What Is a Bench Vise?
A Bench Vise is a type of vise in which the clamp is attached to a workbench. They are used for metal and wood processing and assembly. They are similar to horizontal vises or lead vises that are bolted to a workbench, but they are completely different in use.
As it is also called a mounting vise, its advantage is that it is removable, so the mounting location can be changed according to the material, application, and work environment. Since most vises are small and lightweight, they are suitable for fixing relatively small materials.
Usage of Bench Vises
Bench Vises are used in a wide range of applications, from general DIY to professional settings such as metalworking, building and construction, and arts and crafts. By holding the material to be processed in place, these tools are used to perform metalworking and woodworking operations accurately and safely.
For detailed work such as sanding and gluing, the bench vise allows you to concentrate on your work without stress.
Compared to ordinary clamps such as C- or L-shaped clamps, which are used as stand-alone tools and hold only the material or the material and workbench, the bench vise is used by clamping the material to the mouthpiece while it is secured to the workbench.
Principle of Bench Vises
The bench vise is securely fastened to a stable workbench using the clamps integrated into the main body. Mounting the bench vise on an unstable surface is dangerous as it may cause it to fall.
Turn the handle to open the mouthpiece. Place the material to be processed between the clamps and turn the handle again to tighten and secure. It is essential that the material between the two not wobble or lift up. If the material is soft or vulnerable to damage, place a piece of cloth between the mouthpiece and the workpiece to prevent deformation or damage to the workpiece.
Features of Bench Vise
Bench Vises are characterized by the fact that they are removable and can be mounted in different locations depending on the work environment. Steel vices are sturdy, but are inconvenient in terms of portability. Conversely, aluminum vices are lightweight but not suitable for processing heavy materials. Therefore, it is necessary to choose one that suits the material to be processed and the work environment.
How to Select a Bench Vise
When choosing a bench vise, select one that is suitable for your working environment and purpose in terms of maximum opening size, material of the main body, functionality, and maximum tightening pressure.
1. Maximum Opening Size
The maximum opening size refers to the maximum width of the mouthpiece when the handle is used to loosen all the screws and widen the mouthpiece. Since the material is secured by tightening the screws, select the one whose maximum opening size is wider than the size of the material.
2. Material of the Body
A Bench Vise with a steel body is characterized by its sturdiness, stability, and strong clamping force for the material to be processed. However, due to their weight, they are not suitable for sites where frequent carrying is required.
Bench Vises with aluminum alloy bodies are characterized by their light weight and ease of handling and carrying. However, the main body of bench vise may be deformed if heavy workpieces are secured or strong force is applied.
Steel nature is excellent in fire resistance, making it suitable for work that generates heat or uses fire. It is important to check the fireproof temperature and select the appropriate one for the work.
3. Functionality
A rotary bench vise with a swivel base on top of a clamp attached to the workbench allows you to change the direction in which the material to be processed is fixed. This allows work to be performed at various angles, making it ideal for use when the workspace is small or special processing is required.
Since familiarity is required, the fixed type is recommended for beginners instead of the rotary type. If an anvil is attached, it is possible to use a hammer or other tool for striking work.
Some of them also have a pipe vice function to hold cylindrical workpieces such as pipes.
4. Maximum Clamping Pressure
The maximum clamping pressure is the pressure applied to the material when the handle is turned to clamp and secure the material. Check the maximum clamping pressure according to the material to be processed.