Machine vice opinions.

[Taf_PembsParticipant @taf_pembs]

Hi All,

There is such a variety of people here in terms of the kind of machining that is done, with that is mind what better place to ask for peoples opinions on the types of vice? Not bothered about size, it’s how does it work for you or would you change?

The reason being, the only vice I had to use on the mill (Chester SuperLux / RF 45 clone) was a Kurt 6″ which, to be brutally honest, is ***** huge and way too big for the table. I cant see the Y axis scale on the handle (can only just get to the hand wheel!).

However, it’s jaw size has only seemed slightly over kill for what I’ve been doing so far. So I’m thinking that a  100mm or possibly 125mm vice would be ideal but having never used the Screwless Vice (i.e. Arc Euro Type 2 Arc Euro Type 2) was wondering what they are like in every day use, and what the clamping force is like?

I don’t really see a great advantage with the SG Iron Versatile Vice (Arc Euro SG Iron Vice) in terms of size so am almost discounting it.

The 120mm ArcEuro Type 2 is significantly shorter than my 6″ monster (calm down) so will over hang the table less but their 125mm Versatile vice (Arc Euro Versatile Vice) has mounting hole centres that will allow it to clamp long ways on the table (que the debate over cutting forces etc – sorry!) there fore no overhang.

I have to say I am leaning towards the 125mm versatile vice, I do love my Kurt. 😁

Cheers,

Taf.

[John HaineParticipant @johnhaine32865]

I cant speak for specific models but I have one of the generic swivel type like this one:

https://www.rdgtools.co.uk/product/100mm-swivel-base-milling-vice-2/

It never gets attached to the swivel base, and I’ve fitted keys for quick alignment.  I’ve not found anything yet that’s too big that I can’t find another way to clamp, and it is a very convenient size on the table.  What would be nice but few m/c vices have it is the ability to take larger flat plates but I have adapted the vice to allow that.  IMHO m/c vices are overrated, a couple of angle plates, at least one of which should have ground vertical ends to take a fence, a clamping kit, and a selection of toolmaker’s and other clamps, might be used as much or more than a vice.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

My usual vice for the manual mill is a Vertex K4 (100mm) bought from Chronos used without the swivel.

-I like the starting handle type handle more than the knuckle types though they can be changed.

-I like that there is no hole in the middle of the base as it is handy for small work but that can be countered by the base not being the full width you need to take a bit of care when tapping down something at the end of the jaws.

-It has a smaller footprint than the Kurt types which also allows the handwheels to be seen though not really a problem as i have a DRO

-It does have slight jaw lift maybe a thou or two.

The main one on the CNC is a 80mm ARC universal again without the swivel again.

-Better support for parallels right out to the ends of the jaws

-Handy to be able to reconfigure for large items

– Comes with keys so quick for locating on the table

– No sign of jaw lift

-Jaws are proportionally slightly shorter so size of a cylinder laid flat is a little less

– You can drop small work into the gap in the middle

– “gutter” around the edge makes the footprint larger so can obstruct the handwheels when used on the manual mill

I’ve also been using the 100mm versatile on the manual mill over the last couple of weeks as I have been working on some plates that needed 75-100 jaw opening and it worked fine despite a bit of excessive front overhand and handwheel out of sight let alone the dial.

I have 30mm and 80mm type 2 but don’t really like them, only vice I have had a couple of items move in. The 80mm hardly sees light of day, the 35mm handy for holding at an angle in the bigger vice for small light work.

 

 

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