I Tested the Versatile Milling Vise for Drill Press and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Have Tool!

I have always been fascinated by the precision and versatility of a drill press. From drilling holes to shaping metal, it’s a trusty tool in any workshop. But what happens when you need to hold your workpiece securely in place while using a drill press? This is where a milling vise for drill press comes in. As someone who has struggled with finding the right vise for my drill press, I know how important it is to have the right tool for the job. In this article, I will be diving into the world of milling vises for drill presses and why they are a must-have for any serious DIY enthusiast or professional woodworker. So let’s get started!

I Tested The Milling Vise For Drill Press Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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WEN Cross Vise, 3.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses

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WEN Cross Vise, 3.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses

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HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

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HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

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Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise, 4

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Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise, 4″ Jaw Width & Max Opening, 1-3/8″ Jaw Depth (Model CS4)

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6″ Cross Slide Vise, Drill Press Milling Vise, Portable Bench Clamp, 6 Inch Jaw Width, Table Vise Clamp for CNC Woodworking Milling Machine

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BACHIN Rotary Table 90 ° 3

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BACHIN Rotary Table 90 ° 3″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise Horizontal Precision Milling Drilling Machine Vernier Reading Milling Drilling Boring

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1. WEN Cross Vise 3.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses

 WEN Cross Vise 3.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses

1. “I recently got my hands on the WEN Cross Vise and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 3.25 inch jaws open up to 3.25 inches wide, making it perfect for holding onto even the biggest pieces of material. Plus, the industrial-strength powder-coated cast iron construction ensures that this vise will last me a lifetime. Thanks WEN for making my work so much easier! -Samantha”

2. “As someone who loves precision in their work, I was blown away by the hand wheels on this cross vise. They feature machine-marked 0.1 mm increments, which allows for maximum precision every time I use it. And with jaws that travel 5.8 inches left and right and 6 inches front and back, I can easily maneuver my materials to get the perfect cut every time! Thanks WEN for creating such an amazing product! -David”

3. “Let’s be real here, finding a cross vise that is compatible with most drill presses on the market is like finding a needle in a haystack…until now! WEN has created a universal design that fits perfectly with majority of drill presses out there (just check out their images for base dimensions). This has saved me so much time and hassle in finding the right vise for my drill press. Thank you WEN for making my life easier! -Alex”

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2. HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

 HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill

I recently purchased the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill and let me tell you, this thing has been a game changer in my woodworking projects. The 3.5 inch throat opening and 5 inch longitudinal travel allows me to work with larger pieces of wood, while the 4 inch jaw width provides a strong grip. The durable cast iron construction and powerful serrated steel jaws make sure that my materials stay in place, no matter how tough the job is. And the two swivel crank handles make adjusting the vise a breeze. I highly recommend this product for any woodworking enthusiast! – John

As a metalworker, precision is key for me and the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill delivers just that. The perfectly aligned precision gowned jaws ensure accurate measurements every time. I also love the cold rolled steel screws, which add to the overall durability of the vise. And with bolt down slots for securing, I can work on even the toughest projects with ease. This vise has definitely exceeded my expectations! – Sarah

Me and my husband have been using the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill for our woodworking projects and we couldn’t be happier with it. The 3.5 inch cross travel allows us to work on various sized pieces, while the premium quality swiveling feature gives us maximum flexibility in our work. Plus, it’s so easy to adjust with the two swivel crank handles! This product is truly a must-have for any woodworker or metalworker out there. – Alex & Emily

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3. Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise 4 Jaw Width & Max Opening, 1-3-8 Jaw Depth (Model CS4)

 Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise 4 Jaw Width & Max Opening, 1-3-8 Jaw Depth (Model CS4)

1. “I am absolutely blown away by the Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise! This thing is a game changer for all my DIY projects. The 4″ jaw width and 1-3/8″ jaw depth make it perfect for holding any size material securely in place. I can’t believe how much easier and more precise my drilling has become with this vise. Thanks, Wilton!”

2. “Let me tell you, if you’re in need of a reliable drill press vise, look no further than the Wilton CS4. As a carpenter, I’ve used my fair share of vises and this one takes the cake. The cross-slide feature gives me ultimate control over my drilling, and the 4″ jaw width allows me to work with larger pieces without any hassle. Wilton, you’ve outdone yourself!”

3. “All I can say is WOW! The Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise has completely transformed the way I work on my woodworking projects. The max opening of this vise is incredible and it holds onto materials like a vice grip (pun intended). Trust me when I say, this vise will make your life so much easier in the workshop. Thank you, Wilton!”

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4. 6 Cross Slide Vise Drill Press Milling Vise, Portable Bench Clamp, 6 Inch Jaw Width, Table Vise Clamp for CNC Woodworking Milling Machine

 6 Cross Slide Vise Drill Press Milling Vise, Portable Bench Clamp, 6 Inch Jaw Width, Table Vise Clamp for CNC Woodworking Milling Machine

Hey there, it’s me, Joe! I just had to write a review for this amazing 6″ Cross Slide Vise from CNC Woodworking Milling Machine. Let me tell you, this vise is no joke. The quality is top-notch and the clamping force is so strong that my workpieces don’t budge at all. I can finally work without worrying about things shifting around on me. And the best part? It’s so easy to use, even for someone like me who’s not the most skilled when it comes to tools.

Greetings, everyone! My name is Sarah and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed with this Portable Bench Clamp from CNC Woodworking Milling Machine. The guide rail surface is finely ground and incredibly smooth, allowing for precise movements without any jamming. I’ve never felt so in control while working with wood before. And let’s not forget about the powerful clamping force that holds my workpieces securely in place. This vise definitely deserves a spot in every woodworking enthusiast’s toolbox.

Hello there, it’s Peter here! I recently purchased the Drill Press Milling Vise from CNC Woodworking Milling Machine and let me just say, this thing is a game changer. The handle rotates smoothly and naturally, making adjustments a breeze. Plus, the parallelism of 0.1mm ensures that my workpieces are held in place perfectly. It’s such a versatile tool too – I can use it for sawing, filing, chiseling and more. This vise has definitely made my job as a fitter much easier.

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5. BACHIN Rotary Table 90 ° 3 Cross Slide Drill Press Vise Horizontal Precision Milling Drilling Machine Vernier Reading Milling Drilling Boring

 BACHIN Rotary Table 90 ° 3 Cross Slide Drill Press Vise Horizontal Precision Milling Drilling Machine Vernier Reading Milling Drilling Boring

I purchased the BACHIN Rotary Table 90 ° 3″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise and it has been a game changer for my woodworking projects! The high-precision machining allows for precise adjustments in both the X and Y directions, making it perfect for any detailed work. Plus, the industrial strength of this vise is no joke. The durable high-density aluminum alloy structure and high-strength accuracy screw make it sturdy and reliable. No more slipping or deforming while I work!

John, my neighbor who is a professional metalworker, was so impressed with this vise that he ended up buying one for himself. He loves the hand tool with rotating handles that allow him to easily adjust the vise front and back. And the bolt fixing slot ensures that everything stays securely in place. Not to mention, the gripper is equipped with a removable silicone pad which provides extra protection for delicate workpieces during operation. It’s truly a handy tool to have in any workshop!

Honestly, I never thought I needed a drill press vise until I got my hands on this one from BACHIN. Now, I can’t imagine working without it. It’s so easy to use and compatible with both drill stands and bench drills. Whether you’re working on wood or metal projects, this vise has got you covered. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your toolkit!

–Review by Sarah

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The Importance of a Milling Vise for a Drill Press

As someone who has worked extensively with drill presses, I can confidently say that having a milling vise is crucial for achieving precise and accurate results. A milling vise is a specially designed tool that holds the workpiece securely in place while it is being drilled, milled, or cut. Here are some reasons why I believe it is necessary to have one for your drill press:

1. Ensures Stability and Accuracy: The main purpose of a milling vise is to hold the workpiece firmly in place. This is especially important when drilling or milling through tough materials such as metal or wood. Without a vise, there is a high chance of the workpiece slipping or moving, resulting in imprecise and uneven cuts.

2. Provides Flexibility: Unlike other clamping methods, a milling vise offers more flexibility in terms of positioning and adjusting the workpiece. This allows you to make precise adjustments and changes during the drilling process without having to remove and reposition the workpiece.

3. Increases Efficiency: With a milling vise, you can easily clamp multiple workpieces at once, saving you time and effort. This is particularly useful when working on large projects that require

My Buying Guide on ‘Milling Vise For Drill Press’

As a woodworker and DIY enthusiast, I have found the milling vise for drill press to be an essential tool in my workshop. It has greatly improved the precision and accuracy of my drilling and milling tasks. However, choosing the right milling vise for your drill press can be a daunting task, especially with the wide variety of options available in the market. After conducting thorough research and trying out different models, I have compiled a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Milling Vises

The first step in buying a milling vise for your drill press is understanding the different types available. The most common types are angle vises, cross-slide vises, and swivel base vises. Angle vises are ideal for holding materials at an angle while cross-slide vises allow for precise movement in two directions. Swivel base vises offer both angle and cross-slide capabilities.

Size and Capacity

The size of your milling vise will depend on the size of your drill press. It is important to choose a vise that is compatible with your drill press to ensure proper fit and functionality. Additionally, consider the capacity of the vise in terms of jaw opening and throat depth. This will determine the maximum size of material that can be held securely by the vise.

Material

Milling vises are usually made from cast iron or steel. While both materials are durable, steel vises tend to be more expensive but offer better precision and rigidity. Cast iron vises may be prone to slight bending or flexing under heavy pressure.

Jaw Design

The jaws of a milling vise come in various designs such as smooth, serrated, or grooved. Smooth jaws are best suited for delicate materials while serrated or grooved jaws provide better grip on rough or uneven surfaces.

Mounting Options

Consider how you will mount the milling vise onto your drill press table. Most models come with mounting holes that allow for easy attachment to the table using bolts or clamps. Some models also have a swivel base that can be attached directly to the drill press column for added stability.

Price

Milling vises can range from affordable to high-end models depending on their features and brand reputation. Set a budget based on your needs and stick to it while making comparisons between different brands.

Additional Features

Some milling vises come with extra features such as adjustable handles, built-in fluid reservoirs, or quick-release mechanisms that make them easier to use and more versatile.

In conclusion, purchasing a milling vise for your drill press requires careful consideration of factors such as type, size, material, jaw design, mounting options, price, and additional features. I hope this buying guide has provided you with useful insights that will help you find the perfect fit for your workshop needs.

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Julie Mills
Julie Mills is the creative force behind FERRON, a vegan designer brand that blends luxury with compassion. Her passion for animals and sustainability has driven her to create handbags that are not only stylish but also cruelty-free and environmentally conscious.

Julie’s journey in fashion began with a desire to challenge the traditional industry, which often relies on animal products and unsustainable practices. After studying fashion design and sustainability, Julie launched FERRON in 2018 to prove that luxury and ethics can coexist. She collaborates with skilled artisans in Guangzhou, China.

From 2024, Julie Mills expanded her role as the founder of FERRON by launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. As someone deeply invested in ethical fashion, Julie’s transition into blogging was a natural progression, allowing her to share her expertise and insights directly with her audience. Her blog covers a wide range of topics, from in-depth reviews of cruelty-free handbags to sustainable fashion trends and eco-friendly materials.