On Tue, 22 May 2012 12:46:48 -0700, Gunner Asch
wrote:

On Tue, 22 May 2012 09:33:14 -0700 (PDT), Bob La Londe
wrote:

Is there a quick way to square a swivel vise to the direction of
travel? I can get moderately close with a piece of paper and a piece
of precision rod stock. To get closer I have to cut something and use
a depth gage of some type horizontally to measure the difference from
one end to the other.

The proper way is to use a tenths or thousands dial test indicator. And
it takes from 5-15 minutes, depending on your skill level and the
rigidity of the machine.

I can do it in 5-8 (I measured) on MY mill..a rather stout Gorton
MasterMill..but Its taken me 15 on a clapped out Bridgeport.

It really depends on what you actually need for parallell. Tenths or big
thousands.

Snug up the bolts, put a parallel in the jaws, indicate off the side of
the parallel. Tap with a dead blow hammer. Go from one side to the
middle and back again until you are close..then go full length back and
forth.

Snug *one* bolt, leave the other finger tight. That way you'll know
where the pivot point is when you're tapping. Check again after
reefing down on the bolts.

The keys on my vise will get it within a thou or two over the width of
the jaws. When I'm feeling fussier than that it probably takes longer
to get the indicator out and set up than tap and tighten dance does.


--
Ned Simmons