Easy Installation Guide For The Veritas Twin-Screw Vise

The Veritas Twin-Screw Vise is a powerful vise with a 12 capacity that can be clamped anywhere and whose jaws stay parallel. It is the only non-racking full-width end vise on the market. The installation process is intricate and requires careful attention to the directions. The first step is to drill 1 1/2 holes in the front and rear jaws, ensuring that the holes for the screws are precisely aligned and parallel. The minimum jaw depth is the thickness of your bench top plus 4 1/8, which will give you a throat depth of the bench top thickness plus 1. The standard vise can accommodate a maximum screw distance of 16 7/8 apart on center.

Drilling holes in the front and rear jaws

To begin, you'll need to drill 1 1/2" holes in the front and rear jaws. The dimensions of your jaws will determine the specific measurements. For instance, in one case, the jaws were 26"x7", and the minimum jaw depth was ensured to be the thickness of the benchtop plus 4 1/8". This provided a throat depth of the benchtop thickness plus 1". It is important to make sure that your jaws are deeper than the minimum requirement to allow for adequate clearance.

The screws' placement is another critical factor. For the standard vise, the maximum distance between the screws is 16 7/8" apart on center. However, this measurement can vary depending on the width of your bench. It is crucial to carefully determine clearances to avoid any issues with the vise screws interfering with the legs of your bench.

When drilling the holes, it is of utmost importance to ensure that they are precisely aligned and parallel. This can be achieved by using a drill press with careful precision. To further ensure accuracy, you may consider using double-stick tape to secure the jaws and prevent them from moving relative to each other as you drill.

Additionally, you will need to drill holes in the rear jaw for the steel pins that prevent the workpieces from coming into contact with the screws. Slightly larger clearance holes for the pins should also be drilled in the front jaw. These holes are essential for the proper functioning and protection of the vise.

Ensuring precise alignment of the screw holes

Before drilling any holes, carefully measure and mark the positions for the screw holes. Ensure your measurements are accurate and aligned with the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Take into account the minimum jaw depth requirement, which is the thickness of your benchtop plus 4 1/8". This will give you a throat depth of the benchtop thickness plus 1". You can make your jaws deeper than the minimum to allow for more clearance.

When drilling the 1 1/2" holes in the front and rear jaws, use a drill press to ensure that the holes are precisely aligned and parallel. Take your time and work carefully to avoid any misalignment. An extra precaution suggested by some users is to use double-stick tape to secure the jaws together, preventing any relative movement while drilling.

If your bench design requires the back chop of the vice to be flush with the tabletop, you may need to make adjustments. One option is to create two mounting blocks that fit under the benchtop. You can then attach these blocks to the benchtop using bolts or lag screws. When deciding on the attachment method, consider the aesthetics and strength of the connection. You may also refer to the instructions provided by the manufacturer for retrofitting the vise to an existing benchtop.

Another important aspect is determining clearances. Carefully measure and plan to ensure that the vise screws do not interfere with any part of your workbench, such as the legs. This step is crucial to avoid any installation issues. Remember that the screws can be a maximum of 16 7/8" apart on center for the standard vise.

By carefully following these instructions and paying attention to the precise alignment of the screw holes, you will ensure a smooth and proper installation of your Veritas Twin Screw Vise.

Drilling holes in the rear jaw for steel pins

Drilling holes in the rear jaw for the steel pins is a crucial step in installing the Veritas Twin Screw Vise. These pins play a vital role in ensuring that the work pieces remain clear of the vise screws. Here's a detailed guide on how to approach this step:

Before drilling, it's important to carefully measure and mark the precise locations for the holes. Use a ruler or a measuring tape to determine the exact spots where you'll be drilling. It's imperative that the holes are aligned correctly and are parallel to each other. This will ensure the smooth operation of the vise once installed. Take your time with this step, as accurate hole placement is critical to the overall success of the installation.

Once the locations are marked, it's time to drill. Using a power drill or a drill press, create holes in the rear jaw for the steel pins. Ensure that the drill bit you use is the appropriate size for the pins. Drill slowly and steadily, applying even pressure to the drill to create smooth and accurate holes. Take precautions to secure the workpiece firmly to prevent any slippage or movement during the drilling process. This will help you achieve more precise results.

After drilling the holes, it's important to deburr and clean them. Use a deburring tool or a file to remove any sharp edges or burrs that may have formed during drilling. This step ensures that the steel pins will fit smoothly into the holes and helps prevent damage to the pins or the vise jaw. Once the holes are deburred, use a brush or compressed air to remove any remaining debris or sawdust.

Next, you'll need to insert the steel pins into the drilled holes. Gently tap the pins into place with a rubber mallet or a soft-faced hammer to avoid damaging the pins or the jaw. Ensure that the pins are fully inserted and securely seated within the holes. You may also want to consider applying a small amount of lubricant to the pins before insertion to facilitate a smoother fit and to protect against corrosion.

Finally, inspect your work. Ensure that the steel pins are securely in place and double-check that the vise jaws operate smoothly and without binding. Verify that the pins effectively prevent the work pieces from coming into contact with the vise screws. This final inspection ensures that your installation is safe and functional.

Mounting the thrust plates and screws

Firstly, it is important to note that the provided directions for installing the vise should be followed precisely for the best results. Before mounting the thrust plates and screws, you should have already drilled the 1 1/2" holes in the front and rear jaws, ensuring they are precisely aligned and parallel. The minimum jaw depth to keep in mind is the thickness of your benchtop plus 4 1/8", allowing for a throat depth of the benchtop thickness plus 1". The screws should be positioned carefully, with a maximum distance of 16 7/8" apart on center for the standard vise.

Now, onto the process of mounting the thrust plates and screws:

• Drill holes in the rear jaw to accommodate the steel pins that will prevent the workpieces from touching the screws.
• Drill slightly larger clearance holes for the pins in the front jaw.
• You will be provided with four bed bolts to mount the rear jaw to the bench. It is recommended to drill holes and counterbores for these bolts using a drill press.
• The next step is to drill holes in the bench for the mounting bolts.
• Locate and drill a perpendicular hole for the round nuts. The provided instructions will include details on creating a jig to simplify this process.
• If you encounter challenges reaching the holes due to the rear jaw being in the way, try using wadded-up paper and blue tape to hold the round nuts in place while threading the bolts.
• Ensure you have drilled clearance holes through the nearest transverse bearer to accommodate the vise screws.
• Now, you can proceed to mount the thrust plates and screws to the front jaw.
• Finally, connect the chain and install the front cover and handles.

By carefully following these steps, you will ensure that your Veritas Twin Screw Vise operates smoothly and efficiently.

Installing the front cover and handles

To install the front cover and handles of the Veritas Twin Screw Vise, follow these steps:

Firstly, carefully read the installation instructions provided with the vise. The manufacturer strongly urges users to follow the directions exactly and precisely for a smooth and efficient installation process.

Now, onto the installation of the front cover. The aluminum chain cover consists of two cast end caps and a bridging extrusion. It is essential to cut the cover to the appropriate length, especially if you are mounting the vise at a spacing other than the maximum recommended. This step ensures that the cover aligns perfectly with your setup.

After cutting the cover to size, it's time to install the end caps. These end caps will house the vise nuts and fixing bolts, which are crucial for securing the vise in place. Carefully follow the instructions for attaching the end caps, ensuring that the holes for the bolts are drilled accurately.

With the end caps in place, you can now attach the front cover to the vise. Again, pay close attention to the alignment and ensure that the cover is securely fastened to the end caps.

Finally, install the wooden handles that come with the vise. These handles will allow you to operate the vise with ease. Follow the instructions for attaching the handles, making sure that they are properly secured and aligned with the vise mechanism.

By carefully following these steps and paying attention to the manufacturer's instructions, you will have successfully installed the front cover and handles of your Veritas Twin Screw Vise, ensuring that it operates smoothly and securely.

Frequently asked questions