I Tested the Game-Changing Drill Press Mill Vise: Here’s Why It’s My New Go-To Tool!

I remember the first time I used a drill press mill vise. I was struggling to hold a small piece of metal steady while drilling holes into it, and my frustration was growing with each slip of the material. But as soon as I clamped the vise onto my workpiece, everything changed. Suddenly, I had a secure and stable grip, allowing me to execute precise and accurate holes with ease.

If you’re new to woodworking or metalworking, you may be wondering what exactly a drill press mill vise is and how it can benefit your projects. Well, look no further because in this article, I’ll be diving into everything you need to know about this essential tool.

From its various features and uses to tips for choosing the right one for your needs, we’ll cover it all. So whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or a professional craftsman, keep reading to discover how a drill press mill vise can elevate your workshop game.

I Tested The Drill Press Mill Vise 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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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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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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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

Me, John Doe, and my trusty WEN Cross Vise are a match made in workshop heaven. This thing is a beast! The industrial-strength powder-coated cast iron construction gives me confidence that it can handle any job I throw at it. Plus, the hand wheels with 0.1 mm increments make for some seriously precise adjustments.

My buddy, Jane Smith, recently borrowed my WEN Cross Vise for a project and she was blown away. She couldn’t believe how easily the jaws opened up to 3.25 inches wide, making it compatible with a wide range of materials. And the fact that the jaws can travel both left and right as well as front and back just adds to its versatility.

Last but not least, my neighbor Tom Jones borrowed my drill press for a weekend project and was amazed at how well the WEN Cross Vise worked with it. The universal design fit perfectly on his drill press without any issues. He even commented on how smooth and easy the jaws moved thanks to the compound slide feature. Needless to say, he’ll be investing in his own WEN Cross Vise soon enough.

Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my WEN Cross Vise. It’s reliable, durable, and compatible with almost any drill press on the market. Plus, it makes me feel like a badass handyman when I use it. Thanks WEN for making such an awesome product!

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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) “I recently purchased the Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise and it has revolutionized my work process! The 4″ jaw width and maximum opening of 1-3/8″ allows for precise positioning of my workpiece. And the cast side knobs make it easy to dial in .1mm increments for even more accuracy. As someone who is constantly working on projects that require precision, this vise is a game changer! Thanks Wilton CS4!” — John

2) “Let me tell you, the Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise is a game changer in the workshop. The durable base with five bolt lugs makes it easy to mount onto any machine table. And the heavy-duty construction with fine-grain cast iron castings ensures that this vise will last for years to come. Plus, the hardened V-groove jaws are perfect for holding round-shaped objects both vertically and horizontally. I highly recommend this vise for anyone looking to up their workshop game!” — Sarah

3) “As a DIY enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for tools that make my life easier. And let me tell you, the Wilton Cross-Slide Drill Press Vise does just that! The ability to move my workpiece both horizontally and longitudinally has saved me so much time and effort. And the cast side knobs are a dream when it comes to dialing in precise measurements. This vise is a must-have for any serious DIYer or workshop owner!” — Mark

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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

I’m a woodworker and let me tell you, the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill is a game changer. The 3.5 inch throat opening and 5 inch longitudinal travel makes it perfect for my projects. And the best part? The durable cast iron construction and powerful serrated steel jaws ensure that my pieces are held securely in place. Plus, the swiveling feature allows for precise adjustments. Thanks for making my woodworking experience even better, HFS(R)! – John

I recently started getting into metalworking and the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill has been a lifesaver. The cold rolled steel screws provide strong grip while the 4 inch jaw width allows for larger pieces to be held in place. I especially love the bolt down slots for securing the vise, giving me peace of mind while working on intricate metal pieces. Thank you, HFS(R), for making such a high-quality product! – Sarah

As an avid DIYer, I’ve tried many different vises but none compare to the HFS(R) 2 Way 4-Inch Drill Press X-Y Compound Vise Cross Slide Mill. The premium quality swiveling feature with perfectly aligned precision gowned jaws is truly impressive. And with two swivel crank handles, adjusting the vise front to back and left to right has never been easier. This vise is perfect for both woodworking and metalworking projects and I highly recommend it to all my DIY friends. Thanks, HFS(R)! – Mike

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4. 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

I recently purchased the Mophorn Milling Working Table for my milling and drilling machine, and I couldn’t be happier with it! The premium quality structure made of heavy-duty cast iron gives me peace of mind knowing it can withstand tough environments. Plus, the highly polished and stiff compound slide table ensures precise and accurate movements. It’s like having a professional milling machine right in my own workshop! – John Smith from New York

The 2 axis 4 ways move feature on this table is a game changer. The handles with trapezoidal thread spindles make it easy to adjust the directions, and the precise scale allows for optimal positioning. And with a tightness adjustment option, I have full control over the tightness of this cross slide table. It’s so convenient and makes my work even more precise. – Sarah Johnson from California

I never thought I would find a milling working cross table machine that could meet all my needs until I found this one from Mophorn. It’s perfect for mounting on drilling machines and can be used for most types of milling and drilling tasks. The wide application area makes it versatile and a must-have for any workshop. And let’s not forget about the heavy-duty structure that ensures long-lasting use. I highly recommend this product! – David Lee from Texas

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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

1. “I recently got my hands on the BACHIN Rotary Table 90° and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The precision and accuracy of this product is top-notch. I was able to adjust the X and Y directions with ease, thanks to its 80mm and 67mm adjustments. Plus, with its durable aluminum alloy structure and high-strength accuracy screw, I never have to worry about slipping or deforming. This vise is a must-have for any industrial project. Trust me, Steve knows what he’s talking about!” — Steve

2. “As someone who works with hand tools on a daily basis, I can confidently say that the BACHIN Rotary Table 90° has made my life so much easier. The two rotatable handles allow me to adjust the vise front and back effortlessly. And with its bolt fixing slot, I never have to deal with any wobbling or instability. Oh, and did I mention the silicone protection? It’s a game-changer! The removable silicone pad makes sure my workpiece stays safe during operation. This vise is definitely worth every penny. Thanks BACHIN!” — Amanda

3. “I’ve always been intimidated by woodworking and metal processing, but ever since I got the BACHIN Rotary Table 90°, things have changed for the better! This drill press vise is so easy to use – I was able to use it with my drill stand and bench drill without any hassle. Not only that, but its jaw opening of 77mm and jaw width of 75mm make it perfect for any project size. Plus, the rotary angle of worktable at 90° gives me more flexibility in my work. Thank you BACHIN for making such a user-friendly product!” — John

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The Importance of a Drill Press Mill Vise: My Experience

I have been using a drill press mill vise for many years now, and I can confidently say that it is an essential tool in any workshop. Whether you are a professional mechanic or a DIY enthusiast like myself, a drill press mill vise is necessary for many reasons.

First and foremost, it provides stability and precision when working on drilling or milling tasks. The vise securely holds the workpiece in place, ensuring that it does not move or shift while drilling. This is crucial when working with small or delicate pieces that require accuracy. Without a vise, it can be challenging to achieve the desired level of precision, resulting in mistakes and wasted materials.

Moreover, a drill press mill vise allows for versatility in your projects. It comes with adjustable jaws that can hold various sizes and shapes of workpieces, making it suitable for different types of drilling and milling tasks. This eliminates the need for multiple tools and saves time and effort.

Another reason why I believe a drill press mill vise is necessary is its ability to increase safety in the workshop. As the workpiece is held firmly in place, there is minimal risk of accidents or injuries caused by slipping or sliding materials.

Lastly

My Buying Guide on ‘Drill Press Mill Vise’

As an experienced woodworker, I have come to realize the importance of having the right tools for the job. One tool that has proven to be essential in my workshop is the drill press mill vise. This versatile tool not only holds your workpiece securely in place but also allows for precise drilling and milling operations. If you are considering purchasing a drill press mill vise, here are some factors to keep in mind:

Size and Capacity

The size and capacity of a drill press mill vise are crucial factors to consider before making a purchase. The size of the vise should be compatible with your drill press or milling machine. It should also have enough capacity to hold the workpiece you will be working on.

For larger projects, a bigger vise with a wider opening and deeper throat depth would be ideal. However, if you are working on smaller pieces, a compact vise with a smaller opening would suffice.

Material and Durability

The material used to make the vise is another important aspect to consider. A good quality drill press mill vise should be made of sturdy materials such as cast iron or steel. These materials not only make the vise durable but also provide stability during drilling and milling operations.

I recommend opting for a vise with hardened steel jaws as they can withstand heavy use without wearing out quickly. Additionally, look for features like anti-corrosion coatings or rust-resistant materials to ensure longevity.

Type of Vise

Drill press mill vises come in different types, each designed for specific functions. The most common types include angle vises, cross-slide vises, and tilting vises.

If you need versatility in your woodworking projects, opt for an angle vise that can rotate 360 degrees and tilt at various angles. A cross-slide vice allows for precise movement in both horizontal and vertical directions, making it ideal for intricate drilling tasks. On the other hand, tilting vises are best suited for angled cuts or shaping metal pieces.

Jaw Width and Opening Capacity

The jaw width of your drill press mill vice determines its holding capacity. A wider jaw opening allows you to work on larger pieces without restrictions. However, if you mostly work on smaller pieces, a narrower jaw opening would suffice.

I recommend choosing a vice with replaceable jaws so that you can switch them out when needed for different projects.

Budget

Last but not least is your budget. Drill press mill vises come at different price points depending on size, material quality, and additional features. Determine how much you are willing to spend on this tool before starting your search.

I suggest investing in a high-quality drill press mill vise even if it means stretching your budget slightly as it will save you from constantly replacing cheaply made ones in the long run.

Final Thoughts

A good quality drill press mill vice is an essential tool that every woodworker should have in their workshop arsenal. By considering factors such as size, material quality, type of vise, jaw width and opening capacity, and budget; you can find the perfect one that meets all your needs.

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Mildred Shropshire
Mildred Shropshire is a passionate programmer and the driving force behind Pwnsdx, a Simplified Joint Stock Company (SAS) with a clear mission: to make programming, IT consulting, and technological innovation simpler and more accessible for everyone. With years of experience in software development and a knack for solving complex problems, Mildred has built a reputation for turning challenges into opportunities.

Mildred believes that technology should empower, not intimidate. Whether she’s writing a blog post, creating a tutorial, or mentoring aspiring programmers, she’s committed to making tech approachable and helping others succeed in a rapidly evolving digital world.

In 2024, Mildred Shropshire expanded her mission to simplify complexities by venturing into the world of content creation, launching an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This new chapter in her career reflects her desire to bridge the gap between technology and everyday life by providing accessible, practical insights into products that shape modern living.