With the announcement of additional funding for trade apprenticeships in this year’s budget and the future of work for many people looking different, moving into a hands-on career could be on the cards for many young people.
For others, learning a skill and tackling carpentry or metalwork projects around the house while they’ve been at home has inspired furloughed workers to reconsider their careers.
If you are career-changing or simply upskilling, there are some essential clamping devices you might need to complete your projects.
What to remember when it comes to metal clamping systems
When investing in a metal- or wood-working clamp or vice there are a few things you should remember.
First, ensure your workbench is solid, stable, and positioned on a level surface. This is to ensure your safety while working and accuracy when working with materials.
Second, ensure your workbench can handle the weight of the vices you intend to use, tools, and the weight of potential projects. You should also make sure your work area is big enough for the types of project you intend to do.
Bench vice
A bench vice can be secured to your workbench to hold materials in place while you work on them. It features parallel jaws that are tightened and loosened by winding a lever. Bench vices are the most commonly used vices in mechanical and woodworking environments,
Parallel vice
A parallel vice is very similar to a bench vice. It works using parallel jaws to secure items and often has a winder to tighten and loosen the jaws. The difference between the two, however, is that bench vices can only be gripped to benches and parallel vices can be secured to walls, floor, or anywhere else you might need them.
Vice grip
Vice grips work like an extra set of hands when working with metal and wood projects. Similar in style to pliers, vice grips are heavy-duty and come equipped with locking features to ensure what you are working on doesn’t slip from the vice.
Pipe vice
Most commonly used for plumbing or gas work, pipe vices are designed to hold lengths of pipe or tube securely to be cut. Pipe vices are often attached to work benched and feature a top-mounted screw winding system to open and close the vice’s top jaw.
Tripod vice
As an independent piece of equipment, you won’t need a workbench or station to use a tripod vice. Either folding out or remaining static, these three-legged stands feature incorporated vices that are most frequently used for cutting piping and tubes.
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