All about the cross vise

Any technically savvy person knows how important a vise is for a drill press. First of all, they are needed for reliable fixation of parts - without this, it is impossible to accurately and accurately drill out the cavity. The modern market is rich in all kinds of vise modifications, and each model has its own characteristics and scope.

The main feature of all vice is ease of use and simple design.

A large number of different models are offered on the modern market, which are complemented various functions and devices.

However, the basic vise model includes:

• the base of the vise, which should be quite strong, therefore, most often it is made of high-strength steel or thick cast iron;
• fixed jaw (bed) welded to the base;
• a movable jaw connected to the lead screw;
• a screw with a lever that moves the movable jaw, securing the part;
• pads that are attached to the jaws and can be of various shapes.

Vices for a locksmith's table are divided into two main types: swivel and non-swivel.

Rotary (or coordinate) can be rotated 360 degrees. The design allows you to drill several holes without taking the part out of the jaws. Cross vise, equipped with cross guides, and allowing the product to move at an angle with both longitudinal and transverse feed, is called two-dimensional.

Another type of vice is globe (sinus) or three-dimensional - works with a part in three axes, which allows you to drill holes at different angles in much less work time.

In the equipment market, among the rotary biaxial vices, they have proven themselves excellently Chinese vice Kobalt 246-012. The owners note the high quality, fixation without deformation of the product. The disadvantage is the awkward grip.

A novelty among the cross-piece coordinate vices - tool BG 6368 3 ″ / 75. This model perfectly grips cylindrical parts thanks to a special two-axis groove, has screws for backlash (in the amount of three pieces) and high quality. However, the main disadvantage is its small size.

Fixed vise is otherwise called stationary... Looks like a base with welded jaws and a handle. The part is fixed strictly in one position. A fixed vise can be easily made by yourself. The most common type of fixed vise is machine vise. The vice is attached to the machine with bolts that fit into the special T-shaped slots of the table.

One of the best stationary vices is the brand tool Sparta 186255... The owners note the compact dimensions, impressive clamping force, reinforcement in places subject to deformation. The cast iron base has one drawback - if the bolts are tightened firmly, the lugs may deform.

"Enkor 100" Russian production - machine cross vise. Sturdy construction, comfortable grips and hardened jaws. Among the disadvantages is an unpresentable look.

First, decide which sponge spreading width you may need it - it will depend on how thick the part can be fixed with a vice. Then it is necessary to decide whether the vice will be removable or screwed to the locksmith's table forever and ever.For non-removable equipment, significant weight will be a plus, and for removable equipment, you need to take into account your physique and the availability of a place where they will be stored. Many tasks are solved with a removable tool weighing 8-10 kilograms with a sponge spreading width of 100 millimeters.

All widening at the ends of the wrench needs a large diameter to prevent the screw from getting inside.

When squeezing the jaws, the pads should be close to each other, the maximum allowable discrepancy is 0.5 mm. It is quite easy to check this - we first clamp a thin metal rod on one edge of the sponges, and measure the width of the sponges, then we clamp the same rod on the other edge, and also measure the distance. The difference between these figures should not exceed the maximum permissible 0.5 mm.

The lips are strictly parallel to each other, mobile - does not walk on the sides. Thoroughly inspect the bed for cracksfeel free to tap it. The lead screw must be thick - this indicates its safety margin. With a high quality of processing, the surface of the screw has a gloss. Inspect the screw for burrs and scoring. on it, you can even touch it with your fingers in doubt. If they are, the quality of the instrument is poor, or they have already been used. After loosening the side screws, see if the pivot will rotate.

A quality tool cannot be cheap, but in the process of operation you will not regret this money, because such equipment serves for a very long time and may well be inherited from you to children.

Sometimes they meet remnants of mold or rust on the bottom at the junction of the base and the fixed sponge. This is removed with a metal brush, file.

Many craftsmen, while minimizing working noise, often glue a rubber gasket to the bottom of the vise base, or screw the equipment with it to the workbench. This is not necessary if you do not use them all the time, but for permanent work, the advice is really useful.

You can endlessly discuss which vise is better, and which models will be more useful for performing certain tasks, but first of all you need to focus on your needs and capabilities. Almost all grips can be do it yourself based on your needs, but you can spend money once in a lifetime, but buy a good tool.

For an overview of the coordinate cross vise, see the following video.