Vises for Small Mills
Last updated on
Thursday, December 19, 2019 03:26:10 PM
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Mounting Brackets, Adjustable Work Stop, Work Holding Examples, Parallel Sets
A 3-inch, screwless vise for the
Taig mill.
The
original milling
vise is not good enough for precision work.
A good vise to use on the mill is
this
precision screwless type. This type of vise has very flat (+/- 0.0002") &
parallel
critical surfaces. It is also, of course, hardened. The movable jaw pulls down as clamping pressure
increases so the part does not rise. The precision surfaces eliminate/minimize part
marring. Typically,
a
drill press vise does not have the precision or features
required for milling.
Can be used in conjunction
with a
miniature
screwless vise. Screwless vise exploded diagram
3-inch vise; adjustable, pivoting, solid-jaw mounted work
stop.
An M6-1 cap head screw holds the bracket.
The adjustable 8-32 screw has a pressed-on knob,
a tip that was diamond ground
flat, & a knurled lock nut.
Of course, the stop can be pivoted out of the way,
placed on
the other side, or simply removed.
Click on linked thumbnails
Assorted brass shim pack
Work Holding Examples
Milling flats onto
a Taig
3/4-16 threaded
arbor
for a
7/8" wrench.
Not a screwless design but this excellent precision
Tool Maker's
vise can also be used on small mills.
A very high-precision vise.
The Toolmaker's vise needs a pin spanner to fully tighten &
loosen.
A variable angle V-block used to make 45 deg beveled edges.
A 1-inch screwless vise with built-in, ground parallels, is being
held at 30 deg by the 3-inch
vise.
The built-in parallels aid holding especially small parts.
Note that 1" screwless vises differ & may or may not have built-in parallels.
The movable jaw of the small vise is not as wide as the base
so it can be
operated while still clamped by another fixture.
Parts can thus be
swapped-out while maintaining an accurate, fixed position.
Shown here, a computer keyboard key was CNC engraved
(white)
so it will have a
customized
trans-illuminated label.
Top to bottom: 3-inch, 2-inch, & 1-inch screwless vise size
comparisons.
Parallel Sets
A set of
3-inch wide, precision ground
parallels (import).
The shorter sets are ideal for smaller mills & vises.
4-1/2" long, wavy parallel set (Swiss).
The spring steel can compress in the vise for very small pieces.
Use one slightly compressed parallel to support a narrow piece.
Mounting Brackets, Adjustable Work Stop, Work Holding Examples, Parallel Sets
