there is a very cool drill press vise called "float lock" - they show up
from time to time on ebay - a complete one has a block to attach to the
table, and will hold virtually any part up to about 12 or 18 inches - you
prrobably want to find one of them

You mean this?
http://www.eaglerockonline.com/index...w&LineItem=125

I have one. Its not long enough for the handle to get to the column on my
radial arm drill press. So, i haven't used it much. You've got me thinking;
I'll make up something to catch this unit from rotation that can be quickly
removed when I need the full 2' throat.

Karl