Choosing a vise for a mill or drill press usually comes down to two questions: how wide a workpiece do you need to hold, and how much do you want to spend. The 6'' Machine Vise and the Interstate 4'' Horizontal Machine Vise sit on different sides of both answers, so the better pick depends on the work you actually clamp.
Quick Verdict
Choose the 6'' Machine Vise if you want more jaw capacity and the lower price. Choose the Interstate 4'' Horizontal Machine Vise if a horizontal orientation and a high published load capacity matter more, and you can accept an open-box unit that does not include a swivel base. A $107.90 price gap separates the two, but jaw size and mounting setup matter just as much.
Comparison Table
| Detail | 6'' Machine Vise | Interstate 4'' Horizontal Vise |
|---|---|---|
| Price | USD 91.10 | USD 199.00 |
| Relative price | ||
| Jaw width | 6'' | 4'' |
| Jaw opening | 5.9'' | 4'' |
| Jaw height | 1-3/4'' | 1-1/8'' |
| Country of Origin | United States | China |
| Condition | New | New - Open box |
Where Each Wins
The 6'' Machine Vise wins for wider parts and lower cost. It gives you a larger jaw envelope and a body built for common bench clamping, with its HT250 gray cast iron structure and 45# steel jaws as the main structural strengths.
The Interstate 4'' Horizontal Vise wins for load capacity and horizontal layout. The 4,409-lb capacity is the most decisive number in this matchup, and the horizontal orientation with its 4-inch jaw format suits a more specific setup.
Product Notes
6'' Machine Vise
This is the roomier of the two vises. A 6-inch jaw width and 5.9-inch opening accept wider stock, and the 1-3/4-inch jaw height offers a taller gripping surface than the Interstate's 1-1/8-inch height. The HT250 gray cast iron body and 45# steel jaws are supported by a 59.4-lb gross weight, which gives it a solid, planted feel on a bench. It is made in the United States and is positioned for milling, drilling machines, and precision part finishing. If your usual workpieces fit inside that 5.9-inch opening and you want maximum jaw for common bench work, this vise is the straightforward pick. The Interstate is the one with the specific load capacity, so if that is what you are after, the Interstate is the more targeted choice.
Interstate 4'' Horizontal Machine Vise
This 4-inch vise takes a more focused approach. It pairs a 4-inch jaw width with a matching 4-inch opening, and adds a 1-1/8-inch throat depth and 1-1/8-inch jaw height. The horizontal orientation is the defining feature, and the listed 4,409-lb load capacity is the strongest single specification in this head-to-head. It also carries a precision designation and manual one-station operation, which makes it straightforward to understand on the bench. The caveat is completeness: it comes as shown and does not include a swivel base, so plan the mounting without one. If your setup depends on a horizontal hold and a published load capacity, this is the one to build around.
Final Choice by Use Case
Choose the 6'' Machine Vise when workpiece width is the priority and you want the lower outlay. Choose the Interstate 4'' Horizontal Machine Vise when you need a horizontal holding position and a published load capacity, and you are comfortable with an as-shown unit.
