Smithy Midas 1220 XL - Manual (Page 86)

Chapter 19
Workholding
The most common ways to hold a workpiece during milling are to secure it directly to the
table via clamps or hold it in a vise (Figure 19.1). If you're making many similar
workpieces, you may make a special fixture to hold them. Whatever method you use, hold
the workpiece securely so it won't shift during machining and support it adequately to
avoid swing.
Figure 19.1 Setting up in a vise is one of the most common ways to secure your workpiece.
Mounting to the Table
If you need to align the workpiece to the table, place it against stops that exactly fit the
table's T-slots. Another way is to measure in from the edge of the table to the workpiece.
Be sure the table and workpiece are clean and free of burrs. Another method is to use
the face of the spindle plate, chuck or taistock as a quick reference surface.
Using a Vise
Vise sizes are designated by the width of the vise jaw in inches or millimeters. Plain and
swivel vises range from 3 to 10" (76 to 254 mm). Tilting and universal vises range from
3-4" to 5" (76-102 mm to 127 mm).
The bases of many vises are fitted with keys-small steel blocks that fit into the milling
table T-slot for quick alignment of the vise. Before mounting a vise, make sure the
bottom is clean and smooth. If there are any nicks or burrs, remove them with a honing
stone. Set up the workpiece securely and correctly, and fasten the vise tightly to the table.
Plain vises have a flanged base with slots that lets them bolt to the table with the jaw
faces either parallel to, or at 90° to, the longitudinal table travel. Swivel vises have a
swivel base that bolts to the table. They're marked with degree graduations that let you
position their jaws at any angle without moving the base. Universal vises tilt up or
sideways, or swivel. They hold workpieces machined at a double or compound angle.
Tilting vises are like universal vises except they do not tilt sideways.
19-1
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