PanaVise Compatible Self-centering Vise and Jaws

thingiverse

A self-centering vise with interchangeable jaws and jaw holders. As you turn the handle, both jaws will move in and out from the center. I've only designed one type of jaw so far, but feel free to create your own! Hopefully, it will be useful to someone else. The jaws will close completely with nothing between them. One requirement was 0 separation clamping for this. You can successfully clamp paper. Maximum clamping width is probably around 6" if you use 12" rods. Virtually any configuration can be accomplished, depending on the rods you choose. I like PanaVise products, but they're expensive; especially their self-centering vise attachment. So I designed my own that works just as well. It's surprisingly strong and I've used it a lot. Once it's broken in, it's very easy to tighten and loosen the grip, and the vise holds steady when clamped down. The design is quite different from the actual PanaVise model. I'm not associated with PanaVise in any way, nor do I believe I've copied their design - only the principle of it. I think PanaVise uses a double-sided threaded rod (half left-handed and half right-handed). All of their parts are metal, and their jaw design is very different (L-shaped with rubber grips instead of removable inserts). The vise is also bulkier than the PanaVise model it's based on, but it's made of plastic. There are a number of external parts needed for this project. I've included notes inside the Sketchup design file which include links to McMaster Carr for some of the metal parts needed. However, since not everyone uses Sketchup, here are the relevant files: (Qty1) 3/8" shaft coupling with set screws: https://www.mcmaster.com/#6412k13/=1cm2q8v (Qty2) 8mm smooth steel rod: https://www.amazon.com/2-Pack-Linear-Motion-Length-Hardened/dp/B01M34ZJKF/ (Qty1) 12" 18-8 Stainless 3/8"-24 Threaded Rod, cut to approx 6.5": https://www.mcmaster.com/#98804a114/=1cm2zfh (Qty1) 3/8"-24 threaded rod (left-handed), cut to approx 6.5": https://www.mcmaster.com/#95625a305/=1cm2zee (Qty2) 3/8" ID, 7/8" OD Light Duty Bearing: https://www.mcmaster.com/#6383k16/=1cm2zex You'll need taps if you don't already have them: (Qty1) M2.5 x 0.45 Tap: https://www.mcmaster.com/#8305a11/=1cm2zhu (Qty1) 3/8-24 right-handed Tap: https://www.mcmaster.com/#2521a663/=1cm2zh0 (Qty1) 3/8-24 left-handed Tap: https://www.mcmaster.com/#2584a55/=1cm2zgm (Qty1) M3x0.5 Tap (Qty1) M5x0.8 Tap I recommend getting McMaster's taps - they're good quality and will create nice clean threads in plastic. You can use cheaper taps from eBay/Amazon if you wish, but your mileage may vary. Note that I've included an STL of the shaft coupling for reference. It's not intended to be printed (model was taken from McMaster Carr). Side Note: If you're wondering what the vise base thing is with all the alligator clips, etc., it's an awesome tool from Hobby Creek: https://www.amazon.com/Hobby-Creek-Helping-Hands-Soldering/dp/B01AX1VO2I/