Drilling a straight line of holes in PVC

[dunndw]

We're in the process of building a wheelchair for one of our dogs out of PVC. We found plans on the ye old interweb.

Got a drill press (hey...any excuse to buy new tools) and started drilling holes. Can't keep 'em straight to save my life.

Any tips or tricks would be helpful. Drill press has a table clamp installed (now) but kepping the line of holes straight escapes me.

[56FordGuy]

Which way are they varying? Is the pipe rotating, or moving side to side?

Honestly, aside from clamping it solidly and drawing a good straight line where you want the row of holes, not sure what else might affect it.

[Mike]

V-blocks.

Where in Nashville are you? I can give you some of mine or make you some if mine are too small. I use them as welding jigs when I have piping to weld. Awesome for keeping round things from rolling and slipping.

Then for the straight line, take a framing square and draw a big line down the side and keep to it.

[Guest Old goat]

how large is the pipe

[Fadex]

Is the bit flexing?

[alwayspackin]

The bit flexing? I don't understand. If you are using a pipe vise and a drill press then it should be strait. If it is the bit, then you need some better drill bits. Not the cheap set. Buy one good single bit at Lowes in the size you need.

[Rightwinger]

Dpn't have three beers before you drill next time?

[TGO David]

V-blocks will work, but the best way to do this is to pick up a cheap milling vise for use with your press.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[Fadex]

If you don't have a sharp bit sometimes it can flex/bend to one side slightly as you begin to drill, especially when drilling pipe.

[Guest VolDaddy]

use a .22 pistol.

[dunndw]

it's rotating in the vice. I don't think it a took issue...it's more of a operator issue :-)

Damn David...I was at Harbor Freight this morning looking for something that would work better than the setup I have now...walked right past that dang thing

[ftncityfatboy]

shot the dog and forget the pipe....just kidding. Clamp pipe down, drill small hole, then drill larger hole.

[Ghooge2008]

I think he is trying to get straight lines in a drill press not a milling machine, I would look for a vise that has a crank on one side so your not clamping, drilling, unclamping, moving part, re-clamping, drilling, unclamping...and so on. I have seen them before at harbor freight or northern tools...I think.

[Guest Old goat]

cut pipe a little longer than needed, drill hole at each end all the way through, screw pipe to 2x4, drill all other holes as needed, remove pipe and cut as needed.

[TGO David]

I think he is trying to get straight lines in a drill press not a milling machine, I would look for a vise that has a crank on one side so your not clamping, drilling, unclamping, moving part, re-clamping, drilling, unclamping...and so on. I have seen them before at harbor freight or northern tools...I think.

Re-read my suggestion. It's perfect for use on a drill press and does exactly what you're describing.

[gregintenn]

Grind a flat spot on the side of the pipe you wish to drill holes in. The flat area should be in a straight line, and will be easier to start a bit in as opposed to the radiused surface of the pipe.

[TGO David]

cut pipe a little longer than needed, drill hole at each end all the way through, screw pipe to 2x4, drill all other holes as needed, remove pipe and cut as needed.

Winner!