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  1. #1
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    Default Advice on fettling a saw vice

    Some time ago on ebay I picked up a metal saw vice. Although I like making my own jigs and shopmade stuff, the wooden saw designs I've seen make for very large fixtures.

    I used again today and really thought what a good bit of kit it was, particularly with the adjustability of presentation using the knuckle joint and thereby height. I am also thinking of using it for more things at the bench.

    In terms of "hot rodding it", other than perhaps cleaning up and perhaps a metal enamel paint on the non-functional surfaces (as it will likely be left around shop or under bench - too big for a drawer easily), the one functional matter I've noticed is that the vice closes very tightly at each end, but with a gap in the middle:

    PXL_20210411_045213181.jpg

    Any suggestions on the best way to fettle, to get the jaws meeting perfectly all the way across? I would normally consider something like a cork rubber liner which will simply crush more at the ends... that would improve it, but when you want a saw plate clamped in you want it really cinched super tight and there's no reason not to try and get close to perfect.

    Another option seems to be epoxy'ing a thin steel strip of metal across one jaw and filing it back on the edges, until it all meets perfectly. The reason I don't do it that way is that (a) I'm really not anything of a metalworker and wouldn't know how (use a cold weld paste?) and (b) it doesn't immediately come to mind where you would get a strip of metal about 5mm wide... although as I type I wonder about a hacksaw blade (althought filing off the teeth seems likely to be a fairy gruesome task).

    Anyone have any ideas on something neat?

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  3. #2
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Cgcc View Post
    . . . the one functional matter I've noticed is that the vice closes very tightly at each end, but with a gap in the middle:
    What matters is - if you tighten up a saw in it does it rattle when filing teeth located in the middle of the vice - if not then leave it alone.
    It makes have even been made that way.

  4. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by BobL View Post
    What matters is - if you tighten up a saw in it does it rattle when filing teeth located in the middle of the vice - if not then leave it alone.
    It makes have even been made that way.

    I'm with Bob; AFAIK these vices were made that way to provide an even pressure on the saw plate, with the bow in the jaws preventing `loss of grip at either end. I have a similar vice, and it is the same as the photo you provided, although a different brand..

    Chas.

  5. #4
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    That is good advice I think - I will keep using a while.

    It brings to mind what about small saws that don't go end to end - eg a little gents saw - but I could always try dropping a paper towel etc if there is a void for those less-usual jobs.

  6. #5
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    I have a Disston 3D vise and it too has jaws that are gently curved. The reason for this is that the jaws get thinner the further from centre they are so in order to retain full clamping pressure all the way along the tips need to touch first. If you try to make them flat all the way along you will end up with a vise that only grips a saw plate in the middle of the jaws; the ends won’t provide any grip and you’ll need to wear ear defenders to drown out the squeal of the plate vibrating at the touch of a file.

    You can still line the jaws with a squishy material; I’ve heard of leather, felt, NCAF gasket material and even fly screen spline used.
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  7. #6
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    Thanks Chief

    Will do - I might experiment a little. I use cork rubber quite a lot and have a few rolls (a Supercheap Auto is at the end of my street so I tend to accumulate autopart consumables!)

    I think I was concerned it had been maltreated because it has two layers of paint that I have been working off - including on the inside of the jaws!

  8. #7
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    Our old H. Disston one is the same.

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