Taig Mini Vice

[oskar]

I purchased the attached Taig vice and the jaws are covered with a piece of steel plate.

What’s the purpose of the steel plate, perhaps steel holds material better?

I plan to make my own from aluminum plate and I wonder if I should have the jaws covered with steel plate or leave them aluminum

 

[benmychree]

Nearly all machine vices have steel jaws, usually hardened. They are removable so that other specially made jaws for particular jobs can be substituted. Aluminum jaws would be liable to get metal particles imbedded in them which could mar the workpieces. Sometimes we remove the jaws so that larger parts may be held, but it is not best practice to make a habit of it.

 

[oskar]

Thanks John for your time

 

[Radials]

I used to have the same vise that I made a new base for larger holding and mounting options. Perhaps some extra length could be helpful if you make some larger jaws for it.