Warco vmc/Chester 626 milling vice help.

[Matthew92]

Just wondering what other owners use vice wise on their mills? I’m currently using the cheapie nasty one that I got free with the mill but I’d like something a bit bigger and better. I’ve got my eye on the Vertex K5, I’ve looked at them when I was at Alli palli earlier in the year and they look really nice quality. At the time I thought it might be too big for my mill as it would overhang the front and back of the table, well as it happens the tiny one I have now already does this, so it doesn’t really matter. I know it will overhang the back a bit more and will limit the Y axis travel a little I don’t think it will be a problem, but I’d just like to know if anyone has one of these fitted to their machine or what else I could look at. I have sort of settled on the K5, but would just like some reassurance that it’ll work out.

My birthday is coming up soon and I’ve dropped some hints that this is what I’d like.

 

[MattH]

I had a K5 on my 626, it was a good vice but I ended up milling the rear clampdown off it to allow the table to go back a bit further.
I now have a couple of the Arc Euro trade SG vices which are excellent for the money.
The smaller one would be perfect for your mill.

Lots of choice:

http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catal...ine-Vices/ARC-Versatile-SG-Iron-Milling-Vices

 

[Matthew92]

That thought crossed my mind about removing the rear clamp down. I’ve looked at those Arc ones, what’s it like clamping those down? With those side slots?

 

[MattH]

You do have to use some clamping hardware rather than just a couple of studs. But you can clamp them on all sides as they are ground square. That adds a lot of versatility. You can also relocate the jaws which allows you to clamp big bits of plate etc.
The Vertex was a good vice, but I would have the ARC SG any day over the K5.

 

[addjunkie]

I have 3 depending what Im doing, but one of these gets used mostly, or a selection of clamps. Yesterday I machined a an engine exhaust maifold....ended up making clamps / supports for that.

 

[Fazerruss]

I have one and can't fault it. The vertex stuff seems very well made considering it comes from the east. I also have a 4 inch vertex rotary table.
I am by no means a professional machinist though, just a clued up idiot with a workshop.

 

[Matthew92]

@MattH does the Arc vice make it difficult with small parts? Without the full width between the jaws for support I mean.

I’ve seen those two part vices, they look like they would come in handy for largish jobs, like mounting length wise on the bed.

@Fazerruss I'm just an idiot with a workshop not in the least bit clued up.

 

[MattH]

@MattH does the Arc vice make it difficult with small parts? Without the full width between the jaws for support I mean.

I’ve seen those two part vices, they look like they would come in handy for largish jobs, like mounting length wise on the bed.

@Fazerruss I'm just an idiot with a workshop not in the least bit clued up.

No more so than the K5.
The Are vice also has a spherical nut meaning that some of the clamping force is directed downwards stopping items from rising when clamped.
They really are just a rip off of the Kurt vices.