How to Straighten a Vise on a Milling Machine

If we are not very lucky, we may be crooked when we put the vise directly on the table of the machine tool, which requires us to adjust the position of the vise. Some vises need 2 bolts to fix, some need 4 pressure plates to fix, although the fixing method is different, but the adjustment principle is basically the same. First, slightly tighten the left and right 2 bolts/platens, then loosen one of them.

Then use the calibration watch to lean on the side where the bolt is locked first, move the Y-axis with the handwheel, after confirming that the ball head of the calibration watch is in contact with the jaws of the vice, adjust the dial of the calibration watch so that the pointer of the calibration watch Point to "0".

Then shake the handwheel to move the X-axis. During the movement, if you see that the reading is getting bigger and bigger, and it is likely to exceed the travel of the calibration meter, you can use a rubber hammer to tap the vise near the handle while moving. , adjust the position of the vise. If the readings are getting smaller, don't worry, you can make adjustments as you move to the other side of the jaws.

Repeat the above 2 steps until the calibration meter reads the same on both sides of the jaws.

Re-tighten all bolts/platens and take the next measurement to make sure the vise is still straight after locking.