Making a milling vice

[vtsteam]

Looks great, Norman! 

I bet you could make a tap and with that, a die to continue the thread on your existing screw so you could clamp full length. I used to do the same thing for shoulder bolts that I needed threaded full length. I'm assuming the screw isn't hardened....

[NormanV]

Hi Phil, that would be great but it is not a problem, the vice will still be very useful as it is.
Steve, yes, I suppose I could do what you suggest, the screw is not hardened. The piece that I cut off is about 4" long I could cut flutes in it and case harden it but I don't think that the reward would be worth the effort.
What is the difference between a rotary table and a dividing head? If I make division plates to fit the rotary table surely I will get the best of both worlds. With a 30:1 ratio I will get 12 degrees per turn of the handle, if I use a 3" dial 120 divisions would be spaced at approx. .08" giving me 1/10 degree spacing. I haven't done the maths for division plates but I would think that I could probably get most divisions that I might need.

[philf]

Hi Norman,

As long as you can mount the rotary table with its axis horizontal as well as vertical there's not a lot of difference. My dividing head is adjustable to anything in between but 99% of the time it's set horizontally.

Phil

[krv3000]

hi and a job well dun