Getting to secure your job when working especially in woodworking or mechanical industries or workshops has been made easy using a bench vice. There are different sizes depending on how wide the jaws of the vice are. There are also different types depending on the use. Get to make your work easier.
Parts of a Bench Vice
Base- this is where everything is held together. It may come in different designs which can either be bolted or clamped.
Jaw- this is what clamps your job into place. The jaw could either be metal, wood, or plastic depending on the nature of the job.
Main Screw- it is an essential part of the vice where through force that is applied to the handle it Is transferred in moving the sliding jaw. Therefore, it is important for it to hold well.
Handle- in all the parts it is the most important and complex and care should be taken not to apply a lot of pressure on it while working.
Anvil- is mostly found in metal vices. It is used when you want to shape your materials.
Serrated Jaws- care should be taken when handling your materials here. Avoid a lot of pressure as it may result in damage either by cracking or getting scratches.
Pipe Jaws- they help when trying to hold objects that are shaped oddly and pipes. This makes cutting them easy.
Types
Toolmakers Vice
It is made for small jobs and holding metal jobs that are non-ferrous. The mechanism is that of hardened alloy steel which is processed by heat and subzero treatment to protect it.The jaws are either plain to avoid bruising your job or may have V-grooved jaws. It does not require any installation as it can be simply held or placed on your work surface.
Drill Vice
This type of vice is used for holding your job when using a drilling machine to bore holes. When in use it does not require you to tighten it to the table but can be simply placed on your work surface and operated on normally. A good drill vice needs to be adjustable, can hold your material well when working, and should be extremely versatile.
Combination hand Vice
Due to its mechanism, it can be used as handheldequipment, and it can also be fitted to a bench and work as a small bench vice. It is also possible to fit it at any angle while working. It is mainly used for rods, round pipes, and flat jobs.
Hand Vice
It is made for small jobs and cannot be used on a workbench. It is handheld and is similar to the leg vice. For it to be used a wing nut is fixed between the two jaws by attaching it to the spindle. It does not have a handle like most vices. The bench vice Price in Kenya makes it affordable as there is a variety to choose from.
Leg Vice
Blacksmiths use this type of bench vice. This is usually used for hot jobs that require bending or forging. It has one leg and is easily fitted onto a workbench for easy use. The body of the vice is made of wrought iron which protects it from damage when working with a hammer.
Safety Measures
- Shield your face and eyes with goggles, shield, and safety glasses always when working
- Do not widen the jaws more than you are required to for its design.
- The material for the job you are working on and the vice should be compatible.
- Make sure your vice has full clamping.
- Do not try to tamper with the handle extension or put extra pressure when clamping to avoid damage when working.
- If the vice has a malfunction,replace it to avoid accidents or damage to your work surface.
Conclusion
That is a simple and essential piece that one needs in their workshop as it is easy to install. It is handy and makes work easier depending on whether you are working on metal, wood, or plastic.
