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Millers, machinists and other skilled professionals who rely on lathes, drills, and other machines likely have a set of tools that are essential for getting the job done. Among them is the machinist’s clamp, or vise.
The machinist’s clamp is a tool that consists of two opposing jaws fastened together at one end by a swivel and at the other, in several sizes and styles, by a heavy-duty clamping arrangement, most often with a nut and bolt. The clamp is designed to firmly lock the pieces of a job together, allowing them to be manipulated precisely and their properties measured. Besides the simple clamping action, machinist’s clamps can provide increased control and safety when moving, cutting, or working with heavy and potentially dangerous pieces.
The clamp most commonly used for lathes and milling machines is the flat-jaw type. While similar clamps are available that feature round and/or serrated jaws, flat jaws are safer and easier to use when going up to higher cutting speeds. For example, flat-jaw clamps usually provide better grip on the edge of the work piece, meaning a lower risk of it slipping from the vise. The flat jaws of the machinist’s clamp also make it easier to set components up for measurement since many of the measurements made with these tools require a flat surface.
In lathes and milling machines, flat-jaw clamps are typically held in place by C-clamps. These clamps use an oversized base for added stability and for combining several clamps together to hold larger items. The simple construction of a flat-jaw clamp means that it is relatively easy to produce, making them readily available and relatively affordable.
Length and width of the clamp combined with the strength of its materials and connection type (bolt, nut, etc.) determine the maximum clamping force possible. Most machinist’s clamps measure anywhere from 2” to 6” wide and are rated to hold anywhere from a few hundred pounds to around 3000 lbs. Smaller clamps are usually used on hobbyist projects while larger, industrial-grade clamps can be used to assemble automobiles, aircraft, and other large machines.
Proper use of a machinist’s clamp involves identifying which grade and size of clamp is appropriate. Some jobs require a large heavy-duty clamp to securely hold and manipulate the components, while other will only need a small, light-duty clamp to keep the piece in place. Additionally, machinists should always ensure that the workpiece is firmly and uniformly placed between the clamps, that the clamp is less than two times the thickness of the workpiece, and that the jaws of the clamp are not damaged. These safety guidelines, when properly observed, can help machinists and other computer users produce better results and remain protected from risk and injury.
