How Do You Keep a Workpiece from Slipping While Cutting?

When working with irregularly shaped objects while performing specific tasks on them (e.g. cutting, drilling, milling, or sanding), you need a workholding device. You must be aware of possible solutions to prevent a workpiece from slipping or shifting. To keep the workpiece stable, you can use a bench vise or a clamp. Make sure to consider the type of work you want to perform on the workpiece before buying a vice or a clamp. In this blog post, we’ll discuss best practices for holding materials in place and types of work-holding devices.

What are Workholding Methods?

Before you start working on an object, make sure that it is securely held in place to prevent movement. Vices and clamps work as an extra pair of hands. Now, let’s discuss possible work-holding methods:

·      Vices: To securely grip a piece of material in place, you can use a vice. They have adjustable jaws that can hold the object tightly. For most machine operations, like drilling, milling, or sawing, the material must be secured or clamped properly in a vice that is itself bolted securely to the machine table.

·      Clamps: Different types of clamps can be used to secure materials to a workbench. The clamping bolt tightens the workpiece for maximum stability and force.

If you are interested in buying vices or clamps, you can explore them at the Ajay Tools website. We have a wide range of vices, including a table vice, drill vice, machine vices, bench vices, and clamps.

Best Practices for Securing Workpieces with Work-holding Methods

When working with irregularly shaped workpieces, you need to carefully secure them using the right type of vice or clamp. Here are a few things that you need to consider when working with workpieces:

·      Ensure proper grip and support

The material should be gripped properly to prevent it from shifting or bending under the cutting force. You can use supports or parallels underneath if cutting all the way through the material.

·      Use proper clamping pressure

Apply proper clamping force to prevent movement, but don’t over-tighten, which can damage or deform the material, especially when you work with thin stock or soft woods.

·      Protect the workpiece

To avoid ruining finished or soft surfaces, you can place protective material, like wood, rubber, or tape, between the clamp jaws and the material held between the jaws.

·      Keep surfaces clean

Make sure to keep both the work-holding device and the material clean and free of dirt, chips, or burrs, as debris can prevent a flat seating, leading to slippage.

·      Avoid forceful pushing

When you cut the material using a saw, don’t force it. Make sure to maintain a moderate feed rate, allowing the blade to perform its task smoothly. A forceful cut can lead to damage or cause the blade to break, resulting in injury.

Avoid holding materials by hand during machine cutting operations, as this is highly risky and can result in severe injury. Make sure to double-check whether the material is held securely between the jaws of the work-holding device before turning on any machine for cutting.

How to Use a Work-holding Device to Secure Material?

Here are the steps to use a work-holding device to secure the workpiece:

·     Choose the right work-holding tool, like a vice or a clamp, depending on the material shape, size, and machining forces.

·     Clean the work-holding device and material to remove debris, oil, or burrs for a robust grip.

·     Mount your vice to the worktable.

·     Place the material in the clamp or a vice, ensuring it is positioned correctly.

·     Tighten vices or clamps firmly, but without damaging or deforming workpieces.

·     Gently push the workpiece to ensure it doesn’t slip before cutting.

·     Ensure the clamping force hasn’t damaged or deformed thin parts.

Conclusion

The blog shares two work-holding devices, i.e., a vice and a clamp. You can use them to securely grip material in place while cutting, drilling, milling or sanding. You can buy any type of vice and clamp from Ajay Tools. We specialize in manufacturing and supplying hand tools made from high-quality materials to ensure durability and reliability.