Types of woodworking vise
Woodworking vises are a common tool for carpenters and DIY hobbyists used to secure wood when cutting, joining, and planing. Some are fitted on workbenches, while others are standalone devices. The key function of the vise is to keep wooden planks in place using two jaws that apply pressure from the sides or top. Generally, woodworking vises are divided into five types based on their design and functionality.
- Record bench vise: A traditional tool that has existed for many years, the bench vise is commonly integrated into workbenches. The vise can be recognized easily by its large movable jaw. It is mounted on the work surface, with the smaller stationary jaw beneath it. Many designs feature parallel bars that provide stability, while cranks and screws adjust the movable jaw position. Usually, woodworkers use bench vises to secure planks for cutting using handsaws or joining with hand tools. Compared to other vises, the bench vise is straightforward to use, provides a natural jaw spread, and features significant throat depth.
- Dragging Vise: Unlike the record bench vise, the dragging vise features a stationary jaw under the table, while the movable jaw slides on a track above the surface. To adjust the jaw position, a lever engages and disengages the track to clamp or release the plank. The dragging vise is popular because it provides an easy way to hold irregularly shaped pieces. It also saves space on the workbench compared to the traditional bench vise.
- Miter Vise: As the name suggests, miter vises are used mainly when setting miter joints. Woodworkers can easily adjust angles from 0 to 60 degrees on most models, making them excellent choices for precise-cutting operations. Additionally, the vise features a clamp and stops that secure and align the plank. Apart from the miter joints, miter vises can also be used when cutting picture frame joints.
- Rotating Vise: This type of woodworking vise involves a workbench that has been mounted on a pivot. Therefore, the jaw can now rotate 360 degrees around the mounting axis. Usually, a rotating mechanism allows woodworkers to easily align the workpiece to their desired angles without changing the position of the workbench.
- Tail Vise: Similar to the record woodworking vise, the tail vise features a large jaw at its end. However, it is different because it can parallel-jaw or split-jaw. Mostly, tail vises are found at the ends of workbenches. They are ideal for securing square and rectangular stock while providing the needed clearance when working.
Specifications and Maintenance of Record Woodworking Vises
- Size: The size of woodworking vise is typically designated by the size of the jaws. For example, a 7" woodworking vise will have a 7" jaw width. The maximum distance between the jaws, or throat depth, is also included in the size specifications. For instance, a 7" woodworking vise may have a throat depth of around 3.5".
- Material: The material used in woodworking vises varies, including cast iron, malleable iron, carbon steel, and others. The base and jaws are typically made of iron or steel, which is sturdy and durable, while the wooden jaws are typically made of rubber wood or beech wood, which is known for its high level of hardness and impact resistance.
- Functionality: The functional parts of a woodworking bench vise include the screws, nuts, and sliders. Bench vise screws, which are usually made of carbon steel, are functional parts used to adjust the distance between the two jaws. Their thread is designed to facilitate the movement of the jaws so that it can clamp objects of different thicknesses. The lowers and nuts are connected to the screws, and their function is to enable the smooth movement of the screws inside and to convert the rotating motion into a forward-pulling motion which serves to adjust the position of the jaws. Sliders are mounted to the base of the woodworking vise, allowing the woodworking vise to move back and forth along the fixed position.
- Maximum load: The clamping force of a woodworking vise is used to describe the maximum load that the woodworking vise can withstand when used to fix or clamp objects. As the size of the woodworking vise increases, the clamping force will also gradually increase. For example, a 7-inch woodworking vise can produce a clamping force of approximately 400 to 5000 pounds (lbs), while a 9-inch woodworking vise can produce a clamping force of approximately 600 to 700 lbs.
Maintenance
In order to keep the woodworking clamp in a good working condition for a long period of time, it is very important to carry out regular maintenance on the woodworking clamp. The following is a routine maintenance procedure for a woodworking clamp.
- Clean: Use a brush or a rag to clean the surface of the woodworking vise, removing dust, debris, and resin. In addition, the screw thread should be cleaned to ensure smooth operation and avoid clogging issues.
- Lubrication: Apply an appropriate amount of lubricating oil to the moving parts of the vise, such as lubricating oil or paraffin, to keep it smooth and prevent rust.
- Fastening: Periodically check the fastenings of the woodworking vise, such as bolts or nuts, to ensure they are not loose and to fasten or adjust them as needed to maintain the stability of the vise.
- Anti-rust treatment: Apply anti-rust oil or wax to the susceptible parts of the woodworking vise, such as metal surfaces, to prevent rust and corrosion from occurring.
- Avoid overloading: Avoid overloading or clamping objects that are too heavy during use, which will damage the parts of the woodworking vise and affect its service life.
By performing regular maintenance on the woodworking clamp according to the above methods, the service life of the woodworking clamp can be prolonged and its working efficiency can be ensured.
scenarios of record woodworking vise
Any task or process in which wood or any other material needs to be cut, sharpened, drilled, filed, sculpted, or worked in any other way requires a proper hold. Such a hold will not only enable precise work on the wooden item but will also ensure the safety of the user.
A woodworking tool like a vise can provide this secure grip for working on materials of all shapes and sizes. Woodworking vises are incredibly helpful to carpenters, stonemasons, welders, metal workers, DIY enthusiasts, and many others. The tool is commonly used in specialized workshops as well as at home.
Below are some scenarios and ways in which woodworking vises are typically used in workshops and elsewhere:
- Woodworking vises are usually installed on the ends and legs of workbenches. The hardware provides secure gripping for wood and other workpieces that need to be joined together or for which various parts need to be worked, shaved, or chiseled.
- Carpenters and other professionals use the record woodworking vise to secure wood. With the workpiece secured in place, the user can proceed to cut, drill, saw, paint, glue, stain, join, strip, assemble, or undertake any other activity with greater precision.
- The tool helps to file metals and hold pipes while they are being cut. Welding shops may use a woodworking vise for securing metal in a way that allows for accurate welds. Various activities like filing and cutting can be performed with ease.
- Matte black woodworking vise are great tools for jewelers and hobbyists. The vise is small enough for use in jewelry making but also has sufficient strength to hold workpieces while cutting and filing. It is an essential tool for ring shank replacement and bezel and gemstone setting, among other tasks.
How to choose the record woodworking vise
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Purpose of project:
One will need to fasten workpieces from different angles and sides by selecting an appropriate woodworking bench vise. Consider getting a heavy-duty or bench vise with proper clamping force if one is working with large and heavy workpieces. Alternatively, select a vise with swivel jaws to clamp wide and irregularly shaped workpieces.
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Size of the workpieces:
One will need to choose a woodworking bench vise with sufficient jaw width and capacity to handle the width of the workpieces.
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Jaws:
For woodworking projects, one may prefer vises with soft and replaceable jaws. They provide a firm grip on the workpieces without leaving marks. Furthermore, consider that some woodworking bench vises have integrated clamping mechanisms for additional irregular workpieces.
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Pay attention to the different power source:
Depending on one's needs, choose a manual or power-driven woodworking vise. A manual is suitable for projects that require constant control and movements, while a power-driven one has faster clamping speeds.
Record woodworking vise FAQ
Q1. How are woodworking vises maintained?
A1. The maintenance of woodworking vises is very crucial if they are to serve for a long period. Fortunately, maintenance is relatively easy and straightforward. The first step is to remove any debris or wood shavings from the vise, especially in the moving parts and threads, to avoid getting jammed or damaged. Metal and brass vises can also be lubricated with oil regularly, while wooden ones can be waxed to keep them in good condition.
Q2 . Can a sewing machine handle heavy tasks like a whole record woodworking vise?
A2. Yes, but only the ones that have been manufactured to handle heavy and dense tasks. Bigger ones with powerful motors are designed to handle heavy workloads such as machining large or heavy items with great accuracy and consistency.
Q3. What are the main key features of woodworking machine tools?
A3. The main key features of woodworking machine tools include size capacity, construction, power rating, accuracy and precision, speed options, versatility, automation, and safety features.
Q4 . How does one choose an appropriate woodworking machine tool for a project?
A4. To choose the appropriate woodworking machine tool for a project, start by identifying the type of project and wood being used. The project requirements such as dimensions and features needed are also crucial in choosing the right machine. Don’t forget to consider the power and speed of the machine as well as its accuracy and precision. Finally, safety features of the machine are very important, especially the power rating and construction, and should be preferred.