HF cross vise?

[buck91]

Does anybody have experience using the harbor freight x-y cross vise on their drill press? Looking to use it for light duty milling in softer materials as well. I really don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on this application but, of course, can’t suffer to use junk either. Suggestions?

 

[Trav]

I cant speak about the HF but how big is this vise? What size drill press?
Using a drill press to mill is hard on the head bearings.

 

[wdn]

I have one. I have the older (discontinued) 5" HF cross vice for five years, but they replaced it with a completely different 5" one that is junk and low rated. However the new 6" model 32997 is excellent. I use mine for drilling not for milling though.If I had to buy a new on I would get the 6" model 32997. It is good and tight without much slop in it and easy to operate, and holds the work in place. The discontinued one I have looks like this notice it had rulers on it. If you can find one like it at your local store I would get it. If not, buy the 6" one I mentioned, but steer clear of the new 5" model.