What is the function of a bench vise?
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.
What is the best Workbench vise?
Made from high strength steel, the Wilton 11104 Bench Vise is the best workbench vise on the market. With many models and brands constructed from forged iron or cast iron, their level of durability cannot be compared to that of the Wilton bench vise.
How do you mount a vise to a benchtop?
For both styles, mount the inner jaw flush with the benchtop surface and edge (or apron), so that you can secure long workpieces in the vise and also clamp the board's far end to the bench for added stability. Your benchtop must clear the bench base or legs for mounting.
What is a benchtop vise made of?
This benchtop-style vise features replaceable jaws that measure 8 inches wide, with a jaw opening to match. It’s made from 60,000-psi cast iron, and it also features a 3½-inch throat depth, allowing users to clamp some heavy-duty workpieces in place.
How does a bench vise work?
A bench vise is an integral tool and a common mechanical device used to hold workpiece stationary. It is used mostly in metalworking and woodworkin...
What are the main parts of a bench vise?
The integral parts of a bench vise include the static jaw, the moving jaw, the handle and the slide. Some vise models feature additional elements s...
How important is a swivel base?
When it comes to working versatility, the bench vise is an essential unit needed in any shop or garage for the sanding or cutting of wood or metal.
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 is bench vise?
Think of a bench vise as a tool that’s as essential to your success as a hand plane, router, or tablesaw. Although clamps might substitute in some situations, they tend to get in the way, and a vise gives you freedom to do almost any type of work.
Why is a shoulder vise used?
Because the outer jaw has a tongue that slides in a groove on the fixed arm, it has enough play to let you clamp uneven-shaped workpieces. A shoulder vise gives you floor-to-ceiling clamping space between its jaws. A threaded bushing mortised into the vise shoulder (unseen) keeps the screw on track. Things to know:
How much does a metal vise cost?
Metalworking vises usually mount to the top of a bench. Woodworking vises vary in price from about $30 to as much as $400. Generally, once you decide on a particular style of vise, the more you spend, the better the quality and effectiveness of that vise. Now let’s take a look at the most common types of vises for woodworking.
What is a tail vise?
A traditional tail vise [ Photos H and I] consists of a rectangular or L-shape block of wood (the jaw) fastened to a steel or cast-iron fixture that slides back and forth in a cutaway corner of the bench.
Where do front vises mount?
Front vises. As the name implies, these mount to the front (long edge) of the bench, typically on a left-hand corner. Left-handed folks usually prefer a front vise mounted on the right corner.
What is a pivoting jaw vise?
The benchtop’s edge or apron typically serves as the inner jaw. A pivoting-jaw vise holds irregular-shape stock without racking the jaws. You also can remove the pivoting jaw for parallel-jaw clamping. Magnet-lined wood jaw pads stay in place without screws. A cast-iron-jaw vise can be recessed into the bottom of a bench for maximum strength ...
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.
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 an Irwin bench vise?
The Irwin bench vise is ideal for your workshop and can be a great gift option for individuals who love fixing and building their units. It is economically friendly, offers high-quality service and enhances safe operations at all times. Keep it always handy on your portable workbench.
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 are the different types of bench vises?
Types of Bench Vises. There are three main types of bench vises: benchtop, front, and end vises. Each style has its merits, though the project at hand will most likely determine which will work best for your needs.
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 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.
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.
Why is a bench vise called a bench vise?
A bench vise is called so because it’s typically attached directly to a workbench to perform operations on a workpiece such as sawing, drilling, and planing.
Why do vises have swivels?
If your vise is attachable directly atop of a surface it should feature a swivel to enable the vise to rotate to the angle you find most convenient .
Can you glue in place with a vise?
You can use it to hold the objects you want to glue in place and then leave them fixed in the vise’s jaws until they dry. This maintains the desired structure and makes the whole process easier.
Can a bench vise be used as a workbench?
Besides all the aforementioned functions, you can use your bench vise simply as a workbench.
Why do we need a bench vise?
A staple of most shops, the bench vise makes things easier and is a safety necessity. It lets you hold a workpiece firmly in place without fear of dropping it or slipping. Saunter into any automotive, woodworking, metalworking, or hobbyist shop, and you’ll encounter a bench vise laying around.
Why use an end vise on a bench?
Not everyone favors the end vise because it’s impractical – the material sticks out from the workben ch.
Why are the jaw openings on a bench vise larger?
The jaw openings on woodworking bench vises are usually larger to create a greater clamping surface space. The wider the surface area, the less likely the pressure will crush or damage the wood’s surface. The greater surface area spreads out the clamping pressure to reduce the likelihood of damage.
How much clamping force does a vise have?
It's also fashioned from powder-coated 36,000 PSI iron for extra strength. This vise offers 2,440 pounds of clamping force. The swivel base also pivots 130 degrees
What is a 6 inch vise?
The TEKTON 6-inch Swivel Bench Vise locks quickly and threads tight for a firm and sturdy holding, enabling you to work faster and with greater self-assurance. This piece is fashioned from 30,000 PSI cast iron and offers maximum durability coupled with dependability. The serrated steel jaws are non-slip. You can use this bench vise to form and shape metal pieces. The vise rotates 120-degrees on its swivel base.
How many degrees does a Wilton bench vise rotate?
Its strong grip is ensured with completely replaceable steel jaws that boast a serrated pattern to guarantee gripping power. The head rotates 360 degrees to let you grip just about anything with ease in any position you need.
What is an Olympia vise?
An iron bench vise, the Olympia has a heavy reinforced 4 lug base for optimum strength. The anvil and anvil horn are polished to make shaping an easy, worry-free process. The vise has permanent pipe jaws and replaceable hardened jaws. The spindle and hand are machined for extra strength.
