How to adjust the jaws on a pattern maker’s vice?

5th March 2020


How to adjust the jaws on a pattern maker’s vice?


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		The jaws on a pattern maker’s vice can be rotated, tilted or pivoted to be placed in multiple working positions.

		The vice has a lever for each separate movement, which allows the jaws of the vice to be adjusted.

		How to rotate the jaws
		The jaws of a pattern maker’s vice can rotate 360 degrees in either a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction, and lock in any desirable position to allow the user to work at their optimum angle.

		Along with the regular vice jaws, the tool also has a pair of carver’s jaws on the counter side. The jaws on a pattern maker’s vice can swivel 180 degrees so that either the regular jaws or the carver’s jaws are on top.

		Step 1 – Unlock jaws To unlock the jaws, simply pull the first locking lever towards the vice jaws. This will release the jaws, allowing them to be rotated.

		Step 2 – Rotate jaws Rotate the jaws until they are in the best working position for the task in hand. The jaws can also be rotated to make clamping objects within the carver’s jaws more convenient.

		Step 3 – Lock jaws Once in the best working position, lock the jaws by pushing the first locking lever back into place. This will then lock the jaws, keeping them static.

		Step 4 – Clamp workpiece Place your workpiece within the jaws of the vice and close them tightly to hold it in position. Your workpiece is now securely clamped and ready to be worked upon.

		How to tilt the jaws
		A pattern maker’s vice can also be tilted up to a 90 degree angle to allow work to be placed horizontally into the jaws, rather than just vertically.

		Step 1 – Unlock jaws To unlock the jaws for tilting, pull the second locking lever towards the front of the vice. This will allow the jaws to be adjusted to any angle up to 90 degrees.

		Step 2 – Tilt jaws Tilt the jaws until they are at the desired angle for working.

		Step 3 – Lock jaws Lock the jaws by pushing the second locking lever back into place. This will securely hold the jaws at the tilted angle.

		Step 4 – Clamp workpiece Place your workpiece within the jaws of the vice and clamp tightly to hold it in position. Your workpiece is now firmly clamped and ready to be worked upon.

		How to pivot the jaws
		The jaws of a pattern maker’s vice can also pivot to hold tapered or irregularly-shaped workpieces.

		Step 1 – Rotate lever To pivot the jaws, simply rotate the lever on the front of the sliding jaw. Rotate the lever anti-clockwise to pivot the jaw to the left. In contrast, the lever should be rotated in a clockwise direction to pivot the jaw to the right.

		Step 2 – Position jaw Keep rotating the lever until the jaw is in the best position to hold your tapered workpiece.

		Step 3 – Clamp workpiece Place your workpiece within the jaws of the vice and close them tightly to hold it in position. Your workpiece is now securely clamped and ready to be worked upon.