vising

Vising is the act of securing a workpiece in a vise to hold it rigidly during machining, cutting, filing, drilling, or assembly. A vise provides two parallel jaws, with one fixed and the other movable, tightened by a screw or compression mechanism to trap the workpiece. Proper vising minimizes movement, improving accuracy and safety.

Common vise types include bench vises, machine vises, drill press vises, and specialty vises such as pipe vises. A typical vise comprises jaws, a screw or lever for adjustment, a mounting interface to attach to a work surface, and often an anvil or work surface. Jaw surfaces may be solid metal, hardened, or fitted with replaceable soft jaws to protect delicate parts or to grip irregular shapes more securely.

Vising best practices involve placing the workpiece square to the jaws and, if needed, using parallels to achieve the correct height. Soft jaw inserts or custom fixtures help distribute clamping force and protect fragile features. Avoid overtightening, which can deform the workpiece or damage the jaws. When working with long or fragile pieces, support beyond the jaws or use additional clamps to prevent movement.

Safety and workflow considerations include securing the vise to a stable surface, keeping the area clear of obstructions, and avoiding contact with moving tools. Remove burrs or sharp edges on the workpiece that could loosen its grip, and ensure parts extending beyond the jaws are supported to prevent kickback or chatter during operation.

In woodworking and metalworking, vising is a fundamental technique that enables precise operations, repeatable results, and safer handling of components. It is commonly complemented by clamps, v-blocks, and fixtures for varied workholding needs.