Tool Copper vise jaws

[slow-poke]

Workbench vise is a Record No5.

I have a set of PA plastic (magnetic) jaws, however I don't have copper jaws.

Make or buy?

If make, what thickness of copper?

Thank you.

 

[Dan Dubeau]

I've just used copper pipe that's been split, annealed, and flattened out. A bit thicker would be better, but it's certainly workable, and cost effective.

 

[mmcmdl]

My OEM 6" Bullet copper jaws are 1/8" thick on the wrap arounds and 1/4" thick at the jaws .

 

[Tom Kitta]

What would be advantage of copper jaws over say aluminum jaws? My favorite vise uses thick home made aluminum jaws. I did use some pieces of copper from pipe before.

 

[mmcmdl]

No advantage other than not having to remove your hard jaws . The copper jaw plates just slip over the hard jaws saving time . Also , copper is softer than aluminum in most cases .

 

[Janger]

cut some aluminium angle. mill the inside rounded corner square so it will just sit on the top of the jaw and not move.

 

[Stuart Samuel]

I made a set for my bench vise at work, and like them. Had seen copper jaws on YouTube etc. (Tom Lipton, probably) and was curious to see how it compared to aluminum. We didn’t have any stock heavier than 1/8” copper, so I silver brazed that to some brass.

To be fair, this is a light vise that gets used for filing, deburring, picking broken taps out for coworkers, etc., often on finished parts. (I also have the luxury of two heavier vises within 25’, if I want steel jaws)

I do like that the jaws are fixed, and can’t wander off.

 

[jorogi]

picking broken taps out for coworkers

Yeh right, for coworkers

 

[Janger]

cut some aluminium angle. mill the inside rounded corner square so it will just sit on the top of the jaw and not move.

Not a fancy answer but expedient.

 

[Stuart Samuel]

Yeh right, for coworkers

I have an unfortunate reputation for success, and a coworker who insists on trying to ram 8-32 taps through lampshade frames with a power drill. I've now told him I will never remove a tap for him again, unless he changes his approach. (He won't)

Had another coworker in the assembly department (since retired, in his late 70's) who would break taps in almost finished product, and seemed to view the removal of said taps as a black art.

 

[mbond]

Well that was your first mistake - doing it right! That's a reputation that's hard to shake!

 

[Chipper5783]

What would be advantage of copper jaws over say aluminum jaws? My favorite vise uses thick home made aluminum jaws. I did use some pieces of copper from pipe before.

Like Mr. Kitta says. A little RAE Vise made in Hamilton. It is not for heavy use/abuse. I just clamp it down close to where ever its needed. Granted it may not be what one would want if there was just one vise in the shop - however I have many vices.

 

[Susquatch]

I bought a set of heavy rubber and a set of aluminium jaws that simply attach to my steel vise jaws with magnets. They work well when they are needed. Mine are very old and have stood the test of time. Neither of these are exactly like mine. But they do convey the idea. There are LOTS of alternatives in many sizes.

Tamwell 2 Pack Vise Jaw Covers 1 Standard Set and 1 Grooved Set Vise Jaw Non Marring Pads 4.5 Inch Protective Covers https://a.co/d/ggjj9cO

CNRAQR Red 4" Aluminum Vise Jaw Protective Inserts AN Fitting Vice Jaw Covers with Magnetic for Wide Array of Vices https://a.co/d/4cXrriC

 

[CWret]

Copper is a little less vulnerable to MIG welding spatter damage than Al.

 

[Susquatch]

Copper is a little less vulnerable to MIG welding spatter damage than Al.

You weld stuff held in your vise?

 

[CWret]

In my fab bench vise - all the time!

 

[Susquatch]

In my fab bench vise - all the time!

I'd never have thought to do that. I always weld outside.

 

[Jswain]

You weld stuff held in your vise?

All the time

 

[Dan Dubeau]

I usually hold stuff between my toes, but I get tired of taking my flip flops off all the time, so once in a while will use the vise.

 

[slow-poke]

Finally got around to this. Now where is that can of Ford Blue engine paint?
Next I need to look into a thrust bearing for smoother tightening.