A cross slide vise is a flexible vise that allows the jaws to be adjusted without having to remove the base from the machine bed or work table. It has two mounts rather than just one, which distinguishes it from most types of machine vises. This ensures that throughout the metalwork, a clamped workpiece can be adjusted in distinct ways.
A durable cross slide vise comes in handy for a variety of machining projects because it allows us to adjust the angle of our work material without having to reclamp it. It's crafted to switch the materials either vertically and horizontally, making it much easier to cut or form materials by using a cutter or drill in various positions.
When it comes to buying a cross slide vise, there are a variety of options on the market that differ in terms of durability, usability, and style. With that, we took the initiative of thoroughly testing the best cross slide vises on the market to ensure their quality. We've also ranked them for you to easily distinguish the best choices possible.
As such, if you've been looking for one, don't forget to check Amazon's best deals by clicking the buttons below. Nonetheless, before any of that, we recommend reading this comprehensive review first for you to gain a deeper understanding about quality cross slide vises!
Best Cross Slide Vises Comparison & Rating
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1. WEN 414CV 4.25” Compound Cross Slide Vise
Brand | WEN |
Dimensions | 12 x 12 x 6 inches |
Weight | 19.1 pounds |
Material | Cast Iron |
This WEN 414CV 4.25-inch Compound Cross Slide Vise is ideal for incremental drilling as well as other precision tasks. It is made up of powder-coated cast iron that is heavy-duty. We observed that it can firmly grasp our work materials and have a clamping force of around 1900 pounds. The jaws measure 4.25 by 1.25 inches and can open to a width of 4.125 inches. lt's well-made and sturdy as well as appropriately fitted for our 10-inch benchtop drill press. Its machining process is excellent, much superior to everything else we've seen in this budget range. The tolerance levels are remarkably close and the parts can be moved seamlessly without a pitch or a challenge. With the handwheels on board, we can create small adjustments along both axes because the two hand wheels have been designed with 0.1 mm increments so that each full turn represents 3 mm of motion.
2. Wilton CS4 4” Cross Slide Vise
Brand | Wilton Tools |
Dimensions | 7 x 10.5 x 5.75 inches |
Weight | 20 pounds |
Material | Cast Iron with Fine Grain |
With a jaw width and a maximum jaw opening capacity of 4 inches, this Wilton CS4 4" Cross Slide Vise provides superior object holding functionality for increased safety and protection in the industrial workspace. It is built to precisely position the material both longitudinally and horizontally and we liked how this tool is crafted with cast side knobs that allow for precise dialing in with the holding measurements of small 0.1 mm increments intended for reliable and consistent precision drilling. Additionally, it incorporates strengthened V-grooved jaws that can protect our round-shaped objects vertically and horizontally, avoiding unnecessary drilling failures. This model is built tough from fine-grain cast-iron castings that can be used even for years. Also, we were amazed by the tool's 5 bolt lugs on the sturdy base that supports simple positioning on the working and the black oxide-coated screw that provides uniform and stable clamping pressure each turn.
3. HFS 4” 2 Way Cross Slide Vise
Brand | Hardware Factory Store |
Dimensions | 10 x 6.5 x 10 inches |
Weight | 15 pounds |
Material | Cast Iron, Serrated Steel |
While the HFS 4” 2 Way Cross Slide Vise is not a high-end or expensive machine, it is an excellent investment designed for the beginner, hobbyist, and enthusiast. We can easily convert our drill press into some kind of milling machine with this cross slide vise, and its precise moving slider can easily process wood and metal parts with high precision and high quality. It was a little stiff right out of the box, but with a little sanding, buffing, wiping, and oiling, it operated well for the money. We had no problems with the jaws opening and closing, and the movement in the X and Y directions was entirely fine. Also, the flat surface on which the slides travel was flat and fairly smooth, allowing us to drill and tap ¼ -11 holes in 316 plumbing fixtures with ease and confidence. With this moving vise, we can mill a straight cut in a piece of steel or other material with an end mill bit, which makes perfect slots for bolt action receivers and can also slot an ejection port even in a flat piece. This cross slide vise is a worthwhile piece of hardware that is indeed a great buy and will satisfy almost everyone's machining needs.
4. Goplus 4" Cross Slide Vise
Brand | Goplus |
Dimensions | 10 x 10 x 10 inches |
Weight | 10 pounds |
Material | Cast Steel |
This Goplus 4" Cross Slide Vise is a sturdy device with cast steel construction and steel cold rolled screws structure. It is compatible with a wide range of drill presses and is a two-way, heavy-duty, X-Y compound vise designed for a range of materials with fine-adjustment shims. It accurately positions the workpiece in both vertical and horizontal positions for precise spotting. We appreciated the removable handles that come with this cross slide vise intended for an easy slip-off and on. It is ideal for milling out 80 % lowers and suits well on our WEN benchtop drill press. Its lower axis is perfectly spot-on, and the upper axis has around 1/32 - 1/16 function as we get closer to maximum extension across both directions. It does not need any adjustments, but we lubricated and grease it for around 20-30 minutes to break it in.
5. Shop Fox D4082 4” Cross Sliding Vise
Brand | Shop Fox |
Dimensions | 11 x 11 x 8 inches |
Weight | 21.7 pounds |
Material | Steel |
This Shop Fox D4082 4” Cross Sliding Vise features a useful slide bar that prevents the jaws from tilting sideways or upwards while gripping. We liked how the adjustable gibs on both the top and bottom slides took up some slack, resulting in the smooth and fast motion of our workpiece material. Even after 3 months of use, it was still extremely stable during rapid tightening of the adjustment screws. We've been using this tool to drill into ¼ inch thick steel with holes up to 1 ½ inches in diameter, and it's been amazing so far. Without a doubt, this heavy-duty small adjustable vise offers quality products at an affordable price.
Best Cross Slide Vises - Buyer's Guide
For a range of applications along with reaming, drilling, milling, and tapping, a premium quality cross slide vise is useful. Also, cross slide vise must be able to hold stock in a variety of shapes either horizontally and vertically. Keep in mind that it should have a smooth and tight feel as well and it should be precise enough to switch in both directions for accurate machining process alignment.
Cross slide vises with cast-iron construction are a good option. Take extra note that since we will be handling them often, the side knobs must also be crafted with cast iron. Also, strengthened V-grooved jaws on certain high-quality vises can handle round objects horizontally and vertically, which is a good feature, too.
If you consider prolonged mobility, then choose a lightweight cross slide vise. Keep in mind that the vise should be the appropriate size, not quite so large or just too small, to accommodate a range of applications. We suggest purchasing at least 2 vises of varying sizes to maximize the vise's usability and functionality.
Certain models are compact but robust enough to perform drilling, filling, including sanding operations. On the other side, certain models are handy, but their tolerances are often too close, restricting them from maneuvering objects. Some vises incorporate a cradle as well as a tommy bar design to ensure safe locking in tolerable increments. Note that steel jaws are a clear favorite because of its minimum disruption that may occur during operations.
Some cross slide vises are already pre-assembled or assembled when shipped. Keep in mind that the vise must be able to open quickly and close quickly to save time, with easily made adjustments in small increments for immediate control and management of the operation. Moreover, removable and adjustable handles could likewise add convenience to the users. A cross slide vise that is robust and flexible is great but a machine that is easy and comfortable to use is likewise perfectly good.
Best Cross Slide Vises - FAQs
A cross slide vice is an adjustable vise that allows the jaws to be adjusted without having to remove the base from the working machine table.
The cross slide vice allows a workpiece to be steadily slid along the machine's cutter while remaining stable and steady. As a result, it is a highly useful tool for milling machine keyway cutting.
It is determined by the device itself. However, bear in mind that while weight isn't a major consideration, a lightweight model might be more appealing if you want anything more portable.
The WEN 414CV Compound Cross Slide Vise is our top choice for the best cross slide vise. It has a universal design of 5.5-inch mounting brackets that fit with the vast majority of drill presses on the market. It's also made of industrial-grade powder-coated cast iron.
