After a bigger machine vice

My current vice, I think its a Warco one, but looks like this

Its about 80mm wide jaw but only opens to 63mm which I am finding is not enough.

I think a 6" vice may be too big?? so am looking for a 5" one, however there don't seem to be many around. For info the table size of my mill is 630 x 150mm, here is a photo with my existing vice on it

Apart from the lack of jaw opening I am happy with the vice and like the fact it can be swivelled and has a proper handle. Soba do a 5" version but no one seems to sell one

Budget is around £150

So, would 6" be too big and what about 5" ones, any advice

Edited By petro1head on 20/01/2017 19:01:59

Are these any good? **LINK**

I know it is over budget, but these are great , wouldn't be without mine now

http://www.warco.co.uk/machine-vices-vice-jaws/109-dh-1-precision-vice.html

5" is big... there's one in China with 'precision gowned jaws' and it weighs 46 lbs... important to dress well in the workshop!

+1 for the DH1 from Warco, I've had one for several years now and it is the one I use more than any other (and I have several!) The capacity of this vice is far greater than it's physical footprint would suggest.

ARC do a 5" one that opens to 150mm in standard form and can take over 300mm thin stuff, versatile vice

Edited By JasonB on 20/01/2017 20:55:35

Hi, this is the biggest one I can get on my Chester mill, it takes up virtually all of my 630 x150mm table, but it was a freebie.

It held this 75mm cube OK with a bit more jaw opening to spare.

It may be a bit OTT, but when I use it, I don't need the rest of the table, so I don't find mounting the vice this way round a problem.

Regards Nick.

I use one of these **LINK**

Then you'll undoubtedly need some of their shoes with "non making out" soles.

Eh???

Just took delivery of a 4" vice from Arc Euro Trade to replace the one I bought with my Warco WM16 a few years ago. Here are the two side by side.

In this orientation, there is considerable overhang at the rear limiting the Y travel. This is compensated for, to some extent, by the fixed jaw being further back than my old one.

Without the swivel base the jaws are about 122mm above the table; removing the base bring the new one down 30mm to about the same height as the old one.

Seems ok so far.

Cheers, Tony

I am a fan of the Kurt vise and its Asian clones. The biggest advantage is there is no jaw lift. It also has the advantage that the hard jaws can be re-positioned to allow holding really wide parts. I have the "CNC" style vise that can be set on its side. I don't care for the swivel base for the vise. I takes up too much daylight and the vise is most stable when bolted directly to the machine table. This is the vise I have:

http://www.shars.com/products/toolholding-workholding/vise/6-single-lock-down-precision-milling-machine-vise

Also available in 4" size.

Graeme,

I find Warco's dimensions of this vice somewhat confusing, could you tell me what dimensions A, B, and C are in the photo please?

I have the Warco DH-1 and find it very user friendly. I don't keep the swivel base on because it
1. Reduces headroom
2. Possible increases flexibility.

For a large vice, these on e.Bay look interesting: eBay item number:161995676684

Another possibility is a 3 piece 'limitless' vice, although the opening is then along the bed and not across it.

Dave
The Emerald Isle

Looks interesting, what make/model was you first vice. Just trying to get an idea of size comparison

EDIT: Just checked you table size on the Warco website,  ​700 x180 so wider than my table.  Sting to wonder if that may be too big?

Edited By petro1head on 21/01/2017 09:39:51

Just for info.

Here is the patent for the Warco DH1 **LINK**

https://worldwide.espacenet.com/publicationDetails/originalDocument?CC=GB&NR=2390558A&KC=A&FT=D&ND=3&date=20040114&DB=EPODOC&locale=en_EP

An interesting design by Mr. Douglas Brian House.

... Was it ever written-up in Model Engineer, I wonder ?

MichaelG

MSC have vice's on their offer sheet this month.

I've never liked the idea of using a vice that dwarfs the machine. I made this one about ten years ago. It has 75 mm jaw width and just over 80 mm opening. No swivel but the sides are easy to use with a square and protractor against the edge of the table to set any angle.

I based it loosely on the design here. If I need to work on anything that won't fit I clamp it directly to the table.

Russell.

Having compared the size or the ARC 4" vice which looked ideal I have decided its too big. The DH1 looks perfect apart from the cost

I am starting to come round to the idea of one of these.  The main benefit is its size.  http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Workholding/Machine-Vices/Precision-Tool-Vices-Type-2 . How would I clamp them down?

Edited By petro1head on 21/01/2017 10:55:51

It's possible to buy ones that come in 2 halves that are fastened down in the T slots on the table. I've been tempted several times but good ones are usually rather expensive.

It's possible to use the arc one shown in the photo without the rotary base - more headroom if needed. The jaw faces can also be repositioned. As they can be removed soft ones could be made to machine as needed. Also given that we generally have lower power machines larger ones to fit on the opposite sides of the jaws.

Arc won't let me post a direct link to the image that shows what I mean to stop others pinching it. It's image 4 on this page

**LINK**

They may be available at larger sizes some where. MscDirect did have them as well.

I have mixed feelings about the downwards force aspect.

John

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