Bench Vises
- A quick-release jaw lets you move the vise in or out without a lot of turns of the handle.
- A pop-up stop on some face vises eliminates the need to drill a doghole in the movable jaw.
- The longer the handle, the more leverage you can apply to the vise. ...
- Most face-vise jaws toe in slightly at the top, then go parallel under pressure. ...
What is a bench vise?
Bench vises (or workbench vice/vise), in particular, attach directly to a workbench to hold the workpiece during operations such as sawing, planing, and drilling. This article looks at the different types of vises and breaks down the way vises work and what materials are used to make them. This bench vise is located in a mechanical workshop.
What is a vise used for?
A vise, a common mechanical device that is used to hold a workpiece stationary, is an integral tool in many woodworking, metalworking, and other manufacturing applications. Bench vises (or workbench vice/vise), in particular, attach directly to a workbench to hold the workpiece during operations such as sawing, planing, and drilling.
What is the difference between a woodworking and metalworking vises?
Woodworking vises differ from metalworking vises in that they attach to the bottom of the bench surface or are built into it, with (typically wood) jaws flush with the benchtop. Metalworking vises usually mount to the top of a bench. Woodworking vises vary in price from about $30 to as much as $400.
How do you install a woodworking bench vise?
Installing a woodworking bench vise you need the following materials: Measure and layout the jaw/s. Estimate and rough cut the jaw/s. Remove the vise from clamps. Remove the backplate. Remove the quick-release nut. Mount the vise plate.
What is a bench vise?
Bench vises are an integral part of any workstation whether it is fixed or mobile. The primary function of any vise is to hold an object safety and securely so that it can be worked on. Bench vises make work such as sanding, finishing, chipping, sawing, and welding easier by freeing the operator's hands to perform the needed task. Their simplicity and versatility means users of any skill level or experience can benefit from their use.
How are bench vises made?
Bench vises are commonly made in two distinct processes: casting and forging. Casting is the most common and cost effective manufacturing process. It involves pouring hot liquid metal into molds. Once poured into the mold the liquid steel is allowed to cool.
What is the strength of a forging vise?
Unlike casting, the forging process uses solid blocks of steel that are heated and then pounded into their required shape. This production method is common in the tool industry when manufacturing wrenches and pliers. A high quality forged vise can have a tensile strength of 90,000+ PSI compared to 19,000-60,000 Psi for a cast vise.
What is a metalworking vise?
For the purpose of this article, we will be focusing on the metalworking vise, often referred to as the Engineer's, Mechanics, Combination, or Tradesman vises. Metalworking vises are designed to be fastened to a sturdy table via eyelets located at the sides and back of the vise. The dynamic jaw (explained later) is designed to hang over the edge of the table. Although vises are primarily designed to hold a work pieces horizontally, the overhanging front jaw does permit the holding of objects vertically.
How large is a vise?
How large are the objects you will be holding? Vises are typically available in 4, 5, 6 & 8" sizes. These sizes refer to the width of the jaws. The larger and heavier the object to be held the larger the vise required. As a general rule of thumb, the maximum throat depth is typically proportionate to the jaw width.
Where are the pipe jaws located in a bench vise?
Look for a bench vises with integrated pipe jaws. These extra jaws are located in the throat of the dynamic and static jaw and are serrated and curved specifically to hold pipes. Determining the max pipe diameter is important in determining the size of vise you will need.
Where is the handle on a vise?
Handle – is located at the front of the vise. It acts as the lever that turns the lead screw, which in turn moves the dynamic jaw. The handle is engineered to match the maximum clamping power the vise can handle. A properly designed and manufactured handle will bend when too much force is applied.
What are the features of a bench vise?
There are some bench vises with unique features that set them apart from the competition. Some features to note when making a selection include the anvil, swivel and quick release, but the most critical element is the jaw of your bench vise.
Where is the bench vise located?
The bench vise is installed through its adjustable clamp, located underneath and above the bench top. This method is straightforward and the most common practice found in many fasteners.
What is a Tekton 4 inch bench vise?
The Tekton 4-inch swivel bench Vise is an all-purpose, medium-duty unit that is well suited for the repair of vehicles, assembling of parts as well as all your metalworks. It is a safer unit as compared to the competition, and is engineered to help you work faster and better, knowing that your workpiece is securely in place. The level of confidence you receive from using this unit cannot be experienced with any other brand or model. It is the best bench vise around, and an essential unit your shop or garage cannot function without.
What makes a bench vise sand faster?
Sanding: bench vises make the process of sanding quicker by offering stability in times where the pressure is needed.
Why do we use pivots?
Pivots are used to offer users with better access to the objects being worked on, making the process of cutting and sanding easier. Anvil - an anvil is a flat surface added to the bench vise to enable you to work with ease. It is a durable surface that helps users whose jobs involve regular striking of a material.
What is an anvil in a bench?
Anvils protect your tools, materials and workbench from experiencing extreme damage associated with your works. Mount Type - If you're planning to use significant clamping pressure, the mount is an essential feature needed in your bench vise. It is a heavy-duty way of fixing your unit.
What is MV8 vise?
The Performance Tool MV8 Hammer Machinist Vise is a heavy-duty, well-engineered bench vise, made specifically for heavy-duty works. It is a durable unit with increased longevity, made possible through its chrome plated hardware and durable powder coat finish. At first glance, this workbench unit may seem intimidating, but it is one of the best groups in the industry, recommended for both DIY beginners and professionals who want to amen larger items. The heavy-duty nature of this unit makes it highly resistant to wear and tear from regular use.
What is a bench vise?
A vise, a common mechanical device that is used to hold a workpiece stationary, is an integral tool in many woodworking, metalworking, and other manufacturing applications. Bench vises (or workbench vice/vise), in particular, attach directly to a workbench to hold the workpiece during operations such as sawing, planing, and drilling.
What is a heavy duty bench vise?
Heavy-duty bench vises are frequently made from iron so that they can withstand heavier applications and frequent use, and are sometimes referred to as machinists’ vices. The featured components include serrated steel jaws, precision slide bar, and an ACME-threaded main screw. Fasteners should be purchased, and fasteners for attaching the jaws to the vise will often include an additional set of replacement jaws, to be installed when the first set wears out. A typical heavy-duty bench vise will either be stationary or feature a 360-degree swivel. Bench vises with pipe jaws feature a secondary set of steel pipe jaws, which also rotate 360 degrees and are replaceable.
How does a chain pipe vise work?
Chain vises use a chain to secure the pipe. The pipe is held in a V-shaped support by a chain that clamps tightly around the pipe. The chain is usually made of high-tensile steel. Chain pipe vices work well with irregularly shaped pipes or other objects. In comparison to hinged vices, they tend to have a larger working range and capacity because only the length of its chain limits the working range of the vice. The large clamping surface of the chain means that the entire circumference of the pipe can be gripped securely. However, securing a pipe in place with a chain pipe vice takes more time than other vises. This is because the chain must be carefully threaded between the jaws of the tool to clamp the pipe firmly in place.
Why does a chain pipe vice take more time to secure?
This is because the chain must be carefully threaded between the jaws of the tool to clamp the pipe firmly in place.
What is a vise used for?
Woodworking Vises. The type of vise most commonly used as a woodworking vise is the bench vise. It consists of several components. The elements of the vise responsible for holding a workpiece are called jaws. A set of jaws, one fixed and one moving parallel to the other, secures the workpiece with a screw mechanism, ...
How big is a pipe stand?
They can hold pipes as small as 3 mm in diameter, or as large as 200 mm. They may be fitted onto a workbench or used with a mobile tripod stand. A stand is generally used for projects that take place outside of a workshop. They are foldable for transportation, and sometimes two or more are used for long lengths of pipe.
What is a metalworking vise?
Metalworking vises, also called engineer’s vises, hold pieces of metal in place instead of wood, in order to file and cut them. These vises are sometimes made of cast steel but are mainly made of cast iron. Some have a cast iron body with a steel channel bar. Cast iron is a popular material to use because it is rigid, strong, and inexpensive.
What other tools can you mount next to a bench vise?
A bench grinder is a great tool to have next to your bench vise. With a capable motor and two grinding wheels, having it near your bench vise allows you to easily and constantly keep your tools sharp. If you are doing metalwork, a bench grinder allows you to smooth out and polish workpieces.
How to mount a pipe clamp bench vise?
If you want to DIY a custom-fit pipe clamp bench vise. Though you can purchase ready-made ones if you prefer. Here’s how to install a bench vise pipe clamp:
What makes the ideal workshop table with a bench vise?
Ideally, you have a strong steel bench for mounting a bench vise, with a plywood replaceable top to cushion the rigid steel and prevent damage or rust marks on your projects.
Why do vises have lined jaws?
As the most common of vise types, these typically have either wood or lined jaws to help prevent damaging the workpiece you clamp from the clamping jaws.
What is a vise tool?
Being made out of two parallel jaws, an adjustment screw, and a base; a vise is a tool that’s simple to both operate and maintain.
What is metal vise?
Metalworking vises are mainly used to clamp down metal but are also more viable than woodworking vises when needing to secure large and heavy materials.
What is a good alternative to a bearing puller?
A vise can be a good alternative to a bearing puller for removing armature bearings. The piece is clamped securely to a vice while the bearing is pried off with a screwdriver.
How do benchtop vises work?
Benchtop vises mount directly to your benchtop surface. They usually mount with four bolts that sandwich the vise’s base against the benchtop. It’s a good idea to mount a benchtop vise directly over a table leg. The leg will create a solid surface to hammer over, while the unsupported center of a bench may be overly bouncy and absorb a lot of your striking power.
What is a bench vise?
A staple in metalworking, automotive work, woodworking, and hobbyist shops, a bench vise is a metal clamping device that bolts to the top, side, or underside of your workbench.
What is a Wilton bench vise?
The Wilton bench vise can help most DIYers clamp down and hold on to materials with its sturdy build and 360-degree swivel base. Hobbyists who need a little less swivel and bulk might start with the basic, affordable TEKTON bench vise.
What is a vise for woodworking?
This vise mounts to the front of your woodworking bench with lag screws (sold separately). It has two additional holes on each jaw for securing sacrificial wood jaw inserts (blocks of wood that clamp against the workpiece to avoid the metal jaws marring expensive hardwoods). There’s also a slide-up steel dog in the outer jaw, allowing you to clamp your workpiece against a bench dog for surface planing and flattening. Plus, the orange enamel finish is baked on for extra durability.
How wide is a cast iron shop vise?
This 30,000 PSI cast iron vise features 8-inch replaceable jaws, a jaw opening of up to 8 inches wide, and a throat depth of 4 inches. It can also clamp pipes as small as 3/4-inch in diameter and up to 3 inches—more than 1/4-inch larger than other models—to provide more capability than most other bench vises.
How wide is a bench vise?
For a medium-duty, no-frills bench vise, this one is worth checking into. It is a 30,000 PSI steel vise with 6-inch wide serrated replaceable jaws and a jaw opening of up to 6 inches, covering most DIY and home workshop needs.
Where do bench vises mount?
Bench vises mount to your workbench, either on top, on the front, or below. They use a screw-function to open and close a set of jaws that clamp your workpiece in place.
What size bench vise should I buy?
With all of that as a background, I’ll offer up what I tell most folks when they’re trying to decide the appropriate bench vise size. Assuming we’re talking about a quality vise, most people never need more than a 4.5″ jaw model. I’ve noticed that most welding and fabrication shops seem to buy 4.5″ and 5″ models because that’s big enough. If you’re working on heavy equipment or big trucks, a 5″ or larger model might make sense, but there is one major consideration with the big vises you’ll want to take into account, and that is height.
How much does a Bessey 6 inch vise weigh?
Home Depot offers a Bessey 6″ vise on a swivel base that weighs 44lbs. It opens 6″ and has a throat depth of 3″. That’s a pretty typical big box store vise, and is actually on the large side of what they normally offer. If you only have a Lowe’s nearby, they offer an Irwin 6″ mechanic’s vise that has very similar specs (6″ opening and 3″ throat depth) but only weighs 31lbs.
What size jaw is a Wilton machinist vise?
Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I managed to stage a lineup of Wilton machinist vises that only missed two sizes, the 2.5″ jaw and 8″ jaw models. The vintages vary a little bit between the models, but the oldest is from the 1967 (the 2″ baby) and the newest is a recent production model (the 5″). Generally speaking, the new versions are slightly larger and heavier than the older versions, but the changes weren’t all that drastic and don’t alter the overall concept.
