Material for Toolmakers Vise?

One of my students wants to make a small toolmakers vise similar to the ones shown at

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The approximate dimensions of the two vises shown are 6 x 2.5 x 2 and 3.5 x 1.5 x 1.5

Looking at the on line resources he found 01, A2 and D2 steels listed and would like some guidance as to what material to use.

On Monday I will be calling around to the local tool shops hoping to scrounge a piece of suitable stock. Maybe we will get lucky.

This kid does not have internet access at home or I would have assigned him to scout this out. To post from the computers at school is not viable as they have the systems locked up tight as a tick with net nanny type software. For a look at a fine young machinist see

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Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Errol Groff Instructor, Machine Tool Department H.H. Ellis Tech

613 Upper Maple Street Danielson, CT 06239

860 774 8511 x1811

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Reply to
Errol Groff
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For economy I would go with hot rolled mild steel - for the learning - case harden critical surfaces. Regards. Ken.

Reply to
Ken Davey

A good thought, and one we had discussed, but he wants to go with toolsteel if possible. This is the rare student who, when given an assignment, I can expect it to be done properly and in a timely fashion.

Thanks for your thought!

Errol Groff

Reply to
Errol Groff

I would advise O1. It is the easiest to machine out of the three choices. The whole thing can be heat treated and then tempered. If you have the stuff to do case hardening then a real deep case on hot rolled would also be good. But even .015 case is not enough if that's all you can achieve. I have some hard jaws with a thin case and even though hard the still dent easily when clamping some thing small and hard and minute cracks form around the dent. Just my opinions and worth what ya paid. Cheers, Eric R Snow, E T Precision Machine

Reply to
Eric R Snow

I made one of those out of a casting. It actually takes a remarkable amount of time to get something like that finished. The real issue is how to guide the moveable jaw accurately with very little play such that it doesn't lift when the vice is tightened.

You may want to look into making a screwless version. I will be making one as a second year project for my apprenticeship. They're nice for several reasons. The method of clamping ensures that the movable jaw will pull the work down. Also, when you have it all the way open, you don't have a screw hanging out the back end.

Just a thought..

Regards,

Robin

Reply to
Robin S.

OK, "I gots t'know". What is a toolmakers vise used for? Bob

Reply to
Bob Engelhardt

Use A-2 Were are you located at and when does he need it Ray Mueller Mueller Machine & Tool Co.

Reply to
SMuel10363

replace were with where

Reply to
SMuel10363

Try using puncuation marks; It make things much easier to read.

Wha ts thene xt th ing togo Pro perspa cing

RichMc Cart yMcC arty

Reply to
Rich McCarty

I have some odd surplus pieces that might be suitable:

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Reply to
Richard J Kinch

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