Civil Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Using parallels
Parallels are very useful in the machine vice. They usually come in sets of
different heights, often in a plastic box. Each pair will be ground to the exact
same height, and the ends are usually left rough as sawn off. The best type
of parallel is hardened and ground. If possible, get parallels about
1
⁄
8
in (3mm)
thick as these will support the work while taking up minimal room in the vice.
To fix the parallels to the vice jaws (to stop them from falling over) put a smear
of grease on the jaws, put a compression spring or two between the paral-
lels or use a bit of foam rubber. Each of these methods will hold the parallels
against the fixed and moving jaws.
Place the work on the parallels, up against a stop if necessary, and gently
tap it down with a soft hammer, or you could use an ordinary hammer with a
bit of brass, copper or aluminium on top of the workpiece to protect any fin-
ished faces.
