Best Drill Press Vise for woodworking (My Honest Opinion)
Best drill press vise for woodworking – My top pics
Best Choice
Runner up
Best Price
Not just any vise is suitable for the specific work you do in the woodworking shop, so you need to look for the best vise for woodworking. This makes your store more secure and your project more manageable. With the right woodworking vise, you have your hands free while working, giving you more control and precision when drilling.
In this drill press vises review article, you will find a list of best drill press vise for woodworking (9 in total) that are extensively discussed. You will be able to discover their pros and cons and find an assessment of their quality, versatility, and price. I’ve put together this reviews buyers guide to help you choose a drill press vise woodworking model.
Related article: What to look for when buying a drill press vise
Disclosure: At zero cost to you, I may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. I earn from qualifying purchases as an Amazon associate. Products featured are selected based on quality, performance, and reputation, regardless of affiliate relationships.
What is the best woodworking drill press vise
Best Choice
01: Palmgren Drill press vise, 3″
I recently purchased the Palmgren Drill Press Vise, 3″ and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. This vise is exceptionally well-made and has a solid construction that ensures durability. It has proven to be incredibly useful for a variety of tasks including drilling, tapping, reaming, spot-facing, counter boring, and more. The jaws are perfectly square and parallel, and I appreciate that the moving jaw doesn’t lift at all, providing a secure grip on the workpiece.
Compared to other “drill press” vises available at a lower price point, the Palmgren Drill Press Vise is a definite winner. It is a valuable addition to any drill press setup and offers far more versatility than its cheaper counterparts. Unlike those flat-only vises, this one can be used in multiple positions, making it highly adaptable to various drilling requirements.
The Palmgren Drill Press Vise comes in a range of sizes, from 1-1/2 inch to 6 inches, which further adds to its versatility. Whether you’re using it on a drill press, mill/drills, or other machines, this vise performs admirably. It is a reliable tool that delivers consistent results and can handle a wide range of tasks with ease.
Features
- Maximum opening capacity 3″ (7.6 cm)
- The throat depth is either 1-1/2 inches (3.8 cm)
PROS
CONS
Palmgren Drill press vise, 3″
Total score: 4.2/5
Best Angle Vise
02: Wilton CR4 Cradle-Style Angle Drill Press Vise
I recently had the opportunity to use the Wilton CR4 Cradle-Style Angle Drill Press Vise, and overall, it proved to be a reliable tool for angled drilling and tapping applications. This vise features a 4″ jaw width, a 4″ jaw opening, and a 1-1/2″ jaw depth, making it suitable for a variety of tasks. One notable advantage of this vise is its hardened v-grooved jaws, which provide excellent clamping for round objects.
While conducting research for this review, I came across a customer review that mentioned the clamp for angle adjustment not holding very well. However, it’s important to note that I couldn’t find any other reviews to confirm this issue. Therefore, it might be an isolated case or specific to that particular user’s experience.
The Wilton CR4 Cradle-Style Angle Drill Press Vise might be considered slightly higher in price than some alternatives in the market. However, considering its quality and functionality, it can be seen as a worthwhile investment for those in need of a reliable angle drill press vise.
Features
- 4″ (10 cm)jaw width
- 4″ (10 cm) jaw opening
- 1-1/2″ (3.8 cm) jaw depth
PROS
CONS
Wilton CR4 Cradle-Style Angle Drill Press Vise
Total score: 4/5
Best Price
03: Goehner’s 4.25″ Bench Vise with 110° Swivel Base and Quick Release
When checking the Goehner’s 4.25″ Bench Vise, I found it to be a heavy-duty tool with some useful features for a very low price. This vise is designed with a 110° swivel base, allowing for versatile positioning and optimal access to different angles during drilling operations. The quick release mechanism provided quick and effortless adjustments, making it convenient to secure and release workpieces efficiently.
One notable advantage of this bench vise is its compact size, which makes it suitable for use on both a bench or a drill press. Its dimensions include a maximum jaw opening of up to 4-3/8″ and a jaw width of 4.25″. The base clamping range has been increased to 1.18″ to accommodate various low-profile drills, enhancing its versatility.
Another aspect to consider is the build quality, which is much lower compared to the other drill press vises in this article.
In summary, the Goehner’s 4.25″ Bench Vise appears to be a promising tool with a swivel base, and a quick release mechanism. Its compact size makes it convenient for bench and drill press use. However, because of the low price, you don’t have to expect great quality.
Features
- Jaw opening of up to 4-3/8″ (11 cm)
- Jaw width of 4.25″ (10.75 cm)
- Jaw depth 1.18″ (3 cm)
PROS
CONS
Goehner’s 4.25″ Bench Vise with 110° Swivel Base and Quick Release
Total score: 3.3/5
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04: HHIP 3900-0186 Pro-Series
I recently had the opportunity to use the HHIP 3900-0186 Pro-Series High Grade Iron Quick Slide Drill Press Vise, and I must say it exceeded my expectations. This vise is specifically designed for clamping workpieces during drilling operations, and it offers a range of impressive features.
First and foremost, the construction of this vise is top-notch. It is made of high-grade stress-relieved iron casting, which ensures its strength and durability. The precision ground design further enhances its reliability and accuracy, allowing for precise drilling operations.
One standout feature of the HHIP 3900-0186 vise is its generous jaw opening. With a size of 6.25 inches, it provides ample space to accommodate a variety of workpieces. The jaws themselves measure 6 inches in width and 1.875 inches in depth, providing a secure grip on the materials being worked on.
In terms of usability, I found the quick slide functionality to be incredibly convenient. Unlike some other vises that require manual cranking to clamp the workpiece, this vise allows for quick and easy adjustments. This not only saves time but also enhances efficiency during drilling tasks. A great vise for a reasonable price.
Features
- Jaw opening of of 6.25 inches (15.9 cm)
- 1.875 inches Jaw depth (4.75 cm)
PROS
CONS
HHIP 3900-0186 Pro-Series
Total score: 4/5
05: Wilton CS6, 6″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise
The Wilton CS6, 6″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise, is a sturdy and reliable tool for repeat drilling or tapping in a workpiece. This vise is specifically designed to allow for sliding in two axes, enabling precise and consistent drilling or tapping operations.
One notable feature of the Wilton CS6 vise is its hardened v-grooved jaws. These jaws are specifically designed to clamp round objects vertically and horizontally, providing secure and stable positioning during drilling tasks. With a 6″ jaw opening and 2″ jaw depth, the vise offers sufficient space to accommodate a variety of workpiece sizes.
However, it is important to note that the vise is rather bulky. While this may not be an issue for users in a larger shop setting, it could be a consideration for those with limited workspace.
In summary, the Wilton CS6, 6″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise, is a reliable tool for repeat drilling or tapping in a workpiece. Its sturdy construction, hardened v-grooved jaws, and generous jaw opening make it suitable for various drilling tasks. However, potential buyers should consider its bulky nature and the potential effort required to operate it effectively.
Features
- 6″ (15.25cm) jaw opening
- 2″ (5 cm) jaw depth
PROS
CONS
Wilton CS6, 6″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise
Total score: 4/5
Comparison table of the drill press vises discussed
| Vise Model | Pros | Cons | Jaw Opening | Jaw Depth | Total Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmgren Drill Press Vise, 3″ | Well-made and solid construction | Price may be higher | 3″ | 1,5″ | 4,2/5 |
| Wilton CR4 Cradle-Style Angle Drill Press Vise | For angled drilling and tapping applications, Large jaw width and opening, Hardened v-grooved jaws | Price may be higher | 4″ | 1-1/2″ | 4/5 |
| Goehner’s 4.25″ Bench Vise | Price, 110° swivel base for versatile positioning, Quick release mechanism, Compact size | Low build quality | 4-3/8″ | 1.18″ | 3.3/5 |
| HHIP 3900-0186 Pro-Series | Iron casting construction, Reliability and accuracy, Quick slide functionality | Smaller jaw opening compared to other vises in this article | 6.25″ | 1.875″ | 4/5 |
| Wilton CS6, 6″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise | Sturdy and reliable tool, Sliding in two axes, Hardened v-grooved jaws | Bulky design | 6″ | 2″ | 4/5 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best drill press vise for woodworking is crucial for ensuring a secure and efficient work environment. After reviewing several options, it is evident that the Palmgren Drill Press Vise, 3″, stands out as the top choice. With its well-made construction, square and parallel jaws, and versatility in multiple positions, it offers exceptional performance and durability. It is a valuable addition to any drill press setup, providing precise control and a secure grip on workpieces.
For those in need of an angle drill press vise, the Wilton CR4 Cradle-Style Angle Drill Press Vise is a reliable option. Despite its slightly higher price, it offers a 4″ jaw width, hardened v-grooved jaws, and suitability for angled drilling and tapping applications.
If you are on a budget, the Goehner’s 4.25″ Bench Vise with 110° Swivel Base and Quick Release provides a low-cost option. While it may have lower build quality compared to other vises, its compact size, swivel base, and quick release mechanism make it convenient for bench and drill press use.
Other notable options include the HHIP 3900-0186 Pro-Series High Grade Iron Quick Slide Drill Press Vise, which offers a quick slide functionality and impressive construction, and the Wilton CS6, 6″ Cross Slide Drill Press Vise, known for its sliding capabilities and hardened v-grooved jaws.
Overall, by considering the specific requirements of your woodworking projects and the features and performance of each vise, you can make an informed decision to enhance your drilling precision and productivity in the workshop. Remember to prioritize quality, versatility, and durability when selecting the best drill press vise for your needs.
Now that you’ve discovered the best drill press vise for your workshop thanks to this drill press vise comparison, it’s time to gather all of the information you’ll need to properly use the drill press vise. My article, How to Use a Drill Press Vise the Right Way – Quick Guide, contains all of the information you require.
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