Even a seemingly simple technological process, such as cutting a piece of steel angle that is exact in size, requires the use of special devices. For convenient fixation and further machining of various parts, metal yews are used (the more common and common name in use is: vise). The market now offers a wide variety of models of these useful and sometimes irreplaceable devices from various manufacturers.
Purpose and device
Regardless of size and modification, all the vice has one purpose - to fix the part in a position convenient for processing. The main parts of any vice are:
- case with fastening elements;
- a clamping device consisting of two parts between which the workpiece is fixed;
- a worm (screw) mechanism by which the clamp is carried out.
The body parts of the bench yews are made of cast iron (SCh20, SCh25, SCh30) and steel (45 and 45L), steel (45) is used to manufacture the lead screw .
Varieties
For bench yews GOST 4045-75, which entered into force in 1977, provided for only three varieties of these technical devices:
- general purpose;
- with rotary jaws;
- with additional jaws for fastening pipes.
However, over the past decades, manufacturers have significantly expanded the range of such devices for both domestic and professional use. For example, the rotation of the clamped part in some vise models can be carried out in several planes.
According to the method of use, the vise is divided into:
- hand-held devices that are held in hands with the component clamped in them;
- stationary devices that attach to a workbench or desktop.
Dimensions
Among the basic geometrical sizes of locksmith yews, three most important can be distinguished:
- The magnitude of the maximum extension of the jaws. The maximum thickness of the part that can be fixed in a vice directly depends on this indicator. For large locksmith yews with a fixed mount, this figure can reach 250 mm.
- The width of the sponges. The reliability of the fastening of the part will depend on this value. For manual devices, this characteristic does not exceed 50 mm, for stationary devices - 200-250 mm.
- Clamping height - distance from the horizontal center of the jaws to the central stop. The higher its value, the larger the size of the workpieces that can be reliably fixed. Depending on the model and dimensions of the vise, this indicator ranges from 65-75 mm (for a vise with a screw mount) to 150 mm (for stationary devices).
Vise
Manual bench vice is the simplest and cheapest kind of devices of this type. Structurally, they consist of two halves fastened with a hairpin; crimp screw with lamb and return spring, expanding halves when loosening the bolt. They are used when the workpiece is not very comfortable to hold. For safety reasons, it is useful to use such a device, for example, when working on an electric sharpener, when you need to grind a part and not injure your hands. The thickness of the part that can be clamped in such a device, as a rule, does not exceed 50 mm. The price is low and is in the range of 400-500 rubles.
Desktop Mounting Methods
According to the method of attachment to the desktop (or workbench), the vice produces two varieties:
- using a screw mechanism;
- rigid fastening with bolts.
The first category is quite universal and allows you to easily install the device only for the duration of locksmithing. Convenient and simple disassembly of the device allows you to quickly free up space on your desktop when there is no need for a vice. The main disadvantages of these models are:
- limited size of the thickness of the clamped part (usually not more than 100 mm);
- small sponge width (up to 75 mm).
A vice with a fixed mount to the work surface is available in a variety of sizes. The price range for such devices is quite large. So massive bench yews with 200 mm Stayer Standard sponges cost about 5300 rubles, and a similar Zubr Expert model (manufactured according to all the requirements of GOST 26358) costs 11,200 rubles.
Swivel Bench Vise
Vise models that have a rotary device are very convenient for all kinds of locksmithing. The turning angle of the clamped part is 360 -. Therefore, for example, to cut the workpiece at an angle, it is enough to loosen the lock of the turntable, rotate it to the required angle, and again compress the locking device.
The most popular are yew bench turning 150 mm. The lineup is quite wide. So the vice of this modification from FIT can be purchased for 3300-3400 rubles. A model "Heavy Duty 150 mm" from Wilton will cost already 6800-7300 rubles.
Some manufacturers produce a vice with the ability to change the position of a fixed workpiece in two or three planes. Typically, such devices are used in precision work and in the manufacture of complex small parts. The size of the jaws of such devices usually does not exceed 75 mm.
Vise for pipes
A specific kind of bench vise is special devices into which round pipes can be clamped for further processing. For domestic use, two varieties of pipe vise are used:
- with a spongy crimping mechanism (for working with pipes with a diameter of up to 90 mm);
- with a chain clamping mechanism for fixing pipes with a diameter up to 165 mm.
What to look for when choosing
How to choose a metal yew, and what are the main points to consider:
- Installation method. If you have a special room for the performance of locksmith work (a garage, a barn in the country or a workshop), then a vise with a fixed mount to the workbench is quite suitable for you. Well, if you intend to use the device from case to case, and there is no place for its permanent installation, then it is most advisable to purchase a vise with a screw mount.
- The size of the parts you plan to handle. The choice of such technical characteristics of a vise, as the amount of extension of the clamping jaws, their width and height of the clamp, directly depends on their size.
- The versatility of the device. Now in the construction market you can easily purchase a product that allows you to clamp both flat parts and pipes. For example, the universal “Pratik” model from Wilton (with a rotary device of 180 °, a jaw size of 115 mm, a flow rate of 75 mm), with integrated jaws for clamping pipes, costs 2500-2800 rubles.
- The ability to install interchangeable jaws. If you plan to work with materials of different hardnesses, then this option will be very useful for you. For example, by installing sponges made of polymer plastic, you can process wooden blanks in them without the risk of damage to the edges.
- The presence of anvil. A fairly convenient fixture, which is on many vise models. However, it must be used very carefully, since cast iron does not tolerate shock loads.
Finally
The choice of bench yews today is very wide both in size and purpose, and in price. If you plan to use this device only for short-term locksmithing, for example, in the process of repairing an apartment, then it is enough to purchase an inexpensive model. To conduct operations on a regular basis, it is better to purchase a reliable and durable product from a time-tested manufacturer. Although such a device will be quite expensive, you can be sure of its reliability and durability.