I always thought those magnetic drill press stands were a gimmick until I had to set up on a sloped beam at the power plant in Gary.

The foreman made me try one, and it held a 3/4-inch hole saw through 1-inch plate without budging an inch, so has anyone found a specific brand that holds up better than others under heavy vibration?

4 comments

4 Comments

bettym112mo ago

How's the Milwaukee's lock holding up like corap21 said?

corap212mo ago

Totally get that initial skepticism! My old shop had a generic one that would slip, but the Milwaukee stand has been a beast on structural steel. That thing just locks down and doesn't care about the shake.

hayden_ramirez2mo ago

Ever wonder if the real test is how it holds up after a year of daily abuse from different guys on the crew? I've seen good gear get sloppy when nobody treats it right. That lock might be solid now, but does it stay that way when it's full of grinding dust and gets cranked on by the new hire?

troy_price1mo ago

Ngl I used to be one of those guys that thought a vise was a vise and spending more was pointless. But then I grabbed a buddy's Milwaukee stand to cut some 4x4 tube and it was a totally different experience. The lock just bites in and stays put no matter how much you're cranking on it. Honestly changed my whole view on what a good vise actually does for you.