Types of toolmakers vise
There are different types of the toolmakers vise that serve distinct applications and needs. The following table summary will help choose the correct type of toolmakers vise with ease.
- Parallel jaw toolmaker vise: This classic design features flat, parallel jaws that provide a consistent workpiece height, making them great for holding objects of uniform thickness. They are common in workshops that handle precision work requiring accuracy.
- Caliper jaw toolmaker vise: It features one jaw shaped like a caliper, enabling it to hold workpieces of various thicknesses tightly. This tool is versatile and useful for work requiring variable workpiece thickness or cylindrical pieces.
- Pipe jaw toolmaker vise: One of the pipe jaw toolmaker vise jaws is notched, allowing it to hold pipes and other rounded objects firmly. This tool is great for machining operations or assembly tasks involving round workpieces.
- Square jaw toolmaker vise: This tool has jaws designed to clamp square and rectangular workpieces. It is suitable for joinery, metal fabrication, and other tasks involving square workpieces.
- Cross jaw toolmaker vise: The cross jaw toolmaker vise has sliding jaws that move perpendicular to the stationary jaw. This tool is ideal for holding irregularly shaped workpieces.
- Alignment toolmaker vise: This precision vise has adjustable jaws for holding objects precisely during assembly or alignment tasks. It features fine adjustment mechanisms for high precision alignment and frequently appeared as a fixture in tooling sets.
- Electro permanent magnetic vise: An Electro permanent magnetic toolmaker vise employs a magnetic field to secure metallic workpieces using magnetic attractions. This type provides a stronghold, even during intensive machining operations, enabling easier access to the workpiece from all directions.
- Quick-release toolmaker vise: This vise showcases a mechanism to quickly release the jaw position and lock them in place quickly. It is handy for frequent set-up changes and increased workpiece positioning speed.
Specification & Maintenance
Specifications
Toolmaker vises come in a variety of specifications to accommodate a wide variety of applications. The following are some key specifications for this type of work-holding device.
- Material: As mentioned, toolmaker vises are made of different types of materials to suit different applications. While many are cast iron, denser toolmaker vises are made of materials such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy.
- Size: Toolmaker vise sizes vary depending on how they are used. Generally, they range from 1 to 5, with 1 being a small vise and 5 being a large toolmaker vise.
- Jaw Width: This refers to the total width of an the jaws of an toolmaker vise. Usually, this jaw width falls between 50 and 200 millimeters depending on the size of the vise. The jaw width of a toolmaker vise determines how wide an workpiece can be presented before it is held.
- Jaw Depth: This is the measurement from the front of the jaw to the back, and it determines how far into an workpiece an toolmaker vise can go. The jaw depth of most toolmaker vises ranges between 30 and 70 millimeters.
- Clamping Force: Manufacturers usually state the maximum clamping force. This is the measure of force exerted by a toolmaker vise to hold an workpiece as tightly as possible. The clamping force is usually measured in pounds (lbs) or newtons (N).
- Guide System: Some toolmaker vises have guide systems. For example, a roll guide system consists of cylindrical guides installed between the moving jaw and body of the vise, preventing sideways movement. Other guide systems include double gib, ledge, or a slide system.
Maintenance
Because toolmaker vises are precision tools that must hold workpieces steadily and firmly, they require regular maintenance to ensure efficient operation and longevity. Below are a few maintenance tips to ensure the longevity of tool vises for machining.
- Regular cleaning: This is perhaps the most basic maintenance tip for any equipment, tool, or machine. Regular cleaning helps remove debris, dirt, and residue from workpieces. While some toolmaker vises have self-clearing jaws, they still need to be cleaned regularly to prevent workpiece deformation and clamping irregularities.
- Lubrication: Vises should be lubricated regularly to sustain their smooth operability and precision. Lubrication should focus on the guide rails and threads of the toolmaker vise. Oil or grease can be used, but it's vital to ensure only high-quality lubricants are used to avoid degrading the vise's material integrity.
- Prevent rust: Rust is capable of degrading and destroying toolmaker vises. Therefore, it's crucial to take steps to prevent rust on the tool. This may involve keeping the tool dry all the time and blocking exposure to moisture and humidity. It may also involve coating the tool with anti-rust lubricant regularly or storing it in a dry place.
Uses of the toolmaker's vise
Toolmaker vises are widely used in the metalworking and machining industry but have also found application in other industries and businesses.
- Machining and Metalworking: Toolmaker vises are primarily used in machining and metalworking for holding workpieces securely during cutting, milling, drilling, and other operations.
- Jewelry Making: In jewelry making, toolmaker vises can hold pieces while jewelers make adjustments or create intricate designs. This is especially true for the vise with a jaw that features a design with a tool for gems and metals.
- Automotive Repair and Maintenance: Automotive technicians may use toolmaker vises for various tasks, including repair, assembly, or modification, because they are versatile tools. With the different features that some toolmaker vises may have, such as interchangeable jaws and color-coded sets for specific automotive applications, a toolmaker vise can be better suited for automotive fixes.
- Woodworking: Woodworking often requires precise cuts, joints, and assemblies. On that note, as metalworking tools are increasingly popular in the woodworking industry, so are toolmaker vises, especially those with a wooden jaw that helps protect delicate workpieces and avoid marring.
- Electronics and Robotics: Toolmaker vises help with various electronics and robotics projects, such as soldering, assembling, or repairing components.
- Prototyping and Product Development: In prototyping and product development, toolmaker vises are handy tools for holding workpieces during prototype creation, product assembly, or testing and ensuring accuracy.
- Education and Training: Technical schools, universities, and training centers may use toolmaker vises for machining and related courses.
These are pretty examples, but the list is endless because toolmaker vises are versatile and invaluable tools generally ideal for holding and supporting workpieces in any industry that involves precision machining, assembly, repair, or crafting.
How to choose toolmakers vise
When choosing a toolmaker's vise for sale, it is essential to consider its quality and focus on customer demands and preferences. To begin with, the durability of the toolmaker vise is crucial, as customers will likely demand sturdy and long-lasting devices made of quality materials that can withstand regular use. Apart from this, the availability of different sizes and types of toolmaker vises is critical for satisfying customer's diverse needs. Therefore, one should get an assortment of toolmaker vises with varying specifications to cater to different customer segments to provide a variety of choices.
Moreover, the reputation of the supplier brand is crucial when selecting the product, as customers are likely to consider the brand's reputation and good quality. Choose a toolmaker vise with accurate jaws, a sturdy build, and smooth-operating screws and locks. Additionally, consider an easy-to-maintain toolmaker vise with simple, user-friendly instructions. Customers are likely to go for easy-to-use and maintain machines; thus, it is essential to consider smooth-operating devices with intuitive features. Displaying or using demo units of the toolmaker vise can help; thus, choosing a supplier that supports product display is crucial.
Because the toolmaker vise has movable parts, one should ensure it is well-lubricated and packaged to avoid any damage during shipping. Finally, consider the shipping costs by sourcing from suppliers that offer reasonable shipping rates. The shipping cost can significantly affect the final product price, thus influencing the resale price and profit margins.
Toolmakers vise FAQ
Q1: How does a toolmakers vise differ from a standard bench vise?
A1: Toolmakers vises are made for high-precision work, while standard bench vises are more general-purpose. This means that an average bench vise may not have the accurate alignment, fine adjustable, or parallel jaws that a toolmakers vise will have.
Q2: Can a toolmakers vise used for soft materials like aluminum?
A2: Yes. Although they are mainly used for metal, toolmakers vises can be adapted for softer materials by using soft jaw inserts. These inserts can be made from wood or plastics, which will allow the tool to grip the workpiece without marring its surface.
Q3: Are all toolmakers vises made of cast iron?
A3: No. While most toolmakers vises are made from cast iron due to its strength and weight, some may be made from other materials like steel or aluminum, depending on the manufacturer's design choices and intended uses for the product.
Q4: What's the maximum opening size of a toolmakers vise?
A4: The maximum opening size varies depending on the size of the toolmaker vise. For example, a typical 4-inch toolmaker could have a maximum opening of around 3.5 inches but larger ones might have more.
