PanaVise Compatible Self-centering Vise and Jaws by hesperaux

Last crawled date: 3 years ago

A self-centering vise with replaceable jaws and jaw holders. As the handle is turned, both jaws will move in and out from the center. I have only designed one type of jaw so far, as it is all I have needed. Feel free to design your own! Hopefully it is useful to someone else.
The jaws will close completely with nothing in between. One of the requirements was 0 separation clamping for this. You can clamp paper successfully.
Maximum clamping width is probably something around 6" if you use 12" rods. Virtually any configuration can be accomplished, though depending on what rods you use.
I like PanaVise products, but they are expensive; especially the self-centering vise attachment. So I designed my own that works just as well. It is surprisingly strong and I have used it a lot. Once it is broken in, it is 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 am not associated with PanaVise in any way, nor do I believe I have copied their design, only the principle of it. I believe 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 is based on, but it's plastic.
There are a number of external parts needed for this Thing. I have 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:
(If the links don't work try copying the link as text)
(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 will need taps, if you don't 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 are 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, etc.
Note that I have included an STL of the shaft coupling for reference. It is not intended to be printed (model was taken from McMaster Carr).
Side Note: If you're wondering what the vise base thing is that has all the alligator clips, etc., it's an awesome tool from Hobby Creek: https://www.amazon.com/Hobby-Creek-Helping-Hands-Soldering/dp/B01AX1VO2I/