Harold Hall

THE BASE SIDES

As the width of the body has been reduced, it will be necessary to reduce the width of the base to ensure the side pieces fit correctly. Because little attention has been paid to machining the various parts to particular dimensions, the amount to be removed from the sides of the base, will be unknown and probably not equal. With the vice assembled, measure, using the available method, the amount to be removed from each side.

Dismantle the vice and return the base to the milling machine. Position this on the table with some packing between it and the table. This will ensure that when machining the sides the cutter can be kept away from the table to avoid damage.

Set up the base with the rod parallel to the cross travel and machine the sides as indicated in Photograph 20.

THE JAW TOP SURFACE

Now assemble the vice for the last time paying particular attention to cleanliness, and lubricate as is appropriate. Even if not there originally, a steel ball to act as a thrust bearing, placed in the hole for the leadscrew will improve its operation. Return the vice to the milling machine, machine the top of the vice jaws as seen in Photograph 21, this to ensure that these are parallel to the vice base.

It will be seen from the photographs, that the vice has ended up without the loose jaw faces being replaced. There are points to be said for and against this. If replaced or renewed, these will also require machining on the top and side faces in a similar manner to previous operations.

JAW LIFT A FINAL THOUGHT

Any viewer who feels that this lengthy process is not warranted, should though, if required, consider carrying out the work to limit jaw lift. This will result in a considerable improvement, for only limited work.

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