by R.G. Sparber
Before we had the need for interchangeable parts, machines were made by “cutting to fit.” There is nothing wrong with this approach in the hobby shop. The vise I built depends heavily on cut to fit techniques. Many holes must perfectly line up, but this is done by match drilling. Overall accuracy is achieved by first bolting together the parts and then machining the resulting structure all over and in place without moving it.
The vise has a clamp screw which pulls the movable jaw towards the fixed jaw. The clamping action causes the movable jaw to pivot up about .003” off of the vise ways. A locking screw pulls it back down. The result is a lockdown action similar to a Kurt vise, yet costing far less. For shop drawings and shop procedures, please visit my website.
Please do us a tremendous favor and share this tip with your machining friends!
