An interesting problem: drilling into a delicate object

[MillenniumFalsehood]

I'm planning on drilling into an oddly-shaped piece of resin using my drill press. However, it simply won't sit still in my vise. The reason is because it's pyramidal and the base is where I'm trying to drill, so if I tighten it too much the piece would chip, and if it's too loose the part will wobble around, not getting a straight hole. It's too small to just hold it steady, so I really need to mount it in something.

I'm at a loss as to what to mount it in, though. Any ideas as to how to mount this thing in order to drill it?

[Johnnycrash]

I'm at a loss as to what to mount it in, though. Any ideas as to how to mount this thing in order to drill it?

A large lump of clay (or plasticine).

[Mr. Badwrench]

Johnny beat me to it.

[Rogviler]

If the clay still won't hold it well enough, just go one step further and pop it in the freezer for awhile. That will make it hard enough to clamp pretty securely.

-Rog

[Alex Dumas]

How about taping it to your stand using painting tape (the green one)?

[Darthsideous]

How about constructing a wooden jig to hold it?

[MillenniumFalsehood]

The clay idea would work if I actually had any.

Rogviler, wouldn't that make it brittle?

The tape idea sounds good. I'll give it a try.

[Andrew Gorman]

Just use a pin vise to hold the drill and hold it in your hand. Resin is soft and easy to drill. If you need a big hole, drill a bunch of pilot holes first getting larger and larger, step by step....

[Rogviler]

The clay idea would work if I actually had any.

Rogviler, wouldn't that make it brittle?

No, plasticine clay just gets harder the colder it is. If you're worried about the part, just make an impression with it and freeze the clay by itself.

Disregard since you don't have any, but it's another way to do it.

-Rog

[Johnnycrash]

The clay idea would work if I actually had any.

Then make some. Just do a google search for "homemade play dough", and you will endless recipes. Just pick the one you have the ingredients for.

If you don';t have what there are asking for... Take some bread (without the crusts), mix with a little bit of water. and mush it all together. If it's too dry, add a little bit more water. To wet, add another slice of bread.

It's just that easy.

[Big Game Nerd]

Sounds like you might be pinning this to another part? If you are, can you make 2 different sized holes. 1 that fits your pin (say in the pyramid shaped piece) and then a little larger one (in the base) to accept a little play for positioning? If not then I would make a jig out of scrap wood or plastic to hold your piece in your vise. Hope that helps
Steve

[MillenniumFalsehood]

Nope, I'm lighting it.