D vise

Types of D Vise

A d vise is a strong mechanical tool used to hold together and support an object in the shape of the letter D. The outer fixed plate of a D vise can be parallel, round, or angled. Generally, an angle D vise with an angled outer fixed plate is more common.

According to different applications, there are some common types of D vices as follows:

• D Machining Vise

  The D machining vise is a solid cast iron structure with a maximum opening and anvil across the outer side plates. It is used primarily on machine tools like bandsaws, drill presses, and horizontal and vertical milling machines. The spindle and moving jaw are usually made of steel, which increases the machined D vise's strength and longevity. A cushioned grip makes it easy to hold pipes and other round objects.

• Angle D Vise

  The angle D vise is a popular bench vise that features a specially shaped body, a fixed jaw, and a movable jaw with a parallel clamping system. It can hold objects with multiple angles, such as oblique angles, rectangular prisms, octahedrons, cylinders, and cubes. Users can easily adjust the movable jaw to grip workpieces of various sizes securely. In addition, the angle D vise is usually mounted on a workbench or sturdy surface, which provides enhanced stability and support when working on tasks that require high precision and accuracy.

• Quick Release D Vise

  The quick-release D machining vise has a feature that allows for fast unlocking and repositioning of the jaws. This is achieved by using a sliding mechanism to release the jaw. To adjust the jaw position, the operator first pulls the handle back to engage the quick-release feature, allowing the movable jaw to slide quickly. Then, the operator pushes the handle forward and rotates it to lock the jaw in place with the help of the threaded shaft and screw. The quick-release mechanism is particularly helpful when working with multiple workpieces of different thicknesses, as it significantly improves efficiency and saves time during clamping operations.

Specifications and maintenance of D Vise

Specifications

• Size: D Vise comes in different sizes. The size of a D vise determines its opening capacity as well as the size of the object it can hold.
• Weight: industrial D vices are heavier due to the solid metals used in construction. A heavy-duty metal helps to provide stability and prevent any movements while working on objects that are held by them. Heavy D vices, particularly those that are made of cast iron, offer immense clamping power, which makes them suitable for heavy-duty tasks and means they can withstand frequent use without getting damaged easily.
• Clamp force: Clamp force, also known as clamping force, is the force exerted by a vise when the movable jaw is moved toward the stationary jaw to hold an object in place. D vices provide varying amounts of clamping forces depending on their sizes and types. Some vices are specifically designed for delicate tasks and have lighter clamping forces, whereas heavy-duty D vices have greater clamping forces, which makes them suitable for heavy-duty applications.
• Materials: The materials used to construct D vices affect their durability, stability, and clamping force. D vices made of plastic or lightweight aluminum are suitable for light-duty tasks and offer lighter clamping forces. On the other hand, heavy-duty D vices that are made of cast iron or steel provide maximum stability and clamping force, which makes them suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Maintenance

• Clean Regularly: It is important to clean the D vise using a clean brush or a rag after each use in order to remove dirt, debris, and dust.
• Lubrication: Lubricating moving parts, including threads and slides of the D vise with grease or oil, is also important. This makes the D vise operate smoothly, and it also reduces any potential wears and tears from friction.
• Inspection: Regularly, one should inspect the D vise for any signs of damages or loose parts. One should tighten any loose bolts or damaged parts and replace the needed ones as required in order to ensure safe and proper operation.

Usage scenarios of a d'vise

A bench d'vise is used in various industries and applications for holding and securing workpieces. Here are some common usage scenarios for a bench d'vise.

• Woodworking Shop

  In a joinery workshop and carpentry, a woodworking d'vise is used to hold wooden boards and workpieces securely while sawing, chipping, routing and other woodworking tasks that require high precision. A woodworking d'vise with a solid rear jaw provides a large and sturdy jaw to hold wide stock tightly.

• Machining Workshop

  In a machining or metalworking workshop, a machinist d'vise is commonly used while performing tasks like cutting, drilling, filing and welding metal workpieces. Metalwork benches often have machining d'vises installed on the workbench. This provides greater ease while working on metal workpieces.

• Automotive Repair and Maintenance

  An automotive mechanic uses a bench d'vise to hold and secure automotive parts like car frames, axle tubes and wheel assemblies securely. This allows easy operations like assembly, disassembly, repair and maintenance. Automotive repairs may involve machining, welding or metalworking, requiring a precision d'vise.

• Hobbies and DIY Projects

  Jewelers, electricians and hobbyists use precision d'vises to work on small and intricate projects and workpieces like jewelry, electronic components and small parts. A precise, compact and lightweight d'vise is used for easy and secure handling while working on DIY projects.

• Metal Fabrication Shops

  Metal fabricators and welders use a bench d'vise to hold metal workpieces while cutting, grinding, bending, welding and performing various metal fabrication tasks. Heavy-duty d'vises are often used for welding. This helps to hold metal workpieces and pipes securely while working with high precision and control.

How to choose a bench d vice

For workshop owners and buyers, there are many things to consider when selecting the right woodworking or welding bench vise for their needs. The first thing to do is to ascertain the kind of tasks for which the bench vise will be used. Will it be used for holding small or large workpieces? For this, buyers need to know the size of the workpieces the tool will be handling. They also need to consider the maximum jaw opening and throat depth of the vise they wish to buy. Next, they should evaluate the weight and balance of the workpieces to be held. Very heavy and bulky workpieces may require a more massive bench vise to gain sufficient hold.

What's more, buyers need to consider the mounting style they'll require for their workstation. Do they need a mounted, portable, or clamp-on vise? Also, they need to check the bench height and jaw alignment. A badly aligned or low-mounted bench vise may cause the jaws to misalign, and this can lead to an uneven hold on the workpiece. With all these factors in mind, buyers will need to determine the type of material used for the jaws of the bench vise they'll be purchasing.

Finally, it's essential to consider the type of bench vise, its quality, and the supplier or manufacturer to purchase from. Check to see if the manufacturer of the welding or woodworking bench vise has a solid reputation. Are their products definitely known to be durable? Has the manufacturer won accolades for its product lines? These are questions buyers should always ask and research to ensure they purchase the best kind of bench vise for their needs.

FAQ

Q1: What is a carpenter's vise?

A1: A carpenter's vise is a type of bench vise that is primarily used in woodworking. Like other bench vises, it provides a clamping mechanism for securing wood stock when cutting or carving an object. The carpenters' vise is fitted with wooden jaws to prevent damaging the workpiece.

Q2: What is a welding vise?

A2: A welding vise is a type of bench vise that is used mainly to hold metal workpieces. Also known as a welding or mechanic's vise, it has a pair of jaws and an integrated anvil. The welding vise is built from heavy-duty cast iron for impact resistance and is designed to provide a secure grip of objects.

Q3: What is the difference between a machine vice and a bench vise?

A3: A machine vise is typically mounted on a machine tool, like a milling machine, drill press, or belt sander. Machine vices are designed to hold workpieces securely while machines do their work. They are usually made of cast iron or steel. A bench vise, on the other hand, is a hand tool used on a workbench to hold workpieces. It is commonly clamped or bolted onto a workbench or wooden slab to prevent movement when working.