Wilton bench vise

Types of Wilton bench vises

Bench vises are commonly found in woodworking shops and metalworking shops. The strong jaws can hold down objects in many shapes without breaking or damaging them. As one of the most popular bench vise brands, the Wilton bench vise comes in various types to suit different applications.

• General-purpose bench vise:

  General-purpose bench vises like the Wilton Tradesman are suitable for both beginners and experienced users. It features fixed and movable jaws that open wide to hold objects of varying sizes. Many designs also have straight steel jaw interiors that grip objects firmly. Some designs allow users to replace their interiors with softer materials that apply a gentler grip. General-purpose bench vises can hold objects like plumbing hardware, wood, metal, and various DIY projects.

• Wilton swivel bench vise:

  Swivel bench vises come with a lockable swivel base that adjusts the angle easily. Users can hold workpieces at any desired angle with a quick, simple motion. This type is popular in metalworking. People use it when welding, brazing, or doing other tasks that requires holding objects at odd angles. The Wilton machinist vise is a popular example.

• Wilton flush mount bench vise:

  A flush mount bench vise sits level with a workbench when not in use. This allows for full use of the workbench because the vise won't obstruct the surface. Another benefit of the flush mount design is that it provides easy access when clamping objects. This type works well in woodshops where large workpieces are common.

• Wilton pipe bench vise:

  Pipe bench vises are fixed steel jaws with multiple grooves. They can hold irregularly shaped objects like pipes and round bars. The grooves grip the object's surface evenly. As a result, they clamp down firmly without slipping. Some designs have an anvil integrated into the bench vise. Wilton anvil bench vises are great for blacksmiths or metal fabrication shops who need a hammering surface.

• Heavy-duty bench vise:

  Heavy-duty bench vises have bigger jaws and a thicker steel frame for improved capacity. They withstand higher clamping forces and equipment demands. A heavy-duty vise can hold the thickest and heaviest objects without breaking. It's mostly found in metal shops. Some users may find it too large and cumbersome for regular woodworking.

Specification and maintenance of the wilton bench vise

Apart from the parts discussed above, here are additional wilton bench vise specifications and their corresponding maintenance requirements.

• Base: The base of a bench vise can be stationary or rotatable and is mounted below the body. It provides stability and support. If the base is movable, it allows the tool to swivel/rotate. For maintenance, clean the base regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. This allows for proper tool and workpiece grounding. Lubricate all moving parts of a swivel/rotatable base to ease swivel/rotation. For stationary bases, ensure the grounding surface is stable and secure to avoid tipping over.
• Spindle: The spindle is a rod that controls the moving jaw. It moves in and out, enabling the tool to hold workpieces of different sizes. Due to its pivotal position in the tool's operation, the spindle needs regular cleaning to remove debris and dust. It also needs lubrication from time to time to ease the jaw's movement.
• Thread: The moving jaw is mounted on the thread. It has a helical groove that moves/stretches when the spindle moves. The thread needs cleaning and lubricating, just like the spindle, for proper jaw support and movement.
• Grommet: Also called jaw pads, grommets are protective rubber or plastic inserts on the jaw. They cushion the workpieces, especially those with finished surfaces. They prevent marring or denting. Grommets usually wear out over time. Hence, they require replacement to continue providing ideal cushioning and support.

Applications of Wilton Bench Vises

Applications of the Wilton bench vise are numerous owing to the widespread usage of these tools in different industries and fields. Wilton bench vises are critical tools in construction and carpentry, welding, machining, metalworking and hardware, mechanical repair and maintenance, artwork and DIY projects, and many other related applications.

In carpentry and woodworking, the Wilton bench vise is quite popular among woodworkers. It is used to hold wood pieces and work on them when making joints, cutting, planing, chiseling, and for other related operations.

Metalworkers also work with bench machinist vises. Wilton bench vise holders secure metal pieces like pipes, bars, bolts, and sheets. This makes cutting, welding, soldering, grinding, bending, threading, or performing any other operations easier.

The tool can also temporarily hold objects while doing some exercises in an educational setting, such as when working in the chemistry field. A bench vise is commonly used to hold test tubes or hold glass equipment when making repairs.

Regarding versatility, Wilton bench vises can be used to hold fast and support irregularly shaped objects. They can also be used to safeguard safely while cutting or carrying out other operations on electrical appliances and plumbing fixtures.

How to choose a Wilton bench vise

When looking for a Wilton bench vise for sale, it is important to consider various features to ensure they will meet the intended application's needs. Consumers should purchase the correct tool to hold the workpiece during different tasks.

Firstly, identify the workpieces the bench vise will hold. For irregular-shaped workpieces, an adjustable jaw with a sliding arm will be ideal. On the other hand, for thin workpieces, a bench vise with jaw liners would work perfectly to prevent any damage. Additionally, consider the material that will be held by the vise. A machinist bench vise with soft jaws is preferred for holding delicate metal components. Those working with wood prefer wood vises because they are usually wider and allow full jaw coverage.

Secondly, one must consider the type of mounting method their vise uses. In most cases, the mounting method varies depending on the intended application. Workbenches used in workshops for metalworking have thru holes to mount the bench tool using bolts in the holes. Workbenches used for woodworking mounted on the top using screws. Stand-alone workbench tools use a flange for side-mounting. In some cases, a quick-release vise is clamped to the workpiece.

Thirdly, when looking for a Wilton bench vise for sale, it is important to consider the mounting height. This is in relation to one’s workbench height. When mounting the vise on the workbench, ensure that its jaw is at the same height as the top of the workbench. If one is not sure of the jaw height, look for an adjustable vise to get a perfect alignment.

Another important feature to consider is the jaw width and opening. When looking to hold wider workpieces, large jaw widths and opening are ideal. They have massive jaws that can open wide to hold wide workpieces. On the other hand, standard jaw widths and openings can hold standard workpieces with ease. They are preferred for woodworking and metalworking tasks with standard workpieces.

Wilton bench vise Q & A

Q1. Why are bench vises so heavy?

A1. The heavier the bench vise, the better it will function. A workbench vise must stay still when users are cutting, pulling, or twisting. Therefore, adding mass is one method of ensuring that the bench vise stays still. Clamping force also adds mass, which is crucial for the heavy-duty bench vise application.

Q2. Is it worth buying a bench vise?

A2. A bench vise can be helpful in many ways. Therefore, it is worth buying one, even if it is a small and inexpensive one.

Q3. What is the lifespan of a bench vise?

A3. The lifespan of a bench vise can vary from a few years to several decades or even a century. Manufacturers design solid steel vises to last a lifetime if used correctly. Ancient vises from the last century are still functional today.

Q4. Can one use a bench vise outdoors?

A4. An outdoor bench vise will be exposed to many harmful elements, including rain, UV sunlight, air contaminants, temperature fluctuations, humidity, and snow. These elements can deteriorate the bench vise. To prolong its lifespan, park it inside whenever it is not in use.