Multipurpose mini-vise

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.

Attachment 14903

Attachment 14904

Attachment 14905

Attachment 14906

Attachment 14907

Attachment 14908

Attachment 14909

Regards, morsa.

Thanks for posting, simple, good and versatile design

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.

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.

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

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adt60

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

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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.

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.

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.

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:

Attachment 14918



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

Your http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/m...ng-table-27312 makes me think: what about constructing a vise like this in aluminum?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by morsa

Your http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/m...ng-table-27312 makes me think: what about constructing a vise like this in aluminum?

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Yes, easily done. If you regard it as sacrificial, as I do, then drilling and tapping for unique clamping requirements makes it even more flexible.

Thanks Morsa, I love the idea of this small work station with all the possibilities. I've got a couple of small carving projects in the wings and was thinking of using my Panavise 396 but being able to hold the piece flat with pins or clamps is great.

Thanks for all the great ideas, guys! ~PJ

Thanks, PJs.
Besides carving with hand tools, it would be useful for small "power carvings", this is, by using milling tips in the Dremel.
We hope to see your version of a work station.

Morsa and PJs,

The PanaVise Wide Opening Head with the soft rubber jaws has been one of favorite vises for over forty years when it comes to holding small and hard to hold delicate parts even though the jaws are designed for larger work like printed circuit boards (also excellent way to hold PCB when using a vacuum de-soldering tool).

Paul

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Paul Jones

Morsa and PJs,

The PanaVise Wide Opening Head with the soft rubber jaws has been one of favorite vises for over forty years when it comes to holding small and hard to hold delicate parts even though the jaws are designed for larger work like printed circuit boards (also excellent way to hold PCB when using a vacuum de-soldering tool).

Paul

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Roger that Paul. For PWA work they are a must have in my book too. I've only had mine for about 2 decades but it is my go to for small stuff, including small detail & Dremel/fret saw work. The best thing for mine is the Heavy base I have. I have the #308 weighted base and makes it stable as heck and still portable. My neoprene jaws finally died a couple of years ago and got replacements from Amazon.

~PJ

Thanks, PJs and Paul Jones.
That PanaVise looks great, but since I don't have one :( I'll keep using this mini-vise.
By the way, sometime ago I was tempted to buy the Dremel multi-vise (DREMEL® Multi-Vise (2500)), which is cheaper. Any opinion about this vise?

Morsa,
I have no experience or general knowledge of the Dremel multi-vise or how it is made. The PanaVise Wide Opening Head is very well made with all metal construction (except for the rubber jaws) and can take a lot of abuse without breaking (mine is more than 40 years old and no problems).
Paul

The negative reviews on Amazon...

https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-2500-0...owViewpoints=0

seem to indicate that it is made mostly of easily-broken plastic.

I have both models of the Panavise as well as the universal ball base...

https://www.amazon.com/Panavise-0081...words=panavise

and table clamp...

https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Benc...se+table+clamp

All this Panavise equipment is made completely of metal and is very sturdy.

My advice is get the Panavise and forget the Dremel vise.

Thanks, Paul Jones and mklotz for your meaningful advice. It's a clear example that cheap goes expensive, and how useful is feedback. The Dremel multi-vise is completely discarded, and I'll try to get a PanaVise or PanaVise "junior" miniature vise.
Thanks, again.

Morsa: I've seen the vice before but don't own it. I do have lots of the other Dremel tools like the Drill press, router table and a good assortment of other attachments. I have found as Marv points out on the reviews that they are a bit flimsy to my liking, particularly the drill press, mainly because of the plastic construction IMHO. I do use it as a stand to hold the Dremel stationary at an angle then bring the work to it and it's pretty good for that...but as a DP it flexes and the indexing head is Very flimsy. I originally go it to drill circuit boards but found it hard to place holes accurately with Carbide Circuit board drills (baby end Mills). The router attachment and router table are OK for light stuff but has limitation with the plastic tool mount in them. Basically the Dremel stuff works as long as you stay within its limits and go easy on the plastic parts.

Personally from the look of the table clamp and square drive single rod for the jaws, I think this one will flex too and that wing screw will probably fail. The ball looks OK but need to hold it in my hand to know for sure. But for less than half the price (on Amazon) it might have it's uses for light work.

One other vice I've had since early teens is a "Black & Decker Workmate 8" bench top work center & vise". Used it a lot for lots of stuff including circuit boards/perf board wire wrap and modeling work but they don't make them any more. I love it for wire wrapping but don't do that much any more. Can't seem to get rid of it because it's perfect for some things and has held up for 5+ decades. Found one on E-bay...here is the link...think it was <$20 new when I got it. :lol:

New in Box Vintage Black & Decker Workmate 8" Work Center & Vice Hobbycrafter (7 | eBay

In the end I'm with Marv and Paul...get the Panavise if you can and add goodie as you can...you won't regret it.

However your mini table is a Rock Star :dance: for small work because of the pins and stops and moxon vises!!

Regards,
~PJ

Thanks, PJs. I also have all these Dremel-accessories and have no complaints, that's why I was tempted to buy the Dremel multi-vise. Time ago, Dremel also made a Dremel Project Table 2600 (https://www.rapidonline.com/dremel-p...e-2600-85-0411), similar to that from B&D, now discontinued.
On the other hand, the Dremel multi-vise and the PanaVise "junior" (https://www.amazon.com/PanaVise-Mode...YSDQH68BSQ7P6X) are at the same price, and the last is made in metal, so it could be a good option.

I hate to be a wet blanket but I became suspicious when I read the following sentence, quoted from the "Product Description" writeup on the referenced page...

Lightweight, yet durable, the vise is designed around a vise head assembly constructed of a black glass reinforced thermal composite alloy connected to a die cast zinc base by PanaVise's patented ball joint clamp system, known as a "split-ball."

"glass reinforced thermal composite" sounds like advertising copywriter double-speak for "plastic" to me.

So, I looked at the reviews. I always read the one star reviews first and there I found this...

The metal base is very strong and sturdy, but I was disappointed with the flimsy plastic jaws. They are too long, and flex too much to get a tight grip.

The Junior may be usable but I'm of the opinion that there should be no plastic in any vise, other than perhaps jaw pads.

As always, caveat emptor.

Thanks, mklotz. It's very clear.
To be honest, I wanted to use the online gift card (http://www.homemadetools.net/forum/h...pup%94-53537-2) and the difference with the PanaVise 396 price is important. So, I'll think if I pay this difference or search for another item.
Thanks again for your advice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by morsa

Thanks, PJs and Paul Jones.
That PanaVise looks great, but since I don't have one :( I'll keep using this mini-vise.
By the way, sometime ago I was tempted to buy the Dremel multi-vise (DREMEL® Multi-Vise (2500)), which is cheaper. Any opinion about this vise?

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I can't comment on the Dremel as I've never seen one. Honestly I don't have a good opinion of most of the Dremel labeled accessories on the market but that is me.

PanaVise on the other hand has been an industry standard for years now. We use a few at work and I honestly haven't seen a better alternative. Frankly the price is reasonable for the quality.

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Thanks morsa! We've added your Mini Vise to our Vises category,
as well as to your builder page: morsa's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

<div id="blocks"> <div class="block b1 pngfix"> <div class="bimg"> <div> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-mini-vise-3"> <img src="/uploads/159981/homemade-mini-vise-3.jpeg"/> </a> </div> </div> <div class="head pngfix"></div> <div class="left pngfix"></div> <div class="right pngfix"></div> <div class="blockover b1 pngfix"> <div class="title"> <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/homemade-mini-vise-3">Mini Vise</a> <span> by <a href="http://www.homemadetools.net/builder/morsa">morsa</a></span> </div> <div class="tags">tags: <a href='http://www.homemadetools.net/tag/vise'>vise</a> </div> </div> </div> </div>
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Strong and clear, wizard69. Thanks for your helpful advice.