Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise Review

Let’s Dive into Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise

The Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise promises to be a versatile addition to any workshop, offering precision and control for a variety of milling and drilling tasks. Manufactured by Shop Fox, this vise aims to bridge the gap between basic drill press vises and more expensive milling machine options. With its cross-sliding functionality and adjustable gibs, it offers a degree of flexibility that can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of small-scale machining projects.

As a self-employed engineer constantly fabricating custom parts, I found myself needing a more precise work-holding solution than my standard drill press vise. I needed a vise that allowed controlled movement along the X and Y axes without having to unclamping and re-positioning my work piece. This significantly slowed down my work process and introduced unacceptable error margins.

Upon unboxing, the Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise feels solid and substantial. The black paint gives it a professional look, and the sliding mechanisms appear smooth, albeit a bit stiff out of the box. The build quality seems decent for the price, but a thorough inspection reveals areas that could benefit from some refinement.

I considered the Proxxon KT 70 Compound Table and the generic Chinese-made cross slide vises available on Amazon. Ultimately, the Shop Fox stood out due to the Shop Fox reputation, the slightly larger work area, and the positive user feedback regarding its suitability for polymer lower milling (something I intended to try).

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While the initial stiffness and minor cosmetic imperfections were noted, the overall design and potential for enhanced precision were promising. A bit of elbow grease and some fine-tuning seemed likely to unlock its full potential.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved milling a small pocket into an aluminum block, mimicking a common task in my product development process. I mounted the Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise onto my 10″ drill press and secured the aluminum block in the jaws. The initial stiffness of the slides required some effort to overcome, but once moving, the action was relatively smooth.

I used a carbide end mill and took small passes, carefully advancing the vise along both axes. The vise performed adequately, allowing me to create the pocket with reasonable accuracy. There was some noticeable backlash in the slides, requiring careful attention to avoid overshooting my desired dimensions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise has proven to be a useful, though imperfect, addition to my shop. The durability seems acceptable for light-duty tasks, with no catastrophic failures or major damage. The black paint, however, is prone to scratching and chipping, revealing the underlying cast iron.

Maintaining the vise requires regular cleaning and lubrication. The adjustable gibs allow for tightening the slides to compensate for wear, but this also increases friction. I’ve found that disassembling the vise, cleaning the slides, and applying a high-quality grease every few weeks helps maintain smooth operation.

Compared to my previous setup (a standard drill press vise and a lot of guesswork), the Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise offers a significant improvement in precision and control. However, it doesn’t come close to the rigidity and accuracy of a true milling machine vise. For the price, it’s a worthwhile upgrade, but it’s essential to understand its limitations.

Breaking Down the Features of Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise

Specifications

The Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise has a jaw width of 4 inches. Its cross slide travel is unspecified but appears to be around 4 inches in both X and Y directions. It features adjustable gibs on both top and bottom slides, allowing for the adjustment of slide tightness and the reduction of play.

These specifications directly influence the vise’s suitability for various tasks. The 4-inch jaw width limits the size of workpieces that can be securely held. The adjustable gibs are crucial for maintaining accuracy as the vise wears, but they also require regular adjustment and maintenance.

Performance & Functionality

The Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise performs best in light-duty milling and drilling applications where precise positioning is required. The slide bar effectively prevents jaw tilting, ensuring consistent clamping pressure. The backlash in the slides, however, can be a significant issue, especially when working to tight tolerances.

The vise’s main strength lies in its ability to provide controlled movement along two axes, simplifying tasks like cutting keyways or milling pockets. The primary weakness is the lack of rigidity and the presence of backlash, which limits its accuracy and precision. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly cross slide vise, but it falls short of professional-grade milling equipment.

Design & Ergonomics

The Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise features a simple and functional design. The cast iron construction provides adequate weight and stability. The handles are easy to grip, but the turning action can be stiff, especially when the gibs are tightened.

The vise is relatively user-friendly, although some experience with machining practices is helpful. There is a noticeable learning curve associated with compensating for backlash and adjusting the gibs for optimal performance.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care and maintenance, the Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise should last for several years of light-duty use. The cast iron construction is durable, but the paint is prone to chipping. Regular cleaning, lubrication, and gib adjustment are essential for maintaining smooth operation and extending the vise’s lifespan.

Repairing the vise is relatively straightforward, as it consists of basic mechanical components. Replacement parts may be available through Shop Fox or other suppliers.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise does not come with any included accessories. Customization options are limited, but users can adapt various clamping fixtures or soft jaws to improve workholding capabilities.

The vise is compatible with standard drill press tables and can be mounted using bolts or clamps. The T-slots on the vise’s base allow for flexible mounting options.

Pros and Cons of Shop Fox Cross Sliding Vise