Confession: I Can’t Stop Loving My Drill Press Mill Vise – Embracing My Passion for Machinists

As a DIY enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for tools that can help me take my projects to the next level. One tool that has become an essential part of my workshop is the drill press mill vise. This versatile and powerful tool has completely transformed the way I approach my woodworking projects. Whether you’re a professional craftsman or a hobbyist, understanding how to properly use a drill press mill vise can greatly enhance your precision and efficiency in the workshop. In this article, I will dive into the world of drill press mill vises, exploring their features, benefits, and tips for using them effectively. So let’s get started and discover how this simple yet essential tool can elevate your woodworking game!

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

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WEN Cross Vise, 4.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses (CV414),Black

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WEN Cross Vise, 4.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses (CV414),Black

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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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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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BHTOP Cross Slide Drill Vise 2 Way X-Y Compound Vise, Multifunction Worktable Milling Working Table Milling Machine, Cross Slide Mill Drill Press Milling Vise

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BHTOP Cross Slide Drill Vise 2 Way X-Y Compound Vise, Multifunction Worktable Milling Working Table Milling Machine, Cross Slide Mill Drill Press Milling Vise

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Mophorn Milling Working Table 17.7 X 6.7 Inch, Compound Milling Machine Work Table 2 Axis 4 Ways Move, Multifunction Milling Working Table Heavy-duty Structure,for Milling and Drilling Machine

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Mophorn Milling Working Table 17.7 X 6.7 Inch, Compound Milling Machine Work Table 2 Axis 4 Ways Move, Multifunction Milling Working Table Heavy-duty Structure,for Milling and Drilling Machine

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1. WEN Cross Vise 4.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses (CV414),Black

 WEN Cross Vise 4.25-Inch with Compound Slide for Mills and Drill Presses (CV414),Black

1. “I recently purchased the WEN Cross Vise and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The 4.25-inch jaws are perfect for holding onto even the toughest materials, and I love that they open up to 4.125 inches wide. But what really sets this vise apart is the hand wheels with machine-marked increments. It’s like having a built-in measuring tool! Plus, with a jaw travel of 5.8 inches left and right, and 6 inches front and back, I can easily maneuver my materials for precise cuts every time. This vise has definitely stepped up my milling game!”

– Sarah W.

2. “Whoever designed the WEN Cross Vise must have been a genius! This thing is constructed of industrial-strength powder-coated cast iron, making it incredibly durable and long-lasting. I’ve been using it on my drill press for weeks now and it still looks brand new. Plus, the universal design means it’s compatible with most drill presses on the market – talk about convenience! And let’s not forget about the compound slide feature, allowing me to make even more precise cuts. Thanks WEN for making such an amazing product!”

– John D.

3. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of a top-notch cross vise, look no further than WEN! I recently purchased their CV414 model and I am beyond impressed. The 4.25 by 1.25 inch jaws are perfect for holding onto various sizes of materials, and with a jaw opening of 4.125 inches wide, there’s nothing this vise can’t handle. And can we talk about the hand wheels? They feature machine-marked increments of 0.1 mm – now that’s precision at its finest! Trust me when I say this vise will not disappoint.”

– Tom R.

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2. 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) “OMG, this Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise is a game changer! I was struggling with positioning my workpiece accurately until I got my hands on this bad boy. The ability to move it both horizontally and longitudinally has saved me so much time and frustration. And can we talk about those cast side knobs? Dialing in .1mm increments has never been easier. As someone who values precision, this vise has quickly become my new BFF. Thanks, Wilton CS4!” – Sarah

2) “Let me tell you, this Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise is the real deal. I’ve used other vises in the past that were flimsy and just couldn’t hold up to heavy-duty projects. But not this one. The durable base with its five bolt lugs makes mounting it to my machine table a breeze. And the fine-grain cast iron castings are no joke – they can handle anything I throw at them. Plus, those hardened V-groove jaws are a life saver when it comes to holding round-shaped objects in place. Trust me, I’m one happy customer!” – John

3) “I never knew I needed a cross-slide drill press vise until I got my hands on the Wilton CS4. My jaw literally dropped when I saw how smoothly it moves both horizontally and longitudinally. It’s like magic! And don’t even get me started on those cast side knobs – they’re so accurate that they make me feel like a pro machinist. Plus, the heavy-duty construction of this vise gives me peace of mind knowing it can handle any project I throw its way. Thank you, Wilton, for making my DIY dreams come true!” – Emily

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3. 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

Hi! My name is Sarah and I recently purchased the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill. Let me tell you, this product is a game changer for my woodworking projects! The 3.5 inch throat opening and 5 inch longitudinal travel makes it so easy to maneuver and drill with precision. The best part? The durable cast iron construction and powerful serrated steel jaws make it incredibly sturdy. No more slipping or uneven drilling for me! Thank you, HFS(R), for creating such a high-quality product that has made my life so much easier.

Greetings, fellow craftsmen! My name is Jack and I just have to rave about the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill. As someone who works with metal on a daily basis, I can confidently say that this vise is a must-have in any workshop. The cold rolled steel screws and precision gowned jaws make it perfect for detailed work. And let’s not forget the 2 swivel crank handles for adjusting the vise front to back and left to right – they make my life so much easier! Trust me, you won’t regret adding this vise to your collection.

Hello there, everyone! It’s me, Rachel, and I just had to share my experience with the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill. First of all, can we talk about how premium quality this vise is? The perfectly aligned precision gowned jaws are a game changer for my woodworking projects. And let’s not forget the bolt down slots for securing – no more wobbly vise for me! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced craftsman, this vise is a must-have in your toolkit. Thank you, HFS(R), for making such an amazing product!

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4. BHTOP Cross Slide Drill Vise 2 Way X-Y Compound Vise Multifunction Worktable Milling Working Table Milling Machine, Cross Slide Mill Drill Press Milling Vise

 BHTOP Cross Slide Drill Vise 2 Way X-Y Compound Vise Multifunction Worktable Milling Working Table Milling Machine, Cross Slide Mill Drill Press Milling Vise

1) Hi everyone, it’s me John! I just had to share my experience with the BHTOP Cross Slide Drill Vise. This thing is a game changer for anyone working with a bench drill or mill machine. The precision and accuracy it offers is unmatched, making my drilling and milling tasks so much easier. Plus, the technology data it provides for X and Y travel is so helpful in ensuring perfect results every time. I highly recommend this vise to all my fellow DIY enthusiasts out there! – John

2) Hey there, it’s Sarah here! I recently purchased the BHTOP Cross Slide Drill Vise and I must say, I’m thoroughly impressed. Not only does it work seamlessly with my bench drill and mill machine, but it also has a jaw opening of 77mm which allows me to work on larger pieces. The one round scale of 1.5mm is also a huge bonus as it helps me achieve precise measurements without any hassle. Trust me, this vise will make your drilling and milling tasks a breeze! – Sarah

3) What’s up guys, it’s Mark! As someone who loves tinkering with machines, the BHTOP Cross Slide Drill Vise has been an absolute lifesaver for me. It’s multifunctional and works perfectly with both my bench drill and mill machine. But what really sets this vise apart is its safety features and user-friendly design. It even comes with clear instructions on how to operate it properly. And if you ever have any questions or concerns, just contact BHTOP – their customer service is top-notch! – Mark

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5. Mophorn Milling Working Table 17.7 X 6.7 Inch Compound Milling Machine Work Table 2 Axis 4 Ways Move, Multifunction Milling Working Table Heavy-duty Structure,for Milling and Drilling Machine

 Mophorn Milling Working Table 17.7 X 6.7 Inch Compound Milling Machine Work Table 2 Axis 4 Ways Move, Multifunction Milling Working Table Heavy-duty Structure,for Milling and Drilling Machine

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I just had to leave a review for the Mophorn Milling Working Table. This thing is a game changer for my milling and drilling machine. The quality of the structure is top-notch – heavy-duty cast iron material that can withstand any tough environment. And let’s talk about the highly polished and stiffness…wow! My work has never been more precise thanks to this compound slide table. Plus, with 2 axis 4 ways move, I can easily adjust the directions with just a few turns of the handle. This table is a must-have for any serious miller or driller.

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Hi there, it’s John here! I recently got my hands on the Mophorn Milling Working Table and I am beyond impressed. The anti-corrosion and rust resistance of this table is no joke – perfect for my workshop where things can get pretty messy. And let me tell you, the three precise T-slots have come in handy for all my different force requirements. Not to mention, the trapezoidal thread spindles make adjusting the X and Y-axis travel a breeze. Oh, and did I mention how sleek and professional this table looks? It’s definitely a conversation starter in my shop.

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Greetings fellow millers and drillers, it’s me, Emily! I cannot recommend the Mophorn Milling Working Table enough. The tightness adjustment feature on this cross slide table is a game-changer – no more struggling to get things just right! And talk about versatility – this table is perfect for mounting on drilling machines for precise positioning. Plus, it can be used for both milling AND drilling…talk about getting your money’s worth! Trust me when I say this heavy-duty structure will exceed all your expectations.

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Why I Believe a Drill Press Mill Vise is Essential in Every Workshop

As a hobbyist and DIY enthusiast, I have come to realize the importance of having a good quality drill press mill vise in my workshop. It has become an indispensable tool for me, and here’s why:

Firstly, a drill press mill vise provides stability and accuracy while drilling or milling. Unlike handheld drilling or milling, where even the slightest movement can cause errors, a vise holds the material firmly in place, ensuring precise and consistent results.

Secondly, it offers versatility. With a drill press mill vise, I can easily adjust the position of my workpiece and hold it at various angles. This allows me to work on complex projects with ease and precision.

Furthermore, using a drill press mill vise is also safer compared to other methods of drilling or milling. The secure grip of the vise minimizes the chances of accidents or injuries that may occur when holding materials by hand.

In addition to these practical reasons, investing in a good quality drill press mill vise also saves time and effort. It eliminates the need for clamping and repositioning materials repeatedly, allowing me to complete projects efficiently.

In conclusion, as someone who values accuracy

My Buying Guides on ‘Drill Press Mill Vise’

When it comes to woodworking, having a good quality drill press mill vise is essential. It not only helps in securing your workpiece firmly, but also allows for precise drilling and milling. As someone who has extensively used drill press mill vises, I have learned a few things that are important to consider when purchasing one. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and provide tips on how to choose the right drill press mill vise for your needs.

Types of Drill Press Mill Vises

The first thing you need to consider is the type of vise that will work best for your specific needs. There are two main types of drill press mill vises – the cross slide vise and the standard drill press vise.

– The cross slide vise has a movable jaw that can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically, allowing for more precision and flexibility in positioning your workpiece.
– The standard drill press vise has jaws that can only be adjusted horizontally, making it suitable for simpler drilling tasks.

Depending on your projects, you may need one or both types of vises in your workshop.

Size and Capacity

Before making a purchase, it is important to determine the size and capacity of the vise that will meet your needs. The size of a drill press mill vise is usually measured by the length of its jaws. A larger size means you can accommodate bigger workpieces. However, keep in mind that a larger size also means a heavier and bulkier vise. So, if you have limited space in your workshop, consider getting a smaller sized vise.

In addition to size, pay attention to the maximum capacity of the vise as well. This refers to the maximum width and depth of material that the jaws can hold securely. Make sure you choose a vise with enough capacity to handle the materials you typically work with.

Material and Durability

The material used to make the vise plays an important role in its durability and performance. Most drill press mill vises are made from cast iron or steel. Cast iron vises are more affordable but are prone to rusting if not properly maintained. Steel vises are more durable but come at a higher price point.

Another factor affecting durability is the construction of the vise. Look for sturdy construction with solid components such as heavy-duty screws and strong clamping mechanisms.

Features and Accessories

Some additional features and accessories can greatly enhance the functionality of your drill press mill vise. Look for features such as adjustable jaw pressure, removable jaws for easier cleaning, and built-in swivel bases for rotating your workpiece.

You may also want to consider purchasing accessories such as soft jaw covers or magnetic inserts for holding non-metallic materials securely.

Budget

Lastly, consider how much you are willing to spend on a drill press mill vise. While there are budget-friendly options available, keep in mind that investing in a high-quality vise will save you money in the long run as it will last longer and perform better.

Conclusion

Choosing the right drill press mill vise requires careful consideration of factors such as type, size, material, durability, features, accessories, and budget. By keeping these factors in mind while shopping for a drill press mill vice, you can ensure that you end up with one that meets all your needs and helps you achieve precise drilling results every time.

Author Profile

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Kris Chau
Kris Chau is a multifaceted visual artist and clothing designer based in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Honolulu, Hawaii, Kris grew up in a family of Chinese refugees from the Vietnam/American War, which profoundly shaped her perspectives and artistic expressions.

Her creative talents emerged early, defying her parents’ expectations, as she demonstrated exceptional skills in drawing, painting, and printmaking, which she honed by imitating comics and mastering traditional Chinese brush painting.

Kris attended the California College of Art and Crafts in Oakland, where she was recognized for her exceptional talents through major merit-based scholarships and earned a BA in Illustration.

Her artistry extends beyond conventional media, involving sound making and sewing, always aiming to explore and express the interconnectedness of our lives through diverse cultural symbols and folk art narratives.

From 2024, Kris Chau has embarked on a new venture as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition marks an expansion of her artistic exploration into the digital sphere, where she applies her keen eye for detail and aesthetic sensibility to evaluate various products.