My Vise Thread

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Well all this talk about vises got me to thinking on my own vise problems. With my new welding table in my prime work area not having a vise on it I've wished for one several times. Earlier this week rain prevented me from doing my primary need to get out job so I got to thinking about doing something about the vise problem.   I have several pretty good vises I've collected for cheap or free over the years out in storage. I didn't want to good a vise on my welding table though since it tends to get punished pretty badly. I also didn't want it to be to heavy to lift since I planned on using receivers so I could get rid of the vise when I didn't want it or have it in different levels or locations. I picked this smaller version of my big vise. It didn't have a base and has a crack in the beam (just like my big one did). But it's about right for the job.  As you can see I didn't spare on the receivers for the vise. I wanted maximum versatility. Two of the positions put the top of the jaws nearly exactly level with the top of the table. That way it doesn't get in the way of large pieces and it also allows me to use it to clamp work and lay another piece on the table to weld them at 90 deg.   It's also got a fairly long tube on it allowing moving away from the table for clearance if needed. more pics coming Attached ImagesMillermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:More positions and a pic of the receivers.  I made the receivers by cutting 2 1/2" x 3/16" wall tubing to 6" lengths. I then drilled into the corner (so only one set screw needs tightened or loosened to move the vise). and welding nuts on. The setscrews have had the cups mostly ground off so they don't chew the tube up to badly.   We also had to make the base. I found this piece in the pile with the partially drill big hole in the middle and 4 holes drilled already. I decided it would make a good piece for the base. A little turning so as to undercut where the teeth go a make the outside the right dia. Faced clean and parallel then setup on the mill with a rotary table for cutting the slots. Attached ImagesMillermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Then on to the big vise. It had a very hard life long before I got it for free. At some point somebody had broken the rear vise jaw off and some else had kinda brazed it back on. I used it like that for several years before the back jaw came off again.   It stayed like that for a number of years with me always saying that I was going to put some of those good vise jaws I had stashed from auction on it. Well after doing the welding table vise I had a little time before the end of the day and decided to throw it on the mill and do just that. I still want to replace the other jaw one of these days but it's a lot more usable now. Attached ImagesMillermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Being able to mill it sure does make it look nice. I like the reciever idea. I will incorporate it into my table when I make one.
Reply:Good idea.Why is your table on bricks?Torchmate 2x2 CNC with Flashcut CNC controlsHypertherm Powermax45 Esab ET220i Razorweld 195 MigRazorweld 200ac/dc TigTormach 770, Tormach xstechRazorweld, Vipercut/Vipermig, SSC Foot Pedal Dealer
Reply:Originally Posted by cold1Being able to mill it sure does make it look nice. I like the reciever idea. I will incorporate it into my table when I make one.
Reply:Nice...I have sort of the same setup on my welding table and my work bench, It's nice to have the option of moving the vise or tools to different locations or angles..Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:Thanks.   I put the vise on my old faithful welding table in a adjustable manner as well. It's worked well for many years. http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=55763  I forgot that I had to replace the old bolt handle on the first vise as well. I turned the ends on the lathe and welded them to the end of the piece of cold rolled.Millermatic 252XMT 304'sDynasty 280DXHypertherm PowerMax 1250Miller Trailblazer 302 EFIOptima PulserXR feeder and XR Edge gun and more athttp://members.dslextreme.com/users/waynecook/index.htm
Reply:Originally Posted by GambleGood idea.Why is your table on bricks?
Reply:Great vice thread!
Reply:Great job as always there Wayne.The ability to set the vise at different heights is very nice. I especially like the fact you have the vise set at the top of the table height. I've often worked with a vise set separately at that height. One other option having all those receivers is that you can also set up sliding extensions to help support larger or odd shaped projects. I used to work with a guy who had the whole front edge and end set up like that so you could simply slide them out if need be to support a larger item when needed.I also especially like the new base. I picked up a cheap vise recently someone had originally welded the base to a table, so the base is pretty F'd up when they cut it off. I'm planning to use it as a truck vise. I'll have to look closer at the base and see if I can't do something like you did. the original plan was to just weld it in place, but a vise that I can turn would be nice. All the swivel vises I've had were a PITA though..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Irish Fixit . . .Nice setup! Hobart Handler 190Hobart Spool-Gun 100Lincoln 225 ACMiller & Pipeliner HoodDewalt 14" Chopsaw, GrindersHarris O/AVictor TorchCustom Built O/A CartCustom Welding CartHeavy Duty 16 Speed Floor Drill PressPipe-BenderDrill Doctor
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749That's a nice setup.I use a smaller one with a vertical square receiver mount.My big vise is mounted on its own pedestalAs always, nice stuff Wayne.