PCB Vise with Helping Hands

thingiverse

PCB Vise and Helping Hands\nThis modular system is an essential item I highly recommend. Other versions of both the PCB vise and helping hands exist, but none match the simplicity of this design. The scalability factor makes it easy to upgrade or expand the setup as needed. Custom arms can be designed to perform specific tasks, adding a fun twist to the overall concept. The ramps integrated into the arms and base ensure a secure grip when tightening the wingnut.\nFeatures\nEasy part removal from the print bed due to chamfered bottom edge\nSpiral mounts that strengthen the hold on parts as screws are tightened\nBeveled edges on arms capable of holding any PCB edge\nCenter hole in bases for solid mounting options on surfaces or fixtures\nPart names include length measurements in thousandths of an inch. For example, 'pcb_vise_arm_1750.stl' is a model representing a part 1.75" in length.\nBase specifications:\nThe '3500' base can hold PCBs up to 4.4" in one dimension (can accommodate longer lengths in the other dimension)\nThe '2500' base can hold PCBs up to 3.3" in one dimension (can accommodate longer lengths in the other dimension)\nThe '3060' base can hold PCBs up to 2.5" in one dimension (can accommodate longer lengths in the other dimension)\n\nMaterials Required\n2-4 screws - I used 6-32 1in, but 4-40 or M3 should work just fine\n2-4 wing nuts or knobs matching screw size and count to arms\n0-2 accessories (alligator clips, etc.)\n2-4 printed arms\n1 printed base\nInstructions for Assembly\nAttaching an Arm\nInsert screw from the bottom of the base.\nPlace arm over the protruding screw end.\nThread wing nut over arm.\nOther devices can be easily attached to the ends of the arms. Adding alligator clips or other useful items is a great idea, and even double-articulated arms might come in handy!\nUsing the Vise\nHold the PCB - or other item - against one arm. This arm may move freely in one direction but should hold firmly from moving in the other due to ramps.\nTurn the wingnut on the second arm so it swings toward and meets with the PCB edge. I've found that it's common for PCBs to be perfectly inset along one edge and held at a single point on the opposite edge.\nOther Notes\nParts Included:\n1x arm_tall_1750.stl\n2x arm_1750.stl\n1x base_quad_2500.stl\n3x 6-32 x 1in screws\n2x 6-32 wing nuts\nPlease make any part requests in the comments and I can quickly create a custom piece.\nThe ramp profile is included. Simply attach it to your next project for compatibility with the base!\nPrint Settings Used\nPrinter Brand:\nMakerBot\nPrinter Model:\nThing-O-Matic\nRafts:\nNo\nSupports:\nNo\nResolution:\n0.27\nInfill Percentage:\n15%\nPost-Printing Observations\nThe spiral portion where arms attach may 'step' due to potential design issues. However, I encountered no problems by applying a small amount of pressure and rotating the mating parts back and forth until they smoothed out within seconds. Most printers have higher resolution than mine, so this should not be an issue for most users.