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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 5/30/2007 5:48:14 AM
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Found then lost the discussion about where to find vises that were sized to hold relatively small carvings.
I haven't had the opportunity to use one the two Dremel vise clamps I've come across. (Mostly due to local retailer's lack of return policies.)
One hardware chain which most American's are probably completely unaware of (as I was until graduate school took me to Canada) is Lee Valley Tools. When they ask you why you're returning something, three months later, its because they want to know why it didn't work for you and how it could be improved.
They have three small carver's vises. The vacuum vise that I have is easy to adjust in three dimensions, light weight, and can hold an 400 XPR firmly and without blocking ventilation slots. The vacuum foot can be removed intact and three small bolts used in place (very easy to do and can clearly see that they made allowances for such alteration by the internal design of the base). The "vacuum" is usually only solid for a few hours before the suction weakens enough for one to discover if friction alone is enough support.
The Veritas Carvers Vise looked too expensive and not quite suitable, at first. I haven't used it but, with hindsight, think that it would be more suitable. Hardware made by Veritas is on the expensive end, and often looks, to my inexperienced eye, rather unlikely. They (bench pups, hold down vise) work wonderfully and are built very, very well.
BSinYEG
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Supreme Being
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:29:49 PM
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I would use the vacuum vice I really like those that move in 3 dimensions and stick to any smooth service and it working with the XPR is a big plus. I am still looking for a vice and that will be something like that, that I get.
Doug 
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 6/12/2007 4:33:55 AM
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Noticed the chap on our local keycutters market stall using a large lump of modelling clay to hold little things like dog tags for engraving. Splashed out about £1 at the toy shop for a few packets and I've found that it works very well. (Be careful of coloured clay staining porous things, though.)
Sue
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Supreme Being
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 6:29:49 PM
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That sounds like a good idea I'll have to try that
Thanks Sue
Doug
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 1/5/2008 12:51:45 PM
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| There are a lot of different ways to hold items. Jewelers & engravers use a cast iron basin filled with pitch which they mely & set the iem in. It normally sits on a sand bag that aloows easilly changing the angle. Jewelers & clock makers also use a device like a vise with a grid of holes on the top that pegs fit into allowing irregular shaped items to be held. Clockmakers & modellers & engravers sometimes use a s****ac chuck to hold thin items - even for lathe use. It is just a peiece of brass with s****ac on it. The s****ac is softened with a flame from an alcohol burner & the thin item is stuck n by that. A newer wrinkle is to use super glue & remove it with heat - don't breathe the fumes though. A wide range of industries set small items in "investment" or Plaster of Paris to work on them. Lastly is a range of Vises called panavises used widely by industry, the military, NASA ... This is actually a product range with a split ball unit that allows rotating & angle changes. It comes in a normal & low profile vesion. It can be screwed directly to a table or a range of mounting accessories - a tray base, clamping sbase for tables etc, heavy meal bases, magnet mounts, vacuum base ... Then there is a range of vises themselves. The normal type vise can be got with nylon, teflon, brass or plated steel jaws with or without cross grooves. All can be seen a www.panavise.com They aren't cheap but are often available n eBay. They last forever & come with a lifetime warranty for the original user too. I love my panavises. Regards, Brian, Australia
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 1/5/2008 12:51:45 PM
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| A couple of last points I forgot. I've got panavises of differing ages. All parts are interchangeable. There is a panavise JUNIOR range. I've never used it. It is lighter & for hobby use but the price that the normal 300 series items go on eBay, I'd never bother to get it. Just a satisfied user. Regards, Brian.
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