Vices Size?

[wm460]

What is the maximum size vice recommended for a Sieg SX3L mill?

Also what is the max weight?

 

[dnalot]

Hi

I have a SX3 and I find 4" to be the best size. for anything larger I would suggest a two piece low profile vice.
Mark T

 

[rcfreak177]

My SX3 is fairly well redundant now but I had a 4" vice fitted, did plenty of miles with it.
Some people run a 6" but I reckon they look out of proportion, don't think there would be any harm though

Couldn't tell you maximum weight, I do know that the dovetail on the Y axis (machine base) is quite thin, would go easy on it and the machine should serve you well.

Baz.

 

[DJP]

I know that the theory is a bigger vise is more rigid so get the biggest that will fit the mill. It also helps to get a Kurt type where the moveable jaw moves down as it tightens and finally the vice needs to be precision ground so that parallels sit correctly and other surfaces are consistent with the mill surfaces.

Choosing a vise should be done wisely as it will become a once in a lifetime purchase.

I decided that the ideal size vise for my small mills would be a 3 inch however they are not easy to find. I ended up buying two 2 inch precision vises that are identical. They are rigid enough for the small parts that I make and with two you can hold long work pieces.

The rotary base option is rarely used so removing it will gain working height.

The biggest problem that I had with a big vise was that it obstructed the controls so smaller was better, at least in my case.

My thoughts for your consideration. They are probably contrary to the general wisdom, as usual.

 

[JimDobson]

Mine is a 4"

 

[tornitore45]

I have a 6" wise that has been collecting dust under the bench since I bought the SX3 mill 7/8 years ago. What I use regularly is a 3" toolmaker vise like this.

http://www.littlemachineshop.com/products/product_view.php?ProductID=2356&category=

 

[rodw]

I use this one but the throat does not open far enough sometimes.
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/V104

One day I will upgrade to one like this.
http://www.machineryhouse.com.au/V304

I also would not mind getting a really good drill press vice for drilling holes.

 

[deverett]

One vice that is not widely seen is this type from Warco (UK)
http://www.warco.co.uk/vices--vice-jaws/109-dh-1-precision-vice.html

I use one on my X3 sized mill with complete satisfaction, although the price has gone up quite a bit since I bought mine. (No different from many other items I s'pose).

Dave
The Emerald Isle

 

[Blogwitch]

Arc Euro have recently released a very good vice at a reasonable price. They are called "Versatile SG Iron Milling Vices" and are about 1/2 way down this page.

I reckon the 100mm (4") would be perfect for the X3 mill.

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalogue/Workholding/Machine-Vices


John