Vice bench

Types of Bench Vices

A bench vice is a mechanical device used to clamp and grip an object securely. The function of a vice bench is to hold an object firmly in place to enable machining operations like cutting, chiseling, drilling, filing, etc. Machinists and metalworkers make use of the benchtop vice to hold metal pieces while working on them. One can find workbench vices in workshops, garages, and schools.

The parts of a bench vice include the jaws, body, arm, screw, mount holes, clamp, anvil, throat, and face. The jaws are perhaps the most recognized parts of the bench vice. They comprise two parts – the fixed jaw and the movable jaw. The fixed jaw remains in place and is often mounted flush to the worktable. The movable jaw moves towards the fixed jaw to clamp objects of varying thickness. The body of the bench vice comprises cast iron or steel for durability. It is further divided into parallel, offset, and perpendicular body designs. The arm or jaw plates apply pressure to hold an item in place. Other parts of the bench vice include the screw that opens and closes the jaws, the mount holes used to secure the vice to the table or work surface, the clamp holes, anvil hole, throat, and face.

There are many different types of bench vices.

• Woodworking Bench Vises: This is the most common type of bench vise. As the name implies, the bench vise is mainly used by woodworkers to hold wood pieces firmly in place when cutting, joining, or performing other operations. The woodworking bench vice comes in different designs and may feature a non-flat jaw akin to the anatomy of an apple.
• Mechanics Vise: Also known as the machinist vise, this unit is designed to hold heavier and larger objects. The moving jaw is usually wide to accommodate bulkier objects. Like the woodworking bench vise, the jaws can be parallel to each other, but they will also have a much larger throat depth to hold thicker objects.
• Pipe Vise: This specialized vise is used to hold pipes and, on rare occasions, other cylindrical objects.
• Swivel Vise: This bench vise has a swivel base which allows the user to easily rotate the object being clamped to different angles. This is especially useful for tasks that require working on all sides of the object.
• Locking Vise: Also known as a clone of the famous C-clamp, the locking bench vise features a locking mechanism that holds the object in place. It is similar to the machinist locking vise but larger and bulkier.

Specifications of Bench Vices

Bench vices have various specifications depending on the type and uses. Here are some of the common specifications that may be available from suppliers.

• Sizes: The sizes of a vice bench are usually provided in inches. They include the overall width of the bench vise and the jaw width. For standard bench vices, the sizes can range from 2 to 8 inches. Besides, mini vices can have sizes of even below 2 inches, whereas massive ones for industrial use can be above 8 inches.
• Clamping Force: This is the maximum force exerted by the jaws of the bench to hold objects. The clamping force is measured in pound-feet (lb-ft) or newton-meter (Nm). Bench vices with larger sizes exert higher clamping forces. For standard bench vices, the clamping force can range from 300 lb-ft to over 2000 lb-ft.
• Weight: The weight of a bench vice is an essential feature that influences its stability and portability. Light-weighted bench vices are easier to carry and more suitable for light work. However, the heavier ones offer more stability for a broad range of uses. Bench vices with smaller sizes and for light use typically weigh less than 20 lbs. For heavier models, the weight can be as much as 100 lbs and more.
• Materials: Materials play a significant role in the performance of a machined product such as a bench vice. The machine's body, base, and jaws are typically made of cast iron or steel for durability, strength, and longevity. As a result, both the moving and the stationary jaws of an ironnite steel bench vise are built to withstand wear and high stress.

Maintenance of Bench Vices

Maintaining a bench vice machine helps to prolong its lifespan, enhances its kind, and reduces wear and tear. Regular cleaning ensures that no debris or dirt builds up in the jaws or within the clamps. Here are some of the maintenance tips for a bench vice:

• When cleaning a vise bench, it is advisable to use only mild soap and warm water. The solution should be used to wipe the vice to avoid damaging the clamps or jaws.
• Before using a bench vice, ensure that the area is clear of obstacles and debris to avoid damaging the workpiece or the tools.
• When dust settles onto the vice, it's better to cast it out as this could damage its performance and functionality over time.
• The moving parts of a bench vise should be well-oiled frequently to avoid rust formation and ensure smooth operation. Greasing and oiling can also minimize wear and tear.

Scenarios of using a bench vice

A bench vice holds workpieces securely for various tasks, including cutting, drilling, filing, and welding. Here are some usage scenarios for a bench vice and where it is commonly used.

• Joinery and carpentry: In joinery and carpentry workshops, a bench vice is used to hold woodwork during joinery, carpentry, and cabinetry projects. The working pieces are secured for precise cutting, drilling, mortising, chiseling, Pass more accurate and easier operations.
• Metalwork: A bench vice is an essential tool in metal workshops. It holds metal workpieces as smiths cut, shape, weld, drill, grind, or file. The tool enables precision work as metals are manipulated to produce hardware, jewelry, ornaments, and other products.
• Plumbing: Plumbing tasks involve working with metal-related structures. Plumbers often use bench vices to hold pipes and other plumbing fittings as they saw, cut, or ream them during installation or maintenance tasks.
• Assembly works: A bench vice comes in handy during assembly works involving different materials. Workpieces are held in place as technicians install parts together using fasteners, adhesives, or mechanical means to produce a final product.
• Leatherwork and saddlery: In leatherwork and saddlery craftsmanship, a mini bench vice can hold small leather or saddleworkpieces securely while they are cut, stitched, or dyed. It enhances accuracy and simplifies these tasks.
• Hobbies and repairs: Hobbyists and repair technicians can also use a bench vice for various tasks. They can use it to hold objects like toys, bicycles, and electrical appliances as they carry out repair and maintenance duties. The tool can also be used during jewelry making, model building, and clock repairing.

How to Choose a Bench Vice

When purchasing a heavy-duty bench vice or any other type, it is critical to first focus on the features before going for the most popular brand. Investigate things such as which strength rating matches the intended use, where it's going to be mounted, what materials will be used with it, and whether or not one needs to oversize to prevent accidents.

As the name suggests, sturdy bench holding tools for working with metal are usually mounted to a workbench. Vices that are not meant to be permanently clamped down will have bolts for clamping to the area of the bench where they will ordinarily be used. Some are designed so that one person can use it independently without the help of another or any additional equipment.

A true friend for anyone working with metal is a jaw that will not wear out quickly and provides sufficient grip to hold even the biggest pieces in place. Wear of the jaws happens over time, depending on how often the user works with metal. A bench vice for wood has soft jaws made of cork, rubber, or other soft material to prevent damage to the object being worked on. One can easily replace them and enjoy, yet, a longer lifespan.

Advanced locking mechanisms prevent accidents, and those with quick-release levers enable speedy repositioning. Many users prefer locking mechanisms that are simple to operate with one hand, while others prefer those that require both hands to operate.

In addition to holding, vices with vertical, horizontal, or even combined pipe jaw orientations hold and grip rounded objects, making them easy to work with when one does not have special tools for holding pipes. Other bench vices have interchangeable jaws of different shapes and sizes to accommodate various objects and shapes, including C and D-shaped ones.

When buying bench vices for sale, customers will be interested in the gripping force, which normally increases with size. Smaller vices usually have around 1500 pounds of jaw force, while larger ones have up to 7,000 pounds of jaw force, piping. Consider what users will be working with so they don't oversize or be found wanting when the jaw force is too low. A 4-inch bench vice is straightforward to use and sufficient for working with everyday objects like tools.

Q&A

Q1: What are the trends of the global vice bench market?

A1: The global bench vise market is witnessing an impressive growth trend. Key market driving factors are the greater use of sturdy material in making bench vises and increasing demand for industry-grade tools among end-users. According to documents, the bench vise market is expected to inflate up to USD 486 million by 2030.

Q2: What are the impacts of the COVID-19 bench vise market?

A2: The global vise market suffered minor impacts during the COVID-19 era. Lockdowns worldwide forced various industries to stay idle for several months. Hence, the product's demand from industrial sectors declined. However, the market started to gradually resume operations post-COVID, and demand from industrial and commercial sectors boosted.

Q3: What is the future of the bench vise?

A3: The bench vise market is set to witness great potentials in the next few years. Several factors are propelling more future opportunities. The automotive sector is among the greatest driving forces of the vise market.

Q4: Do suppliers offer customization services for the bench vise?

A4: Many bench vise suppliers on Alibaba.com offer OEM/ODM services. They can manufacture products according to buyers' specific requirements. Some are willing to collaborate with buyers who want to establish exclusive brands to share their experiences and resources.

Q5: Which is better, a single-anvil bench vise or a double-anvil?

A5: The choice between a single and double anvil bench vise depends on the intended use. A single anvil vise is typically easier to manufacture and more affordable. Conversely, the double anvil bench vise provides an increased range of clamping angles and greater versatility.