Machinist Vise: Types and Solutions for Workholding
When machining any component, the workpiece needs to be held in place so that it can be machined using various tools. Machinist vise is an essential component that works as a tool for holding the workpiece in place.
If you are inclined to learn about what a machinist vise is, the guide below is for you. So, let's read.
What is a Machinist Vise?
A machinist vise is a tool that has a metal body that is placed on the workbench. It is a heavy-duty part of the machine that ensures that the workpiece is held tightly so that the accuracy of the component is achieved.
A machinist's vise is compatible with all types of cutting tools and can be attached to the worktable. It has jaws that move, and they have a width of 7 to 20 cm. These jaws hold the object in place and have lines of plastic which helps to avoid damage to the workpiece.
Machinist vise is equipped with a heavy build and hence resists strains. They are also mounted on the work table with the help of bolts.
Why is a Machinist Vise Used?
Machinist vise holds the workpiece for the process of milling so that the workpiece stays in between the jaws and remains stationary. The cutter spins through the workpiece and cuts it.
It is used to ensure that the component does not move when subjected to pressure. It ensures the safety of the user as well as keeps the workpiece in place and ensures precise cuts.
There are many types of materials that can be held with machinist vise which may include aluminium, steel, plastic, and wood.
Engineers carry out the plunging and profiling processes while conducting milling operations. It is easy to use and can help carry out different operations easily.
Types of Machinist Vises
There are different types of machinists vises, and some of these are as follows:
Bench Vises
A bench vise is used for holding the workpiece in a secure way so that different machining processes can be carried out. Bench vises are mounted on the workbench, and these are suitable for manual machining.
Angle Vises
Angle vises hold the pieces at different angles for attaining precise cuts. These machinist vises are adjustable and can help tilt the workpiece at different measurements. Angle vises are used for processes like grinding, milling, and drilling.
Rotary Vises
A rotary vise rotates the workpiece to 360 degrees and consists of a swivel base, which helps to position the workpiece. It is suitable for such components that need cutting and milling from different angles with accuracy and precision.
What Makes a Good Machinist Vise?
The iron body of the machinist vise makes them capable of withstanding pressure and force. They also have flexible jaws that hold the workpiece tightly, and it doesn't shake. These machinist vises come in various sizes, which makes them suitable for versatile components of varying sizes. They come in 4-inch width, 10-inch width, and even 12-inch width.
Steps on How to Use a Machinist Vise
The steps of using a machinist vise are as follows:
Keep the Table Clean
The table should be clean while you are machining the component. Make sure that no chips and shaving of wood are there so that the vise can be mounted. If there are chips on the vise, then it may tilt and may not hold the workpiece tightly.
Trimming Vise
Trimming is also a skill that helps to operate the machinist vise in an efficient way. There are different methods associated with the process of trimming, and these are as follows:
- You can keep the vise fixed with three different positions in the plate of the machine fixture. It helps hold the workpiece firmly with the help of the pins so that it clamps.
- You can install the aluminum jaws that are soft and then stick an endmill in the spindle. You can stick it with the gripped workpiece and then cut as the workpiece is fixed beneath the step which helps cutting perfectly.
- The other method requires you to fix the vise having its right edge with the face upwards. Now, on the machine table, position the edge with a t-slot; it should be straight against the workpiece. Now align the head with the straight edge so that you can view both sides and set the vise in alignment with the feature of the table.
How to Increase Workholding Solution Using Machinist Vise?
There are various ways you can increase work holding solution using machinist vise, and some of these are as follows:
- You can use a spacious machine table and put multiple machinist vises, which can improve the work holding capacity. However, ensure that the vise is compatible with the tolerances and dimensions.
- The double station vises make use of a y-axis as they hold the workpieces at the same time and make two vises function in one. This setup involves increasing the number of components machined at a time and improving the efficiency.
- The additional workholding devices can also be clamped with the machine vises and composed of toolmaker vises, grinding vises, etc.
- Opting for vises that have soft jaws or are made using aluminum can be customized very easily. Hard jaws, however, are durable and are suitable for applications that require long-lasting solutions.
- Quick change has also helped to speed up the process of jaw replacement and saves time for machining. The tools which have socket head cap screws and air ratchet improve the speed of the process. Customized jaws are also opted so that they can be used for the future.
Machinist Vise vs CNC Vise
When compared to CNC vise, machinist vise has a strong grip due to the jaws, which can hold a larger-sized workpiece very easily. These jaws even have pads that protect the materials that are soft.
CNC vise differs from machinist vise despite offering a similar function. CNC vises are portable and can help using multiple vises on a single milling table. Moreover, they also consist of ease of clamping horizontally and sideways.
CNC vises, however, also lack flange, which makes securing them difficult; however, having special table clamps can help resolve this issue.
How to Maintain Your Machinist Vise
In order to ensure the optimal working mechanism of a machinist vise, you need to ensure maintenance. Wipe the parts of the vise that move with a clean cloth after using it so that the grip is not impacted. Also, keep on lubricating the vise’s moving parts, which ensure a smooth movement.
Also, make sure to remove the rust on the vise and repaint so that it doesn't rust and replace the worn out parts.
Safety Tips When Using a Machinist Vise
When using a machinist vise, some of the safety tips that you must consider are as follows:
- Make sure to mount the vise using fasteners; it ensures that the service is not moving and is safe to use.
- Wear safety glasses while using the vise to prevent injury. Sometimes, the vise's clamping may create shrapnel, which can cause eye injuries.
- Make sure to inspect the vise for damages. There are different types of vise, and some of them are made using heavy-duty material. Ensure that there are no cracks on the vise before using it.
- Keep on lubricating the vise regularly, as it has moving parts. If you do not keep it lubricated, the moving parts will get tight, and you won't be able to move them.
- Make sure not to over-clamp the components using a machinist vise as it can end up breaking the workpiece.
Alternatives to a Machinist Vise
The three most commonly adopted alternatives to machinist vise are as follows:
C-Clamps
C-clamps are versatile tools that can hold the workpieces over security during machining and they are suitable for holding the workpieces which are irregular.
Quick-Release Vises
A quick-release vise is made for quick clamping and unclamping of materials, which helps to save time when conducting repetitive tasks. It consists of a lever that allows the jaws to open and close.
Combination Vises
A combination vise has a dual function. It has traditional and swivel features. It is meant to hold round and flat workpieces and can be used for varied machining processes.
Conclusion
A machinist vise is one of the very important tools in the process of manufacturing components. We at DEK ensure to use it while we machine the components for your projects so that the components are manufactured precisely.
So, get in touch with us today to have your components manufactured with care and the right tools.
