Tooled-Up.com

Record has been a cornerstone of British engineering excellence for over a century, and their drill press vices exemplify the precision and durability that have made the brand legendary among professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts alike. Designed specifically for use with pillar drills and drill presses, Record drill press vices deliver the secure, accurate workholding that's essential for precision drilling operations across metalworking, woodworking, and general fabrication tasks.

The Record drill press vice range available from Tooled-Up.com represents the pinnacle of British manufacturing heritage, combining time-tested designs with modern materials and manufacturing techniques. Each vice features robust cast iron construction with precision-machined surfaces that ensure perfect alignment and consistent clamping pressure. Whether you're drilling complex patterns in metal components, boring precise holes in wooden assemblies, or tackling repetitive production work, Record drill press vices provide the stable, reliable workholding platform that demanding applications require.

From compact bench-mounted models ideal for workshop environments to heavy-duty industrial variants capable of handling substantial workpieces, Record has engineered their drill press vices to meet the exacting standards of professional tradespeople whilst remaining accessible to dedicated hobbyists who refuse to compromise on quality.

Why Choose Record Drill Press Vices?

Record's reputation in the workholding sector is built on over 150 years of British engineering excellence, and their drill press vices carry forward this distinguished legacy. The brand's commitment to precision manufacturing means every vice leaves the factory with accurately machined jaws, smooth-operating screw mechanisms, and perfectly aligned mounting surfaces that eliminate the frustration of misalignment and workpiece slippage.

Unlike lighter-duty alternatives, Record drill press vices feature substantially thicker castings that absorb vibration and resist deflection under heavy drilling loads. The hardened steel jaw faces provide exceptional grip without marking softer materials when used appropriately, whilst the Acme-thread screws deliver smooth, precise jaw movement with minimal backlash. This attention to mechanical detail translates directly into improved drilling accuracy, reduced tool wear, and enhanced operator safety.

Record's quality control standards ensure consistent performance across their entire range, giving professionals the confidence that comes from using equipment they can rely on day after day. The brand's widespread availability of spare parts and accessories further enhances the long-term value proposition, making Record drill press vices a sound investment rather than a disposable commodity.

Who Uses Record Drill Press Vices?

• Engineering Workshops: Machinists and fitters requiring precision workholding for metalworking operations
• Maintenance Engineers: Professionals who need reliable equipment for repair and fabrication work across industrial settings
• Woodworkers and Joiners: Craftspeople drilling accurate holes in timber components and assemblies
• Model Engineers: Hobbyists working to exacting tolerances on small-scale projects
• Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and training centres teaching metalwork and manufacturing skills
• Agricultural Engineers: Farm workshops undertaking equipment repairs and modifications
• Fabrication Shops: Metal fabricators requiring secure workholding for drilling operations in steel and aluminium
• Automotive Workshops: Mechanics and restoration specialists drilling brackets, panels, and components
• DIY Enthusiasts: Serious home workshop owners who demand professional-grade equipment

Key Features of Record Drill Press Vices

Record drill press vices incorporate several distinctive features that distinguish them from competitors. The substantial cast iron bodies provide exceptional rigidity and vibration damping, creating a stable platform that improves drilling accuracy and extends cutting tool life. Precision-ground jaw faces ensure parallel clamping across the full jaw opening range, preventing workpiece distortion and maintaining alignment throughout the drilling operation.

The engineering-grade screw mechanisms feature precisely-cut Acme threads that deliver smooth jaw movement with minimal effort whilst eliminating the backlash that plagues cheaper alternatives. Comfortable tommy bars or handles provide excellent leverage for secure workpiece clamping without excessive force, whilst hardened steel components in critical wear areas ensure long service life even under intensive professional use.

Many Record drill press vices feature innovative jaw designs with serrated gripping surfaces that bite securely into metalwork whilst remaining gentle enough for use with softer materials when jaw protectors are fitted. The accurately machined base surfaces incorporate elongated mounting slots that facilitate precise alignment with drill press tables and enable easy repositioning for different workpiece configurations.

Auxiliary features such as V-grooves machined into jaw faces accommodate round stock securely, whilst some models incorporate swivel bases that allow angled drilling operations without complex workpiece repositioning. These thoughtful design elements reflect Record's deep understanding of real-world workshop requirements developed through decades of collaboration with professional users.

Popular Record Drill Press Vices

The Record range encompasses various capacity options to suit different applications and drill press sizes. Compact models with jaw widths around 75-100mm prove ideal for light engineering work, model making, and smaller drill presses where space is at a premium. These nimble vices deliver surprising gripping power despite their modest dimensions, making them favourites among model engineers and electronics workshops.

Mid-range Record drill press vices with 100-125mm jaw capacities represent the sweet spot for general workshop use, offering sufficient capacity for most common drilling tasks whilst remaining manageable on standard benchtop drill presses. These versatile models handle everything from small fastener drilling to larger fabrication projects with equal competence.

Heavy-duty professional models featuring jaw widths of 150mm or more cater to industrial applications where substantial workpieces and aggressive drilling operations demand maximum rigidity and clamping force. These robust vices often incorporate swivel bases and auxiliary clamping features that expand their versatility across diverse manufacturing environments.

Safety and Compliance

When using Record drill press vices, adherence to HSE guidelines for machine tool operation is essential. Always ensure workpieces are securely clamped before commencing drilling operations, and verify that the vice itself is firmly bolted to the drill press table using appropriate fasteners. Loose workholding is a primary cause of drilling accidents and can result in workpiece ejection, tool breakage, and operator injury.

Regular inspection of Record drill press vices should include checking jaw faces for wear or damage, ensuring screw mechanisms operate smoothly without binding, and verifying that mounting bolts remain tight. Any deterioration in clamping performance or unusual resistance in the screw mechanism warrants immediate investigation and remediation before further use.

Personal protective equipment including safety glasses or face shields is mandatory when operating drill presses, as swarf and metal fragments can be ejected at high velocity. The Tooled-Up team recommends consulting the Health and Safety Executive's guidance on metalworking machinery for comprehensive safety protocols applicable to drill press operations in UK workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size Record drill press vice do I need for my workshop?

Vice selection depends primarily on the typical workpiece dimensions you'll be drilling and your drill press capacity. For general workshop use, a vice with 100-125mm jaw width handles most common tasks efficiently. Smaller bench drill presses may be better suited to 75-100mm models, whilst industrial floor-standing machines can accommodate heavy-duty 150mm+ vices. Consider the maximum throat depth and jaw opening range alongside the width specification to ensure compatibility with your typical workpieces.

Can Record drill press vices be used for milling operations?

Whilst Record drill press vices are engineered primarily for vertical drilling operations, they can handle light milling work when mounted on appropriate milling machines or drill presses with milling capabilities. However, the clamping forces and vibration characteristics of milling differ significantly from drilling, so dedicated milling vices are preferable for regular or heavy milling tasks. Always ensure the vice is securely mounted and the workpiece is firmly clamped before attempting any milling operations.

How do I maintain my Record drill press vice?

Regular maintenance extends vice life significantly. Clean jaw faces and screw threads periodically to remove swarf and debris, then apply a light coating of machine oil to prevent corrosion. The screw mechanism benefits from occasional lubrication with light machine oil or appropriate grease, avoiding excessive application that attracts contamination. Inspect mounting bolts regularly and retighten as necessary. Store the vice in a dry environment when not in use, and consider applying a rust-preventative coating if the workshop environment is particularly humid.

What's the difference between drill press vices and standard bench vices?

Drill press vices are specifically designed for secure mounting on drill press tables with low-profile construction that maximises clearance beneath the drill chuck. They typically feature wider jaw openings relative to their overall size and incorporate design elements like V-grooves for round stock. Standard bench vices are taller, designed for edge-of-bench mounting, and optimised for holding work at comfortable working height for filing, sawing, and assembly tasks rather than precision drilling operations.

Are replacement jaws available for Record drill press vices?

Record's commitment to long-term product support means replacement jaws and other wearing components remain available for most models, even those from older production runs. This parts availability represents significant value compared to disposable alternatives, allowing vices to be economically restored to as-new condition after years of intensive use. Contact the Tooled-Up customer service team for specific parts availability for your particular Record drill press vice model.