Vertex vise

Types of vertex vise

Vertex bench vises are available in many types to suit different applications. Some of the most common ones are as follows:

• Heavy-duty vertex vise: These heavy-duty vertex vises are larger in size and are made from heavier material to withstand the daily rigorous demands and to hold larger and heavier workpieces. Some come with a 360-degree swivel feature for easy workpiece positioning, while others have fixed mounting brackets for more stability. Some standard sizes of the heavy-duty bench vice are as follows: 5 inch, 6 inch, 7 inch, and 8-inch vice for 5 to 8 inch wide jaws. A similar and larger version of the heavy-duty vertex bench vise is the industrial vise. Many have an anvil on the top of the body that provides an alternative solution for metal forming tasks.
• Machinist vertex vise: The vertex machinist vise has precise jaws and features to grip workpieces securely. The jaws are parallel and have a flat-surfaced design to hold the workpiece tightly without uneven pressure that could cause damage to the item. The maximum opening size is usually around 150 mm.
• Pipe vertex vise: The pipe vertex vise features a jaw design with grooves that form a grip pattern to hold irregularly shaped objects like pipes firmly. Some models have rotating jaws that adjust to different sizes. Others have a channel between the jaws that allows the jaw to hold larger workpieces precisely. The pipe machinery vise also comes in different sizes with or without a swivel feature.
• Quick-release vertex vise: The defining feature of the quick-release machine vice is the fast clutch mechanism that allows for quick workpiece opening and closing. The jaw features a smooth flat surface to hold workpieces precisely and is available in many sizes
• Woodworking vertex vise: Unlike the heavy-duty wood vertex benchtop vise, woodworking vises are designed to grip oddly shaped workpieces like wood without applying uneven pressure. Jaws are wide and have a curved shape to allow for proper holding of the item. They are usually installed flush with the bench for aesthetic purposes.

Specifications and Maintenance

Specifications

• Sizes

  The Vertex vise comes in different sizes (104, 107, 113, 124, 127, 129, 134, 137, 139, 144, 154, 174, 184, 194, 224, and 284) to accommodate a wide variety of workpieces. Smaller sizes have a maximum width of around 5 inches, while larger ones can go beyond 10 inches. A common choice for woodworking is the 7-inch Vertex bench vise.

• Clamp force

  One can expect the machine to have clamping forces in the range of 1.7 kN to 15.3 kN. Larger models produce greater forces and are suitable for metalworking.

• Material

  Machine-grade cast iron is often used in the Vertex bench vise for the body to provide solid clamping and shock absorption. The choice of material enhances durability, while still being heavy enough to make the vise stable during operation.

• Weight

  The weight of a machine vise is quite significant, with some metalworking models exceeding 40 kg or even 60 kg due to their solid construction. A common woodworking vise weighs around 25 kg. Heavier bench vises offer more stability, minimizing movement when applying clamping or cutting forces.

Maintenance

• Regular Cleaning: It is essential to clean the vise frequently with a wire brush and blast of air to remove debris and dirt.
• Lubrication: Lubricate the movable parts of the machine with machine oil or grease for smooth movement. Periodically wipe the lubricant from the jaws and clean them to maintain a non-slip surface for holding workpieces.
• Inspect Parts: One should inspect key parts regularly. This includes the sliding mechanism, thread, bearings, and screws to identify any signs of wear, rust, or damage that may require immediate replacement.
• Storage: While the metal Vertex vise is immune to rot, it is still advisable to store it in a dry place and away from moisture to prevent rusting. Apply a thin layer of rust preventive on the exposed metal parts when storing it long-term.

Applications of Vertex Vise

As a vital tool in various industries vertex vises serve different purposes according to the field of application.

• Metalworking Industry

  In the metalworking industry, vertex bench vises are the kings. Be it welding, metal cutting, shaping, or any other job, metalworking has a myriad of tasks to perform that require utmost precision and stability. Vertex machinist vise are crucial for providing a steady grip on the workpieces so that machine operators can focus on their tasks and achieve greater accuracy levels every time without fail.

• Woodworking Industry

  Just like the metalworking industry has its own bench vise solution meant only for metals, there exists an identical yet completely different one designed exclusively for use with wooden workpieces. The woodworking benches come equipped with these types of holds that can easily accommodate irregularly shaped wooden pieces such as those found in furniture manufacturing shops or carpentry repair service providers.

• Automotive Sector

  Automotive sectors also utilize vertex positioners to fix vehicle parts' body during repairs or maintenance tasks. This includes changing tires; fixing brakes and suspension system components, among others, where there is need to cut, holes, straighten, reshape body parts, etcetera, which may involve activities like body panel replacement, wheel alignment checks, and engine inspection, etcetera, taking place inside a garage facility meant for cars only.

• Jewelry Making and Repair

  Jewelry making and the repair process involve using small vertex vises designed specifically for holding delicate items such as rings, bracelets, and necklaces while soldering, assembling, or designing new pieces of ornamentation.

• Medical Field

  Medical fields sometimes rely on vertex positioners to support surgical instruments during surgeries or to prepare diagnostic tests, etcetera, together with other associated equipment used within this particular domain like endoscopes, forceps, etc, which may have to be fixed into place temporarily prior to their intended usage, hence implying the need of having any handy aiding device at hand capable of holding them firmly alongside preferably being adjustable too.

• Laboratory Work

  Laboratory work requires precision handling of various scientific apparatuses. When conducting experiments or performing chemical reactions and biological procedures, among others, where pipettes, test tubes, beakers, and flasks, etc, need to be combined, mixed, or dissected, etc, so as to carry out some intended methodology according to given protocols precisely which could involve activities like carrying out molecular biology techniques such as polymerase chain reaction PCR; nucleotide sequencing; gene cloning; cell culture practices; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ELISA; Western blotting; Southern blotting; Northern blotting; fluorescence microscopy; confocal microscopy; flow cytometry, etc all of these laboratory technician duties entail the use of various types of laboratory equipment and supplies including lab benches upon which lab bench vises could be utilized hence implying that they are among other tools used commonly within laboratory settings too.

How to choose a vertex vise

When choosing a vertex vise for resale or industrial use, there are several factors to keep in mind.

• Choice of material

  The most critical consideration is the material quality of the vise. Look at the construction of the body and the jaws. Cast iron is the most common material.

• Compatibility with tasks

  A key reason to choose a specific type of vertex vise is whether it will perform important tasks. Many suppliers offer different types. Options like holding wood for carpentry, metal with straight, serrated jaws, or with pipe notches for plumbing are popular. Customers will ask about task compatibility.

• Products with unique features

  Some vertex vise consider unique features that could be a selling point. For example, swivel bases let the user rotate the fixed jaw to an ideal working position. A quick-release trigger lets the user loosen the movable jaw faster.

• Availability of repair parts

  Look for machines with removable parts. Jaws, threads, and pivot points need replacement over time. Keeping removable parts more accessible will help meet customer needs better.

• Brand and reputation

  Consider sourcing from brands with good industry reputation. Research their product's consistent quality and reliable performance. Find those who have extensive manufacturing experience. Check to see they offer reliable technical support and service when needed.

Vertex Vise FAQs

Q1: What are the most common sizes for vertex bench vises?

A1: The most common sizes for bench vises are 3-inch to 8-inch jaws. The right size for a person's needs will depend on the objects they work with, how much workspace they have, and the amount of clamping force they require.

Q2: Is a 5-inch vise big enough?

A2: A 5-inch bench vise is big enough for most DIY tasks and light to medium machining work. It will comfortably grip stock material of about 4-inch width.

Q3: Where should a bench vise be placed?

A3: A bench vise is placed on a workbench, and its height matches the user's waist. When the user stands next to it, the jaws are at waist level. So, there is no need to bend over or strain to work on the material. The clamping force makes the user body weight exert downward force on the stock material to secure it firmly.

Q4: Can a vise be too big?

A4: A vise that is too big makes it difficult to handle, occupy a large space, and require more mounting hardware. Its clamping force may also be excessive for delicate workpieces. A huge bench vise is also likely to be out of proportions with most DIY and light to medium professional jobs.