What is the vice of an engineer?
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An engineering vice is considered a heavy duty device as it has a thick metal body and a large diameter screw, allowing it to withstand more demanding work. Its main purpose is to clamp large objects and hold them securely during construction. | |
It is called an engineering vice because it was originally developed for metalworking in mechanical engineering. In many trades, an engineering vice is also referred to as a machine or workshop vice. | |
Large engineering vices can weigh as much as an anvil, with the heaviest version weighing 180 pounds (approximately 80 kg). Its rugged construction is used for heavy duty applications (for example, see | |
There are other vices that fall under the category of engineers, including the vices of the mechanic and the locksmith. | |
What is it used for? | |
The engineering vise is a heavy duty tool designed to withstand the impact of tough working conditions, even when holding large and heavy objects. Vices can be subjected to a lot of pressure during certain tasks, especially those involving filing or grinding a workpiece, and engineering vices are designed to withstand this kind of pressure. | |
Engineering vices are commonly used to hold metal due to their sturdy construction, although they can also hold other materials including plastic and brick. | |
Their heavy metal construction allows them to withstand heavy and repetitive work, making them commonly used in workshops, garages and machine shops. They are ideal for holding workpieces securely in a range of applications, such as: | |
chipping | |
File and copy | |
Sawing | |
Grinding and sanding | |
Tight bonding | |
These tasks are considered heavy because they can put a lot of pressure on the vise due to the weight involved and the possible vibrations that can occur while performing them. Engineering vices are designed to withstand this kind of pressure with less risk of breakage. | |
Features | |
Engineering vices are designed to be mounted on a workbench to withstand the heavy work expected of them. Its base can vary from a fixed base for stability or a swivel base for versatility when working. | |
Its jaws have a rough pad to prevent slipping when grasping heavy objects. | |
Engineering vices are available with a quick release mechanism that allows the user to quickly adjust the jaws with one hand while holding the workpiece with the other hand. This extra feature is ideal for engineering vices as it saves the user time on awkward tasks such as documentation. For more information about the quick release mechanism, see What is the quick release feature? | |
Many of these vises also have a built-in anvil on the back that allows for hammering and shaping. |