What To Know
- A drill press vise is a type of vise that is specifically designed to be used with a drill press.
- The base of a drill press vise is typically made of cast iron or aluminum and is designed to provide a stable platform for the vise.
- The base of a bench vise is typically made of cast iron or steel and is designed to provide a stable platform for the vise.
When it comes to woodworking, having the right tools for the job is essential. Two of the most important tools for any woodworker are a drill press vise and a bench vise. But what’s the difference between these two vises, and which one do you need for your projects? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at drill press vises vs bench vises, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
What is a Drill Press Vise?
A drill press vise is a type of vise that is specifically designed to be used with a drill press. It is typically mounted to the drill press table and is used to hold the workpiece in place while drilling. Drill press vises come in a variety of sizes and styles, but they all share some common features.
Features of a Drill Press Vise
- Base: The base of a drill press vise is typically made of cast iron or aluminum and is designed to provide a stable platform for the vise.
- Jaw: The jaw of a drill press vise is the part that holds the workpiece. Jaws can be made of a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and plastic.
- Screw: The screw of a drill press vise is used to tighten and loosen the jaw. Screws can be made of a variety of materials, including steel, brass, and aluminum.
- Handle: The handle of a drill press vise is used to turn the screw. Handles can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
What is a Bench Vise?
A bench vise is a type of vise that is mounted to a workbench. It is typically used to hold the workpiece in place while sawing, filing, or other woodworking operations. Bench vises come in a variety of sizes and styles, but they all share some common features.
Features of a Bench Vise
- Base: The base of a bench vise is typically made of cast iron or steel and is designed to provide a stable platform for the vise.
- Jaw: The jaw of a bench vise is the part that holds the workpiece. Jaws can be made of a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and plastic.
- Screw: The screw of a bench vise is used to tighten and loosen the jaw. Screws can be made of a variety of materials, including steel, brass, and aluminum.
- Handle: The handle of a bench vise is used to turn the screw. Handles can be made of a variety of materials, including wood, plastic, and metal.
Drill Press Vise vs Bench Vise: Which One Do You Need?
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at drill press vises and bench vises, let’s compare them side-by-side to see which one is right for you.
| Feature | Drill Press Vise | Bench Vise |
| — | — | — |
| Purpose | Holding the workpiece in place while drilling | Holding the workpiece in place while sawing, filing, or other woodworking operations |
| Mounting | Mounted to the drill press table | Mounted to a workbench |
| Size | Typically smaller than bench vises | Typically larger than drill press vises |
| Jaw width | Typically narrower than bench vises | Typically wider than drill press vises |
| Jaw opening | Typically smaller than bench vises | Typically larger than drill press vises |
| Screw | Typically shorter than bench vises | Typically longer than drill press vises |
| Handle | Typically shorter than bench vises | Typically longer than drill press vises |
Which Vise is Right for You?
The best way to decide which vise is right for you is to consider the type of projects you’ll be doing. If you’ll be doing a lot of drilling, then a drill press vise is a good option. If you’ll be doing a lot of sawing, filing, or other woodworking operations, then a bench vise is a good option.
Of course, you can also have both a drill press vise and a bench vise. This is a good option if you do a variety of woodworking projects.
Wrap-Up: Drill Press Vise vs Bench Vise
Drill press vises and bench vises are both essential tools for any woodworker. By understanding the difference between these two vises, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Answers to Your Questions
What is the best drill press vise?
The best drill press vise for you will depend on the type of projects you’ll be doing. However, some of the most popular drill press vises include the following:
- Grizzly G1029 4-1/2″ Drill Press Vise
- JET J-4110 4-1/2″ Drill Press Vise
- Wilton 410B 4-1/2″ Drill Press Vise
What is the best bench vise?
The best bench vise for you will depend on the type of projects you’ll be doing. However, some of the most popular bench vises include the following:
- Yost Vises 750 Series Bench Vise
- Record 53E Bench Vise
- Vise-Grip 7″ Bench Vise
What is the difference between a drill press vise and a bench vise?
Drill press vises are typically smaller and have a narrower jaw width than bench vises. They are also typically mounted to the drill press table, while bench vises are mounted to a workbench.
