Hi Chris

I have the Vertex model from Warco which is fine ( and a good bit cheaper than the DH-1) At the risk of an accusation of "stable doors and horses" if you are buying a new machine it may be a good idea to buy accessories, like vices, at the same time as you may be able to negotiate a "package deal ". ( Well it used to be possible anyway!)

I have one of these Precision Vices on my smaller (Geo. Taylor) mill (18" x 6" ) very accurate for the price.

Regards

Paul

Edit due to Anal forum software.

Edited By _Paul_ on 23/10/2012 12:17:22

Hi Chris

I have both a Vertex K4 and a Warco DH1 and find that they both have their uses – really depends on what you intend to make as to which way you go. I've fitted tenons to the bottom of both vices so swapping over is quick and straightforward.

The DH1 is a brilliant, accurate piece of kit and is very versatile – it's overall jaw opening of 175mm vs the 63mm of the K4 sold it to me. It's not cheap if you buy it with the optional vee-jaws and high jaws (around £240 total) but these increase it's versatility tremendously.

In use the DH1 is a bit more restrictive regarding headroom (spindle nose to table) as the VMC isn't exactly over-endowed with headroom. The distance table to base of jaws is 93mm for the DH1 vs the K4's 76mm (with the swivel base in place in both cases) – not a lot but as the ad says "every little helps".

Probably the best approach is to consider carefully what you intend to make and make your purchase accordingly. If you can afford to buy both then that has to be a good option and maybe a deal can be done with Warco. After all they could both be delivered together reducing carriage costs.

On the subject of moving the machine into your workshop, it may be worth talking to Warco to see how they would move the machine as I believe that they offer an installation service. I'd be interested to know how you tackle the job – maybe you could make a posting to this forum.

Regards, Roger

Edited By Roger Vane on 23/10/2012 13:15:56

Chris,

Mounting on mine is catered for by two shop made dogs fitted either side which locate in the holes in the body, the big difference I found and like with these vices is there is effectively no jaw lift so no more deadblow hammer needed to locate the part level.

If you dont fancy one dont forget to add a decent deadblow hammer to your shopping list

Paul

Hi Chris

Not experienced workpiece rising-up in the DH1, in fact it has very good grip holding the workpiece very securely, but you will have to adopt a different way of working with it. I also find the recesses in the top of the jaws very useful for holding thin components.

The thread **LINK** will provide you with some more information on the method of use. This method has the advantage that if the workpiece is slightly away from parallel you can still grip it tightly.

Having owned a Warco DH-1 from almost its introduction, I can attest to its longevity and accuracy.

I have recently added the high jaws (both hard and aluminium) to the jaw arsenal.

I have not found many occasions to use the Vee jaws but… they are useful!

I have never suffered any kind of 'jaw lift' and I think that is inherent in the design of the vice.

As others have said, if holding pieces which may not have quite parallel sides then the same principle applies as with any other vice in the use of a round bar between the jaw and the workpiece.

For small to medium sized work, this is my vice of choice, for larger stuff I have a BIG Kurt and some other specialised vices, don't expect a DH-1 to hold huge workpieces, but it has its place.

Graeme

Sorry Paul

That doesn't work easily. Can you not post as a link?

Ah you have but …

Oh – but now the formatting is kaput

N

Edited By NJH on 23/10/2012 22:32:22