looking for very very low profile vise or alternative

Hi everyone, another day, another set of issues lol.

due to lack of foresight when I started designing my build, I didn't account for requirement of large Z clearance and movement due to fear of deflection and what not. I could have definitely used an extra 100-200mm but can't go back now.

I purchased this vise when I was in UK last year http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/acatalog/L...ine_Vices.html

its around 3 inches high if I'm not mistaken, that's way too much for the space I have (150mm Z travel assuming no tool in spindle), its okay for small parts and small tools but otherwise cant do much.

Is there a solution that allows me flexibility of vise directly on the T-Slot table with enough clamping force?

I have the M8 version of these mitee bite fixture clamps http://www.miteebite.com/products/fixture-clamps/ that are helpful for fixtures but wondering if I can use them for a vise like setup?

any thoughts or advice?

You could have a look at 56mm Vertex Free Vices and a search for Limitless Milling Vice may give some interesting results.
If you need a very low profile vice for a T slot table making your own in 3 parts isn't terribly complex, Google low profile milling vice and click images for lots of good shop-made options,
Regards,
Nick

I could, but don't they have tight tolerances and specifications? I wouldn't be able to achieve that for sure. thanks for the suggestions!

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Originally Posted by Noplace

I could, but don't they have tight tolerances and specifications?

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Nothing that is impossible with good old manual bench-work, a sadly overlooked skill set in the "off the shelf" Maker Generation!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Noplace

I wouldn't be able to achieve that for sure. thanks for the suggestions!

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If you use lengths of 01 Tool Steel ground stock for the fixed jaw, moving jaw and the female threaded section for the screw you can make one with a bench, vice, hacksaw, scriber, centre punch, drills & a tap, some large threaded rod and some nuts.
Probably with the emphasis on the latter ;-)

- Nick

How about this ? http://www.arceurotrade.co.uk/Catalo...Milling-Vice-6
You may be able to find a smaller version.

Or this http://www.rdgtools.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh...2ehtml#SID=485

Googling "Low profile milling vice" and selecting images shows half-a-dozen good home made options in the first couple of pages that would class as both "Functional" and what was in my day "O Level Metalwork"