Multipurpose mini-vise

[morsa]

This project was made in april-2015.

The idea is borrowed from a naval modelism forum. The moment I saw it, I thought it was interesting and handy, so I saved the pictures, but I forgot to save the link.

It is made with a leftover piece of oak wood, 3/4”. The pins are 5/32” steel rods, and the stabilizers of the sliding jaw are reused 1/8” steel rods. Screws are 1/4” and 5/16”. The unique finish touch is boiled linseed oil.

Besides modelism, it could be useful to hold small wood pieces for carving, pyrography, drilling, gluing, painting, etc.















Regards, morsa.

[adt60]

Thanks for posting, simple, good and versatile design

[mklotz]

If I were to build one of these, I'd want to put some T-nuts in the bottom so I could thread in 3/8 or 1/2" studs. If you use this device near the edge of the bench it would want to pull away from you if you applied tools such as chisels or carving knives. The studs would be set to catch on the edge of the bench, like a bench hook, to keep the device from walking away from you as you worked. When not needed, the studs could be unscrewed leaving the bottom flat.

Also, some T-nuts that allow you to attach something like a 4 x 4 x 4" wooden cube to the bottom might be handy. Then the block could be clamped in the bench vise to bring the device closer to the eyes for better vision. This system would also allow the device to be clamped at an angle, which might make some carving positions easier.

Just some thoughts. It seems I can never let a good idea alone; I always need to embellish it. Perhaps that's why some of my self-made tools have so many options I forget why all the bits and pieces were put there.

[morsa]

Thanks, adt60.
Indeed, there are many possible uses, as well as many possible accessories that could be added to this mini-vise. Besides clamping with both vises, it is possible to clamp a work by using wedges between pins. It is possible to make pins in different diameters, or with plastic or silicone sleeves to avoid marring the work.... Imagination is the limit.

[adt60]

You presented basic vise and your reply to Marv shows your anticipation for addions/alterations. Marv has proposed good improvisations..
Thank you both

[morsa]

Thanks, mklotz.
I like both ideas; the stop cleat, instead of using like in a bench hook, could be clamped in a Moxon vise (http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/b...3325#post77840). Another possibility, instead of a stop cleat, is to attach a long cleat that can be clamped in the workbench (or in the bench top bench), so that is fixed in all directions.

The idea of the cube is great. It would work as a jeweler's vise.

I think i will try both. Thanks, again.

[morsa]

You presented basic vise and your reply to Marv shows your anticipation for addions/alterations. Marv has proposed good improvisations..
Thank you both

Sorry. When I wrote the reply to your message, I hadn't seen the post of mklotz. And when I was writing the reply to mklotz, I hadn't seen this message. I take long to write in English.

[mklotz]

If you decide on a cleat, don't fix it permanently to the device; make it removable. You'll certainly have occasions to use the device on a flat surface without if being tilted by the cleat.

If you do any carving with palm chisels, engraving with gravers, or checkering with checkering files, you'll want the work very close to your torso to maximize the amount of control you have over these hand-held tools. That's why I'm advocating some means of stabilizing the device close to where you're sitting at the edge of the bench.

[mklotz]

I've used the cube idea before in my miniature table for the mill...

http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/m...ng-table-27312

I also have a Dremel tool holder similar to this one...

Dremel Moto-tool Holder & Base Adapter Model 2217 New Old Stock | eBay

bolted to a wooden plate that has a chunk of 2 x 4 screwed to the bottom. Clamped in the bench (metalworking) vise, it brings the tool up to the perfect height to work standing.

[morsa]

Of course, the cleat would be removable, with T-nuts, as you suggested. Though I like, I do scarce carvings; most of the time, I don't even need the vise is fixed, but this accessory could be useful.

By the way, these nuts (type D inserts) are used to fix the side vise, as well as to drive both vises screws:





PD. Wonderful that miniature milling table, and handy this Dremel support.