Machining Shallow V Slots...?

[EmilioG]

I'd like to make aluminum soft jaws for my 5" wilton vise.
How can I cut those v shaped slots for gripping round work?
one vertical and one horizontal. 3/16" wide.
Thanks

 

[JimDawson]

A V-shape carbide router bit is what I would use. Preferably with a 1/2 inch shank, but 1/4 inch shank would work if you don't get too greedy with the cut.

 

[dave2176]

You can also mount the piece at 45 degrees and use a square end mill which will give you a 90 v slot.
Dave

 

[Doubleeboy]

They also make drill and mill endmills with different degree points, very handy, Enco and MSC both carry them as well as others I am sure. I believe the manufacturer is Melin.

michael

 

[EmilioG]

Thank you all. So far the 60° carbide router is the least expensive way to go. and 60 degrees is probably better than 90
for holding round work. I'll try the the end mill on some scrap.

 

[EmilioG]

I understand that the mill head can be tilted 45° and flip the part for the other side of the V, but besides a sine plate, can a
tilting vise work e.g. Palmgren tilt vise? Are they accurate enough? Maybe I'll buy a used sine plate. It will come in handy for other jobs.
I'd like to make some wedges a la Jacobs style drill chuck arbor removal wedges.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

A V-shape carbide router bit is what I would use. Preferably with a 1/2 inch shank, but 1/4 inch shank would work if you don't get too greedy with the cut.

that is the way I did it with a Router V carbide bit worked out nice.

 

[EmilioG]

Which V carbide bit did you use? Is it a metal working bit? Do you have a link or brand/model number?

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Which V carbide bit did you use? Is it a metal working bit? Do you have a link or brand/model number?

I used a 60* Vee Router carbide tipped bit in Al. jaws.

 

[Bill Gruby]

You are making soft jaw inserts. They will distort in that "V" fairly easily. If it were me doing this I would forgo the "V" and just use parallels to set round stock in the vise.

"Billy G"