Mounting Vice - Advice

[TrevS]

Hi All

My new vice arrived yesterday and I am trying to decide where the best place to mount it is. I wanted to put it to the left side of the bench (as I am right handed) but I want ensure I leave enough room to get my sheet metal folder in place and any panels I might be folding.

Any suggestions would be welcome.

Trev

 

[Ian Anderson]

Stand in front of the vice
Bend your arm at the elbow
Correct height for the top of the jaws is your elbow
Make sure you get it to this height or you'll get a bad back

Ian

 

[Gus Richmond]

Trev,

Ian is right about the height of the vice. Although I was told (when I was an apprentice) it is the point at which the file (or rasp etc) is least likely to deviate from a flat plane as you push over the work peice.
I guess if it is easier to do your work, your less likely to get a sore back.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" /><o></o>
Also when you bolt your vice to the bench top ensure the face of the rear (fixed) jaw protrudes past the bench top (particularly if the bench top overhangs). Otherwise when you try to hold a large item, say a panel, it will get cocked against the bench top when you tighten the vice.<o></o>
<o></o>
Regards, Gus.<o></o>
<o></o>

 

[TrevS]

Trev,

Ian is right about the height of the vice. Although I was told (when I was an apprentice) it is the point at which the file (or rasp etc) is least likely to deviate from a flat plane as you push over the work peice.
I guess if it is easier to do your work, your less likely to get a sore back.<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com<img src=" /><o></o>
Also when you bolt your vice to the bench top ensure the face of the rear (fixed) jaw protrudes past the bench top (particularly if the bench top overhangs). Otherwise when you try to hold a large item, say a panel, it will get cocked against the bench top when you tighten the vice.<o></o>
<o></o>
Regards, Gus.<o></o>
<o></o>

That's a very good point Gus, didn't think about the overhang on the bench, will have another look tonight.

 

[Roark_John]

I would say 1-2" BELOW elbow height. So long as you don't leave the handle in the up position, there will be nothing hard to strike your elbow on, should your limb deviate from it's intended path

 

[Cliff Beer]

I'm sorry Trevor, before I opened the thread I though you were indicating you have a "mounting vice" (kinda like a "smoking vice" or a "gambling vice") and need some advice what to do. Was thinking I think they have clinics for treatment of such ailments in places like Switzerland...

 

[Jack]

Tiger Woods could advise about the "Mounting Vice"..

 

[Rick S.]

I would say to be careful and not strain your back...