Adapting an X-Y Vise to a Drill Press Mortiser

by Don Baker

When I read of others suggesting the addition of an X/Y vise on a dedicated mortising machine, I decided it ought to work just as well on my drill press.

This is my 10" drill press as it is normally used.

I didn't want to dedicate the drill press to mortising, so I set the vise up at 90° to the left. Then I turn the press head a full 90° and voilà, a drill press mortising machine with an X/Y vise.

I modified the X/Y vise by replacing two of the cranks with 1½" knobs—which makes turning and moving the parts much easier.