[Uman]

I have a Tormach 5" machinist vise and would like to modify the standard issue steel jaws with a 1/8" x 1/8" step along the top edge. I read on Tormach's site that the jaws are hardened steel and I wonder if this will require a special cutter or if a standard carbide 4 flute 1/2" EM will do the job. Also is 1/8" x 1/8" step the best step dimension?

Thanks for any feedback...Uman

[Steve Seebold]

If you to machine the hardened steel jaws on your vise, the only thing you'll accomplish will be to destroy your end mill.

If you really need a step like that, either buy a set of step jaws, or buy some steel soft jaws and make your own step that way.

[Moggot]

I have a Tormach 5" machinist vise and would like to modify the standard issue steel jaws with a 1/8" x 1/8" step along the top edge. I read on Tormach's site that the jaws are hardened steel and I wonder if this will require a special cutter or if a standard carbide 4 flute 1/2" EM will do the job. Also is 1/8" x 1/8" step the best step dimension?

Thanks for any feedback...Uman

You'll have a rough time trying to machine those jaws. I have no idea exactly what steel or hardness they are, but its 'hard'. I suspect you'd want to grind that step, if you had your heart set on it.

A better option is probably to buy aluminum 'soft' jaws, which you can machine to your hearts content. 5" Vise Jaws - MonsterJaws Mfg would be a decent place to start; there are other outfits making similar jaws, but monster seems to be well regarded.

[Uman]

Thanks Guys
I am glad I asked before I hit the button.
Aluminum soft jaws are headed my way.

-Uman

[mountaindew]

Are the hardened jaws matched sets or can you replace just one?
I gouged one jaw about a year ago not a pleasant experience.

[Uman]

The jaws are the standard issue with the Tormach 5" machinist vise and I do not know if they are a match set. With that point, Is just one jaw with a step acceptable? Before I fully appreciated the full value of a proper PDB adjustment, I had a 1/2" EM plunge smack dab into the top of the vise jaw. It plunged about .25" before I hit the E-stop button. It was a clean cut and no damage to the carbide cutter; it went fast and forceful. The machine still had that new feel to it then, so I really felt bad about that mistake. It's just a battle scar now.
-uman

[popspipes]

The jaws are the standard issue with the Tormach 5" machinist vise and I do not know if they are a match set. With that point, Is just one jaw with a step acceptable? Before I fully appreciated the full value of a proper PDB adjustment, I had a 1/2" EM plunge smack dab into the top of the vise jaw. It plunged about .25" before I hit the E-stop button. It was a clean cut and no damage to the carbide cutter; it went fast and forceful. The machine still had that new feel to it then, so I really felt bad about that mistake. It's just a battle scar now.
-uman

I took Steve's advise, I use soft jaws for everything now.

I ruined the jaws in a little 4" vise to start with, bought a nice 6" vise and got by for quite some time without a hickey in the jaws, then I got a couple hickeys, refaced it with a carbide cutter, removed them and put soft jaws on, not a hickey since ha!! Murphys Law or something??

[SCzEngrgGroup]

I had a 1/2" EM plunge smack dab into the top of the vise jaw. It plunged about .25" before I hit the E-stop button. It was a clean cut and no damage to the carbide cutter; it went fast and forceful.

So you already HAD the answer to your original question. You know a carbide cutter will cut the jaws just fine....

Regards,
Ray L.

[popspipes]

The jaws I cut were really hard, cutting a step in them, I would be hesitant as its an interrupted cut.

I did regrind the end of the cutter after facing them off.