Vice for Warco WM14

Hi,

After 20 years model engineering, I have only just managed to make room for and buy a small milling machine. The machine in question is a Warco WM14 mill/drill and I am now trying to decide which machine vice to get. I am considering the Vertex VK-4 offered by Rotagrip and one of the “Precision Tool Vices” advertised by Arc Euro Trade. The Vertex has 4” width and the precision vices range from 25mm to 100mm.

As the table of the WM14 is only 400mm x 120mm, the Vertex seems to be a bit massive for such a small machine.

I would be glad to hear what other WM14 owners are using. Also, from owners of the “Precision Tool Vices”.

Regards Geoff.

I have a Warco WM-14. I bought their DH-6 vice, it seems quite adequate.

Regards

Geoff

I have one of Arc Euro Trades precision vices its a very nice and accurate piece of kit and exceptional value for the money. It's a pleasure to use.

The only drawback I found was mounting, as the mounting slots (there are only 2) are at the ends and I wanted to mount my vice at 90 degrees to the table I got around it by making some "dogs" to sit in the side holes.

Regards

Paul

Geoff,

Thank you for your reply. I may be taking a trip to Warco sson, so it would be good to see a what the DH-6 is like in the flesh as it were.

Paul,

Thank you for your comments on the Arc Euro vices, I was wondering about the mounting provisions, your "dogs" seem to be a good solution.

Regards

Geoff

Hi Paul

How about trolling around on fleabay and finding a good British Solid Vice worth while and you will get a much better product.. There are some rather nice Myford ones on at the moment. that I have spotted.

Peter,

Thank you for your reply.

I had seen the Soba vices but discounted them as they seemed rather more expensive than the usual run of the mill vices. However, your message sent me back onto the web to investigate them further. The quality and accuracy appear to be pretty good and I like the look of them – so much so that I have just ordered the 75mm size. I found them on Axminster's website for £101.99.

Also in your message, you ask for comments on the WM14 overheating when using the high speed range. Can I ask how this manifests itself, is it the motor getting hot or the electronics? Modern motors do tend to run very hot. I had a Hobbymat lathe that if it had been running for an hour or so, the motor casing got so hot that I couldn't bare my had on it. It was like that from new and I used it for 15 years with no problems.

Regards

Geoff

I

I  find if I mill for about 10 to 15 min in bursts at 2300rpm using very small cutters 2 to 3 mm in brass ,it gets very hot and smells of rubber burning, the Motor is far to hot to touch I have been running it with the cover removed as suggested by the supplier, I am concerned that as I have given it very little use since I purchased it and it will soon be out of warrantee if it goes pop it will start cost a lot of money I have read about the Grizzly G0704 that seems to have the same head unit but with a 600 watt motor instead of the 500 watt on mine all the part numbers are the same for the internals they have had a lot of overheating problems and have had to replace a lot of motors. they come with a sticker saying not to use at full speed so as I need all the revs I can get this is a problem.

also hear is a picture of my mill with the 75mm vice fitted

Peter

Edited By HS93 on 10/04/2012 04:01:46

Edited By HS93 on 10/04/2012 04:02:21

Peter,

I wonder if it would be useful for you to start a new thread about WM14 overheating on the forum as readers may not notice your problem buried in this one?

I shall try running my machine at full speed for a period on Thursday and let you know what happens.

Thank you for the photo, the vice looks in perfect proportion to the size of the mill.

Regards

Geoff.

Peter,

Sorry for the delay.

I carried out some tests on my WM14 to see how hot the motor would run at maximum speed. I'm not sure what value this will be to you as I wasn't actually cutting metal and the motor cover was removed, but you may be able to draw some conclusions.

Start – switched to high speed range and turned the speed control clockwise until it would turn no further. The speed indicator showed 2235 rpm.

After 5 minutes – the motor was only very only barely warm to the touch. Speed had increased to 2271.

After 10 minutes – the motor was still just slightly warm to the touch. Speed had increased to 2301.

After 15 minutes – the motor was pleasantly warm to the touch. Speed now 2319.

After 25 minutes – the motor is warmer, but I could easily bare the back of my hand on the brush end (warmest part) of the motor. Speed now 2355

I ended the test here. There were no nasty smells and I did not get the impression that things were overheating. It seems curious that the speed increased quite the way it did.

I hope this is of some help.

Regards

Geoff.

Peter

Edited By HS93 on 18/04/2012 07:23:14