DIY Universal Positioning Pin Vise

A Universal Positioning Pin Vise is a work holding vise used by engravers who work with a microscope. The vise is used in conjunction with an engraving ball to keep the workpiece centered under the microscope. High quality vises like there are sold by GRS (https://grs.com/product/universal-positioning-pin-... and AirGraver (https://www.airgraver.com/DIY%20Engraving%20Positi...

This project provides simple instructions on how to make a positioning pin vise for very little money.

Step 1: Purchase a Universal Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise

To begin with, you will need to purchase a Universal Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise Tool which is available from lots of sources including Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Clamp-Work-Holder... for $10-$20.

Step 2: Remove the Handle From the Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise.

Unscrew the handle from the vise. The handle will not be used.

Step 3: Prepare a Small Aluminum Bar

Obtain a piece of aluminum approximately 10 cm x 2 cm x 1 cm and drill and tap an M8 x 1.25 hole in the center of it. It is not essential that the hole be tapped, but it makes the finished product more secure.

Step 4: Attach Aluminum Bar to Vise

Obtain a 15mm M8 x 1.25 screw and use it to attach the aluminum bar to the bottom of the Peg Clamp Work Holder Vise. Adding a lock washer to the screw will make it a bit more secure.

Step 5: Finished!

The Universal Positioning Pin Vise is now complete and can be placed in the jaws of an engraving ball and slid back and forward to keep the work centered under a microscope.