Hi ! I’m planning on milling aluminium from time to time and wanted to know about workholding solutions. From my research, it seems metal workholding solutions are VERY expensive (at a minimum of 250€ for a small vise, but most likely 1000+€ for a proper one. Are there any workholding solutions that don’t cost a fortune ? I’m willing to sacrifice micron-level precision, I’m not a spaceX subcontractor . blue tape + cyano is an option but i’d rather use a vise.
here are the solutions I saw :
SMW modular vise : SMW Modular Vise (Gen3) – Saunders Machine Works
GT cnc vise : https://shorturl.at/MfZ2Q
thank you for your reply! I’ve already watched some of your videos;) Is the Accusize screwless precision vise a good versatile option in your opinion ? I can’t justify spending multiple hundred dollars on a complete set of workholding solutions for the moment:(
It works well for smaller stock that comes with at least one pair of opposite parallel faces. I use a lot of 16 mm cast plate that when I rough machine smaller meets that criteria. I bought a set of parallels which allows for greater flexibility. This vise does not have the ‘bite’ that the SMW interchangeable jaws have, which is why there is a need to have two parallel faces.
I find unsupported material to be the greatest factor leading to poor finish/chatter and dangerous work holding, so I try to avoid that at all costs. This often means coming up with creative solutions.
I like the size of the Accusize as it does not take away too much from my Z travel, and it works for the smaller stock I use it for. I also feel it provides greater holding force comapared the the jaws of the SMW vise, at least with some stock and tool paths.
. blue tape + cyano is an option but i’d rather use a vise.