Copper vise jaw cap question

[redware]

Here's where I admit to some ignorance....

Are copper caps for anything other than an anti-marring surface? If so, what do they offer over rubber or plastic caps?

 

[larry_g]

Any material for a vise jaw is selected for certain properties. Copper has the ability to grip harder without marring on some materials. Leather, plastics, aluminum, rubber, and many other materials can be used between the steel vise jaws and the material being gripped. Its all about the job at hand. Are you gripping lightly just to polish or do you need a grip to handle some hard work on the piece?

lg
no neat sig line

 

[lilredex]

I use copper when something needs to be firmly retained, otherwise those plastic/rubber things are OK.

 

[redware]

Any material for a vise jaw is selected for certain properties. Copper has the ability to grip harder without marring on some materials. Leather, plastics, aluminum, rubber, and many other materials can be used between the steel vise jaws and the material being gripped.

Thanks! Might there be a guide somewhere that explains the benefit of each material? The reason why one would use leather or plastic in a given situation instead of aluminum or copper?

 

[kevin47]

Thanks! Might there be a guide somewhere that explains the benefit of each material? The reason why one would use leather or plastic in a given situation instead of aluminum or copper?

Common sense will be your guide...If your not sure, ask your wife...

 

[rlitman]

Lead jaws can grip threaded parts without damaging the threads. Copper can too to some extent, although you cannot get quite as hard a grip with it.

 

[Exceller8]

What I like about copper is that you can mold it to conform to your vise jaws. That way they fit like a glove when you need them. I'm not a big fan of the magnetic ones.

 

[RCStocker]

What I like about copper is that you can mold it to conform to your vise jaws. That way they fit like a glove when you need them. I'm not a big fan of the magnetic ones.

I have a 32 inch 3 in one rooler, sheer and break her in my California shop. I use it all the time. I had a key bord slev extension bracket break. I cut and bent a piece of aluminum to go around it. I use epoxy then use 4 bolts to put on the new piece. It hold and will be there until he day I die. It is on a computer tower that cost $1200 when new. I paid $26 for the tower at an auction.

You can for any kind of metal to fit the jaws of any vice it is easy and you can do it by hand with out any machine. Score the metal and use 2 pieces of solid oak. Put the metal between the to pieces of oak and clamp them in your vice. You line up the scored line with the top edge of the wood and start bending it over then use a hammer to flaten it out. You can make it look perfect. I have done it.