How to Mount a Drill Press Vise

Adjust the drill press table so the center hole aligns directly under the drill press chuck, with at least a foot between the chuck and the drill press table. Place a level on the drill press table post and be sure the drill press is mounted on the floor level. When the drill post is level, it means the drill press is level. When the drill press is level, it saves a lot of setup time when placing work into the drill press.

Place the level onto the drill press table in the 9- and 3-o'clock position, and level the table. Place the level on top of the table in the 12- and 6-o'clock position and level the table in this position. The drill press post should be in the 12-o'clock position when performing this procedure.

Insert a large drill rod or drill bit into the drill chuck. Place the machinist square with one side flat on the drill press table and the other side of the square against the drill rod. The drill rod should be perfectly square with the drill table. If not, re-adjust the table until the drill rod is square with the table.

Place the drill press vise onto the drill press table. Set the vise jaws centered under the drill press chuck. Align the drill press vise, mounting slots with corresponding slots on the drill press table. Insert four 3/8-inch carriage bolts into the vise mounting slots. Thread flange nuts onto the bolts, but don't tighten completely. The flange nut works best because the washer is built in.

Place the desired work into the newly mounted vise. The vise should be free to move around on the drill press table to set the work in the desired position. With the vise in the proper position, tighten the vise mounting nut to secure the vise to the table. Insert the desired drill bit in the drill chuck and begin drilling.