I need help choosing correct machine vice.

[Michael Bird 1Participant @michaelbird1]

I need some advice on what machine vice to buy. It's going to be a Christmas present so I have a little while to consider which one.

I have a Sharp Milling Machine which I have posted a few photo's off, one to show the table itself. The specs are as follows:

Table size: 508mm x 241mm

Table Travel: 305mm

Cross Travel: 114mm

Rise and Fall: 268mm

Throat: 127mm

Is there any advice on what vice to get as there are so many to choose from.

Mick

[Michael Bird 1Participant @michaelbird1]

[Ian PParticipant @ianp]

Michael

I think its more important to first choose a vice to suit the type of work you do, then pick one that will fit the machine.

I use an Arc Type 3 precision toolmakers/measuring vice. They are not intended for heavy work but the inherent accuracy means that work can be gripped, machined, removed, turned round or reorientated and every time its grips the part in position to better than 0.005 repeatability. The Arc Type 2 vices are similar but are more fiddly to use.

Ian P

[KWILParticipant @kwil]

Make sure it is not too tall as you will have a limited amount of space below the quill once you have fitted a chuck/toolholder.

[Michael Bird 1Participant @michaelbird1]

There is no quill on this milling machines, you have to raise the table instead. Hence why I bought a large drill as well.

Thanks Ian I'll have a look at the Arc Type 3.

Edited By Michael Bird 1 on 15/09/2016 14:50:03

[ZebethyalParticipant @zebethyal]

I would recommend the Warco DH-1 precision vice – certainly not the cheapest, but one of the most versatile.

I don't often use the rotating base, but have used all of the various jaw sets in multiple configurations.

I bought mine as a deal at a show, which included the 3 additional sets of jaws, for normal online price of the vice.

Some might argue it is a bit big for my Sieg X2, but it should be fine on your Sharp.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Rod on here has a similar mill, I'm sure he will post later as he was last seen looking for acup of tea at MEX. I know you will be quite limited in head room.

[Michael Bird 1Participant @michaelbird1]

Rod does have the same mill as this one Jason.

Headroom is a major factor, I have not bought any tools yet but was thinking of either MT2 collets held in place via a drawbar or buy MT2 arbors and drill a hole for the cutters held in by a screw.

The Milling machine came with a Clarkson Autolock chuck as well but once fitted it leaves only about 100mm of space so need something slimmer.

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Posted by JasonB on 15/09/2016 16:22:09:

Rod on here has a similar mill, I'm sure he will post later as he was last seen looking for a cup of tea at MEX.

The lemon cake was very nice as well.

Prior to the Sharp I had a Warco economy mill which came with a vice similar to this ( the 4 inch version), mine actually branded Warco. I kept the vice and use it most of the time, though never with the rotating base – never felt the need. I've milled a slot in the base for a feather key so it is quick and easy to set up with the jaws parallel to the X axis.

As Jason says, headroom can be an issue on this mill and I do occasionally use a Dore Westbury vice I was given (bottom of the page in the link).

Cheers,

Rod

Edited By Roderick Jenkins on 15/09/2016 17:40:22

[Mike ClarkeParticipant @mikeclarke87958]

Hi Michael – I used to have an identical Sharp mill and used an Emco machine vice. Bought it new from Pro Machine Tools.

I also used a "precision" vice I got from Chronos. Quality is quite nice, something like this:

http://www.knighton-tools.co.uk/acatalog/52482155.jpg

Lovely mill apart from the aluminium handwheels! I used to get filthy using mine.

Great light workshop – 100% agree about the fire comments though. Nothing worse than seeing your ways covered in surface rust.

Cheers,

Mike

[Michael Bird 1Participant @michaelbird1]

Thanks Mike I will look into those you mentioned.

Just out of curiosity is the vice in the photo a shop bought one or a one off hand made one. It looks quite easy to build yourself.

[Roderick JenkinsParticipant @roderickjenkins93242]

Posted by Mike Clarke on 15/09/2016 20:23:06

Lovely mill apart from the aluminium handwheels! I used to get filthy using mine.

Absolutely! I replaced the handles on mine with these, the 50mm version. The M6 thread sticks in the 1/4 UNF hole surprisingly well . You could drill out for the 8mm version though (or use a dab of Loctite on the smaller one). Incidentally, I tried the rotating handle ones but much prefer the feel of the fixed ones.

Rod

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