Vises, Parallels & Springs...

[Toolmaker51]

Many ways can retain parallels in a vise set-up. Normally the idea is they are supported during part changes, plus keeping swarf from getting underneath.
I commonly retain them with an arched spring, using steel tape found on palletized shipments.

Common sizes are 1/2", 3/4" and 1" wide, add a couple leaves when more pressure is required.

Notice the trick for sawn material, to avoid the burr at the lower edges.

Narrower parallels on the outside give plenty of burr clearance. Saves a lot of time in multiple parts, first off by saving at least one de-burr on each.

[thehomeengineer]

Hi Toolmaker51
Another great idea, really like it
thank you for sharing
The Home Engineer

[DIYer]

Thanks Toolmaker51! We've added your Vise Spring to our Vises category,
as well as to your builder page: Toolmaker51's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Vise Spring by Toolmaker51

tags: vise adaptations

[FEM2008]

Brilliant! I was just hunting down some longer rubber bands to hold the parallels, but this is even better. I always keep a piece of band steel around. Thank you.

[Crusty]

Save the steel banding from crated shipments. It can be used to make disposable custom leaf springs in a jiffy for such purposes.

[Toolmaker51]

We all save small springs, but re-use is rarely out side of it's original ability. Re-use of steel banding might be one of my first re-utilization hacks. All kinds of applications, the newer plastic type can be too.
I'm finishing cleaning up CL find of outfeed roller stands, they were sorely neglected. But three of them @ 1/3 price of one new, who could resist? Apparently quite a few, been up a long time, according to seller. Anyway, they have a 1/2" -13 clamp screw. Looking for 1-1/2 banding, typical on shipments of structural steel, for a buffer between screw and the adjustable column.

[Toolmaker51]

Brilliant! I was just hunting down some longer rubber bands to hold the parallels, but this is even better. I always keep a piece of band steel around. Thank you.

Yes. A lot of people use rubber bands; but some cutting compounds deteriorate them fast. Worse yet some get gummy,requiring solvent to remove.

[Buckstop]

Many ways can retain parallels in a vise set-up. Normally the idea is they are supported during part changes, plus keeping swarf from getting underneath.
I commonly retain them with an arched spring, using steel tape found on palletized shipments.

Common sizes are 1/2", 3/4" and 1" wide, add a couple leaves when more pressure is required.

Notice the trick for sawn material, to avoid the burr at the lower edges.

Narrower parallels on the outside give plenty of burr clearance. Saves a lot of time in multiple parts, first off by saving at least one de-burr on each.

I use old band saw blades the same way. Just grind the teeth off.

[Mook]

I finally decided enough was enough searching for the ideal spring length. So I kept the springs the same, made a simple set of extensions, & never looked back.

[DIYer]

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

Vise Spring Extensions by Mook

tags: vise, spring