A worktable without a quality forge vise just acts as an assembly table. Vises are used to provide a secure place to hold workpieces of different shapes and sizes so that different tasks can be performed on the material. These tasks include sawing, planing, and other tooling operations. Vises are easy to mount and operate and are designed to hold different workpieces.
Introduction to forge vise and its parts
A forged bench vise is a mechanical tool designed to secure a workpiece firmly in place while performing different tasks such as drilling, cutting, filing, or soldering. These vises are installed on the workbench. They have two jaws – one static and one moveable, which is operated using a screw mechanism. This mechanism helps you accommodate different shapes and sizes of objects between jaws. Being the best hand tool manufacturer, we manufacture a wide range of hand tools, from light-duty bench vises and heavy-duty bench vises to lubricating equipment, anvil tools, and clamps.
- The static jaw remains fixed. On the other hand, moveable jaw can move back and forth using the screw mechanism to hold the objects.
- The slide mechanism allows the moveable jaw to move back and forth.
- The handle is used to rotate the screw mechanism for closing and opening the jaws.
- The screw mechanism enables the movement of the movable jaw, adjusting the grip on the object by either loosening or tightening it.
- The body of the vise is the main component of the vise. It offers support to the whole assembly, ensuring durability and stability during use.
- The base is the lower section of the vice that secures it to the workbench.
How to install a forge vise?
Here we’ll describe the process of mounting a forge bench vise on a worktable:
- Determine the vise location
It’s crucial to decide on a bench vise’s location before mounting it on the workbench. Right-handed users can position a front vise at the far left of the table’s front edge and an end vise at the right-hand corner of the table. Left-handed individuals should reverse this arrangement.
- Secure the vise
To hold the vise up from the bottom, you can use the lag screws with washers. You can drill the holes where the screws will go, and drill the pilot holes.
- Check the bolt length and attach the vise
The length of the bolt is based on the thickness of the workbench’s top. Now, you are ready to attach the bench vise to the workbench. The holes on the bracket must align with the pilot holes on the workbench. You can add the mounting bolts to the brackets. On the inner-side of the table, you can use washers over the bolts to divide the load evenly. Tighten the nuts onto the bolts securely. You need to use a spanner to tighten the nuts when attaching the vice.
- Check the bench vise
Ensure the vise is attached securely and check if it works properly by placing a workpiece between the jaws and performing different tasks on the object. Make sure the jaws of the vice open and close accurately when applying pressure on the handle.
What are different sizes of bench vise available?
Forge vises are available in different sizes to hold different object dimensions and application requirements. Bench vise sizes vary widely, from small models for hobbyists and light tasks to heavy-duty vices designed for industrial use. When choosing a vise, make sure to consider several factors, such as:
- You need to determine the jaw width and opening capacity. Wider jaws allow you to place bigger workpieces between the jaws. The opening capacity of the jaw indicates the maximum distance between the jaws when they are opened fully.
- It’s crucial to check the material used to manufacture the vise. You can use a forged vise in which all the parts of the vise are forged. You can choose either light-duty vises or heavy-duty vises as per your project’s needs.
- There are two types of base available – swivel and fixed. You can choose one that matches your project’s requirements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a bench vise is an essential tool used for a wide range of tasks. You can explore different types of bench vises available at Ajay Tools.