[Nateg281]

I've finally got around to tooling up and getting my X2 to the point where I can use it. To that end I bought a Glacern 4" Vise. After looking at them both I think I might have a slight issue. If I use the mounting holes in the Glacern Vise base, I lose an inch of travel when the front of the vise nears the column. I may be forced to return it if I can't figure this out. I knew the dimensions before ordering and thought that I could make it work. I know there are others out there and on here who have figured this out. Help!

[hoss2006]

just use a pair of hold downs from your clamping kit.
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...1144&category=
Hoss

[Nateg281]

I have that same kit. I thought about making an extension plate that extends out from the X axis away from the mill for more support. If I just use hold down clamps will the vise/table be rigid enough? That's a LOT of weight hanging off of the table....

just use a pair of hold downs from your clamping kit.
http://www.littlemachineshop.com/pro...1144&category=
Hoss

[cjdavis618]

I have a Glacern on the way myself of that size for my SX3. I can't wait to get it and use it. Yours looks very polished.


As far as mounting it, that does look a little big for that mill. You should sell it to me..

[Teyber12]

or sell it to me

[Nateg281]

hehe...I'm still of the mind to make it work : )

or sell it to me

[Nateg281]

Any other suggestions out there?

[Chilli]

That's a huge vice for an X2! As I understand it, the rear mounting lug is bumping into the column and you can't get both lugs over the table slots. The best option I can see is to hack off the rear mounting lug and make some custom clamps that hold the vice at either end (check out the link below).

IMHO, you might be better off with two smaller vices and some accessories, as shown on CNC Cookbook: http://www.cnccookbook.com/CCViseTooling.htm

[Nateg281]

I've two options at this point. I'm either going to mount it in line with the X axis, or send it back and purchase possible two smaller vises. I'm liking the inline option as I paid quite a bit for it, like the rigidity/weight that it gives me, and already have a smaller screwless vise I can clamp in the jaws of this one if the need arises.

[MrWild]

I made the same mistake but with a Shars cheap example. Just too big. I'm looking at the 3" one now, but the catalog says it weighs just 5 lbs lighter. I really need to see them both side by said to be sure the 3" isn't a narrow 4" in size. If that's the case, then a 4" tool maker's vise will do it. I have a 3/4" thick aluminum plate that will be a Bolste plate similar to Hoss's. I used a bit of it for an extension block on the spindle to put he spindle out further into the -Y area. It's only 3?4" further out from the column, but it has an added benefit of sealing off the spindle cavity. Looking at all the sawdust that got inside of the spindle housing on a different post, sealing off that cavity is a must for bearing life.

[chronic]

Personally, I would just use hold down clamps.

But something else you could do is get a 1/2" steel plate. Then drill and countersink holes for bolts to mount to your table.

Then drill and tap threads along your x axis in the plate so you can clamp your vice where you need it and avoid contact with the column.
Do some on the y as well. That way you have more versatility, and its held down a little better than clamps.

[Nateg281]

Good advice about the steel plate. I'm going to do something like that eventually. For now, however, I think I'm going to mill the keys that came with the vice down a few thousandths to fit in the slots of my table. The vise has key ways for both the X and Y axis. Once the keys are milled down I'll fit them back to the vise and it will be held in the X axis instead of the Y. So the vice would span the length of the table instead of jutting out towards the operator. I saw one guy on here that did that and it was working out well for him. I'll give it a shot and see what happens....