What Is an Angle Vise?
Angle Vises are tools used in metalworking and woodworking to hold materials firmly in place when drilling, milling, or cutting at a specific angle. They are usually mounted on a drilling or milling machine and have an adjustable mouthpiece to hold materials of different sizes and shapes.
Angle Vises feature the ability to hold material at a specific angle (usually 0 to 90 degrees). Angled holes or shapes can be accurately drilled or cut. Vises can be adjusted to different angles by rotating the base or tilting the mouthpiece, depending on the design.
Angle Vises are commonly used in metalworking and woodworking, but they are also useful in other applications such as jewelry making, electronics, and DIY.
Uses of Angle Vises
Angle Vises are used to hold material firmly at a specific angle during drilling, milling, or cutting. They are designed to provide stability and precision in drilling and cutting operations by gripping the material firmly and preventing it from moving or shifting during the operation.
Angle Vises are often used in metalworking and woodworking to precisely create angled holes and shapes. They are especially useful when working with materials that require a high degree of precision, such as in the machining of metal parts and furniture joints.
Because the angle of the vise can be adjusted, it is possible to make various angled cuts and holes in materials without using complicated and expensive machinery. This makes angle vises a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of applications, from simple DIY work to more complex industrial applications.
Principle of Angle Vise
Angle Vises work by holding material firmly in place while drilling, milling, or cutting at a specific angle. They typically consist of an adjustable mouth that grips the material and a base that allows the mouth to be set at various angles.
Depending on the vise design, the angle is adjusted by rotating the base and tilting the mouthpiece. This allows precise and accurate drilling and cutting of angled holes and shapes.
Types of Angle Vises
There are several types of angle vises, each designed to suit specific needs and requirements.
The most common types of angle vises include the following:
1. Standard Angle Vises
The most basic type of angle vise, the angle can be adjusted by opening and closing the base and mouth sections. They are generally used for drilling and milling at angles up to 90 degrees.
2. U-Shaped Angle Vise With Tilting Function
This type of vise has a base that allows the mouthpiece to slide in a semicircle so that the mouthpiece can be set at any angle between 0 and 90 degrees.
3. Rotary Angle Vise
The rotating angle vise has a base that can rotate, allowing the mouthpiece to be tilted and rotated.
4. Multi-Angle Vise
Multi Angle Vises have a ball joint on the main body stock and can be rotated 360 degrees and can also be angled vertically.
5. Precision Angle Vises
Precision Angle Vises are designed for precision drilling and milling applications where accuracy is critical. They usually have a fine adjustment mechanism and can be angled very precisely.
How to Select an Angle Vise
When choosing an angle vise, there are several factors to consider to ensure that it is the right vise for your specific needs and requirements.
1. Size
The size of the vise should be selected to match the size of the material to be worked. Vises that are too small will not grip the material firmly, while vises that are too large may be bulky and inconvenient to maneuver.
2. Angle Range
Consider the range of angles that the vise can be adjusted, typically from 0 to 90 degrees.
3. Material
The vise material should be selected based on the type of material being worked with. For example, a vise made of cast iron is suitable for working with wood, while a vise made of hardened steel is suitable for working with metal.
4. Width of Vise Mouth
The width of the vises mouthpiece should be selected based on the size of the material to be worked. Wider vises can handle larger materials, while narrower vises can firmly grip smaller materials.
5. Precision
For applications where precision is critical, a precision angle vise may be required. These vises have a fine adjustment mechanism that allows the angle to be set very precisely.