[Newbie] Recommendations On A New Vise For Mini Mill...

MeredithJL

Registered
Registered
Joined
Apr 8, 2016
Messages
31
So I did this tonight at work. It's a 3" mill vise (imported) from LMS, it was part of one of their accessory packages that I bought when I bought my mini mill. I was snugging the handle down when I heard/felt a soft 'thunk.'

Cracked it on both sides. I've been using it for about 3 months, but not daily, and definitely not improperly. I had it positioned in the middle of the table, directly under the spindle pretty much, and I had it secured with 4 clamp set-ups.

Any recommendations on brands/models to look at, as well as ones avoid? I'm thinking I'd like to get something a little bigger and deeper, maybe a 4" or 5", or would that be too big for a mini mill bed? I'm going to have to keep the pricing below $300 if possible.

13615289_1637161406603569_2776523900242079527_n.jpg
 
Pretty bad casting on the vise, I would look at the Shars vises, either the 440V or 550V and see what fits. If you sign up for their emails (just go to there internet site) they will send you a 10% off on your first purchase. I would say that most of Shars tools are from China, but I have been pretty pleased with the tooling I have purchased from them. I have not had to return anything because it did not meet tolerance. It isn't a Kurt vise, but it is less than 1/2 the price. Glacern makes nice vises, but just a bit too pricey these days, but it is very good quality. I would probably buy up if you go to a bigger mill at a later point.
http://www.shars.com/4-440v-cnc-milling-machine-vise-0-0004-1
http://www.shars.com/5-550v-cnc-milling-machine-vise-0-0004-1
https://www.glacern.com/gsv_440

The point of this post is that quality is suffering everywhere (not only China), everything is built to a price point and people buying up the cheap stuff up at an incredible rate. We are a disposable society. My main issue is you buy cheap, don't expect it to be any better just because it has a prestigious name like Fowler, SPI, Gibraltar etc. I think one needs to decide how much one will be using a tool and if buying up/higher quality pays. If one can't afford to buy up for a tool, then get the best you can at the price level you are looking. Check around and see what others have used and seems to work. But that being said, I try to buy once (new or used) and plan on using it a long time. I have just thrown out too many crappy tools, it just so happens that most of them where made in China and India.
 
Pretty bad casting on the vise, I would look at the Shars vises, either the 440V or 550V and see what fits. If you sign up for their emails (just go to there internet site) they will send you a 10% off on your first purchase. I would say that most of Shars tools are from China, but I have been pretty pleased with the tooling I have purchased from them. I have not had to return anything because it did not meet tolerance. It isn't a Kurt vise, but it is less than 1/2 the price. Glacern makes nice vises, but just a bit too pricey these days, but it is very good quality. I would probably buy up if you go to a bigger mill at a later point.
http://www.shars.com/4-440v-cnc-milling-machine-vise-0-0004-1
http://www.shars.com/5-550v-cnc-milling-machine-vise-0-0004-1
https://www.glacern.com/gsv_440

The point of this post is that quality is suffering everywhere (not only China), everything is built to a price point and people buying up the cheap stuff up at an incredible rate. We are a disposable society. My main issue is you buy cheap, don't expect it to be any better just because it has a prestigious name like Fowler, SPI, Gibraltar etc. I think one needs to decide how much one will be using a tool and if buying up/higher quality pays. If one can't afford to buy up for a tool, then get the best you can at the price level you are looking. Check around and see what others have used and seems to work. But that being said, I try to buy once (new or used) and plan on using it a long time. I have just thrown out too many crappy tools, it just so happens that most of them where made in China and India.


Thanks for the suggestions. I was planning on upgrading it soon anyways. Just not this soon, LOL! I'm new to machining in general but I've been a carpenter and welder for over 20 years in the entertainment industry. I try to buy quality tools whenever possible myself, too.
 
I've used a 3" LMS screwless vise (#3767) on my mini-mill (HF 44991) for a goodly number of years now, never had a problem, and found it to be a great "fit" for the mini. It's also easy to set perpendicular to the table, using a square. Anyway, check out the following part numbers for their 3" and 4" vises - 3767, 4871 (on close-out), and 3857. Also check out their vise comparison chart:
http://littlemachineshop.com/info/vise_compare.php
And who knows ... Chris might even give you a full or partial refund on your "cracker."
 
One thing to mention on the Glacern vises, they do run specials at different times, and sometimes have clearance or scratch and dent. If you can fit a 5", then it might be worth looking at. On smaller mills you need to take into account mounting and where the part is clamped, you have very limited Y travel and clearance in the back of the vise.
https://www.glacern.com/gsv_550
https://www.glacern.com/deals
Coupon Code: JULY4 - $50 off UPS Ground shipping on orders over $240
Coupon Code: GSV550 - 5" Standard Vise for $349
 
I've had good luck with screwless vises on the mini mill.

Sent from my SM-G900M using Tapatalk
 
Glance at Craigslist once before ordering new. I just bought a new Kurt d675 for 300 dollars from CL. You just never know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
The feeling in your gut is awful when those situations happen.
We've all been there.
While a vise is super convenient, don't forget that simple hold downs often work well.
This is an especially good option if you are cash poor at the moment, or are waiting for the deal of the day to happen.
However, please note I have not used a mini-mill.

Daryl
MN
 
Back
Top