Leg vise

Types of leg vises

A leg vise, also known as a bench leg vise, is one of the most popular types of woodworking and metalworking clamps. This is a large, heavy-duty clamp used in conjunction with a workbench to hold large workpieces. It is one of the oldest and most traditional clamps used by woodworkers and metalworkers. The most distinctive feature of the leg vise is its support or “catching device,” which is usually in the shape of a leg.

Modern metalworking and woodworking leg vises have solid wood or steel “jaws” and may even have cushioned jaws lined with rubber. Woodworkers prefer cushioned jaws lined with rubber to avoid damaging or marring the surface of the workpiece. This clamp achieves varied clamping pressures by a screw mechanism activated by turning the handle placed horizontally at the top of the vise. The handle is usually large and easy to grip to enable the user to apply as much clamping pressure as needed to secure the workpiece.

Since the leg of the clamp itself makes it very stable, unsteady workpieces, including those with irregular shapes, are easily clamped. The only drawback is that the clamp is not reversible like the quick grip clamps. Nevertheless, the woodworking leg vise is preferred by many due to its stability and ability to clamp almost any shape securely.

Modern leg vises have instances and variants that may surprise even the most seasoned professional users. They include but are not limited to the following:

• Parallel Jaw Leg Vise: This woodworking leg vise features parallel jaws, which provide consistent clamping pressure and alignment throughout the closing range. The parallel design allows for precise and even clamping of workpieces, making it ideal for woodworking applications where accuracy is crucial. Equipped with a quick-release mechanism, the jaw's clamping action can be rapidly engaged and disengaged, saving time during workflow. The smooth gliding motion ensures hassle-free operation, while the robust construction ensures durability and reliability for demanding woodworking projects.
• Quick-Release Leg Vise: Quick release leg vises are available in two forms: the simple form and the parallel vise form. In the simple form, the quick-release mechanism is integrated into the screw shaft. This allows the user to pull up the handle to unlock the jaws quickly. On the other hand, the quick-release mechanism in the parallel form features two parallel jaws that offer even clamping. The jaws are adjusted using a lever or knob in this form, allowing for quick and precise positioning. As the name suggests, the quick-release leg vise allows users to easily adjust and secure workpieces rapidly. This feature is beneficial in woodworking applications where time efficiency is essential, such as during assembly, jointing, or fitting tasks.
• Reversible Leg Vise: The reversible leg vise means the user can mount the clamp in such a way that the jaws move in and out in a forward direction. This makes securing and securing workpieces much easier and clamping better than most leg vises. The reversible mechanism allows for versatile clamping applications, particularly in woodworking joinery and assembly tasks. Additionally, the forward-facing jaws provide excellent access to the work area, enabling woodworkers to tackle intricate projects with ease.

Specifications and maintenance of leg vises

Specifications

• Material: Cast iron is commonly used for leg vises because of its sturdiness and longevity. The jaw and body are typically made of thick, solid cast iron.
• Sizes: Cast iron leg vises have many sizes. The Size is usually determined by measuring the width of the jaws when fully open. Like the miniature leg vise, a common size is 4 inches, which has sufficient clamping force for small objects. A 5-inch leg vise is another common size, which is suitable for both small and medium-sized objects. 6-inch and 7-inch leg vises are available for larger ones. A 9-inch leg vise is rarely found on the market, but it is just larger and more powerful.
• Weight: The weight of the leg vises is much heavier for larger sizes. For example, the 4-inch leg vise weighs about 4 kilograms. A 5-inch one weighs about 8 kilograms. Larger ones like the 6-inch leg vise weigh about 13 kilograms, and the 7-inch one weighs about 25 kilograms. The 9-inch one weighs up to 45 kilograms.

Maintenance

The maintenance of the regular leg vise is very simple and effortless, so people do not need to spend a lot of time doing upkeep on them. Below are some basic routine maintenance tips people can refer to for keeping their leg vises in good condition.

• Regular cleaning: The first thing people should always do before and after using the leg vise is to clean it thoroughly and remove any debris or dust that has accumulated on it. A vacuum can be used for cleaning, as well as a brush and a damp cloth to remove dirt. This can prevent any obstruction in the way of the moving parts and the clamping mechanism, which can impair their functions.
• Lubrication: Another way to keep the leg vise in great condition is always to lubricate its moving parts, especially the screw threads, regularly. Oil with good rust-resistance properties can be used to prevent rust and corrosive damage. Because of the excellent ability to resist extreme temperatures and film thickness, machine oil or mineral oil can be a good choice. Lubricating the threads and screw with anti-corrosion oil can offer further protection.
• Rust protection: When not in use, Leg vises are usually exposed to environmental elements that can cause them to rust. When not using the tool, it is best to keep it in a dry and well-ventilated place to prevent moisture and water from getting onto the surface and required the rust removal dusting.
• Fastener checking: Depending on the usage frequency, people should routinely check all the fasteners after a while to ensure they are still tightly secured and periodically adjust the clamping mechanism and any loosened parts as required.

Scenarios

The leg vise is mainly used in metalworking and woodworking applications, but it is not limited to them. These sturdy tools can create and hold various shapes while cutting, gluing, screwing or welding. Below are some common usage scenarios for a typical leg vise.

• Woodworking Joinery

  In woodworking projects, the woodworker uses a wood leg vise to hold the wood pieces in secure positions while sawing joints or fitting them. The ability of the device to firmly grasp workpieces of different sizes and shapes enables the user to concentrate on achieving precise and clean joins without worrying about having an unstable or loosely held workpiece.

• Metalworking Shaping and Cutting

  Metal workers can use a vise to securely grasp and hold metal workpieces while cutting, shaping, or filing them. A leg vise can also assist in holding materials while welding or soldering them together. Some metal workers leverage the device to create an accurate angle or shape on metal pieces with hand tools. Since the device can hold objects weighing up to hundreds of kilograms, it gives the user enough freedom and stability to work on various metal types and thicknesses with greater precision.

• Copper or Brass Pipe Curtaining

  Once an instrument is used to join pipes made of copper or brass is identified, the leg vise should be ready to grasp the pipes while being cut. The device can align the pipe securely, ensuring accurate and clean cut on the first attempt. When undertaking DIY projects or repairs around the house, a leg vise can be an invaluable tool for working with metal pipes.

• Kneading Clay and Other Materials

  When kneading a material that requires significant force or pressure, such as ceramic clay, an artist or DIYer can position a sturdy container equipped with a leg vise to push or pull the material consistently and uniformly. The workpiece will be immobile and stable, ensuring the person applying force achieves the desired consistency.

How to Choose a Leg Vise

Before purchasing a blacksmith leg vise or any other machinery, business buyers should create a checklist of features they need to look at. This checklist will help them make an informed purchase.

• Identify Workshaft Width and Length

  The primary thing on the checklist is the jaw width and length. Blacksmiths work on various shapes and sizes of metals. They need a vise with jaws that can hold large pieces of metal firmly. Some blacksmithing projects require working in awkward shapes and angles. In such cases, a jaw with a unique design would be useful, such as one that resembles the shape of a human hand.

• Pay Attention to Weight and Size

  The size and weight of the leg vise should match the workbench or stand it will be mounted on. Also, consider the maximum clamping force the vise can exert. Go for the ones with a high clamping force (measured in pounds). The clamping force directly relates to the metalworking tasks the device can handle. Heavy-duty metalworking projects call for a leg vise with higher clamping force.

• Assess Build Quality

  The material and build quality of the vise will determine its lifespan. For example, stainless steel or cast iron ensures that the product does not wear out or become damaged easily.

• Consider the Mounting Mechanism

  A blacksmith leg vise will include mounting hardware for the workbench. Most industrial leg vises come with bolted mounting systems, while stand-alone ones have simple clamping mechanisms.

• Spare Parts Availability

  A blacksmith leg vise is an expensive investment. However, all machinery break down after some time. Many manufacturers provide maintenance manuals and recommended spare parts. Before purchasing, ensure that it is easy to obtain spare parts for repairs.

Leg vise FAQ

Q1: What is a leg vise used for?

A1: A leg vise is widely used in holding and clamping workpieces in various machining and woodworking applications. The woodworking leg vises are popular among high-end and modern workshops because they can hold the workpieces firmly without marring.

Q2: Is a bench vise the same as an appliance?

A2: No. Although they serve similar purposes, a bench leg vise is mounted on the workbench or-appliance to hold the workpieces firmly. The bench vises are usually mounted on a sturdy work tabletop, whereas the vises are directly fastened to the legs of the workstation.

Q3: What are the different types of leg vises?

A3: There are many types of vise legs, and they are usually categorized based on their usage and functionality. The most common types include the chain, bench, hot work, swivel jaw, pipe, and parrot leg vises.

Q4: How do I lubric my leg vise?

A4: Proper lubrication can enhance the functionality and lifetime of the leg vise. To lubricate, apply a thin layer of grease on the threads and screw of the swivel and any moving parts. Then, wipe off any excessive or leftover grease. Finally, periodically examine the lubricant and add more when needed.