Horizontal vise

Types of horizontal vise

A horizontal vise provides excellent holding power and inherent alignment for workpieces that are cut or machined from solid materials. The most common types are as follows.

• Metal Horizontal Vise

  An all-metal construction provides durability for machinists and metalworkers and strengthens the jaws, frame, and body. They are heavy-duty and wide horizontal vises, offering dual-direction jaw opening and solid construction for holding large metal workpieces. Fixed horizontal jaws are integral to the body, while movable jaws slide along the guideways. Pitman arm vises employ a single-lever actuated arm connecting the screw to the movable jaw. It allows faster jaw movement and the easy accommodation of wider workpieces when closing the jaw.

• Wood Horizontal Vise

  Woodworking horizontal vises are usually made from strong plastic, cast iron, or steel. These allow hold-downs or slots on the bench to hold wood joinery components firmly as they drill and get assembled. When using a horizontal wood vise to hold workpieces for sawing, joining, and other joining tasks, the fit and finish of the jaw face are more important than those of a metal vise. The jaw face needs to be flat to make flush connections between the joined workpieces. The inclusion of padding on the jaws protects the outside of the workpiece.

• Quick Release Horizontal Vise

  They are horizontal machinist vises with a lever on the front side or top of the horizontal vise, which, when pulled, quickly releases the movable jaw. The jaw can then quickly reposition it closer to the workpiece. An additional screw mechanism further tightens and makes minor adjustments once the workpiece is in position. These horizontal quick-release vises are suitable for frequent workpiece setups and repositioning.

• Locking Horizontal Vise

  Workpiece locking horizontal vises have a locking mechanism that locks the movable jaw's position, holding a wide range of workpiece thicknesses. A single-handed pull-knob activation allows fast locking and release of the locking mechanism. The horizontal locking vises are ideal for woodworking, automotive, and repair applications requiring frequent workpiece changes.

Specification & Maintenance of Horizontal Vises

A horizontal vise is generally manufactured with iron or steel to provide ample strength and stability. It normally weighs 1kg-60kg owing to its material composition, performance capacity, and size. The length and depth of a horizontal vise are mostly 45cm and 30cm, although this varies depending on the specific type. Users can apply horizontal vises with clamping force ranging from 300 to 2700 N. This means they can exert force that is more than double their weight. Moreover, every horizontal vise has its maximum clamping width. For instance, a 4-inch horizontal vise has a maximum clamping width of approximately 100mm.

In order for a horizontal vise to continue working perfectly, it requires well-thought-out maintenance and care. To begin with, cleaning the horizontal vise frequently helps to eliminate dust, shavings, and debris. This cleaning minimizes the impact of foreign objects on the vise's precision and jaw alignment. Lubrication is also crucial, enabling the horizontal vise to be used for many years during and after cleaning. Businesses or users can choose to apply wax, grease, or lubrication oil on sliding surfaces, threads, and rails. Many horizontal vises have the jaws removed, allowing the horizontal vise to be thoroughly cleaned and for lubrication to be applied to its exposed areas.

When not in use, storing the horizontal vise in a dry place away from moisture is important, as this keeps corrosion at bay. Regular inspection is key to identifying potential issues early on. Manufacturing companies recommend applying a thin layer of anti-rust oil to the jaws and casting to provide additional protection. This oil tends to repel dust and moisture, keeping the horizontal vise in good shape at all times.

Scenarios

• Carpentry: Horizontal vises are commonly used in carpentry to secure various wooden workpieces such as furniture and doors during operations such as cutting, drilling, or joining. Ideal models for carpentry usually have large jaws and wide openings to cater to workpieces of different sizes.
• Metalwork: In metalwork, horizontal vises are used to secure metal workpieces during welding, soldering, and grinding. Such operations often require a horizontal vise with stronger jaws and greater clamping force to accommodate metal workpieces.
• Hobbyist projects: Hobbyists with a penchant for woodworking or DIY metal works use horizontal vises to secure different types of workpieces as they undertake home improvement projects. This may include creating and installing shelves or repairing fixtures around the house.
• Jewel-making: A precision horizontal vise is an asset when undertaking delicate tasks such as jewelry-making operations. It is commonly used to secure small and intricate workpieces such as necklaces and bracelets during soldering, filing, or shaping.

How to choose horizontal vise

• Identify task needs

  For woodworking and metalworking, separate horizontal vises for each material are necessary due to varying requirements like strength and temperature resistance. Consider specific tasks, such as precision cutting, welding, or assembly, which may necessitate an alignment feature for precise work. If multitasking is vital, a horizontal bench vise with interchangeable jaws for different materials might be ideal. Jaws with foam or plastic liners can grip delicate parts without damage, while magnetic jaws offer quick changes between materials.

• Examine workbench compatibility

  Keep the height of the workpiece plus the tooling height in mind to avoid creating obstacles during the job. The horizontal vise itself must be securely fastened to the work surface so that it stays in place while being used. Choose a mounting type, either flush or through, based on the desired features and work surface.

• Consider user comfort and safety

  Operating a horizontal vise involves frequently positioning and clamping parts. This process consumes time and requires using both hands and eye safety, so select a model that facilitates easy part change. Instead of relying solely on manually operated hand wheels, consider a horizontal vise with quick-release features or hydraulics.

These tips assist in choosing the right horizontal vise for specific needs, tasks, features, and job efficiency.

Q&A

Q: What does a horizontal vise do?

A: Vises used on machines such as horizontal bandsaws are designed to hold workpieces securely while cutting through them at various angles. The machine's jaw will usually move sideways to accommodate wide materials.

Q: What are the different types of horizontal vises?

A: There are several types of horizontal vises, including an all-purpose machine vise, an angle machine vise for machining at preset jaw angles, a pipe vise for holding cylindrical objects, and a cross-slide or compound vise for precise positioning in any direction.

Q: How is a horizontal vise used safely?

A: When using a vise to hold down a workpiece, ensure that it is in good condition and properly secured to the workbench. Before starting any machining, double-check to see that the workpiece has been adequately clamped and there is no loose part in the machine that can create hazards.

Q: What are some built-in safety features of a horizontal vise?

A: A well-built horizontal machine vise will have jaw stops to prevent the jaws from over-closing and compressing the workpiece to the point of causing damage. It may also include safety guard features to prevent users from accidental pinch points.